A modern or minimal kitchen is the perfect antidote to the chaos of daily life. So it’s no surprise that many of us (including some of your clients, most likely) are craving clean, uncluttered spaces right now. Ponder these traits and moves as you plan their calm kitchens.
1. A LIMITED PALETTE
Many modern kitchens adhere to monochromatic, often all-white, color schemes. For contrast, you might consider injecting a bit of black into a snowy landscape. Or stick to a single hue but opt for moody charcoal over white.
2. A CLEAN ENVELOPE
Keep the materials simple too. Think concrete or solid-color quartz surfaces. White subway tiles reign supreme for the backsplash; a larger format—measuring 4 inches x 8 inches, instead of the standard 3 x 6—offers a fresh take.
3. NATURAL WOOD ACCENTS
Minimalist doesn’t have to mean stark. Organic forms and textures warm up a neutral scheme. Introduce the beauty and varied tones of natural materials in flooring, countertops, or perhaps a vent hood.
4. CLUTTER-FREE SURFACES
In most modern kitchens, small appliances are hidden from sight. It follows that minimalist spaces put a premium on storage space. To clear the countertops, be sure to reserve cabinets for gadgets and other detritus.
5. OPEN SHELVES
While storage ranks high, modern kitchens also tend to prioritize airiness. Dispense with upper cabinets and install floating shelves instead. The linear elements, often rendered in natural wood or glass, contribute to an airy feel.
6. MINIMAL ORNAMENTATION
Nothing is overdone in modern design. Choose plain, flat-front cabinetry over heavily detailed options. Eskew hardware on the cabinet doors and drawers and go with a push-to-open system instead.
7. SLEEK APPLIANCES
To maintain a clean landscape, specify streamlined appliances. Café’s new Modern Glass Collection of appliances features a forward-thinking, reflective surface—which layers glass over lustered platinum—that exemplifies the minimalist mood. The appliances’ contemporary styling enhances that vibe.
Modern kitchens work as hard as their more traditional counterparts. They simply house carefully chosen functional elements in quiet, streamlined environments. Friedman’s experts can help you select appliances that support your client’s aesthetic aim.