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Breaking with tradition is a good thing for kitchens stuck in yesteryear. These 10 contemporary updates will help you leave the past behind
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design is collected, not decorated, and that homes should always be as comfortable and functional as they are chic. In addition to writing for Houzz, I work as the Head Copywriter for Layla Grayce and Zinc Door.
I'm a freelance writer and design enthusiast who believes the best design... More »
Kitchens with a little country or old-school quirkiness can have loads of charm; however, their traditional aesthetic may at some point feel like it's losing its relevance. If you’re wondering how to contemporize the style of your kitchen without damaging its traditional integrity, read on for 10 ideas.
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1. Go for stainless steel. If your budget allows, update your appliances to stainless steel options; they will provide just the right modern touch to a more traditional space. If you’re working on saving toward these big purchases, start small by upgrading your kitchen’s hardware to sleek, contemporary designs.
Browse hardware options
Browse hardware options
| 2. Swap out your light fixtures. A chandelier, for example, will add a bit of glam to your traditional kitchen, providing a relevant edge. |
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| 3. Add pendant lights. If your country-style kitchen isn’t properly lit, now is the time to fix it; pendant lights will make it appear that much more modern. Install them over work areas, such as countertops or the island, to improve your space aesthetically and functionally. |
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| 4. Pull the lighting throughout the space. Be sure you’ve added lighting beneath the cabinetry as well as near the ceiling. This will eliminate shadows and give your space a fresh, balanced feel. |
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5. Update your countertops. This is a fairly pricey option, but updating your countertops is well worth the investment. Any rustic cottage-style or traditional space paired with granite countertops becomes eclectic and interesting instead of outdated. Plus, marble is classic, making it a sound investment.
6. Look up and down. How are your floors and ceiling looking? If you feel like they’re really dragging down the aesthetic, it could be time for a change. This floor design puts a contemporary spin on the traditional checkerboard by incorporating natural wood, while a wallpapered ceiling provides an unexpected touch. If you’re working on a tight budget, consider modern rugs for the floor or a fresh coat of paint for the ceiling.
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| 7. Get out the paint. A country-style kitchen can feel instantly modern with new color. Paint the walls, cabinetry, ceiling beams — whatever you feel could use a little modern punch. |
8. Add drama with a bold color. Accent your space with a bold, contemporary color, like on these cabinets. The contrast against a largely white space is uniquely modern.
Browse more rooms with black cabinets
Browse more rooms with black cabinets
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| 9. Choose contemporary furnishings. What you choose to fill your kitchen has a huge impact on its overall aesthetic. Instead of going with traditional table and chairs, look for something with a modern appeal. It may seem counterintuitive, but your space will become enlivened. |
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| 10. Do away with cabinetry. Open shelving is all the rage right now. Swap cabinetry for shelving for an instant style upgrade and an airy, relaxed aesthetic, especially when juxtaposed with a natural wood island. More: Kitchen Workbook: 15 Elements of a Traditional Kitchen Your Kitchen: 10 Great Alternatives to Granite Countertops How to Add Cottage Charm to Your Kitchen |
Ideabook published on March 7, 2012.
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It will likely go the way avocado did in the past. In the trash.