Contemporary Kitchen Cabinets

Often mistaken for the opposite of “traditional,” contemporary design actually encompasses a wide variety of styles and historical periods. The common element is an uncluttered, form-follows-function look where simplicity rules—an aesthetic that’s perfectly at home in styles from Shaker and Mission to Asian, Italian, and Scandinavian kitchens.

Here’s what you need to know in shopping for new contemporary kitchen cabinets.

Costs

The cost of contemporary kitchen cabinets depends on the manufacturer as well as the quality of the materials used and the size of the cabinets.

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Pros

Contemporary kitchen cabinets offer clean lines and beautiful surfaces.
They allow for a wide variety of different styling options and material choices.
While simplicity reigns, European designers also incorporate freeform shapes into their contemporary cabinet designs.

Cons

Some homeowners feel that contemporary cabinets don’t create a warm and welcoming kitchen.
Many contemporary cabinets forgo drawer pulls and door knobs for more simplistic hardware, which some homeowners don’t like.

Durability

The durability of contemporary kitchen cabinets depends on the materials used, as well as the quality of the manufacturer and skill of your installer. Get a price quote to learn what contemporary-style cabinets would cost for your kitchen.

Maintenance

The maintenance of contemporary kitchen cabinets also depends on the materials used. However, most kitchen cabinets can be kept looking like new simply by wiping them down on a regular basis with a clean, damp cloth. For tougher stains, a cleaning solution of dishwashing detergent and water will usually do the trick.

Common Questions and Answers

Which materials are best for contemporary kitchen cabinets?

When it comes to choosing the right material for contemporary kitchen cabinets, the possibilities are endless. Any wood that looks great in simple designs is a natural for contemporary cabinets, whether in light or dark finish. Dramatic grain can be a real design element here.

Also note that some designers are developing lines of cabinetry that feature such renewable materials as bamboo, with pleasing results. If wood’s not for you, you can opt for thermofoil, melamine, or various types of metal.

What comes along with the contemporary look?

While generally all contemporary cabinets are simple, contemporary styles can include both framed and frameless cabinets. Cabinet doors and drawer fronts can be single slabs or framed panels. Drawer pulls and door knobs are often absent, but when they are used, they are carefully chosen for the right effect. Metal pulls are especially popular, often in brushed finishes and long, narrow shapes.

Manufacturers

Materials

History

Contemporary style dates back to the 20th century, when designers began doing away with decorative accessories in an attempt to create clean, simple lines.

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