Whether you want your kitchen to be sleek and modern or cozy and homey, the right kitchen design makes all the difference. Try these ideas to create a space that’s both beautiful and functional.
The basic work triangle is a good rule of thumb, but there are other layouts that can improve workflow and efficiency. For example, a one-wall kitchen places all major elements on one wall for a more streamline path between food storage (refrigerator), prep (stove) and clean-up (sink).
Two-Tone Cabinets
Two-tone cabinets are a timeless design technique that can create depth and visual interest in the kitchen. They also offer a more personalized look to the space and can be used to draw attention to specific features like an island or a statement backsplash.
The key to creating a successful two-tone color scheme is selecting colors that are complementary and work well together. To find the right shades for your project, you may need to visit local paint stores, browse online pictures or even compare different color samples in person. It’s also important to consider how the color will look at various times of the day and under different lighting conditions.
One of the most common ways to use two-tone cabinets is by painting lower and upper cabinets different colors. This look works with any style kitchen and can be updated with a variety of materials, finishes and hardware. This design option can make your kitchen feel newer and less dated than a single-tone solution, which can help increase your home’s resale value.
Vertical Backsplash
When it comes to kitchen backsplash design, there are a few different considerations to keep in mind. Whether you’re looking to create a pattern, a statement, or a traditional grid, the installation style is an important decision to make. Herringbone and chevron patterns are trending, but standard bricked or stacked installations can feel a little dated.
To add a modern flair to this home, Minka McDonald used SapienStone’s Calacatta Statuario marble as both the countertop and backsplash for this new-construction kitchen. The non-porous material offers durability and stain resistance, as well as a dramatic aesthetic.
Adding to the backsplash’s upscale look, McDonald swapped out classic subway tiles for super-skinny options that formed more gridlines and created an even more intricate tile installation. She kept the grout color neutral to complement the light countertops and walls, but a darker backsplash can work in a more colorful kitchen as well. It just depends on how bold the rest of the room is.
Industrial-Inspired Kitchen
Industrial style often brings to mind bare, simple features and large work-spaces. But the aesthetic can also be warm and inviting if you embrace some of its key elements.
Cool metals like stainless steel, aluminum and copper set the tone for this kitchen. You can also incorporate these materials in other ways, such as in exposed or reclaimed wood elements and rough brick walls.
Another element that works with industrial style is concrete, which looks rugged and natural. Use concrete-look tile or paint your walls a dark color to achieve the look.
When it comes to lighting, industrial-style fixtures often feature black finishes and streamlined designs. You can also opt for lantern-style fixtures or a metal mesh shade that mimics the appearance of industrial lamps and other original factory fixtures. For a modern twist, consider incorporating glass-like panels that let the light shine through. Adding a few plants, such as herbs or an indoor tree, further warms the industrial-inspired space.
White Kitchen with Statement Hood
If you want your white kitchen to be a showstopper, consider a standout range hood. This powder blue design adds a pop of color and boasts grooved detailing that blends with the cabinet molding in the room. The hood also helps pull the kitchen together, as it matches the wavy granite backsplash and compliments the marble countertops.
The handcrafted plaster hood in this Spanish-style kitchen makes a statement without distracting from the clean, minimal backsplash tiles. The grand design echoes cooking spaces of centuries past while feeling fresh for today’s homeowners.
For a more modern take, try a simple stainless-steel insert in your custom hood cover. The sleek style pairs well with contemporary shaker cabinets and a patterned backsplash.
Original brick walls can be a showstopper in your white kitchen. The timeless material warms up minimalist designs and gives the space a lived-in feel. For a more subtle approach, use display cabinets with glass fronts to showcase your tableware and decorative objects.
