1. BLEND CONTEMPORARY AND RUSTIC DESIGN ELEMENTS
Though it may seem straightforward, it's important to approach a soft, yet modern kitchen with balance in mind. Blending contemporary and organic features works quite well in any space, but it takes a tasteful eye to get the ratio right.
2. BRING THE OUTSIDE IN
Naomi Neilson, founder and CEO of Native Trails, says she s this shift away from uber-modern kitchens as part of a larger interior design trend. With a growing interest in blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor areas of the home, homeowners and designers are both looking to natural elements that lend a bit more warmth to their space.
3. MAKE USE OF NATURAL MATERIALS AND TEXTURES
To get this balance right, look to organic, natural textures and materials that will envelop your space and add a touch of warm, welcoming charm. Richard Davonport, managing director at bespoke kitchen company Davonport, says this style of kitchen is 'all about' using texture in interior design. He explains that 'even the smallest elements should be carefully thought out' to ensure the best use of characterful design details.
4. KEEP THE PALETTE NEUTRAL AND LET TEXTURE ADD THE INTEREST
Elizabeth Sims, founder of California-based CALAFIA Home Design, agrees, sharing that her personal favorite textures to incorporate are 'stain-grade wood cabinetry, hand-painted ceramic tile backsplashes and real marble countertops.' She then lets these earthy textures inform the overall color scheme of the space.
5. BLEND MODERN CABINETRY WITH EARTHY TONES
Color scheme is key when designing any style of space, and a kitchen is no exception. Finding the right blend of earthy and contemporary can be tough, but designers say there's an easy reference point to turn to when curating the softer atmosphere: nature.
6. STRAY ON THE SIDE OF MINIMALISM
The key to getting the modern element of an softer, more organic modern kitchen down is sticking to a minimalist mindset, only introducing the colors, materials, and objects you need to thrive within your space: 'The secret to a welcoming modern kitchen is to not overcomplicate it. Keep things stripped back, simple and streamlined to allow the beauty of your natural materials to do the talking,' says Mike.
7. OPT FOR OPEN SHELVING
Open kitchen shelving ideas are growing in popularity, and its minimalistic, laid-bare look works great to blend modern with a softer, more characterful style. Floating or open shelves allow you to display your design accessories and organic modern details for all to see, plus allow for easy access to all the kitchen and hosting essentials.
8. DON'T OVERLOOK STYLE FOR FUNCTIONALITY
While modern do best when designed with minimalistic principles in mind, Mike says functionality shouldn't interfere with welcoming, inviting style. Even though the kitchen is meant to be one of the home's most function-forward spaces, it's important to pay attention to how the space feels to live in, as well.
9. EMBRACE THE NATURAL LIGHTING
If you're lucky enough to be designing your kitchen from scratch, make sure to integrate expansive windows and increase the natural light in your home. An integral part of nature, sunlight will open up your space and make it feel like a peaceful, awakening retreat. Richard Bubnowski of New Jersey-based Richard Bubnowski Design says to 'bring in as much natural light as possible' in an organic modern kitchen.
10. START WITH A FOCAL POINT
Christina suggests starting your design scheme by identifying an eye-catching focal point for the space. It's a solid rule of thumb to reference when designing any space, but particularly when blending a softer look with a modern kitchen, which benefit from natural simplicity.
11. GO FOR EYE-CATCHING SHAPES
A mixture of sleek, clean-cut lines and softer, more organic shapes makes for a stunning organic modern kitchen design, say designers. Mike suggests 'softening the clean lines typically associated with modern design' with 'irregularly shaped fixtures' like curved sinks or lush marble worktops.
12. PICK OUT HANDMADE ACCESSORIES
When it comes to accessorizing your near-finished kitchen, the same design rules apply. Look for natural textures and materials, and integrate an organic color palette throughout your space, even in the more minor details. 'Accessorizing is key – in this case display your wooden chopping blocks, earthenware and ceramics,' says Rushda.
13. SELECT METALS WITH LIVING FINISHES
For the fixtures, look to a metal with a living finish – one that will develop a lovely patina over time. Trish says this is a stunning way to introduce organic charm into a space that blends that aesthetic with modern sleek style.