Living Etc Kitchen Extension

Modern kitchen ideas are something we spend a lot of time thinking about here on Livingetc. As the heart of the home it's a space that needs to be inviting, nice to spend time in, but also functional and able to be used to cook in, too.

"If I have it my way, we'll be seeing a lot more traditional, rustic-style kitchens and homes in the next year," says the designer Amber Lewis. "There's a big resurgence and interest in tried-and-true traditional designs, as well as a desire for comfortable, cosy, relaxing spaces. The materials, techniques and elements we choose for the home are key to creating this calming ambience."

This desire sets the tone for how we approach modern kitchen ideas. Today's kitchens are increasingly important spaces that not only offer a place to prepare meals but a social hub for family and friends to gather. "I love spending time in the kitchen, cooking up a storm and having fun with my family," says the designer Kelly Wearstler.

"Most people spend a significant amount of their lives in their kitchen – cooking, chatting and cleaning," says Alex Main, Director of The Main Company. "So, when it comes to designing your kitchen, most people dream of a unique, bespoke and entirely personal space to spend their time in."

From the colors to choose to the materials to use, getting them right will set the tone for the entire house. After all, a brand new kitchen can transform the way you live, cook, eat, and entertain – and can even increase the value of your home.

Modern kitchen ideas

1. Use terracotta

Committing to one hue in a space can have a glorious effect, and terracotta is an easy color to work with. Thanks to its connection to nature, it is just a small step away from a neutral. Terracotta is carried well by numerous kitchen materials, so why not go all in and embrace it across your kitchen countertop ideas, worktops, paint, cabinetry and accessories for a soothing-yet-statement cook space.

"Terracotta is a key trend as we continue to look to our homes for comfort and sanctuary," says the designer Kelly Wearstler. "The shade is not only versatile but is inherently warming and effortlessly complements handcrafted objects made from natural materials, such as rattan, seagrass and linen. I love using terracotta in the home. It's an easy-going colour characterised by softness, like morning sunlight."

A hugely versatile colour for the kitchen, terracotta combined with complementary shades, such as dusky pink or cerulean blue, creates a tonal look with a backdrop of muted white and cream tones. "Introduce the shade subtly through tiled flooring or worktops, or create a full monochromatic terracotta look with rich materials, such as marble, terrazzo flooring and tiles in the same hue," Kelly says. "When it comes
to terracotta, integrating local stones can create an emotive link between the home and its surroundings – designs that play upon the raw, natural beauty of an environment are the most beautiful."

2. Add brick flooring

CaPietra modern kitchen ideas brick floor tiles

When it comes to floor types for the kitchen, brick - and brick effect - is having a moment. Laid in a classic herringbone style, brick floors suddenly become ornate and ornamental, reminding us of their Ancient Roman origins and hinting at the mosaic. When laying brick in more adventurous patterns in the kitchen, keep the rest of the space simple and let the floor do the talking.

"Why does brick flooring work so well in the kitchen? Because it's so durable!" says the designer Amber Lewis. "The kitchen typically gets a lot of foot traffic, so materials, such as bricks, that can withstand wear and tear should be a go-to."

Bricks can be used in so many ways on the kitchen floor; it really depends on the feeling you want to create for that particular space, making them a brilliant addition to your kitchen flooring ideas. "I have used all sorts of bricklaying techniques," Amber says. "But most recently in my home entryway I chose a stacked border with a herringbone interior to keep things interesting. I enjoy using classic layouts, but sometimes it just feels right to mix it up and use a quirkier pattern."

Brick floors are versatile and mix well with different textures and tones. "Brick is warm and neutral, and I'm always guided by the material," Amber says. "I personally love layering a vintage rug or runner over a brick floor, that extra layer adds so much cosiness to the space, which is a feeling I'm always trying to achieve in my designs and which helps make the kitchen the centre of the home."

3. Soften with fabric

Plain English modern kitchen ideas fabric skirt

A traditional kitchen accoutrement, the skirt is being happily embraced by city dwellers as an easy way to convert unsightly areas into stylish storage with just a swish and a flick. They're useful to add into your modern kitchen cabinet ideas if you've not got the budget to totally revamp, as they cover a multitude. A longer skirt length with a linear pattern emphasises the movement of the fabric, creating a relaxed, 'gathering fruits for harvest festival' vibe.

"Fabric skirts are a refreshing opportunity to be nostalgic in the kitchen," says the interior designer Joy Moyler. "They create such a relaxed feel, conjuring imagery of your granny about to place a delicious afternoon cake on the table at any moment."

Kitchen trends come and go but this one seems to be sticking around, though it's important to choose the right material. "I recommend medium to heavyweight cottons that are washable and weighted to hang properly, so they don't bunch up and look unsightly," Joy says. "If the fabric is light enough, it moves softly in a breeze. It can be very romantic. Plain and patterned fabrics, I'm drawn to them both, although I tend to stay away from large-scale patterns – instead, go for small-scale stripes and graphic patterns, such as ticking. My favourite thing to do is have fun with pattern play! Use a pattern on one side of the skirt and a solid fabric on the other."

4. Mix materials

In this beautiful kitchen, the marble veining of the sink is matched to the worktops, creating a dramatic statement that is rich and luxurious.

Designed by Laura Muthesius and Nora Eisermann of Our Food Stories, an unfitted look feels more easy-going and natural, especially in this older property, where a modern fitted kitchen would have jarred with its inherent rustic charm.

The key to an 'unfitted' fitted kitchen is to mix up materials in a calm, considered way. 'We used deVOL's Real Shaker range in Mushroom for the main units, and then added a freestanding Haberdasher's Pantry in white-tinted oak to break things up and introduce more storage,' Laura says. 'The two furniture designs are very different, but the finishes share the same soft, neutral tones so they work harmoniously together.' To help unite the space, deVOL's shelving ideas are fashioned in the same oak as the pantry unit.

'We also used traditional lime paint on the walls, which has a wonderful, imperfect texture,' Nora says. 'Whether it's new but made to look old or actually old, nothing is too precious, and everything is designed to be used.'

5. Choose multi-functional furniture

Blending a kitchen with your dining room ideas creates an informal and relaxed space and lets whoever is cooking join in with conversations. 'A kitchen that includes both island unit and dining table is an increasingly common request, especially in sociable, open-plan settings,' says Annie Ebenston, lead designer at Blakes London. 'However, this room is relatively long and narrow (9.5m x 5m), which didn't leave sufficient room for both.' Incorporating banquette seating into the island is always a significant space saver because it takes the circulation space required around chairs out of the equation. 'And we could then add drawers under the seat for storage.'

Done well, an island with banquette attached can also form a striking focal point. 'Here, we used deeply veined Green Guatemala stone with incredible bookmatching and a waterfall edge, alongside leather or faux leather seating in verdant Forest Green,' Annie says. 'For comfort and ease, we always recommend manmade leather, which is more durable and easier to clean than real leather.'

6. Pair pastels with brights

Modern kitchen ideas pastel and green kitchen

Russell Whitehead and Jordan Cluroe of London-based 2LG Studio used vibrant colour to divide their kitchen into different zones – knowing what colors go with green they used it in their dining space, then added blue for work, and pink for cooking.

"Our kitchen is the centre of our life and the colours of the kitchen lead on throughout the entire house," says Whitehead. "Don't be afraid to fill your kitchen with personality – colour is a great way to do this – then you can layer up with textures of tiling, wood, flooring, and brushed metal finishes."

Danish kitchen company Garde Hvalsøe is all about celebrating craftsmanship. Their latest collaboration with Copenhagen-based designers OEO Studio – Kitchen of Love – takes inspiration from cabinetmaking traditions and Japan's artisanal heritage.

The kitchen is built using light oil-treated oak timber and stainless steel with a Pietra di Fossena marble countertop, and the stunning finger jointed timber drawers shine a spotlight on the craftsmanship. It's the contrast which stops this from seeming either too rustic, or too much like industrial interior design.

8. Celebrate robust materials

This home in Melbourne, Australia by Bryant Alsop embraces a palette of hardy materials, such as the brick and concrete used for the kitchen island ideas. Tierras terracotta tiles by Patricia Urquiola for Mutina were used for the splashback, a modern kitchen idea that gives the space a graphic accent.

"The materials were selected for their honesty and robustness, with a clear directive from the owners that finishes needed to be durable and suitable for real family life," says architect Sarah Bryant. "Embracing the existing red brick was central to the bold palette." There's also a large window to the outdoor deck to extend the kitchen outside.

9. Go monochrome

Modern kitchen ideas black and white worktop

Black, white and shades of grey kitchen ideas form a classic and sophisticated colour palette that works beautifully to create a kitchen that will stand the test of time. "The use of a palette of different black textures and materials in this kitchen achieves a masterful lightness in the space," says Gary Moor, designer at DesignSpace London. "The inset wet zone, clad in white Statuario marble and Glacier White Corian, draws the eye as if it were a work of art."

Open plan kitchen extensions are a popular choice, allowing you to inject some real air and light into the space. This kitchen is positioned opposite an open lounge area, so the kitchen cabinets have been designed to resemble standalone pieces of furniture that blend into the interior scheme.

"The owner had a very definite vision for her whole apartment that included rich colours, mid-century furniture and metallic accents," says Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio. "As such, our Metallics Collection kitchen – which harnesses the beauty of solid copper but in a contemporary kitchen setting – was the perfect fit."

11. Shine a spotlight on a single material

Paonazzo marble sourced directly from the quarry in Italy is the star of this kitchen by Blakes London. The deeply veined marble kitchen island is set against a subtle backdrop of simple white cabinetry, allowing it to take centre stage - the most wonderful of white kitchen ideas.

"The natural tones in the veining of the marble are complemented by unlacquered brassware, including custom-designed brass recesses, handles and bespoke dipped hot water and sink taps," says Creative Director, Jamie Blake.

12. Channel retro vibes

Give your kitchen a touch of vintage charm with quirky design details – like the patterned tile splashback and mismatched brass pendant kitchen lighting ideas lights in this eclectic space.

"Warm metallic tones were chosen alongside materials including antique brass and concrete to add texture and interest to the space," says Alex Main, Director atThe Main Company. "For the splashback, we opted for vintage-inspired tiles to create a real statement that brings the entire look together."

13. Make a statement with tiles

Tiles are an easy way to introduce bold colour and pattern into a kitchen - they're particularly good as part of small kitchen ideas on a budget as a little goes a long way.

"Bold earthy shades are becoming an increasingly popular interior choice across kitchens," says Amanda Telford, marketing manager at CTD Tiles. "At the centre point of the colour wheel, blue and green will bring an instant refreshing update to interiors, providing the perfect backdrop to sleek worktops and cabinetry."

14. Make the most of a small space

Modern kitchen ideas small white kitchen

The kitchen is literally the heart of this small Melbourne home by Kirsten Johnstone Architecture – and clever design details help make the most of the space - utilizing some of the best small kitchen ideas.

"It's quite a small house and the small kitchen is interconnected to all spaces," says Kirsten. "The dining 'table' is an extension of the kitchen island bench, and a wall of built-in cupboards with two depths maximises storage."

The splashback is formed from a horizontal window that lets plenty of natural light into the small space.

15. Add some country charm

If you're looking for a modern rustic aesthetic, take inspiration from this country chic kitchen and incorporate reclaimed materials, such as salvaged wooden beams and Cornish stone.

"To create contrast, we opted for dark blue cabinetry to offset the colouring of the wood on the central Island," says Alex Main, Director at The Main Company. "Oak features heavily in this design to add character and depth to this beautiful and inviting space."

16. Go green

Sustainable living should be one of the most important considerations when it comes to any building project these days – and there are plenty of suppliers creating quality, on-trend finishes that are also kind to the environment. Take the luxurious aluminium-based panels by AluSplash, used in this kitchen as a splashback in Forest Green.

"The panels are produced with recycled aluminium material and the manufacturing process uses less energy and water to produce than a glass alternative," says Nikhita Sejpal, Marketing Executive at AluSplash. "It's the perfect option for homeowners looking to add a green and eco-friendly finish to their kitchen scheme."

17. Be bold with brass

Beautiful brass details stand out against a stark backdrop of black joinery in the kitchen of this home in rural Victoria, Australia. "Brass was chosen for the bench and splash-back as it will patina over time, telling a subtle story of human habitation and also linking the home back to the era of cabins and sheds, which was important in its design," says architect Ben Shields. "Along the southern wall there is an almost invisible bank of seamless joinery that hides pantry, fridges and storage, as well as an entry nook with drawers for clients to throw mobile phones, helping to disconnect after arrival from the city."

18. Add a breakfast bar

The black marble and bronze-framed breakfast bar ideas at play in this kitchen contrasts with the grey units and white marble worktop, creating a sculptural centrepiece at the heart of the kitchen. "Incorporating a breakfast bar with the island has grown in popularity hand-in-hand with the trend for open-plan living," says Richard Atkins, Design Director at DesignSpace London. "It also provides an opportunity to include different materials and details into the design, creating a focal point in the kitchen."

19. Make the lighting a feature

The focus of this home in Toronto, Canada, by Reflect Architecture was to create a fun space for the young family to come together – and the kitchen is the centrepiece.

A large circular light fixture from Delta is a playful reference to the hearth around which families gathered in the past. "The clients wanted this space to be a centrepoint of gathering for the family, where the kids could participate in the cooking and food," says architect Trevor Wallace. "The oversized island allows the parents and their three girls to all have a place around the table."

20. Consider storage carefully

Pantry ideas are much sought after at the moment. There's a place for everything in this pared back, minimalist kitchen, thanks to the clever storage solutions concealed behind sleek pantry doors.

"The owners of this kitchen have hectic lives and wanted a streamlined space with a large multi-purpose island," says John Davies, a designer at Martin Moore. "The milky cream walls, pale grey cabinetry and white granite worktop on the island create a calm impression and a sense of freshness. The kitchen island is painted in our beautiful 'Prussian Blue' colour, giving warmth to the room."

Trending in kitchens in 2022 are the colors terracotta and mint green, wood panelling, curved edges and textured white finishes.

According to the experts, the main trend is less to do with colour and style and all to do with creating something unique. "We've seen an increase in the number of people investing in the luxury of a completely customised kitchen, which incorporates unique textures and finishes, to give the space more personality," says Alex Main, Director at The Main Company. "We expect this trend to continue to grow as technology evolves and people become more creative in finding new ways to make their space work most efficiently for them."

What color kitchens are in for 2022

The big colors in kitchens for 2022 are terracotta, soft white, mint green, and the oaky brown of natural woods.

"Terracotta is warming and creates a welcoming environment, which is perfect for the kitchen as it's often the place where you spend the most time with the people you love," says the designer Kelly Wearstler. "Color is the spirit of a room, its heart and soul – it defines the space and determines its character. Terracotta is such a quietly uplifting hue."

What kitchen cabinets are in style now?

Kitchen cabinets are one of the most important elements of a kitchen. Not only do they need to be highly functional, but they will define the style of your kitchen. As our experts have noted, current trends are towards highly personalised and bespoke kitchens, and the options are endless – from contemporary open shelving and sleek, minimal forms with textural finishes, to pared-back traditional styles. "For us at Hvalsøe Garde, it is still our cabinetry in solid wood featuring drawers with a tight floating design that are most popular," reveals Lundh Aagaard. Whatever style you go for, make sure there's enough storage space to suit your needs.

Living Etc Kitchen Extension

Source: https://www.livingetc.com/modern-kitchen-ideas

Living Etc Kitchen Extension