7 Things Sophisticated Kitchens Have In Common
These clean, simple swaps can transform your entire space.
The kitchen has always been the heart of the home, but its form and function are bound to evolve over time. To keep yours modern, consider these 7 simple upgrades.
"Modernizing a kitchen is about the aesthetics, but it's also about the operation," says designer Lauren Levant Bland. A move to open shelving can improve both the look and the functionality of your prep and dining space. Choose matching, monochromatic dishware worth displaying.
Replace your simple wine fridge with a fully integrated (non-removeable) storage solution that can stand alone as a statement piece. This wine cooler creatively doubles as a room divider. Go for stainless steel and decorative features that tie into the rest of your kitchen for "a very modern look," advises designer Malcolm James Kutner.
They Embrace Curves
Most kitchens are a series of square and rectangular sections, so opting for other shapes can give your kitchen a cutting-edge look. A simple application: Choose circular posts for kitchen furniture. A bit more daring? Opt for a live edge wood slab atop your island or countertop.
Invest in a high-end fridge that enhances your décor—and your day-to-day life. LG Studio's sleek stainless steel–covered Counter-Depth French Door Refrigerator can stand flush with your countertop. There are hidden inner doors inside the fridge's front doors—LG calls it Door-in-Door TM— that lets you grab your go-to items quickly with less cold air loss.
They Create Modern Movement
Unfixed elements can transform a kitchen and make it a truly adaptable space. Levant Bland encourages the use of sliding countertops. "I love to do a cutting board that slides over the sink so the sink disappears," she explains.
They Bring In the Steel
Don't limit steel to just your appliances; bring steel elements into other areas of the kitchen, such as on the face of your cabinets, in lighting fixtures or even as a trim on your island. For an ultra-modern look, Levant Bland suggests opting for natural cold-rolled steel, which has a bluish-gray color and retains patterns left by the steel rollers.
They Make Space for Tech
Cell phones, tablets and charging cords easily overwhelm kitchen counters. But there's a solution to this modern problem: the hidden charging station. Have a drawer or cabinet outfitted with the necessary electrical outlets, then organize the space so there's room for each gadget to reboot unseen.
Raising the Bar
How This Program Will Benefit My Design Business
A Spotlight on Natural Stone at 2023’s Marmomac
Elevate Your Home With Gemstone-Inspired Surfaces
How to Transform Any Living Room In an Instant
How Your HVAC Choice Can Help the Planet
Three Tips for Picking Tile to Match Your Style
4 Designer Tips for Creating an All-Tile Bathroom
Designer Tips for a More Sustainable Kitchen Reno
Tell Us About Mom to Find a Mother's Day Bouquet
10 Mother’s Day Gifts for the Best Hostess Ever
5 Options to Replace a Boring Desk Chair