Kitchen Design – Now Modern Meets Traditional Decor

One of the greatest challenges home decor experts face today is finding that kitchen style that is lasting (and that meets the demands of their clients, of course). And since many homeowners are finding it more affordable to take active part in the remodeling projects of their houses, many have a pretty good idea of what they are looking for. This trend is forcing contractors and designers to pay careful attention to their client’s tastes more than just creating a new design and style according to how they see the world.

This trend is hatching some great designs; from fusions of traditional and modern styles, industrial and natural concepts, to hybrid styles that take the best of different ideas. From kitchen sinks to countertops, flooring and cabinetry, accessories and even appliances, all of these elements merge to create interesting patterns and contrasts that are not dated and last for years into the future, saving homeowners money in the long run.

This means that the kitchen of the present ought to have elements of both the past and the future so that it achieves the high expectations that are set by homeowners. This can be achieved by merging simple elements such as traditional wooden cabinets and glass cabinets, stainless steel kitchen sinks with chrome-finished water faucet, metal hardware, rich and dark-colored stone or granite counter tops and practical accessories.

In this edition of Get Inspired, we took exactly these elements and created the kitchen of the future but which offers a smooth transition between the past and the present. For example, the main goal was to marry two prominent elements: the pine wood cabinets and the granite countertops, both with impressive details that complement and contrast very well. To accomplish this we chose a dark-colored granite but with light-colored crystals to complement the gorgeous caramel highlights of the pine wood.

By adding a backsplash with the same pattern of the granite countertops, we were able to accomplish two interesting patterns: first, we created a smooth transition between colors, and second, we added dimension, allowing for the cabinets to standout just enough to complement the transition between these two totally different materials tied only by color. We also installed a black electric stove top, which blended perfectly with the dark features of the granite countertop. And since the surface of this stove top is so smooth and shiny, it reflects the tones and patterns of the backsplash, allowing the stove top to blend with the rest of the countertop.

Adding a layering effect

We then balanced all of these color patterns and contrasts with a layering effect, adding a dark-toned, wood molding on the top cabinets. This created yet another interesting transition to the ceiling, which was the only light-colored element in the room. This kept the overall design to stay confined in a specific area, avoiding the “bleeding” of the design, keeping it constant and always fresh. This molding also has an interesting element: integrated direct lights, which help to add that additional ambience for the dark tones of the countertop.

A small modern touch goes a long way

Then we went a step further and added modern accents using accessories and appliances with industrial designs. We accomplished this by installing a stainless steel kitchen sink and translating that same finish right into our cabinet hardware, which is made with chrome-finished brass. This finish complements the pinewood cabinets in an exceptional way and when the light hits all of the surfaces they stand out in a very tasteful manner.

Another modern touch was a clear class, curved china cabinet integrated right into the top cabinets. This was an unexpected detail as the designers realized that by bringing the traditional looks of the china collection into this contemporary space would be the glue that would add strength to this design. The clear glass of this cabinet allows homeowners to display virtually anything they want to show off, from their china set to their expensive wine goblets and even figurines.

This glass element was then repeated two more times by the addition of two hanging wine and cognac glass racks under the top cabinets, giving this kitchen yet another interesting detail of practical style, and giving it the much needed balance.

The last element that added that spark to this kitchen was translating the same wood finish to the only window in the room. And so we framed the window with the same pine wood that we used for the cabinets, merging everything into a seamless decor. This large window also allow just enough sunlight to shine into the room, giving a spectacular show of colors and details all year-round.

Try something new for your next remodeling project. Don’t be afraid of marrying the old with the current to get a great decor for the future.