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Contemporary kitchens are an important part of any house. Meals are cooked there and the kitchen often serves as a social hub where people gather. A contemporary kitchen that is well designed will help to enliven the home, and guests and owners alike will appreciate the beauty and functionality of it. The key elements of a contemporary kitchen are layout, cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring and lighting.

Different layouts can be used for contemporary kitchens based on space and needs. The placement of the primary working areas of food storage, food preparation and cooking are the most important part of the layout. The work areas should be arranged in a triangle to increase efficiency and minimize walking distances. The island kitchen layout is very popular in contemporary kitchens because the island serves as one corner of the work triangle and helps the cooks and guests socialize.

Looks and function are the two most important aspects of cabinets to consider for a contemporary kitchen. Light woods are popular for the cabinets, including alder, ash, and birch. Whatever material is chosen should be durable enough to resist moisture, spills, scratches and heat in order to last a long time. Available space should be carefully measured to be sure cabinets are selected to maximize the utilization of space. Creative storage solutions are extremely popular in contemporary kitchens including base drawers and special corner units.

Contemporary kitchens usually have stainless steel appliances to add a modern and sleek look complementing the other materials. Placement and spacing is very important with appliances. Appliances should be placed with the work triangle in mind, with the storage and cooking appliances making up two corners of the triangle. The sink should be given the same careful consideration as the rest of the appliances. The sink, and especially the faucet, can add a lot to the look and usefulness of a kitchen.

Granite is the most popular material for countertops in contemporary kitchens because of its looks and durability. A variety of finishes and unique looks and patterns make granite popular among homeowners. Granite is quarried all over the world and the different geographic areas supply granite with a variety of colours and patterns of veins and speckles. Granite is also admired for its durability and few maintenance requirements. A countertop height of three feet is optimal for ergonomics and for kitchen tasks.

The material and pattern of the flooring is an important part of contemporary kitchens. The material should be beautiful and durable and installed with a high level of craft to ensure that it will be long lasting. Hardwood flooring is the most common because of its durability and variety of colours and grains. Harwood floors can be installed in strips, planks and parquet squares, and each can serve as a beautiful flooring surface. Some homeowners choose ceramic, marble, slate and bamboo in place of hardwood.

Lighting is a vital part of any contemporary kitchen design. Several types of lighting should be incorporated to maximize function and to make the space enjoyable. Ambient lighting gives the most brightness and general lighting to the space. Recessed lights or track lights are good examples to use. Accent lighting could be under cabinet lights to help focus light on task areas, or a simple hanging light focused on an area below.

Matthew Kerridge is an expert in home improvement. If you would like further information about contemporary kitchens and other types of kitchen or are searching for a trusted kitchen retailer please visit http://www.wrenkitchens.com