The concept of contemporary design is one that is, by definition, ever-changing. What counts as contemporary during one period might be given another name at some point in the future. Today, designs that fall into the contemporary category typically feature clean lines, lots of open space, a neutral color palette, and an overall vibe that would be considered “minimal”.
Against that backdrop, the kitchen created in Orange County, CA, by Makkan Design is as contemporary as it gets. Everything about this space is true to the current moment in the design world, as it is both an incredible showpiece and a functional kitchen. We’d like to use the space below to explore more about how this project came to life.
Clean Lines Take the Lead
If there is one single concept that rises above the rest in contemporary design, it’s the idea of using clean lines to create a clean and minimal aesthetic. It’s not that curved elements are completely banished from this school of design thought, but curves tend to be used only in moderation.
Looking around this Orange County kitchen makes this approach very clear. There are clean lines everywhere. The tiles used for the backsplash are long and are arranged in a herringbone pattern, meaning plenty of straight lines and right angles are seen on the wall. The cabinets are shaker style, which also adds straight lines, as does the millwork around the islands. Even the door handles and drawer pulls are relatively straight, as are the components that make up the light fixtures.
Even the countertops in this incredible kitchen contribute to the concept of using long straight lines in a minimal design. Two huge slabs were used to create islands that mirror each other. One island includes a sink, while the other is an uninterrupted slab perfect for preparing food or dining at the counter. The thick edges of these slabs and their sharp corners all speak to the goals of this design and how it worked out so perfectly.
Using the Signature SX2 Range Hood for Balance
So far, we’ve been talking about the emphasis on straight lines and how taking that approach leads to a modern, minimal space. That is all true, but it’s also true that too much of a good thing can go wrong. A kitchen with only those straight, plain elements might be a bit boring or cold, so something is needed to soften it up and add some extra visual interest.
In this case, it was the range hood that Makkan Design had custom-built by CopperSmith. We were asked to create a Signature SX2 Range Hood with a Brushed Stainless Steel finish and a smooth texture. The order also requested some lovely additional touches, including Polished Stainless Steel straps with rivets, and a pot rail.
To some extent, the choices made for this range hood order were in keeping with the modern feel of the rest of the kitchen. The brushed stainless, for instance, is a metal that is commonly seen in modern design. However, it’s the shape of the Signature SX2 that softens things up and provides a nice counterpoint to everything else. It has a gentle curve from top to bottom, getting ever wider as it goes down. That shape makes the hood one of the only curves in the whole kitchen, allowing it to stand out nicely and offer a bit of contrast.
Copper is a Contemporary Material
One of the amazing things about copper, and one of the reasons we love crafting custom copper range hoods for our customers, is the flexibility in design that it brings to projects. Copper can fit nicely in virtually any type of design, from rustic to modern and everything in between. Naturally, that makes it a great fit for a contemporary kitchen, as there isn’t any time period when this material will look out of place.
There isn’t a lot of metal used in this contemporary kitchen design, but the components that use metal were chosen strategically and tastefully. The light fixtures are a great example. They hang down over the second island and feature a minimalist frame in a gold tone. These specific fixtures were a smart choice because their open design allows for clear sight lines throughout the entire kitchen.
Quality Matters in an Upscale Project
Successfully executing an upscale kitchen design requires a number of things. First, it demands a great plan, which Makkan Design clearly nailed on this job. There should also be a number of bold elements included in the layout, which is another point that was managed successfully. In this minimalist kitchen, the range hood and huge island slabs stand out as bold elements that command attention, although the huge stainless steel fridge could be included in that discussion, as well.
Above all else, however, is the simple level of quality of everything used to create the kitchen. No matter how the design looks or what large features are included, it will fall flat if the quality isn’t there. In this case, of course, it is. Everything from the cabinetry and counters to the fixtures and range hood stands up to the expectations that one would have when walking into this type of kitchen.
A Point of Pride for CopperSmith
One of the best things about selling custom stainless range hoods is seeing our products land in amazing kitchens like this one. When we designed the Signature SX2 Range Hood, it was precisely projects like this that we had in mind. This is a grand, spacious kitchen, and we believe the SX2 is the best range hood idea for a large kitchen.
For designers and homeowners who need custom pieces that perfectly complement the rest of their design choices, CopperSmith is the easy choice. The quality of our products is never compromised, and with the ability to customize every last detail, the item you receive will be perfectly matched with your vision. CopperSmith would love to play a role in your new kitchen just as we did for this impressive project completed by Makkan Design!