Fabulous Foodie Finds

Last year saw a rise in the love for vintage home and kitchen décor. And while the nomenclature of “classics” stands for a reason, it may not be for everyone. For those who have already lived through eras now regarded as “retro,” a contemporary spin may be what you need. If you’re looking for a modern take on your space, here are just a few ways you can achieve a gorgeous kitchen from this century.

The main component of modern home space is the practice of minimalism. Toning down the urge to fill the inches of counter space that meet the backsplash is a great place to start modernizing your kitchen. Declutter where and what you can, and instead opt for clean, open and neutral-toned surfaces and accents. If you’ve been thinking about adding an island to your kitchen, you may want to double-check the dimensions. Be sure to get something large enough to be functional in your home but small enough that it will not restrict movement or keep guests from socializing in the space with you.

Whether you’re looking for decorative, air-purifying or even a countertop herb garden, plants are a great way to decorate an otherwise minimalistic space. They also contribute to the growing (no pun intended) idea of increasing your connections with the outdoors. Keeping a few plants in your kitchen area is a great way to brighten up the room, especially for those in smaller, closed-off apartment spaces. This windowsill herb garden kit from Amazon is a great way to incorporate nature and flavor in your kitchen. Complete with seeds, reusable pots and bamboo labels, this is a great way to start with kitchen plants.

As folks become accustomed to staying home, what would before be a luxury is now a necessity. One of these is an instant hot water tap. No longer must you wait for the water to heat or boil as this modern necessity is ready when you are. If you’re looking for a cup of tea or coffee on the fly or even need hot filtered water for other household needs, this InSinkErator Instant Hot Water Dispenser has you covered. It has adjustable water temperature settings, from 170 to 200 degrees, and heats the water with electricity, which set up is ultra-easy.

Modernity rejects the matchy-matchy mindset of previous home design. From mixing two unlike colors to blending wood stains, opting for a two-toned cabinetry system is one way to make your kitchen look ahead of its time. Although it may pain you at first, blending two different colors or tones isn’t just modern, it’s art. Mixing the depth of darker colors with brights or lights can create a perfectly-you space that is great for all seasons of entertaining. This kitchen design idea from European Cabinets and Design Studio is an example of going dark with cabinets and light with flooring and wall color creates a sleek, modern spin to the room.

If you’re not into the idea of two-toned cabinets or you’re looking to add another modern layer to the design, mesh might be your ticket. Mesh doors for cabinets and cupboards create a hyper-modern feel as they borrow from the past and reclaim it now. They have a comparative look and feel to old-fashioned pie safes from the early 1700s, but with the modernized twist of industrial metal. This example from Traditional Home completes this modern trend and also includes the aesthetic of open cabinetry.