The Ultimate Guide to Modern Kitchen Design

The Ultimate Guide to Modern Kitchen Design

Last updated on August 25th, 2022 at 08:07 am

The kitchen is the heart of the home – it’s not just where you cook, but where you entertain and catch up with your loved ones.

So, it’s important you nail this space during the design process because the right kitchen for you will make all the difference to your everyday lifestyle.

Contemporary kitchens balance eye-catching aesthetics and intelligent functionality to create a durable yet delightfully appealing space. As trusted new homebuilders in Canberra, we understand the most important elements of modern kitchen design and want to share them with you – here’s our ultimate guide.

1. Durability

From packing lunchboxes to preparing a glorious dinner, the kitchen sees a high level of activity every day – so it must be designed with durability in mind.

This is the place to invest in high-quality materials and appliances, like an impressive stone bench top. It’s not only highly durable but easy to clean, and its non-porous surface resists scratching and staining too.

Investing in high-quality materials doesn’t mean you are constrained to a particular design – these days, durable materials come in every finish imaginable, so you don’t have to compromise between aesthetics and functionality.

For example, another option for your bench top is premium laminate, which will give you many more options than the natural stone finish. From different tones and colours, to the type of texture – the choice is yours.

2. Function

The key to a functional kitchen is its layout. Think one-wall kitchens, island kitchens, L-shaped kitchens, and more. Each of these varies in space, storage and practicality – something to think about when you’re designing your kitchen.

In one-wall kitchens, for example, all your appliances are located along a single wall of the kitchen, whereas L-shaped kitchens feature two countertops fitted on adjacent walls. Which one suits your style and living?

Everyone’s dream kitchen is going to be different, as it’s so dependent on your lifestyle. To give your new kitchen the best chance at satisfying both your needs and wants, create a list of what you like about your existing kitchen, as well as the types of tasks you’d ideally like to do in your new space.

Does your vision have well-defined spaces for prepping, washing and cooking? Is there enough bench space and storage? Where are your power points located? Will your new kitchen be easy to clean and maintain?

And, the ultimate question: how much foot traffic will there be?

3. Storage and bench space

One key factor to keep in mind when designing your kitchen is bench space – often, it is sacrificed for the aesthetic appeal, but this can spell trouble when it comes to actually using your kitchen. Make sure there is appropriate bench space near your sink, stove and pantry for easy cooking transitions.

Having enough storage can make or break a modern kitchen, so it’s essential to consider your options during the planning stages. Consider how you can use every centimetre of the space, with innovative base and wall cabinets that are easy to reach.

Pot drawers will ensure pots and pans are never lost in the back of deep cupboards, while spice drawers by the stove or oven keep exotic flavours within easy reach.

A kitchen island is a great way to introduce additional storage and bench space, while also acting as another area for the family to gather around. It can include drawers, open shelving or even stand-alone cooktops.

If you have a little more room to work with, a butler’s pantry is the ultimate storage solution for your kitchen. However, it’s not just about cupboards and shelves – you can install sinks, dishwashers, cooktops and fridges, significantly increasing the capacity of your kitchen. Best of all, it can be closed off whenever required, containing any potential mess.

4. Aesthetics

There’s no need to compromise between aesthetics and function in a modern kitchen – a considered design should be able to balance both, resulting in a space that looks and feels great.

Your kitchen’s style will often set the tone for the rest of the home – will it be the sleek and minimalist look, or perhaps a farmhouse or French provincial style? Every element of your kitchen can reflect your choice, including cabinetry, fixtures, fittings, sinks, bench tops and appliances.

Need some inspiration? Organic design elements, such as natural materials (like wood, stone, and concrete) and plenty of natural light are popular design choices for the kitchen this year. And to add some of your personality to your space, consider statement fixtures.

Speaking of which…

5. Lighting

There’s no doubt about it: a modern kitchen needs to be well lit. Not only will it make it easier to prep and cook, but it can also make your space look bigger and brighter.

Ideally, your kitchen will be bathed in natural light from windows, glass doors or even skylights. However, this can also be complemented by a range of different lighting solutions fitted around the areas of your space. Under-cabinet lighting can help illuminate bench tops, while pendant lights add a certain je ne sais quoi to kitchen islands. Dimmer switches can set the mood when it’s time to entertain, while in-pantry lights ensure you’ll never lose an ingredient.

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Ready to start thinking about your dream kitchen? Get in touch with the team at Achieve Homes to find out how we can help.