In interior design the terms Modern, Contemporary, Traditional, Olde World, Cottage, Charming, Mediterranean, Vintage, Art Deco, Farmhouse, Country and so on, usually mean something quite different from their meaning just about anywhere else.

Have you ever been confused by the jargon kitchen designers, architects, fabricators, contractors or suppliers use? Lucky you if you understand all of them!
Part of the confusion can be found because different people use terms interchangeably, when in fact they mean very different things. For instance, there is great confusion between modern and contemporary.

Here are some guidelines to help you pick exactly what you really want, without the confusion of industry jargon or trying to figure out what your kitchen designer means when talking about modern or contemporary kitchen designs. Separate articles which further elaborate on other styles, can be found on worktops.net

Modern kitchen design

Contrary to what one might believe, modern design refers mostly to an era that has already passed up to the present. It was popularised in the 1940’s and 1950’s when sleek lines and bright colours started replacing the embellishments and dark colours of grandma’s kitchen. Those concepts have been carried forward into the 21st century, with the benefit of many additional modern materials and technology.

Modern in this context refers to a style in which clean lines, minimal embellishments, functionality and efficiency are the priority.

• A modern kitchen design emphasises a streamlined look and feel, with functional use of space and accessories.
• To keep the space from feeling clinical, modern kitchen design styles tend to use a substantial mix of natural materials, often using wooden or earth-friendly materials such as natural stone, solid surface or quartz worktops.
• Decorative pieces tend to be functional and are not merely ornamental; or conversely, functional pieces are designed with an appealing aesthetic appearance, and sometimes these even become the central focus of the design. Examples would be integrated basins and sinks of the same material, turning a functional item into a feature, or decorative faucets and taps, metallic or brightly coloured appliances, or integrated lighting, backsplashes and downturns and end designs on worktops, etc.
• Although modern kitchen design focuses on sleek, clean lines and often minimalism, they are not meant to be cold or stark. In fact, they are usually filled with warm, natural materials and colours, either harmonising or contrasting cabinets and worktops. Solid surface, natural stone and quartz worktops are perfect for any modern kitchen.
• Earthy, natural colour palettes are one of the most distinct elements in modern design, typically focusing on natural hues and shades of brown, rust, turquoise and greens, although some modern materials such as quartz and solid surface have expanded these choices considerably with more vibrant colours and even the three dimensional sparkle of quartz.
• A typical element of modern design is the frequent use of geometric shapes and elements, from cabinets, to worktops, appliances and lighting fixtures.