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"Contemporary" or "modern" styling, usually considered the opposite of "traditional," actually encompasses a fairly 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 from Shaker and Mission to Asian, Italian and Scandinavian, not to mention the most avant-garde institutional settings. Clean lines, beautiful surfaces, and clever use of natural and other lighting are common features of contemporary kitchens.

As this diversity suggests, the contemporary palette offers a nearly infinite range of choices, so that whatever effect you're looking for, you'll be able to put together just the right elements. Never lose focus on simplicity and function; ornamental but useless embellishment has no place here. That doesn't mean beauty has to be sacrificed to utility, though. Quite the contrary.

From the overall design and layout of your kitchen to the materials you choose, consider the overall effect and make thoughtful decisions -- not only of what's going to hold up to the day-to-day rigors of domestic life, but what's going to create a place you love to spend time in.

While they're simple, contemporary styles can include both framed and frameless cabinets; doors and drawer fronts can be single slabs or framed panels, e.g. Shaker. They often make a dramatic statement with clean, unbroken lines, and a uniform finish; even drawer pulls and door knobs are often absent. When they are used, they're carefully chosen for the right effect: metal pulls are especially popular, often in brushed finishes and long, narrow shapes.

In general the contemporary look means lots of clean, straight lines, but that doesn't mean there's no place for curves; modern European designers in particular love circles, ellipses, and freeform shapes as tables and work surfaces.

Choosing the right materials is essential with the contemporary look -- your choices have nowhere to hide. Luckily, the possibilities are endless: any wood that looks well in simple designs is a natural for contemporary cabinets, whether in a 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, never fear, thermofoil and melamine are your friends here, allowing you to make a dramatic statement with a wide range of color options. Or go for metal -- brushed stainless steel, in particular, is a hit in contemporary environments, particularly if you're going with black or stainless appliances.

If you like the clean and simple look, but aren't sure how to proceed, working with a good designer who understands your taste can be a big help in getting the cabinets that will be a joy for years to come.

Mission Kitchen Cabinets / Country Kitchen Cabinets / Italian Style Cabinets / Asian Style Kitchen Cabinets / Shaker Kitchen Cabinets / Primitive Kitchen Cabinets / European Style Kitchen Cabinets / Contemporary Kitchen Cabinets