Classy Modern Kitchens Showcased in Europe
Modern European Kitchens
Modern kitchens using contemporary masterials are being constantly designed with a big push towards environmentally friendly materials, that will reduce the carbon footprint in our homes.
Lighting products include LED's everywhere... the LED can morph surrounding fittings into innovative forms that highlight the beauty of light.
LEd's are dimmable, cool to the touch, low-wattage and last longer. They are energy-efficient and can be placed into many wonderful forms that allow light for every sort of task.
In the kitchen you would probably use LED for ambience as a supplement to your task lighting.
Think about a contemporary material like solid surface. Solid surface material, a 100% acrylic product , is used more and more in kitchen countertops. Consider choosing a solid surface like this for its ease of maintenance, its durability and its visual appeal.
Solid surface comes in many different color ranges and looks like natural stone. It is a beautiful material, and can be cut in curves and joined seamlessly so that dirt and grime aren't an issue. In fact it is 100% hygienic!
Low-iron toughened glass is now the most popular option for backsplashes. It is heat resistant and the low iron content keeps its color perfectly.
You can get it painted which can blend with your cabinetry or countertops and when lit, the glass reflects a glossy surface - much sought after in the contemporary kitchen.
Metallic finishes are very trendy right now in modern kitchens. Use bronze, copper or stainless steel tiles or sheets for a splashback to reflect the colors in your countertops and give a feel of very high gloss to your design.
Match metallic light fittings and you'll pull the whole design together very successfully.
Stainless steel countertops are more common in modern kitchens because they are so hygienic and easy to clean, as well as blending well with stainless steel appliances, rangehood and light fittings.
You can add stainless steel cabinet hardware to complete the look.
Granite continues to be an extremely popular contemporary material for its looks and the way it is so durable. Second only to diamonds in hardness, a granite benchtop will outlast all else in your kitchen, and won't date!
Engineered stone for countertops continue to improve in aesthetic appeal and design. A new material is engineered quartz for countertops.
This is over 90% natural quartz combined with resin to produce a
highly durable material that is twice as strong as granite. This material is just being marketed in the USA.
Engineered quartz is non-porous and stain resistant, but you will need to protect it from very hot pots and pans. Different colors, finishes and textures are offered.
Cement, sand, stone, water and pigment combine to give a concrete for benchtops. It is resistant to scratches and heat. Concrete comes in a variety of colors and textures.
It can have decorative edges and incorporate sinks and draining boards. Concrete is stronger than most natural surfaces and if sealed, it is impervious to stains. It should be waxed every few months though.
Investigate these new materials for using in your kitchen for a fantastic edge. You'll love the results!
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