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Dear Linda,
Thank you so much for your energy, ideas and promptness in redoing our kitchen. You were a delight to work with. |
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| Woman's Day Kitchens & Baths | |
| 6
Beautiful Kitchens - Vol. VIII, No. 2 Classic Contemporary Warm woods mixed with handcrafted tiles play against the gleam of steel and stone, softening the edge of modern design. In the world of kitchen design, the word "contemporary" usually describes modern decor. At one time, this meant a room devoid of softness and ornament, a cold space with hard edges and shiny finishes. The kitchens featured on these pages are examples of a contemporary style that draws on a mix of traditional elements to soften the hard edges of modern design. This includes practical surfaces, energy-efficient appliances and an emphasis on earth-friendly materials. Each kitchen features a rich diversity of design elements and its own special mix of materials. The result is a combination of contemporary appeal, timeless quality and craftsmanship. Modern design was born as a reaction to fussy, crowded late Victorian rooms. The proposed antidote was an interior drawn in a few swift strokes and made of flat, modern materials. A home would be a straightforward machine for living, with each room a precise cog. But that concept has grown and mellowed over the decades. As the kitchens on these pages suggest, many designers and homeowners today still love the strong forms, crisp materials and clean outlines of modern design. But they're not afraid to mix in warm, traditional elements and classic surfaces to soften the look. Today's "contemporary" decor expresses how we live in the present-and an easy eclecticism is the hallmark of design in this age of modern materials. Many homeowners equate contemporary design with sleek, clean, reflective surfaces, such as stainless steel, glass or polished stone And indeed those materials can underpin a room that is stylishly light-catching and glamorous. Modern design in a kitchen can also lean heavily on high-tech industrial elements, as seen in the recent trend toward professional-style appliances and cookware. Many of today's kitchens have open floor plans that accommodate large appliances for the novice and serious cooks. Smooth, seamless surfaces create practical workspaces that can be easily cleaned. Shiny finishes may call for extra maintenance; for easier care, a brushed or matte finish surface, especially stainless steel, works well. The opposite is true for wall treatments: A smooth high-gloss finish is easier to wipe down. Contemporary style appeals to those who are ready for a new look. Modern design gives you a chance to be different, creative and a little offbeat. The results are exciting, efficient and timeless kitchens that will work well into the future. |
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