A kitchen remodel can completely transform your living space, adding functionality, resale value, and style. If you’re ready to envision your dream kitchen, iCabinetry Direct is your trusted source of quality custom cabinetry that always aligns with the hottest interior design. Today, we’ll explore the 5 ideas that can help modernize your kitchen into a beautiful, highly aesthetic space.
1. Refresh Cabinets
Custom modern cabinets incorporate features like smart storage upgrades, in-cabinet lighting, and clean lines that perfectly accent other trendy upgrades like stainless steel appliances.
Slab cabinets are the most popular option for modern designs. These have flat panels with no carving on the panels, making them a breeze to clean. Consider dark painted cabinets with bright quartz countertops for a stunning, sharp contrast.
2. Replace Hardware
The hardware you choose can completely revitalize the kitchen space on a tight budget. There is a range of finishes to choose from, such as warm brass tones on round knobs or matte black finishes on sharp, angular pulls.
Deciding which finish works best for your kitchen depends on what shades you use for your cabinets. Matte black may not contrast enough on darker finishes, making it difficult to see the pulls in the evening. However, brass may be too old-world if you have a highly contemporary kitchen.
Our experts can assist you in choosing the perfect finish for your knobs or pulls based on your style, finish, and overall aesthetic.
3. New Backsplash
Your kitchen’s backsplash isn’t just a functional way to reduce grime and protect your kitchen walls, but also a focal point. Updating these essential design elements can have a big impact on how your kitchen looks and feels.
Add visual interest through a geometric subway tile backsplash in a contrasting color to your cabinets. If you have granite counters, a natural stone backsplash makes sense for a serene, country-home feel.
4. Change Flooring
Flooring is a critical way to ground your space while complementing other design choices. While vinyl and linoleum are affordable and low-maintenance, they can look rather dated.
You can upgrade the beauty and functionality of your kitchen by investing in new flooring. Some popular options include:
- White marble
- Terracotta
- Checkerboard cork
- Concrete
- Bamboo
Think about how your new flooring looks in relation to the rest of your home, too. For example, if you have herringbone wood flooring in your dining area, you could incorporate this pattern into your kitchen tile. Don’t forget to consider your lighting and cabinet colors to ensure you remain within the same palette.
5. Update Lighting
Lighting is one of those small touches that can elevate a room into a true masterpiece. The right color will enhance the cabinetry’s tones for a cohesive effect. If you have natural wood cabinets in a warm hue like maple, aim for warmer lighting to bring out these rich tones, while if you have cool shades, use cooler-toned lightbulbs.
You can create distinct zones in your kitchen using task lighting, which is especially helpful for open-concept kitchens. If you have a kitchen island seating area, consider a pendant light above the space for an inviting ambiance. Under-cabinet lighting helps you prep and cook with ease.
Smart lighting systems are another contemporary upgrade that can make your new kitchen feel like a perfectly optimized space.
Incorporate Smart Kitchen Features
Today’s cooks have busy lives that need ultimate optimization. Smart kitchen features provide elegant solutions to common annoyances while keeping the design sleek. For example, touchless faucets let you start scrubbing dishes with a wave of your hand, while pull-out storage makes sure that every utensil has its place. Built-in charging stations are a great way to keep your phone and tablet within easy reach, which is especially helpful while following online recipes.
iCabinetry Direct is here to help your kitchen stand out. Shop durable, high-quality custom cabinetry, available for any layout or decor preference. With dozens of cabinet door styles and finishes to choose from, we make it easier than ever to transform your kitchen into a modern beauty.
FAQs about Modernizing Your Kitchen
One of the most cost-effective options is updating your cabinet pulls or knobs and repainting the existing cabinets. These small changes can make a huge difference in how your kitchen looks and feels without replacing large appliances and furniture.
Another affordable kitchen remodel is putting in new task lighting. This significantly enhances the functionality and atmosphere of your kitchen, making it easier to cook and clean. Consider smart systems that allow you to control different areas of the kitchen, or putting the lights on a timer so that they’re already on when you arrive home.
There are a range of ways to modernize a kitchen without replacing your cabinets. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your cabinets, especially if you choose a bold contrast with your other design elements. You can also swap out the cabinet doors for new ones without replacing the cabinet box. Consider choosing new doors with glass inserts for a bright, airy feel that can visually expand a smaller space.
Another option is to swap old knobs for sleek, minimalistic pulls in a sharp matte black or brushed nickel.
Other cost-effective ways to update your space without a full kitchen remodel include replacing your old backsplash with a new one, like subway tile or marble. Update your older fridge or stove with stainless steel appliances for greater energy efficiency and style.
Yes, a contemporary kitchen is easier to maintain than a traditional one. Contemporary kitchens focus less on heavy, ornate detailing and more on simple, clean lines. This makes it easier to clean surfaces, as there are fewer grooves to trap dust and grime. Additionally, sleek surfaces like marble, tile, steel, and glass only require a simple wipe with a soft cloth rather than intensive cleaning with a toothbrush.
Common materials used in contemporary kitchen remodels include metal, glass, stone, and natural wood. Stainless steel is a very popular material for appliances and is more convenient, as it does not smudge or stain like older materials. Glass cabinet inserts brighten up the space and allow you to showcase your favorite items, like decorative dishes. Stone and tile are popular for backsplashes and flooring, especially as they are highly durable and hygienic.
High-contrast colors are very popular in contemporary designs. One popular option is dark cabinetry with white quartz or marble countertops, all accented with brushed nickel or stainless steel. This can then be accented with pops of color, like a bold backsplash in aquamarine or red.
Neutral monochromes are another popular choice. Greige is easy to coordinate with almost anything, and by using different gradients of the same color, you create a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere. Consider a matte finish to further enhance this soft, natural effect.
