Once just the humble cooking area, the kitchen is now one of the most important parts of any property and can often be regarded as the social hub of the home. Whether you are lucky enough to have a large farmhouse kitchen or your kitchen is more compact, it isnt always easy to know how best to make the most of your kitchen space. However, a few helpful pointers can make all the difference. Once you have an idea of how you would like your kitchen to look, you have two choices. The first is to purchase everything separately and have your new kitchen constructed. The other, easier option is to buy a fitted kitchen and arrange to have it installed. If you want your kitchen to have a modern feel, consider using a rich colour scheme. Whereas traditional fitted kitchens focus on wood and similar muted tones, modern designs are not so restricting. Wood can still be used but other materials and paints mean colours need not be so limiting. Reds and oranges can often be used to create a warm, rich atmosphere. This sort of style is similar to the traditional Mediterranean style of decoration. Contrast can also be used to good effect, most commonly by placing contrasting tiles over a wall or by a simple contrast between units and the floor. Contrast can be between any colors, so there is a flexible choice. For example, a dark material, such as marble granite or mahogany, can be used for surfaces and contrasted with a light wall color. However, dont forget that the modern kitchen is also about practicality so, whilst you are focusing on its design, make sure you dont compromise on its usability.