Modern kitchen design embraces the clean lines of sleek appliances, furniture and materials. It can range from modern rustic to strict contemporary, but all rely on functionality and a minimal aesthetic.
One of the most common elements in a modern kitchen is a flat-panel door style. Also known as slab doors, they lack the face frame of traditional cabinetry for a cleaner look.
Two-Tone Cabinets
Modern two-tone cabinets can have a huge impact on your kitchen’s style. This design feature draws your eye upward, which can make small spaces feel larger and allows you to show off a gorgeous wood or stone floor without overshadowing it. Depending on the color scheme you choose, you can even tie your cabinet colors into your flooring or backsplash to create an all-over cohesive look.
Light or pastel colored uppers paired with darker lowers is a common choice for a modern two-tone cabinet color scheme. Dark colors can be used in smaller spaces, too, as they help define the space and add depth to the room.
Natural wood is a popular cabinet material for modern kitchens, especially in conjunction with a neutral shade. This kitchen by Commune Design features a mix of natural wood cabinets and a pale blue with frosted doors to showcase the stunning wood grain. The slab door style is also a nod to the streamlined modern aesthetic.
Floating Shelves
Achieve a clean, modern look with floating kitchen shelves that bridge the gap between wall and cabinetry. These slim corner shelves fit snugly into the space to create a neat appearance that maximizes room for other items. The white color matches the rest of the kitchen for a cohesive effect.
You can choose to display decorative items on your open shelving or use it for practical purposes. For example, line up a stack of plates next to each other for an easy way to grab a plate when entertaining guests. Alternatively, you can put glasses and mugs on the shelves to keep them organized.
Floating shelves can come in many shapes and sizes, so you can find the right one to fit your style. Opt for a sleek version that floats on the wall and appears to be invisible for a streamlined look or go with living edge wood shelves to create an organic vibe.
Built-In Work Station
Create a stylish home workspace that blends seamlessly into your kitchen design with custom cabinetry that matches the rest of your space. This nook from Molly Caitlin Interiors is part of an overall renovation and features antique-mirrored doors that fold open to reveal storage for papers, electronics, and other office clutter. Shelves for baskets of fabrics and ribbon spools add eye-catching organization, while a library light above brightens the area.
A bulletin board over a desk makes for a practical and pretty way to keep track of bills, grocery lists, field trip permission slips, coupons, or anything else that might otherwise get lost in the shuffle. For a more elegant look, frame the board in a picture ledge.
Make the most of a small nook or corner with a sleek floating desk that sits on a decorative pedestal. White built-ins with nickel bin pulls and a collection of mason jars reinforce this cozy kitchen’s vintage style.
Coastal Goes Contemporary
Modern kitchens often tread on the edge of being boring and lifeless if they don’t include design elements that add a bit of character. Bright color, for example, can instantly elevate a simple palette. Here, a bold pop of purple counter stools and an abstract piece of art elevate this modern kitchen while maintaining a clean, neutral aesthetic.
Light wood tones and reclaimed materials also make a modern kitchen feel more authentic and livable. This coastal kitchen from Decus Interiors achieves a breezy, sandswept look with a soft palette and materials that evoke lazy lapping waves. Discreet matte black cabinet pulls and hardware, as well as a brushed nickel faucet, balance the warm tones in this space.
Another trend that’s easy to spot is the use of handleless cabinets. These cabinets feature rails instead of handles that create a gap that you can push or pull to open them. This style is popular for contemporary kitchen designs because it helps establish a minimalist look.modern kitchen design
