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Kitchen Design: 2 Basic Approaches

By , About.com Guide

When you renovate your kitchen, kitchen designers may steer you to either of two basic kitchen design avenues: traditional or modern.

The Basic Kitchen Style

In the basic kitchen, functionality and warmth are key attributes. In terms of aesthetics, the kitchen evokes generally "warm and fuzzy" feelings with lots of organic materials such as wood and stone.

Like the traditional style but want the ease of manmade countertop materials such as Silestone? No problem. It's easy enough to find synthetic countertop materials that mimic stone.

Natural-finish or painted cabinetry, glass doors, exposed wood beams, beadboard, curtained windows, and exposed hinges are other attributes of the natural, basic kitchen design style. Floors may be wood, tile, or stone.

Some modern touches can be incorporated (can lights, a stainless steel appliance or two, or kitchen island.
  • Warm and friendly.
  • Natural finishes.
  • Comfortable and practical

Contemporary Style Kitchen Design

The contemporary kitchen design emphasizes high style over all else. Unusual and often expensive materials such as stainless steel, manmade countertop materials, as well as granite and marble, are all hallmarks of this modern style.

Modern style kitchens are often criticized as being cold and unfriendly. But what they give up in warmth is usually compensated with highly functional and top-line appliances by Bosch and Miehle, as well as expensive fixtures and cabinetry.
  • Functional above everything.
  • Manmade finishes.
  • Can lights and drop lights.
  • Often austere.
  • Countertop choices can also be granite or marble.

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