Kitchens are often referred to as the hub of a home as they are warm, inviting spaces where family and friends congregate to share the details of their day, celebrate events and of course partake in the pleasure of eating—after all, food is what brings so many of us together!Â
In terms of design, kitchens these days aren’t just about the practicalities of meal preparation, they can also add personality, aesthetic appeal, and a distinctive architectural edge to a home. Here are some of our favourite designs for contemporary kitchens to inspire your next kitchen build or renovation project.
White, timber and black — a fantastic colour combination for a kitchen that exhibits the best of both contemporary and traditional design. The base white palette gives this kitchen a clean, minimal and light-enhancing feel. It is also an excellent backdrop for layering up texture and colour, highlighted by the timber floor, seating and view-filled windows. The white splashback, bench and “shaker” style cabinetry give the room a classic look, which is enhanced by the dark marble-look benchtop and metallic finishes on the modern appliances. Add a convenient walk-in pantry to minimise clutter and some stylish pendant lighting, and you’ve got the perfect spot to enjoy that must-have morning coffee. Â
Contrast is king when it comes to mixing materials — the trick is to make sure that every material that’s used encourages the others to really sing. In this kitchen, white and dark tones combine from the white heritage-style cabinetry and divine etched glass wall cabinets to the multiple shades of timber on the shutters, door frame and unique inlay patterning on the floors. This kitchen exudes warmth and personality with splashes of grey/green colour on the ornately patterned tiling on the walls, splashback and benchtop. Natural light is given a considerable nod here too, with the flush mount lighting taking a back seat to windows and an amply-sized door that subtly invites the outdoors in.
The latest contemporary kitchen designs are all about an open, multi-tasking, free-flowing design. Here a metallic combination of tapware and appliances (including that impressive rangehood!) seamlessly integrates with the neutral splashback tiling. Push-open cupboards — a current kitchen design trend we love — negates the need for handles and enhances the pared-back, streamlined look. Blonde-toned floors enhance this light-filled space, as does the grey marble-look benchtop. A pop of rainbow colour is added with the chairs and, combined with the oh-so-magical view through the folding doors, creates a breakfast nook that will dampen anyone’s is-it-Monday-already blues.
OK – so there are benchtops, and then there are substantial benchtops — and this one certainly wows. This kitchen is a would-be chef’s delight with an “island” and integrated sink that allows ample room for food prep and offers an inviting area where family and friends can congregate in conversation. The grey-toned “flat” cabinetry is stylish and minimalist, and the addition of a mirrored splashback is the ideal way to enhance the room’s linear, open plan design. The modern pendant lighting not only adds a warm, dramatic touch, the kitchen’s reflective surfaces and flooring enhance its beautifully playful aesthetic.
Image from wtsenates.info
This space oozes luxury, elegance and sophistication. Often overlooked as purely an “accent” colour, the black walls, cabinetry and veined marble benchtop add dark drama, while the textured timbers of the light-hued flooring and island bench add a rustic edge. A white “subway” tiled splashback and the clever breakfast nook extension add a pop of neutral colour. Open shelving above the stove allows room for personality-adding treasures, metallic appliances enhance the contemporary edge, and the divine brass-look tapware and feature lighting ties this divine space together.
 ReferencesÂ
- 2021, Kitchen Trends 2021 – 21 latest looks and innovations, Homes and Gardens
- 2020, 8 of the most popular kitchen cabinet door style ideas to try, Homes to Love