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Modernising Your Kitchen: Contemporary Style On A Budget

Published by: Maria Kelley • Updated: June 11, 2024 • Checked By: Chef Matty Riedel

Many homes have dated kitchens since. Although homeowners can put much effort into modernising their living rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms, the kitchen is frequently overlooked. However, it’s not just about the aesthetics. These kitchens are often less energy-efficient and lack the functionality they should have as part of a modern household. If this sounds familiar and could be the case for your kitchen, here are some remodelling projects you should consider. 

1. Sleek Cabinets

dark coloured kitchen cabinets contrasting with an otherwise whit kitchen

Much of the aesthetic of the contemporary kitchen design is based on subtlety and understated design choices. Choosing cheap kitchen units in various colours means you can choose any design you want for your home. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for neutral shades such as beige, cream or light grey or look for something brighter, like blue, green or pink. 

Mix and match different shades, choose to paint your walls and get appliances that are either in the same or complementary shades. Select furnishings that follow clean, crisp lines to maintain a sleek appearance. Adhering to this theme is essential from an aesthetic perspective, but it also helps keep your kitchen well-organised and clean. Ornamental features are more likely to get greasy and dirty faster in a kitchen, and cleaning them can be a pain. 

The sleek design also gives your kitchen a sophisticated and elegant appearance without trying too hard. 

2. Personal Style 

colourful kitchen with a red fridge, stained glass window in multiple colours and multi-coloured tiles

Following a particular style doesn’t mean you can’t have any additions reminiscent of your personal style. Adding these extra touches will make the area feel more welcoming and warmer. It can also serve as a more natural place to welcome guests. You can achieve this through contrasting tones, adding more colourful chairs, bright cutlery or curtains. 

However, it’s not all about chromatic boldness. If you’re not keen on bright colours, you can create a focal point in your kitchen by getting a detailed kitchen countertop made from marble, stone or quartz. They’re not just attention-grabbers but are resistant to water damage, bacteria, mould, staining or dents. 

3. Timeless Elements 

a white kitchen with a timber chopping board and timber implements hanging on the tiled walls

The main reason why minimalism has become so popular over the past few years is because of its timeless qualities. In a sense, it is the antithesis of overconsumption and hopping from one microtrend to the next. Refusing to follow the latest hype means you contribute significantly less to creating waste to landfills and contribute to the growing presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 

It also means that you’ll have a kitchen design that won’t ever go out of style and will always look stylish. Although choosing a kitchen in a single shade, such as white or ecru, can seem tedious at first, it will positively affect the look of your kitchen, making it look more spacious and airer. If your space is relatively small, this simple trick will help you create the optical illusion of a more extensive area. Regardless of how much time passes, neutral-hued cabinets will never go out of style and end up looking obsolete. 

You can choose between sliding, push and handleless cabinets, as they all have the same stylish quality while remaining classy. Open shelving, multi-functional islands and simple lighting fixtures are also part of the same look. 

4. Flooring 

mostly white kitchen with timber look vinyl flooring

It might not seem so, but how your kitchen flooring looks plays a prominent role in how the rest of the room looks. Consider this design individually to ensure it works well with the rest of the design before integrating it. The pieces should be cohesive, so if you’re unsure if you’re making the right choices, you can talk to a designer who can offer an expert opinion. 

The classic choices are wood and stone. Both work well with neutrals, are timelessly elegant and add character to any room. They are both very sturdy and can be refinished often when they show signs of wear and tear. However, wood floors are more prone to water damage, scratches, and dents. 

Natural stone is one of the most suitable options for kitchen floor tiles. It is dense and durable, so if you use your kitchen often and have high traffic, you can be confident that dropping a pan to the ground won’t cause any damage. Stone is resistant to stains and moisture, unlike wood. It can also be installed over radiant heating, making them cosy in the winter. However, the upfront costs will likely be more elevated, which could be problematic if you’re working with a budget. Slips and trips are also more dangerous since the floor has less cushioning. 

5. The Layout 

dark kitchen with marble bench, hob and wall ovens

Although this part can seem a little more challenging, it’s essential to get it right to create a cosy, friendly and warm spot that’s also well-arranged and practical. You’re less likely to want to get something new more often if everything you have is cohesive and looks good together. The main ingredient that lets you be successful in this endeavour is the kitchen triangle that consists of the oven, fridge and sink. 

These appliances are the foundational elements that ground the other features in the kitchen. This applies to all models, whether the room is L-shaped or U-shaped, as well as built around an island. When the golden triangle is put in place, it lets you move seamlessly between the different working areas. It also makes you more efficient and reduces the time you have to spend moving back and forth between the other areas of the kitchen. This way, you’ll finish meal prepping faster and won’t feel as tired after finishing work. It’s a win-win situation. 


Summing Up

Modernising your kitchen will take effort and careful planning, but ultimately, it’s pretty simple to achieve. Don’t rush into things; take your time to decide what option would be best for you and how you can adapt the trends to your own home. 

Maria Kelley