When it comes to kitchen design, there are generally two schools of thought aesthetically speaking: timeless or trendy. Some people want a kitchen that will speak to their personal tastes while others want one that will look good for years to come.

Of course, the problem of balancing these two desires is hardly new but, in recent years, as the value of houses has risen and homeowners have become more concerned than ever with ensuring that their renovations are also a long-term investment,  this problem has taken on a fresh importance. All of which brings us to contemporary kitchen design.

The Defining Traits Of Contemporary Kitchen Design

If there’s one thing that sets modern kitchens apart from more traditional designs, it’s a lean towards minimalism. Seen by many as ‘timeless’, they tend towards subtler, more muted colour schemes, avoiding strong or potentially controversial stylistic choices.

That’s not to say they don’t have personality. Contemporary kitchens still incorporate a wide variety of styles and have their own unique charm and appeal. For example, many modern kitchens make use of wood and stone textures combined with clean and elegant shapes, this creates a pleasant blend between the modern and the natural.

How Do Contemporary Kitchens Differ From Traditional Kitchens?

While contemporary kitchens and traditional kitchens bear many of the same design sensibilities, there are several key differences. For example, a contemporary kitchen will tend to lean more towards glossy finishes while a traditional kitchen will be more likely to use a painted, shaker style finish. In a contemporary kitchen, you’ll likely see simple, elegant shapes while a traditional kitchen might have slightly more ornate shapes.

Which Is Right For You?

Much like contemporary kitchens, traditional kitchens also aim for a timeless appeal, but they do so, perhaps unsurprisingly, by using traditional design traits. Modern kitchens on the other hand, while they do often aim to incorporate natural materials and textures, are far more concerned with elegance. They tend towards clean lines with very little unnecessary extravagance, relying on simplicity over everything else.

In terms of choosing the right kitchen for you, it really just comes down to which you prefer. At the end of the day, both styles are about as timeless as you could ask for and so it’s hard to say which would have a better long term effect on the value of your property. Ultimately, it’s your kitchen so, as far as we’re concerned, the best decision is the one that will bring you the most happiness.

To learn more about how we can help you design the kitchen that’s right for you, contact us at 01784 439800.