The term modern kitchen may have established itself in the public consciousness in 1969 when the German kitchen manufacturer Poggenpohl created a futuristic kitchen for an exhibit. But, the word ‘modern’ is defined as ‘belonging to recent time’. Every generation, therefore, feels the appellation ‘modern’ or 'contemporary' should only apply to kitchens designed by their peers, not to designs – no matter how forward looking at the time – which were created in the past.
THE MODERNISTIC MINIMALIST ETHOS
The three pillars of the modernistic ethos are hygiene, effortlessness and an illusion of space. Modern kitchens are thus designed to hide away or conceal appliances and accessories whilst creating a labour-saving environment. Modern kitchens employ light and colour as well as streamlined shapes to maximise the illusion of space.The term 'minimalist' sums up the modern ethos.
SHAPES OF MODERN KITCHENS
Effortlessness movement through air or water  has resulted in modern kitchens importing their streamlined shapes from boats, submarines, torpedoes, aircraft, rockets, drones and other things built for speed. - see montage left.
The shapes are either parabolic, curved or geometric as illustrated in the adjoining montage of fast boats and drones. You’ll notice too the rocket-shaped building in London called the Gherkin. Modern kitchens also derive a lot of their shapes from modern industry with its emphasis on clean lines, smooth motion, ease of assembly and simplicity.
FEATURES OF MODERN KITCHENS
1. Colours.
Depending on the degree of dramatic impact desired kitchen colours range from strong, primary colours like black, white, red and dark blue to quieter, gentle colours such as white, cream, pale blue and grey.. Monochromatic effects are also popular. High gloss colours are used for most impact in the most 'modernistic' kitchen designs whilst using a limited palette - a simple colour scheme being emblematic of the modern style.
2.Kitchen Furniture.
The aim here is for all furniture to join together as seamelessly as possible with minimum fuss or relief. Saponetta style slab doors edged with a soft taper achieve this. Cabinetry is usually taken to the ceiling to avoid dust traps and unsightly gaps. Sinks are set below the worktop and appliances grouped together for convenience and where possible concealed behind material of the same make as the cabinets. All knobs and handles have a simple streamlined appearance and are generally made of stainless steel or chrome. For the cleanest 'look' known as 'handleless', finger pulls are angle-cut in cupboards and drawers and hidden from view.
3. Materials used in Modern Kitchens.
Dark woods with strong patterns are popular, like Wenge with its striped 'partridge' design in conjunction with gloss white cabinets. Laminates, acrylic polymers and steel are popular materials as are steel and chrome accents which complement industrial looking appliances and extractor hoods..
4. Kitchen Islands.
A fairly recent development in L and U-shaped modern kitchens is the kitchen island. This is a modern kitchen designers dream as it can be tailored to have storage drawers, shelves, sink, warming drawers, cooktop and even a dishwasher; But, it is now often the social centre of the modern kitchen, a buffet for parties, place to sit and eat – and even watch television. It's a good idea to have seating facing the person preparing the food; but most importantly a large kitchen needs to be broken into separate self contained spaces even if the overall design is an open plan modern kitchen. Many people find a separate dining room, dining alcove or dining space is preferable to eating at the kitchen island. Ambience or atmosphere is now regarded very highly when judging suitable lighting for the modern kitchen. Living with stark primary colours can be unrestful, especially if aggravated by too many spotlights. To review the lighting ideas for modern kitchens click here.
5. Splashbacks and Accessories.
Splashbacks for modern kitchens may be made of tiles, glass or other materials and are a good vehicle for a splash of bright colour in a monochromatic or pale coloured kitchen. Accessories are the quintissential modern kitchen 'must haves', the latest labour saving gadget or fashion item
6. Storage. See Pictures at the top of the page.
Modern kitchens are built to encourage the user to tidy away stuff and not leave it spread about. No clutter is the mantra. Storage is maximised and mostly put beneath the worktops. It’s ergonomically better and the stored items can be retrieved more efficiently. Deep drawers are ideal for pots and pans shallow wide drawers best for cutlery.Click bold type here for pictures.Modern kitchens are thought to reduce stress through the absence of clutter.
7. Shaker Modern Kitchens.
The straight lines and sleek simplicity of the original Shaker kitchens - see The Shaker Ethos by clicking here - resonates with the modernistic ethos of wide-space, effortlessness and hygiene but doesn't yield to the curves and soft parabolic shapes appreciated by the modernists and worshipers of speed. Curved cabinets would have been anathema to the Shakers, any form of embellishment or deviation from the 'straight and narrow' being beyond the pale. However, modern kitchen designers have in the Shaker a wonderful compromise between the two design movements. Modern oak Shaker kitchens, painted or unpainted, combine sleek simplicity with gentle colours; wood, granite or composite worktops and glass fronted cabinets in a style popular in barn conversions, country houses and smart town houses alike - new build and period. And, very importantly, for smaller houses a style which adapts to an island-free small modern kitchen layout.
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MODERN KITCHENS for 2012
Modern Kitchen Design & Accessories
VIOLET DESIGNS
Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire
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MODERN KITCHEN DESIGN SUSSEX, SURREY HAMPSHIIRE, MODERN KITCHENS SUSSEX, SURREY HAMPSHIRE ,RICHMOND, KINGSTON,CAMBERLEY, DORKING, LEATHERHEAD, GUILDFORD, GODALMING, HASLEMERE, WOKING, LEATHERHEAD, , FARNHAM, BASINGSTOKE, WINCHESTER, SOUTHAMPTON, PORTSMOUTH, CHICHESTER, LITTLEHAMPTON, BOGNOR REGIS, WORTHING, HOVE, HAYWARDS HEATH, HORSHAM, MIDHURST, PETWORTH, PETERSFIELD, SALISBURY.Modern kitchen design is the embodiment of simplicity: sleek ,minimalist, uncluttered and very often handleless. Quiet, unobtrusive. ergonomic, easy to use with storage maximised at the base rather than at the top where it is difficult to reach.
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