Modern Kitchens

Modern kitchens have entered a new age. Originally, it was all about open plan kitchens. Then islands and stainless steel became all the rage. Now people want a unique modern kitchen that is chic and all theirs.

Brass Fixtures and Fittings

Brass is back. While stainless steel is the metal most often associated with a modern kitchen, brass mixes well  with stainless steel to complement it. What was once considered “old school” is back on the cutting edge. Cabinet handles, drawer handles, faucets, hinges, pot racks, decorative offsets in tiling, light fittings, you name it. Gold-toned knobs and fixtures made of brass soften a kitchen’s appearance to create a warm, comfortable and inviting room.

Polished brass or brushed brass, the choice is yours. Make your kitchen even more contemporary with a classic touch.

Circular Kitchen Island

Not only is a circular kitchen island chic and modern, it is a brilliant space saver, as well as a great way to entertain while preparing food. Your circular island has you at the center with everything you need at arm’s reach. Instead of walking around the kitchen, just swivel where you stand to reach the sinks, cook tops, counters, chopping boards, cabinets and your guests. It’s everything you need in a sleek, curved layout. Open the kitchen right up by placing cabinets underneath and letting the area above the countertops have a few open shelves.

It’s even a breakfast bar because family and guests can sit around the outer rim. It truly will be the hub of the house.

What about the refrigerator and oven? Save even more space by having them built into a wall, opposite the entry into the circular island, for easy access.

Ergonomic Design with Flowing Curves

Modern kitchens and cabinets are becoming more curvy with flowing lines. Right angles are very, well, traditional.

It makes ergonomic sense to have shelves and cabinets within easy reach of the sink and the cook top. But reaching high or low can cause stress on the body. With curved countertops, shelving and cabinet designs, everything can be in easy reach. Instead of running left and right of the sink in a straight line, the countertop can curve outwards to your left and right, so you feel like you’re in a comfortable niche.

On top of the comfort, curves through your kitchen make it very modern in appearance. Fluid lines are soft, comforting and can be designed to your unique desires.

And while we’re thinking conveniently ergonomic, how about having knife holders and cutting board slots installed into your countertops? No more cluttering the counters or drawers. Just insert them into their permanent holders.

Going High Tech In Your Kitchen

The modern family is high tech. The modern lifestyle is high tech. The modern kitchen should be high tech as well. Think about these ideas:

• Automatic faucet control for no more dirty handles – install hand motion sensors, or touch faucets, or pedals.
• Pull-out computer shelves incorporated into the island cabinetry design.
• Wireless connections and USB ports.
• TV niche in the cabinetry, or in the island, or by the range – with wireless capabilities, of course.
• Achieve a high tech look with cabinet doors of black glass, like the glass found on TV stands and entertainment centers.

There is no limit to how your modern kitchen can look, except imagination. If you bring your imaginative ideas to remodeling experts, your dream kitchen can become a reality.

Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.

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