What Is A Contemporary Kitchen?

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June 20, 2017

The “Contemporary” kitchen style is pretty misunderstood and misconstrued.

There’s a lot of “inaccurate” information being spread around.

Some think the contemporary style kitchen is a new fad or even a 1950s theme kitchen.  In the 1950s the term was an offshoot of space exploration – dominated by futuristic-looking linoleum.  Thankfully, those days are long gone.

Decorating trends have come full circle.

For instance, hardwood floors gave way to linoleum.  Then laminate flooring created a return to wood and faux wood flooring.

You may hear be hearing how popular contemporary kitchen styles are becoming.  Or you may even be hearing that the contemporary kitchen style is influencing other decorating schemes.  Even more ornate traditional kitchens are becoming more streamlined to match the contemporary lifestyle.

Now we’re going to give you an accurate description of the contemporary style kitchen.

And of course, when you’re ready to remodel your kitchen, Builder Supply Outlet and the Edge Showroom carry the top kitchen cabinet brands including Waypoint, Shiloh, Aspect, Eclipse, Prior Creek, MidContinent, and Bertch. Stop in anytime to learn more about kitchen cabinets or make an appointment and meet with an Edge Kitchen and Bath Designer absolutely FREE by clicking here.

DECORATING A CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN

The contemporary kitchen design is very flexible.

There isn’t a manual or any specific guidelines that allow a kitchen to be named or deemed “contemporary.”

That said, there are some common concepts and scenarios that will influence contemporary decorating schemes for kitchens.

The overarching theme is handling the chaotic stress of modern life.

At one time, contemporary kitchens were dominated by earth tones and simplistic design.  Today, there’s a massive transition taking place.

While maintaining the simplistic design that maximizes function, and gives valuable time back to the homeowner, bright colors are returning in a big way.

Designers and manufacturers are also putting the sexy back into simplicity.  Low maintenance of laminate floors and the durability of metal appliances are still part of the contemporary kitchen.  Also, striking colors for walls and cabinets give today’s contemporary kitchen a level of pizzazz previously reserved for more ornate designs.

CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN STYLES

Contemporary styles are also subcategorized.

This mix and match of styles will help you better understand the kitchen design that’s perfect for you.

Here are some of the mix and match styles:

Casual Contemporary:  Uses softer lines, while maintaining a streamlined design.  Wood and color return without being ornate or formal.  This scheme works great with an island kitchen

European Contemporary:  Utilizes bolder colors and patterns.  These patterns tend to stray from more traditional kitchens with larger contours.  For instance, instead of small linoleum tiles, this kitchen will use large stone tiles for floors.

Urban Contemporary:  Focuses on materials found in an urban setting.  A mix of metal, concrete, and glass gives this kitchen a sleek and stark look.  Traditional “warmth” is sacrificed for a more chic style with no nonsense access.

DESIGNING A CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN

The kitchen triangle (sink, refrigerator, oven) is still widely observed and accepted as a central component of any kitchen design.

Still – the guidelines for these three work stations are loosening up considerably, especially in contemporary kitchen designs.

While a tight work triangle may be best for cooking large family dinners and entertaining, more isolated kitchen stations will facilitate the typical hectic morning routines.  Coffee nooks, built-in wall ovens, and more open kitchen spaces are now more common in contemporary kitchen designs.

PICK AND CHOOSE

One risk with any contemporary decorating scheme is the possibility that it will go out of style.

You should always design a kitchen or any home area with staying power.

Never feel like you need to decorate traditionally.  Your home won’t stand out if you play it too safe or decorate too commonly.

Take what you truly love from contemporary kitchen designs and incorporate them into your kitchen remodel or new construction.

Discuss all the options and share ideas with your contractor.  Most importantly, be confident with your choices.

In the end, the only person you really need to satisfy is yourself, no matter what kitchen style you go with.

Hopefully this brief article gave you an insight in contemporary kitchen designs.

And of course, Builder Supply Outlet and the Edge Showroom carry the top kitchen cabinet brands including Waypoint, Shiloh, Aspect, Eclipse, Prior Creek, MidContinent, and Bertch. Stop in anytime to learn more about kitchen cabinets or make an appointment and meet with an Edge Kitchen and Bath Designer absolutely FREE by clicking here.

Hopefully you’ve learned what you need to know to start shopping for the perfect kitchen cabinet doors!

Feel free to stop into Builder Supply Outlet or the Edge Showroom with any home improvement questions you may have regarding cabinet hardware, bathroom vanity sinks, tops, remodeling, tile, backsplash, cleaning, sealing, grout, windows, kitchen cabinets, construction, contractors, designing/installing a new kitchen or bathroom — or anything else.  We can help you through the entire design and installation process from A-Z.  Or call us anytime in Broadview, IL at 1-708-343-3900. You can also make an appointment to meet with one of our Edge Kitchen and Bathroom designers at no charge by clicking here.