Kitchen Design Ideas

How to Clean Wood Countertops Walk into any kitchen showroom and you’ll see an astounding number of  countertop options .  Marble , granite, soapstone, wood . . . each has its selling points—and its own  cleaning  and maintenance needs. That’s why it’s critical to know what you’re signing up for before you buy, says Gus Retsinas of the  Manhattan Center for Kitchen and Bath . “Your countertop material must serve your design, but must be practical, too.” To keep any surface looking good, you’ll want to avoid scratching it and exposing it to heat (trivets are your friends!). Beyond that, heed these expert tips on how to clean countertops based on the material you have in your kitchen. Tools: Warm Water Distilled White Vinegar Nonabrasive cleaner (optional) Spatula or metal pastry scraper Microfiber cloths Lemon Salt Cleaning: To keep your wood countertops looking great, clean daily with a nonabrasive cleaner or a homemade mix of warm water with a splash of distilled wh

With their minimalist cabinetry, neutral color palettes, and metallic accents, these contemporary kitchens have a subtle elegance that will never go out of style. They blend aspects of modern design with other styles, including traditional and industrial, for a look that's current and sleek, but not sterile. A pop of color—whether it’s on the furniture, in a bowl of fresh fruit, or in a vase of flowers—ensures that these  contemporary kitchen  designs still feel warm and welcoming, as do big windows that let in the sun, an architectural  light fixture , or a piece of bold artwork or decor. Each of these 35 kitchens from the  AD archives is a lesson in restraint, from a bold Manhattan space by Jamie Drake to a crisp white design in Madrid by Isabel López-Quesada. Just a few decorative accessories (and zero clutter) on shelves and  countertops  let the smart mix of materials—and tonight’s dinner—shine. Click through to see contemporary kitchen design ideas that blend style and func