Three Unique Kitchen Cabinet Looks for a Contemporary Kitchen

Whether you are designing the kitchen for your new home or remodeling an outdated kitchen to accomplish a more contemporary look, you will want cabinets that not only bring the whole space together, but give your kitchen a unique style all its own. Some of the more modern materials used in making contemporary cabinets include glass, exotic woods, and stainless steel. While there are dozens of contemporary design schemes to choose from, here are three unique kitchen cabinet looks you may be interested in when considering your contemporary kitchen design.

Black, White and a Splash of Color

Black and white has always been at the forefront of the classic kitchen design, but now it is coming into its own as a wonderful combination color palette for contemporary kitchen cabinets. Try installing glossy white kitchen cabinets and pairing them with black marble or granite countertops. Once you have the basic cabinetry down, you can choose one or two colorful accessories, such as fire-red pendant lighting above the black and white island/bar seating area or a vivid color tile for the kitchen backsplash. The cabinets in this design should be sleek and tall with little or no adornment on the doors to give the area a clean, industrial look. This design is perfect for smaller kitchens because the slim, light design can make the space appear larger.

Smooth as Glass

The open cabinet design is used when you have an eclectic mix of beautiful dinner and glassware you intend to showcase, but the openness of the design doesn’t quite fit within a contemporary kitchen where everything must appear in order. To be able to display your wares without giving your kitchen a farmhouse look, you might want to consider using glass inserts in your cabinets. Glass can be used many ways. It can be etched, fluted, or frosted to obscure the contents behind.

Dark wood such as mahogany turns any kitchen into a contemporary masterpiece. The glass inserts fit nicely into this type of cabinet. Stainless steel cabinets, by themselves, can appear too stark for some modern kitchens, but if you use glass inserts, such as the fluted type, it can transform your kitchen into a most inviting modern space.

Contemporary Glass Kitchen Cabinets

The New Green

One of the best ways you can do your part to save the environment is to consider using green materials in your contemporary kitchen cabinet design. Thinking outside the box will enable you to create a unique-looking kitchen starting with the cabinets. Renewable materials such as bamboo/plywood and lyptus, taken from a hybrid of the eucalyptus tree, are not only as sturdy as traditional hardwoods, but they are extremely beautiful woods that fit perfectly within the contemporary design scheme. In addition to their unique appeal, cabinets fashioned from green materials also offer additional health benefits by emitting less chemicals into your environment than those made from traditional cabinet materials.

Whichever contemporary cabinet design you choose, be sure that it fits within your overall modern design scheme. A qualified interior design expert can help you decide which materials and colors to choose to accomplish a unique look that you and your family can enjoy for many years to come

 

Kitchen Countertop Material Choices, Alternatives to Granite

The kitchen is the heart of your home and its appearance impacts the atmosphere of the other rooms around it. A kitchen that’s old and looks out-of-date can benefit from simple maintenance and renovation. One way in which to improve your kitchen’s look and functionality is with new kitchen countertop installation or replacement. With a variety of countertop materials to choose from other than granite, you can select one that complements the rest of your kitchen or changes its look altogether. Here are a few popular kitchen countertop ideas that might work for you.

Butcher Block
If you enjoy cooking, a butcher block counter can add to the convenience in your kitchen. A food prep area will always be ready for you with this style of countertop. Butcher block or wood countertops add a rustic touch to your kitchen. They’re easy to clean and care for, requiring period resealing to prevent water damage and stain penetration.

Natural Stone
Natural stone such as granite or soapstone creates classic appeal when used as your kitchen countertop surface. Soapstone is dark gray in color and found in both modern and historic homes. Naturally stain resistant, soapstone is often used for sinks too. The natural color variations found in granite make it a material that complements most any kitchen color scheme. Rated as the second hardest surface after diamonds, granite is a durable countertop surface that’s highly valued by home buyers.

Corian
Corian is a type of solid surface countertop. It’s made to the specifications of your kitchen and typically installed in one large piece. This seamless countertop material resists stains, which makes for easier cleaning. You can have a solid surface countertop made in most any color or pattern you desire. Scratches can easily be sanded out of the surface of Corian to keep it looking like-new.

Laminate
Laminate countertops are plastic-coated and cut to fit the measurements of your kitchen. This durable countertop can be made with a variety of colors and textures to complement your existing kitchen decor. Laminates are less expensive than many other types of countertops, making them an affordable option for home renovators on a budget. With laminates it’s important to be careful since it can be difficult to fix chips or cracks.

Ceramic Tile
Another inexpensive countertop choice is ceramic tile. This easily cleaned and maintained surface comes in a variety of textures, designs and colors. The ceramic tile you choose can become the focal point of your renovated kitchen or you can use it as a subtle complement to the current decor. Ceramic tile holds up well to use and when cared for properly can last for many years. This type of countertop surface goes well with most every decor.

The countertop you choose for your kitchen will be with you for many years to come. Consider your needs to help you choose the type of counter material that bests suits you in both appearance and function. Any of these popular kitchen countertop styles are certain to add to the beauty and value of your home.