A visiting friend recently asked me how I came up with such a modern style for my kitchen. Until he asked, I had never really considered my kitchen modern and I asked myself the question: What exactly is a “modern” kitchen? After some research on exactly what elements make up the typical modern kitchen, I found that I could divide the style into three sub-styles. Each sub-style still contained the elements needed to consider a kitchen as “modern”, such as a purely angular, streamlined appearance and an overall focus on function rather than form. The sub-styles also each had their own unique perception of how these elements were applied and used through such common things as appliances, cabinets, counters and floors.
The first of these three sub-styles could be considered minimalist. Although the concept of minimalism is the biggest contributor to the overall style of modern kitchens, there are varying degrees in which the subject can be taken. Taken to the extreme, minimalist kitchens are left with a form-fitting space where the absolute necessities remain. Clean counters, sharp edges and appliances and colors in black, gray and white impress the absence of decor and the fact that the area is there for clean use. There are no extras, no shiny bubbles, no frills, just the steel, glass and tiles needed to get the job done. Although this stylish style can be detested by the fan of superfluous, by those who like function over form and a quick and easy cleaning, it can be considered beautiful.
The second sub-style of a modern kitchen is what would be considered “home contemporary”. This sub-style is most common in today’s modern kitchens. Although there is still a large focus on function and minimalism, this modern style blends into the equation part of the atmosphere that exists in a home environment. There is more life in the style. There may be cool, colorful granite countertops instead of white tiles, hardwood floors instead of polished concrete and more colorful color choices, but the overall modern style elements remain. While the focus is obliquely more eye-pleasing features, the elegant abundance of space is still maintained.
The third sub-style of the modern kitchen would be the function. The functional sub-style combines with minimalism and a more homely feeling in a mixture of the absolutely important and relaxed decoration. Like a restaurant kitchen, the focus of the functional modern kitchen is one that makes the area as useful as possible without satisfying minimalist values. Whether it is eye-catching or not, the interior of the functional kitchen is there to meet the chef’s needs and his pursuit of cooking and cooking. The functional contemporary kitchen must first and foremost function as a work area. Industrial-quality appliances, well-placed and practical storage cabinets, dustbins and drawers, as well as easy-to-clean benches and cabinets made of durable materials are the type of furnishings you can find in such a kitchen.
The current trend for kitchen renovations is the modern style, but it often combines elements from all three sub-styles. Personal preferences, lifestyle and expected use of the kitchen can all play a role in determining which mix of these styles is right for your kitchen.
