When designing a new kitchen, everyone has their own ideas about the kind of things they want in terms of the layout, the appliances, the furniture, the decor etc.
Some will opt for traditional kitchen ideas with a very simple layout, others might look at creating a completely bespoke design but the vast majority will decide to create a modern kitchen.
What is a modern kitchen?
A modern kitchen isn't something you'd find in a space-ship like so many people seem to imagine. A modern kitchen is simply a kitchen that is created using the most up-to-date theories of design. Just because you're creating a modern kitchen, it doesn't mean that you should use a specific set of materials or a one-size fits all layout. Every kitchen design project is different and should be treated as such.
Modern kitchen design should be thought of more as a set of characteristics and not a set of specific instructions. Here are the main three modern kitchen characteristics to consider:
Why go modern?
Many people prefer a traditional kitchen with a sink at one end, a big table for the family to sit around and simple cupboard and draws to store their various bits and pieces. Of course, there's nothing wrong with that and there are some beautiful traditional kitchens to be found in homes up and down the UK. What modern kitchen design allows you to do is to take these values and introduce more contemporary ideas. For example in a small kitchen, instead of a table, you might have an island with a built in sink and storage units, helping you make the most of limited space without taking away the seating area you want to incorporate.
Creating a modern kitchen is about having all the things you want and at the same time making your kitchen a pleasent and work-friendly environment to be.
The Big 3 modern kitchen factors
Its all very well preaching about the merits of creating a light, spacious and functional environment but how does one actually roll all of these three things up to create a successful modern kitchen?
Lighting
To squeeze every last bit of light out of your kitchen, make sure your windows are working hard enough for you. Don't cover them up with curtains or nets that reduce the amount of light that can get in. Of course you want to be able to control the level of light in your kitchen but blinds are a much better alternative and look much sharper in a modern kitchen.
A good idea is to fit the doors to surrounding rooms with glass so you can benefit from the light that comes in through those spaces. This is particularly useful, not to mention cost-saving, if you have a dark kitchen and don't want to pay to have large windows fitted.
Another tip is to buy appliances with reflective surfaces that can take the light that comes into the room and send it bouncing to every corner.
Space
Every kitchen space is different and as such, there's no magic fix for making the most out of yours. However you should always measure everything prior to starting your design so you have a good idea of the dimensions of your kitchen and think about the benefits certain layouts can offer.
One key issue to making the most of the space in your kitchen is getting the right balance with your storage solutions. If you don't have the right amount of storage, you'll end up having things scattered all over the place. Equally, too much storage and you'll take up more floor space than you need to and make your kitchen look boxy and cramped. The best way to achieve this balance is to write a list of all the things you need to store and consider how many cupboards, draws and other units you'll need.
Many modern kitchens have glass fronted cupboard doors which reflect the light and give the impression of space. If you don't want to have everything visible then frosted glass is an alternative that achieves the same effect. Equally, you might choose to have a combination of wooden and glass cupboard doors where to create a distinctive and striking design.
Functionality
How well your modern kitchen functions will more than likely rest on the succes of the layout you've chosen. Make sure you check out our kitchen design layouts page to see some examples and ideas.
To create an ultra functional modern kitchen you need to group together the appliances and workspaces that you use the most. This will allow you to easily move between them and carry out tasks much quicker. Doing this also helps you create a nice flow to your kitchen as you might have different areas, like a working area and a socialising area which blends the kitchen nicely into the surrounding rooms and the rest of the house.
Universal appeal
Good use of space and lighting apply to every type of kitchen design from modern to traditional and contemporary to rustic. However, modern kitchen appliances and furniture are designed specifically to be presented a beautifully lit and spacious feeling environment which is worth remembering.
We have far more advice on creating a modern kitchen design and can also divert you to some of the leading online suppliers of modern units, appliances and othr useful services.