Welcome to our kitchen of the week series, where we showcase beautiful and functional kitchen designs to inspire your own remodel or new construction project. This week we’re featuring a gorgeous contemporary kitchen with a focus on clean lines, ample storage, and jaw-dropping views.
Introduction
This breathtaking kitchen is located in a hillside home overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was designed by the talented team at Smith & Jones Design Build, who are known for their crisp, modern aesthetic and attention to every detail.
The homeowners came to the design team with a few key goals in mind:
- A clean, contemporary style using simple lines and minimal ornamentation
- Plenty of smart storage solutions without looking cluttered
- Maximum enjoyment of the incredible ocean views
- Durable, low-maintenance materials that can stand up to heavy use
As you’ll see, the design team absolutely nailed the execution with a magnificent kitchen that checks all the boxes. The minimalist style allows the views to take center stage while still providing a highly functional cooking space. Read on as we dive into the details and design ideas you can steal for your own home.
Clean Lines Create a Sleek Look
One of the first things you’ll notice in this kitchen is the abundance of clean, simple lines. This streamlined aesthetic helps enlarge the feel of the room and puts the focus on the jaw-dropping panoramic views.
The cabinets have a very squared-off, geometric look with flat recessed panels and no ornamentation. Handles are integrated directly into the door fronts for a flush, seamless appearance.
The island design echoes the same minimalist style, with a straight-edged overhang instead of ornate corbels. The countertops extend the visual line across the entire perimeter for harmony and flow.
In the open shelving area, there are no fancy brackets or detailing – just beautiful oak shelves suspended by nearly invisible metal supports.
The dining area features a long, rectangular table flanked by benches, keeping a simple and consistent line theme.
This adherence to straight lines and right angles gives the kitchen an orderly, almost serene atmosphere, allowing the views to take center stage.
Spacious Storage Keeps Clutter at Bay
In order for a minimalist kitchen to function well, there needs to be ample concealed storage to keep clutter out of sight. This room incorporates a variety of smart storage features that keep items organized without disrupting the clean aesthetic.
The perimeter cabinetry makes excellent use of available space. Drawers of multiple sizes stow cooking tools, silverware, prep bowls, and other necessities. Deep pantry pull-outs offer accessible homes for food items. Upper cabinets maximize vertical room right to the ceiling.
The sizable island provides even more storage capacity with an array of drawers and cabinetry. The built-in beverage center makes a handy home for glassware and alcohol.
The open shelving niche is judiciously styled with just enough decorative crockery and baskets to avoid looking crowded. More extensive dishware finds a home in the upper cabinets.
There’s even a built-in charging station and cleaning supply cupboard to eliminate kitchen clutter in smart ways. Clean-lined cabinet fronts keep all these storage zones looking sleek.
Thoughtful planning allows for streamlined surfaces and discreet organization solutions without appearing sparse or clinical. This kitchen has all the function without any visible clutter.
Materials Built to Last
With its pristine surfaces and crisp look, you may be surprised to learn this kitchen takes a lot of wear and tear in its stride. That’s because the designers selected ultra-durable materials that hold up to heavy daily use.
Quartz countertops withstand stains, scratches and heat much better than natural stone or laminates. The smooth finish makes them a dream to clean.
Floor tile laid in a brick pattern adds visual interest while standing up to dropped cookware, messy spills, and foot traffic without showing damage. The rectified tile edges and narrow grout lines give a seamless look.
The cabinet boxes are plywood with melamine interiors, prized for their strength and durability. Door fronts are smooth MDF with an impermeable UV-cured polyurethane finish that cleans up beautifully.
Stainless steel provides another indestructible surface for heavy appliance use. Barstools are covered in performance fabric that sheds most spills and stains with simple wiping.
While it looks crisp enough for a museum, this kitchen is designed to be used and lived in. The family can cook, bake, blend, chop and wash up worry-free, leaving no signs of wear.
Ocean Views Steal the Spotlight
Of course, the shining star of this kitchen is the jaw-dropping ocean view spanning across the entire wall of windows. The clean, minimalist style showcases these incredible vistas without competing elements.
The home’s hillside location allows for panoramic Pacific Ocean views from the kitchen, breakfast nook and great room beyond. Watching the interplay of light is a perpetual joy.
Sunrises paint the sky in glowing orange and pink before giving way to serene blue. Sunsets cast a golden glow across the water. Gray stormy days exude cozy appeal from indoors. The view is never the same twice.
Gaze at the ocean waves and shore from the barstools or chairs. Enjoy the sightlines while prepping, cooking and cleaning up. The view infuses all daily tasks with peace and beauty.
When friends come over, they are sure to gather right here to experience these special views while enjoying conversation and nibbles. There’s no better gathering place in the whole home.
The clean, minimalist style allows the natural wonder to take center stage. Yet the kitchen doesn’t forego function, offering smart storage and durable surfaces that make cooking a pleasure.
Design Ideas to Steal for Your Own Kitchen
The beautiful contemporary kitchen provides a number of brilliant ideas anyone designing a kitchen can emulate:
- Simplify surfaces: Limit ornamentation and accessories to keep the look clean. Stick to straight lines and simple forms.
- Conceal clutter: Use drawers, pull-outs, and cabinets to corral clutter out of sight. Add specialized storage furniture if needed.
- Select durable materials: Opt for resilient finishes, surfaces, hardware and fixtures meant to handle wear. Low-maintenance choices like quartz pay off.
- Bring in natural light: Windows, skylights and glass cabinetry maximize sunshine. Consider lighter wall/cabinet colors to enhance brightness.
- Feature views: If blessed with compelling outdoor vistas, design the space to frame and highlight them. This may dictate the direction cabinets and furniture face.
- Minimize competing elements: Bold colors, motifs, accessories or contrasting finishes fight with views. Retain a neutral, quiet palette to let nature shine.
- Incorporate seating: Whether at an eat-in island or table, include space to sit and appreciate the outlook during meals and relaxation time.
With some selective borrowing of concepts, your own kitchen can feel just as fresh and enjoying without losing function. This timeless case study offers inspiration and ideas for the best marriage of style, utility and visual impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about contemporary kitchen designs to provide additional ideas:
What are some key features of a contemporary kitchen?
Contemporary kitchens emphasize sleek, minimalist designs. They often use lots of straight lines, high-gloss and neutral finishes, metal accents, open or frameless cabinetry, seamless countertops, and integrated technology.
What design elements keep a contemporary kitchen looking uncluttered?
Strategic storage like drawers, pull-outs and closed cabinets conceal small appliances, cookware and food items to maintain clean surfaces. Wall-mounted racks and rails keep countertops clear.
What materials work best for a low-maintenance contemporary kitchen?
Durable and resilient options like quartz countertops, ceramic tile, high-gloss lacquered cabinets, natural stone, and stainless steel stand up well to heavy use with minimal care needed.
How much do contemporary kitchen remodels typically cost?
It depends on size, materials, and customizations, but expect to invest $30,000 to $50,000 for a full contemporary remodel. Higher-end options can reach $100,000+.
What are some key differences between contemporary and modern kitchens?
Contemporary kitchens follow current trends while modern kitchens have a more timeless, Bauhaus-inspired look. Contemporary has more flexibility and eclecticism.
What decorative styles pair well with a contemporary kitchen?
Clean-lined transitional, midcentury or Scandinavian décor mesh nicely with contemporary kitchens. Bold modern art and accessories also complement the sleek look.
What tips help maximize natural light in a contemporary kitchen?
Strategic window placement, light wall/cabinet colors, glass cabinetry doors, mirrors, and pendant lighting enhance natural light. Skylights and clerestory windows are ideal.
How can you incorporate warm, natural elements into a sleek contemporary kitchen?
Wood accents, exposed brick, stone backsplashes, woven textiles, and greenery help soften the sleek look. Copper, bronze and wood add organic color.
What are some eco-friendly elements to include in a contemporary kitchen?
Sustainable materials like bamboo or recycled glass surfaces, Energy Star appliances, LED lighting, natural ventilation, tankless water heaters, and recycled or upcycled furnishings.
What technology features suit a contemporary kitchen?
Integrated smart home automation, touch-activated faucets/lights, induction cooktops, WiFi-connected appliances, built-in charging stations, and voice assistants.
Conclusion
This spectacular contemporary kitchen proves you can have an efficient, durable, clutter-free room without sacrificing eye-catching style. A focus on clean lines, neutral tones, concealed storage, and durable finishes allows natural ocean views to steal the show.
When designing your own kitchen, apply concepts like maximizing natural light, reducing ornamentation, and choosing resilient materials that easily wipe clean. Integrate seating to enjoy the views. Frame desirable vistas just like artwork.
With smart borrowing of ideas from this kitchen of the week, you can craft a breathtaking contemporary backdrop for life’s daily routines. More beautiful, polished rooms inspire us to pursue creative interests like cooking and entertaining.
Here’s to many happy hours whipping up masterpieces in your re-envisioned dream kitchen. May it bring you joy and fulfillment through many years of delightful use.
