1. Writing desk

These are minimalist, open desks with minimal storage and a large desktop. Writing desks are perfect for placing along a wall or in the middle of a home office floor. This design is better suited for a laptop than a desktop computer for office work. The direct, conservative styling works elegantly in nearly any space.

The Latest Trends in Kitchen Sinks

Kitchen sinks have come a long way. Today’s sinks are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, and can include a wide range of accessories, including cutting boards, utensil trays, drying racks and colanders. Homeowners are opting for large, single-basin sinks rather than double sinks to make room for bulky pots and pans. The primary sink is often accompanied by a smaller prep sink.

Self-Rimming Sinks: Tried and True

Available in stainless steel, porcelain and enameled cast iron, self-rimming or drop-in sinks are the most popular type of sink and the easiest to install. The sink’s weight is supported by a rim that extends above the countertop surface. Durable, affordable and easy to clean, stainless steel is the most popular material for kitchen sinks.

Undermount Sinks: A Growing Trend

Undermount sinks, which are installed below the countertop, offer a seamless look and allow for easy countertop cleanup. This type of sink can only be used with solid-surface countertops, such as granite, marble or composite. Enameled cast iron, another popular material for kitchen sinks, is an affordable option available in a wide range of colors.

Integrated Quartz Sink: Seamless Design

Many quartz composite countertop manufacturers offer integrated kitchen sinks with their countertops, creating a sleek look and a seamless transition for easy cleanup.

Porcelain Apron Sink: Country Flair

Meant to resemble sinks from historic farmhouses, apron sinks add timeless appeal to a kitchen. Apron sinks are available in a wide range of materials, including porcelain, stainless steel and copper.

Integrated Marble Sink: High-End Appeal

Like quartz composite countertops, natural stone countertops can feature seamless, integrated sinks. This kitchen’s marble countertops and integrated sink add modern flair, while the seamless design makes it easy to clean.

Bamboo Apron Sink: Exotic Alternative

If you want to give your kitchen a more unique appearance, look beyond typical materials like stainless steel and enameled cast iron. This bamboo apron sink is constructed from fully matured Moso bamboo with SGS-certified safe binding adhesives and a water-resistant topcoat.

Prep Sinks: Functional and Stylish

More and more homeowners are supplementing their primary kitchen sinks with food preparation sinks, which are available in a variety of shapes and styles. This crescent-shaped sink is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing, with its curved design and dual drains.

Iron Island Sink: Industrial Design

Made of enameled cast iron, this modern island sink offers a sleek design and a strong, heat-resistant surface.

A cooktop is a great option for adding beauty and value to your kitchen. Cooktops are cooking stoves that are independent of an oven. These smaller appliances can add versatility to a kitchen, because you have a choice to place an oven at some place other than under the stove, as seen in traditional ranges. Cooktops can be categorized according to the use of gas or electricity, ventilation type and appearance.

1. Gas Cooktops

Gas cooktops operate on natural gas or propane. These cooktops are popular among serious cooks who appreciate the preciseness and control offered by gas. Burners on gas cooktops are generally more difficult to clean, but newer cooktops feature smooth cooktop surfaces that are easy to maintain. Gas cooktops also offer the advantage of visual monitoring of the flame.

2. Electric Cooktops

Electric cooktops function on electricity, and are more environmentally friendly when compared to gas cooktops. You can reduce the temperature to lower levels as compared to a gas cooktop. These cooktops are available in coil version, or the more sophisticated smooth top type. The main drawbacks of electric cooktops are that they lack the control offered by gas cooktops, the cooking surface is slow to heat up or cool down and these appliances require the use of flat-bottomed cookware.

3. Induction Cooktops

Induction cooktops function on electricity as well, but unlike standard electric cooktops, these appliances use electromagnets as cooking elements. The electromagnets are placed under a smooth cooking surface, and generate resistance when electricity passes through them. This resistance heats up the magnetic cookware that is placed on the cooking surface, which remains cool during the cooking process. The use of non-magnetic cookware will result in a waste of electricity, as there will be no heat transfer involved. Induction cooktops offer the best features of gas and electric cooktops, and are the most environmentally friendly alternative as well. The drawbacks are the high price and the requirement of flat-bottomed magnetic cookware.

4: Cooktops with Overhead Hood

Most cooktop use an overhead hood to draw in the heat and smoke during cooking. Overhead hoods take up space that can be used for counters or overhead equipment. However, they do a good job at ventilation.

5: Downdraft Cooktops

Downdraft cooktops are appliances that use counter-level exhaust fans. The fan may be installed in the cooktop itself, behind the burners, in the center, or on the side. You can also install a separate fan next to the cooktop. Downdraft cooktops eliminate the need for an overhead hood. However, they are not as efficient at pulling in fumes and smoke as the traditional overhead hood.

6: Coil Type Cooktops

Coil cooktops are the sturdy, traditional version of cooktops. These cooktops require more effort to clean, because spills and stains can be difficult to access.

7: Smooth-top Cooktops

Smooth-top cooktops feature smooth cooking surfaces, generally made of ceramic glass. These cooktops are easy to clean because the surface is smooth and even. However, these cooktops are higher in price, and are not as tough as the coil versions. A heavy item falling on the surface can cause scratches or breakage.

10. Sectional Sofa

Function is the main attribute promoted by modernism, and the sectional sofa’s modular components highlight it well. This practical design combines end and corner units, ottomans, recliners and/or chaises.

Sectional sofas are a good option for contemporary rooms with high ceilings or lot of windows. They are also great for filling up large spaces, especially in formal areas; they aren’t the best choice for small interiors or powerful personalities.

9. Mid-Century Modern Sofa

The term mid-century modern describes a significant design movement from roughly the mid-1930s to 1965. The sofas attributed to this style usually have a streamlined form with low, often square legs. However, expect many variations.

It is fair to say that when it comes to mid-century modern (MCM) sofas, few rules apply. You may recognize them for their retro appearance, use of organic shapes and powerful geometry. One thing is certain: if properly integrated in a modern interior, their look will surprise and inspire.

8. Bridgewater Sofa

Elegant, casual and comfortable, a Bridgewater sofa is ideal for conversing or watching a movie with friends. In today’s design schemes, it adds a welcoming touch with its softly rolled back, low set-back arms and heavily padded cushions. This style is also known as a birch-arm or English three-seater. Its powerful British heritage is highlighted by a skirt that conceals the feet.

7. Knole Sofa

Sofas did not exist before the 17th century; benches were used on a large scale instead. The Knole sofa dates to the early 1600s, when an upholstered settee was ordered for Knole, a historic English house. The classic style can be recognized by its straight, high back and angled adjustable arms (in the old days, they were used as protection from drafts).

Finials wrapped in cords traditionally connected the back and arms. Even though the popularity of the style has decreased, you can still find Knole sofas in modern houses, adding a charming classic touch.

6. English Rolled Arm Sofa

Probably the coziest sofa type you will come across, the English rolled arm (or club) sofa dates to the turn of the century and has a British countryside vibe. Some of the features include a tight back; soft, generously sized cushions; recessed arms; and low turned legs on casters. It can do wonders in contemporary decor, adding that touch of warmth that modern homes need.

5. Tuxedo Sofa

Borrowing its name from the town of Tuxedo Park in New York, the tuxedo sofa is considered one of the hints signaling modernism in the 1920s. The style is defined by arms the same height as the back (usually taller than other sofa designs mentioned in this post), inspiring glamor and elegance.

The first versions of the sofa came with a single row of tufts and exposed legs. Pillows are optional but add comfort, especially to a couch with high arms.

4. Lawson Sofa

The fourth type of sofa on our list is attributed to Thomas W. Lawson, an American businessman and author who commissioned the model for extra comfort. The first Lawson sofa in history came with a back layered in pillows and overstuffed.

Today, you can recognize a Lawson by three back cushions and arms lower than the back (slightly rolled or square). But expect to see many different models on the market. You can find textile and leather finishes and various embedded materials, including metal and wood.