If you’re looking for some kitchen inspiration, look no further! We’ve got design ideas and tips to give your kitchen a fresh makeover.
Is your kitchen feeling a bit tired? Getting bored of the same old design? Well, now is the time for a facelift – for your kitchen that is. A new year is a perfect time for a renovation, and to design a kitchen that’s not only beautiful, but works well for you too. But, if you’re stuck for ideas, it can be tricky to pick something that really complements your home and lifestyle. So, with that in mind, we’ve come up with some kitchen design ideas for your new project. Everything from shaker, modern and classic and contemporary kitchens too. We’ll look at the best modern kitchens for a busy home, and classic kitchens for a more rustic feel – we’re covering it all! If you want stylish modern kitchens, look no further. Shaker kitchens more your thing? Read on for some design inspiration, to give the heart of your home a new lease of life.
Your Lifestyle
Are you a worker bee? Or a stay at home parent? Whatever the case, you need a kitchen that matches your lifestyle, to a tee. That’s why, it’s important to know the features of different kitchen types, to best match your makeover to your needs. Each kitchen has advantages and shortcomings, but there’s a perfect one to suit your needs and lifestyle too – it just takes a little bit of inspiration. We’ll look at things like layout, storage, colours and materials, styling and features of each different design type. So, we’ll talk about the benefits of four different kitchen types; modern, classic, shaker and contemporary. We’ll give you all the information on what features make up the design, as well as how to achieve a look and feel, no matter your budget. We’re bringing you all the information you need on different kitchen styles. Below, you’ll find out what kitchen is best for your lifestyle.
Modern
When we think of a modern kitchen, we think ultra-stylish and highly functional. That’s because they are what they are. In kitchen design, modern means open, spacious, light, functional and above all else, it’s got to look good. When designers come to making a modern kitchen, they need to create a space that works for the client. The layout of a modern kitchen is one of the key features. Most modern kitchens are laid out surrounding an island unit, creating a space that is communal and social. For the cook that works efficiently, the modern kitchen is designed to ease the experience, ensuring that the sink, hobs and fridge are in a triangle. It’s designed to match a busier lifestyle – island units are useful for preparing food and eating on the go. It removes to formality of dining with stools and breakfast bars, to give a more casual feel. While a partner prepares a meal, the other can eat whilst chatting to them. Modern kitchens are sleek, and well designed. Each cupboard is fitted with an idea of creating deep storage space, and smart design. Most modern kitchens opt for handless cabinets, to give off a truly functional, modernist feel.
The colours are usually neutral tones, with some accented bold colours to feature parts of the design. Be that a stunning black island unit, or a dark blue wall accenting the oven space, it’s all about pairing bold with softer tones, to draw the eye to the beautiful design. The materials range from woods to reflective surfaces, to bounce light around the room making any area feel more spacious and open. However, wood is used in moderation, as it’s not a typical feature of modern kitchens. Chromes also make an appearance, paired with stunning white cabinets, it creates an industrial vibe that really lends to a modern kitchens style. As for modern features, the island unit has already been mentioned, but lighting is crucial in a modern design. It needs to be bright, but also set the mood. That’s why pendant dimmer lights are great, but also upwards and downwards lights on cabinets and fixtures to set the mood for any occasion. If you’re looking for a design that meets a busy lifestyle, that is both stylish and chic, a modern kitchen may be the one for you.
Classic
Now classic kitchens are very different to modern kitchens. Whilst the layout can sometimes be similar, it’s more about a traditional vibe and a certain comfort. Classic kitchens emulate rustic design, sometimes in the most urban of settings. This particular style focuses on a feeling of homeliness above all else. But, they still look good. Bringing in rustic aesthetics, to your modern lifestyle. These kitchen types are great for those that spend a lot of their time in the kitchen. Stay at home parents, or food connoisseurs will love the traditional feel of these classic kitchens. Many newer classic kitchens feature and island unit, purely because of how functional they are. The social aspect of being able to prepare a dish and chat with someone whilst they sit is something that can’t be topped. But, the working triangle is not always a part of classic design. It focuses on the look of homeliness above functionality. Classic kitchens are timeless and designed for those that have time. You won’t find any handless cabinets here. No, a truly classic kitchen will have beautifully crafted wood cabinets with gorgeous handles. And speaking of wood, there’s no scarce use of wood in these designed kitchens. Wood is featured everywhere, from island units to chairs and even window accents – wood gives a traditional and rustic feel, which is a huge part of classic design.
These kitchens use neutral tones too, accompanying whites with pastel like colours. They are typically softer than the boldness of modern kitchens, but feature walls are still apparent in design – just in softer tones. A minimal amount of metals and other typically modern materials are used in a classic design. The metals are a silver shade, instead of the reflective chrome, with a slightly ‘harsher’ finish. These metals are found on cabinets, taps and little detailed features around the kitchen. When it comes to lighting, the less the better. There’s no need to oversaturate a classic kitchen with too much light, but it can’t be too dim either. The lighting has to be useable, but not to a point where it’s blinding. That’s the difference in modern and classic lighting, classic is just right for every mood. For modern, it’s about using different lighting effects the create a mood. If you’re a fan of woods, and crafted cabinets then look no further. Classic kitchens perfectly suit those whose kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s homely and fit for those who spend most of their time in the kitchen.
Shaker
Shaker kitchens are essential for those that want to stand out. They make a statement, they’re bright and refreshing. Full of life and colour, shaker kitchens are where modern, meets traditional but with an introduction of quirky features and bright colours too. This is one of the few kitchens that doesn’t rely on the use of an island unit – but, every kitchen can be made into your own. These kitchens are best for those looking for something a little different. Many of the features found in a classic kitchen, are present in shaker design. Many of the woods found in shaker kitchens move away from natural wood tones and replace them with vibrant or brighter colours. Above, you can see the wooden cabinets and chairs are a white colour but paired with wood surfaces in natural tones. Coloured feature walls are replaced with bricks or tiling (sometimes both), they create a vibe that’s unique and different. Whilst modern kitchens see the separation of hobs and ovens, both classic and shaker kitchens emphasise a single unit, to create one whole space for cooking food. Whilst modern kitchens are minimal, shaker kitchens aren’t afraid to be busy and bold. Handles are back, and again, they are beautifully crafted too. The cabinets are crafted in a similar way to classic kitchens. The thing that makes a shaker kitchen is the colours. The different vibrant colours perfectly accent different areas of the kitchen. It’s a kitchen ideal for those who want something different.
Contemporary
Contemporary kitchens are kitchens of ‘the now’. They’re another bridge between classic and modern kitchens, that are both functional, stylish and different. Clutter is the nemesis of contemporary design, in the same way it is to modern. Décor needs to be minimal but still taking on some characteristics of kitchens (like shaker styles), featuring colour in them. The colouring of contemporary kitchens is done in ratio. Combining a 3-part colour scheme of (60%,30%,10%), you can create a fresh introduction of colour in a way that’s not too busy or OTT. It’s a great way of refreshing a modern feel, with natural wood tones to make it look classic. It’s a great meeting of two kitchen styles. Lighting takes inspiration from modern design, without the pendant lights, using lighting to create an atmosphere and brighten up the room. If you like the modern vibe but want the uniqueness of a shaker kitchen, contemporary style may be right for you.
Whatever the style you want to aim for, making your kitchen your own is essential. If it’s not making your life easier, then it’s not right for you. Your kitchen should be well suited to your lifestyle, but in a style, that you love. Above are only four types of kitchens, there are so many more out there that you can choose from.
Author Bio:
Hugh Sallows is a Content Marketing Executive at Revive Digital. Writing content for magazines, blogs and websites, Hugh has an extensive history in writing. Hugh is currently researching and writing in Home Improvements, specifically working on Kitchen Designs
