After the holiday decorations have come down and the last guest has left your home, you may sigh with relief; the holiday season can be overwhelming and exhausting for many. But after you've unwound, it's time to give your kitchen a long-overdue update. Changing a few components of your kitchen can be easily completed, especially with the many post-holiday sales. Follow these suggestions to transform your kitchen into a contemporary culinary heaven.
Go Monochromatic
The latest trends in kitchen styling recommend keeping color schemes simple, if not monochromatic. One or two neutral tones in a warm peach or cream or soft hue of green or blue create a clean, crisp, sophisticated feeling. If you already have a number of stainless steel components in your kitchen, try to match kitchen cabinet hardware correspondingly; too many varying colors can easily make any kitchen seem like a hodgepodge of miss-matched elements.
Layer With Light
What many homeowners overlook is the use of light within their kitchen. By amplifying the available natural light, you'll immediately brighten up your kitchen and make it feel cozy, and not to mention, cut down on electric bills! The overall feel of your kitchen should be a gradient of dark to light, starting at your baseboards and continuing to your ceiling.
Skylights and high windows towards the ceiling are a perfect way to let the sun's rays into your kitchen. Below, change your traditional cabinets and cabinet handles by installing glass or frosted panes with matching stainless cabinet hardware. These fixtures not only mask any messy cabinets but also continue to allow some sunlight to penetrate. Finally, waist-level cabinets should be the darkest finish in your modern kitchen.
Maximize the Space
Most chefs-including your kitchen helpers (children) agree that kitchen space can be a hassle, especially when you're trying to multi-task. A well-planned kitchen will eliminate the possibility of bumping elbows and help keep your kitchen looking clean (even if it's not). Typical suggestions for creating space when there seems to be little available is to install a floor to ceiling unit. These space-friendly structures are ideal for the on-the-go family. Another contemporary space saving must-have is the island; this unique piece can serve as a partial cook station, storage space or an extra area to entertain or dine, depending on your needs. Islands can come with a stainless steel, granite or wood finish, so be sure to pick a top that matches the rest of your kitchen design.
Avoid allowing the structure to take over the feel of your room by pairing simple kitchen cabinet knobs that are not decorative or ornate; dark cabinet pulls in oil-rubbed or bronze finishes will compete with the structure and is any designer's no-no.
Be in the Spotlight
Any well-designed kitchen has a focal point and it's about time you decided on one! Pick one area you'd like the attention to be focused. Modern designs focus on the work island, hanging pots, or a stainless steel backsplash. Typical lighting used to establish the focus is with direct overhead track lighting or pendant hanging lights that literally put the fixture in the spotlight. While the focal point should capture your eye, it should also seem natural and cohesive with the rest of your kitchen. Not sure if your kitchen focus works? Take a step back and try to view your kitchen like an outsider; your eyes should immediately focus on the object designated but also continue around the room in a smooth pattern.
Make it a Tradition
Now with your revamped, revitalized kitchen, it's time to make use of it. Whether you're a family of one or a household of many, make spending time in the kitchen an enjoyable tradition. For added ambiance, set up your mp3 or music player nearby and instantly turn chores such as sweeping the floor or even chopping the celery fun!
By:Tori Spade
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