Four Essential Design Features for a Contemporary Kitchen

January 17, 2022

November 13, 2024

While it’s important to incorporate your own touches so your kitchen reflects your personal style, there are certain features that are essential if you want your kitchen to have a contemporary feel. In this blog, Callen, your favorite remodeling company, outlines a few of the features most commonly seen in a contemporary kitchen today.

Clean Lines

Kitchens with a contemporary design tend to feature linear, geometric themes and streamlined surfaces. Waterfall edges on kitchen peninsulas and islands are a perfect example of this style. The countertop flows over the side and extends down the side in a clean, unbroken line to the floor.

Simple Cabinetry

Cabinets are often frameless, with basic slab or horizontal lift doors. Embellishments are minimal, and glass panels can be incorporated to add to the contemporary feel. You can also incorporate sections of open shelving to break up the cabinet space.

No Clutter

Clutter should be nonexistent, both visually (patterns, colors, and textures) and physically (appliances and knick-knacks crowding the countertops). Small gadgets and appliances should be stored in drawers, and cooking and baking ingredients and supplies should be relegated to the pantry. Large appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers can be paneled for the ultimate cohesive look in your kitchen.

Manmade Materials

Manmade materials such as steel, plastic, linoleum, laminate, chrome, acrylic, concrete, and glass are popular in contemporary kitchen design. That being said, natural materials such as granite, slate, stone, and wood can be brought in if you desire a less stark, industrial feel. Wood can serve to bring warmth to your kitchen and make it more inviting. In particular, woods with a delicate grain such as maple, birch, and ash are recommended. As a bonus, stainless steel, which is still a favored finish for appliances, balances nicely with warm wood tones.