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The simplicity and openness of a modern kitchen makes a statement the moment you walk into the room. While modern is often confused and used interchangeably with contemporary, there are design elements specific to this style.
Modern design blends the stylistic characteristics of the industrial revolution and the 1950s, while contemporary refers to what’s trending. When you envision a modern kitchen — think simple and sleek with strong lines. Every kitchen feature should serve a function and there’s little to no room for ornamentation or decor.
As you start thinking about design elements, start with neutral modern kitchen cabinets. Whether you prefer simply white or shaker gray, your cabinetry will serve as a focal point in an otherwise clean and simple space.
Modern Kitchen Ideas
Below we outline elements that work together to create a cohesive modern kitchen. Read through as you start to think about and plan your own kitchen design.
Open Kitchen Layout
Modern homes use as few walls as possible and there’s no better way to celebrate the heart of your home than with an open kitchen layout. By opening up your kitchen to the adjacent space, it encourages interaction and creates an airy open feeling. The dining table or a big kitchen island can act as a functional buffer between the two spaces that’s ideal for entertaining, cooking, or dining. A connection between the kitchen and living space becomes a social area that your family and guests will love.
Flat Panel Cabinet Doors
Modern kitchen cabinetry should have no extra detail, raised panels, or moldings. Flat panel cabinet doors, or slab cabinets, are an obvious choice given the center of the door is flat rather than raised or contoured. The cabinets create clean horizontal lines throughout the kitchen that’s ideal if you want to modernize your space. Another lightly decorated option, if the slab style is too simple, are shaker cabinets.
Sleek and Simple Cabinet Hardware
Modern kitchen cabinets are often paired with sleek cabinet hardware that runs flush with the surface it’s attached to. Typically, it’s a simple horizontal or vertical pull bar that accentuates the lines of the cabinet. Full-length cabinet pulls are a great option that can handle drawer weight but also add to a minimalist aesthetic. Get creative with the color, metal, or material you choose. Options vary from stainless steel to copper or gold.
Lack of Ornamentation
The lack of decor is signature to a modern kitchen. While you might see patterns, bold colors, and mixed materials in a contemporary kitchen, you won’t in a modern design. Instead, minimal texture or color and sleek lines make little space for decoration. A simple glass, full-height backsplash and pale marble countertop are simple ways to add some depth or contrast to this style.
Rely on Natural Materials
A modern style kitchen is no frills, but when there is simple ornamentation, it tends to be through the use of natural materials. Natural elements like wood, stone, or metal tie your design seamlessly in with nature. Use the beauty of wood grain or the veining of marble in your The simplicity and openness of a modern kitchen makes a statement the moment you walk into the room. While modern is often confused and used interchangeably with contemporary, there are design elements specific to this style.
Neutral Color Palette
When planning your kitchen color scheme, aim for a neutral and classic palette. Color schemes that work well in a modern kitchen include black and white, gray and white, or brown and white. If a two-tone color scheme is too bland for your taste, consider including a colorful accent like red or olive green for your cabinet hardware or lighting.
Keep Accent Pieces Consistent
Unlike the eclectic style, kitchen accent pieces should be consistent in a modern design. Everything from your tables, chairs, bar stools, and lighting should be similar in their simplicity. Despite a sleek and clean aesthetic, feel free to add a dash of color into your design. If you decide to pull in red bar stools, for example, tie in red dinnerware to keep it consistent.
Industrial Design Elements
The stark nature of industrial elements turns any kitchen into an instantly modern space. Elements range from subtle to dramatic. Untreated concrete walls or flooring, pale countertops, and brushed steel elevate the look. Use the existing space to your advantage by leaving exposed brick, an overhead skylight, or metal piping visible.
Modern Appliances
We depend on technology to make our lives easier and it can help enhance the function and ease of your kitchen too. Look for sleek or stylish electronics such as high-performance hoods and a built-in coffee maker to incorporate into your modern kitchen. A double wall oven or electric range comes in handy if you have a big family or entertain often. Appliances can help transform an old outdated kitchen to a culinary space you will want to spend time in.
Modern Kitchen Lighting
Luckily, with a modern design style, you have plenty of options to illuminate your space. Choose the lighting that works best for your space. Light the key areas above your kitchen island or countertops with recessed lighting or statement pendant lights. Under cabinet task lighting is also an option if you need extra light on your workspace to prepare meals, read recipes, or spot ingredients. Avoid anything too flashy or over the top to not distract from the simple design style.
If you’re looking to transform your kitchen into a modern design, a remodel is often the most effective way to get an authentic look. Everything from the layout to the cabinets and lighting works together to achieve the consistency and cohesiveness of clean lines that is so important to a true modern kitchen.
More Design Ideas
