Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Why Are Modern Kitchens So Popular?

By Matthew Kerridge

The kitchen is the hub of all homes. It's the place where the family gets together during the day and evening to connect with one another. The kitchen is the place where we share each other's news and views over breakfast, or discuss the day's events while preparing dinner. And of course, at the weekends the kitchen is always a hive of activity. That's why modern kitchens are so popular.

A modern kitchen offers sleek and chic lines. Many have metallic finishes - even the appliances are metallic. Lighting in a modern kitchen is state-of-the-art and it can be dimmed or brightened to add atmosphere. Modern kitchens don't need much storage space because the fashion is to hang pots, pans and dishes on trendy hooks, racks or hangers.

If you're a keen home chef, the cutting edge technology used in the design of modern kitchens will enable you to cook gourmet meals for your friends and family using all the latest gadgets and appliances. When designing a modern kitchen, the main factor is easy maintenance, sleekness, rich colors and clean lines.

Kitchen cabinets that have semi-opaque or frosted glass give a real modern look. This can be further enhanced by adding back lighting to emphasize the design and provide a nice soft glow. To add contrast, paint the cabinets in a bright, bold color to make a real statement. Color is an important part in designing all modern kitchens.

If you have a kitchen that's quite small, you can create an illusion of spaciousness by installing stainless steel cabinets. To further increase this illusion, also use stainless steel counters. This will create an unbroken line throughout and make your kitchen look substantially larger.

Other popular types of kitchen counters are granite or quartz because they are durable and easy to keep clean. Stainless steel counters with built-in sinks, draining boards and cutting boards give a new meaning to the word 'utility' in a modern kitchen. Laminate counter tops are making a big come-back in the design of modern kitchens. When paired with bright colored kitchen cabinets, laminate counter tops offer a bold, fun feel.

Glass is another material that brings flair to any modern kitchen. Add splashes of color to your kitchen with glass counters, glass backsplashes, or glass cabinet doors. Use different colored glass to cover overhead lights in the kitchen to create a lovely ambience. Glass backsplashes can be highlighted with lighting under the cabinets to add a touch of brightness.

Use the same finish in various areas of your kitchen. If you've decided to have your backsplash made of glass, why not choose glass as the finish for your cabinets and counters as well. Then choose a laminate finish for two other main features. A modern kitchen should make a statement about you, so be brave and original.

After you've decided on the overall look of your modern kitchen, you can start deciding on appliances to suit it. There is a beautiful selection of refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, stoves and air cons. Your crockery and cutlery should also blend in with the design of your kitchen. Have a look on the internet and see the wonderful choices available.

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