In many ways, the contemporary luxury kitchen sets the tone for the entire home. Particularly with the recent popularity of open floor plans, where the kitchen is an integral part of the parts of the home that are thought of as ‘living areas’, the kitchen’s design is of utmost importance. If you are considering embracing a contemporary style in your kitchen, consider the following points of intrigue as you’re laying your plans.
Embrace Simplicity
Even the smallest kitchen can appear spacious and expansive if clutter is not part of the equation. Although many homeowners like to keep often-used items such as oils and vinegars on the countertop, the truth is that the cleaner your space is, the larger and more beautiful it will look. Designing a cabinet plan that allows you to tuck away all items is another huge help in keeping clutter down.
Embrace Technology
Sure, simple is great, but so are the advances that have been made in the world of kitchens. Gone are the days when a TV must rest on a windowsill in order to have the news on while you cook. TVs are now part of many modern refrigerators, keeping the television from cluttering the space by instead working it seamlessly into an existing appliance. Technological advances don’t stop at the television, though. From timers to ice crushers to refrigerators that can get extra cold for a particular period of time when it’s necessary to cool something off, the technology that is available for the contemporary kitchen was created to make your life easier.
Suit Your Style
Countertops and cabinetry are the two most eye-catching elements in expensive kitchen. They dominate the space, setting the tone for how your kitchen will be felt. By understanding what type of overall look you want to achieve, you will be able to make the best decisions when it comes to the countertops and cabinets that you choose. Most countertop materials come in a wide range of colors, allowing you to decide whether you want to skew dark or light.
Invest in Solid Appliances
Appliances from a company that is backed with a strong reputation for excellence may be more expensive than their lesser-known counterparts, but the investment is certainly worthwhile. When you purchase a major item like a stove, refrigerator, or dishwasher, the hope is that you will have long-term success with the appliance. Saving yourself a couple of hundred dollars now can run you several hundred in the future if you have to replace a major appliance only a few years after purchasing it. Keep in mind that if you want long-term results, you need to think long-term.
Pay Attention to Lighting
The lighting in your American or Italian high-end kitchen can define how the space is used, so choose wisely. Track lighting over a butcher block will make it easy to use, while a dark corner may go unused during food prep. Be aware of where natural light comes from, and plan your lighting scheme to complement and enhance what’s already there.