Thursday, October 13, 2011

Modern Ideas For The Kitchen Area







A modern kitchen has clean lines.


Comprised of clean lines and sleek finishes, a modern kitchen focuses on function--as it is easy to prepare and cook food on the uncluttered surfaces. A combination of synthetic and natural materials is blended with a color palette that ranges from bold to neutral tones to make up a modern-style kitchen.


Color


The color palette in a modern kitchen ranges from bold colors to neutral tones. Hues that you may consider using with this style include red, orange, turquoise blue, emerald green, black, silver, cream and white. Your best bet is to pick a combination of two to four of these colors and incorporate them throughout the space--on the walls, on the countertops, in the flooring, for the cabinets and even in the appliances. For instance, you may choose black, silver and white for the main elements--such as the cabinets and countertops, and use one of the more bold hues in the accents to give the room a punch of color.


Countertops


Natural stone is a popular choice for countertops in a modern kitchen, as it offers a sleek, polished and clean appearance. Granite and marble are perhaps the best materials to choose when it comes to stone, as they are durable and able to stand up to the wear and tear of the heat and water exposure that kitchens bring. These stones come in a variety of colors that would work well in a modern design--such as black, gray and beige. The downside of these natural stones is that they can be costly. If you have budget constraints, ceramic tile may be a better option for you as it, too, is a durable material and comes in a variety of colors that work with a modern design. Stainless steel countertops give your kitchen a unique, state-of-the-art look.


Cabinetry


When choosing cabinets for your kitchen, clean lines are key. Light wood--such as maple or oak--is ideal. Another option is black or white laminate cabinets. Frosted or transparent glass doors that open from the bottom are attractive choices for the doors on the upper cabinets. Install long brushed nickel or stainless steel drawer pulls and cabinet handles. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets add clean, unbroken lines to the space--a key feature of modern design.


Appliances


Stainless steel appliances are currently the hottest trend in modern kitchen design, but black and white appliances also work well in this design. Bring in a French-door refrigerator with a bottom-mount freezer. If your kitchen requires an electric stove, install one that has a smooth top. A large vent placed over the stove serves as a focal point and gives the kitchen a professional look.

Tags: modern kitchen, clean lines, your kitchen, black silver, black white, color palette