Your kitchen might be just a part of your studio apartment or a huge open-plan space. However if you enjoy sleek forms, sufficient storage, and lots of personality,modern kitchen designwill help you create the kitchen of your dreams.

Spacious colorful modern kitchen

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While modern kitchens can incorporate various styles, they still share several characteristics. They value efficiency and functionality, which translates into energy-efficient home appliances and multi-purpose surface. Modern kitchens also go easy on decor, but in no way are they dull and devoid of character. And lastly, they opt fortimeless designsrather than ongoing trends.

To single out some of the trends that both experts and homeowners have consistently favored, open-space plans continue to dominatemodern designs. As a contemporary kitchen was integrated into the living space and became part of your home, not just the house, it is now a place for coming together and bonding during a meal and cooking alike.

open plan spacious kitchen

Image credit:blueprinthomes

What Makes a Kitchen Look Modern?

Modern kitchens are often accused of being sterile and lacking character. While even the luxury modern kitchen designs may place the focus on slender silhouettes and neutral tones, it doesn’t make them lifeless and boring.

If your kitchen size doesn’t allow for an open plan with a kitchen island, try to declutter the space as much as possible. There are a lot ofmodern small kitchen ideasto allow your kitchen to look stylish and inviting.

Small cozy bright kitchen

Image credit:karolina_niznik

When looking intomodern kitchen designideas, remember that a lot of contemporary trends tend to lose their freshness very soon. Farmhouse-style cabinets, checkerboard backsplash, or other similar trends will make your kitchen look outdated as soon as a new design gains popularity.

That’s why, unless you are ready to renovate your kitchen every time a new trend drops, we highly recommend going for more timeless options. However, this isn’t to say that you can’t incorporate some contemporary trends that truly speak to your taste. The only recommendation here is to do so in moderation and keep the overall kitchen design clean.

Let’s take a look at some of themodern kitchen ideasthat will inspire your kitchen remodeling and ensure that timeless look.

Open Space

Kitchen Island

It is difficult to overestimate the role of akitchen island. From a cooking surface to a dinner table, it is often the focal point of your kitchen. The central placement of an island is considered classic. However, there are various other visually interesting options. If your kitchen (or budget) doesn’t allow for an island, use a regular table instead or explore other kitchen island ideas.

Cozy kitchen with a island

Image credit:martinas_cosy_crib

Materials & Colors

Let’s paraphrase the famous saying and address the elephant in the kitchen: there is no such thing as one best color for yourmodern kitchen design. Many give preference to neutral colors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment. Moreover, a splash of color will bring your modern kitchen to life and prevent it from looking sterile. As to materials, natural wood, and metallic accents are here to stay and make your kitchen look like a piece of art.

Less is More

There used to be a time when covering every unused (and sometimes working) surface with a doily, arranging armies of porcelain figurines on the shelves, and generally over-decorating in every possible way was an acceptable trend. However, like any temporary trend, it stopped being relevant.

Again, this doesn’t mean your kitchen should be generic and stark, but moderation is key here. Choose one piece of art that perfectly sums up the vibe you want to achieve and display it proudly. As to the appliances, a lot of modern designs provide built-in or hidden appliance options.

30 Modern Kitchen Design Ideas

1. White Subway Tiles For The Backsplash

Versatile and easily combined with any color palette, thesemodern kitchen wall tileswill create a clean and timeless look for yourkitchen backsplash.

White subway titles in a bright kitchen

Image credit:myeclecticabode

2. Multifunctional Kitchen Island

Multifunctional islands work best in small apartments. Still, you can incorporate them into any kitchen, especially if you are going for a minimalist feel. A kitchen island withbanquette seatingcan double as abreakfast nookor a place for the entire family to gather around for a meal.

Spacious bright kitchen with a multifunctional island

Image credit:kitchencreationsdenver

3. Farmhouse Kitchen

If you are a big fan of thefarmhouse style, you can still make it work without getting outdated. Tryminimal decor, brass fixtures, and a monochromatic look for the best results.

Spacious farm style kitchen

Image credit:Francesca Tosolini

4. Secret Colors

If your kitchen has a pantry, consider painting its walls a vibrant color. The surprise reveal every time you open thepantry doorwill have the most impact if the rest of your kitchen is of a darker or more somber tone. Pair the bright walls with a stone floor and natural wood countertop for a classy look.

Colorful kitchen pantry

Image credit:artisancustomclosets

5. Multiple Wood Tones

Multiple different wood tones in a bright kitchen

Image credit:kaboodlekitchen

6. Skylight Opening

Natural light is always welcome in any part of your home, especially if you decide to go with a dark color scheme. If you have black, dark blue, or even dark wood cabinetry in your kitchen, a skylight opening will open up the space and give you plenty of natural light.

Spacious and bright kitchen with skylight

Image credit:beecraft81

7. Mid-Century Modern Kitchen

You can go with a mid-century interior design for your kitchen as long as you maintain clean lines and easy-to-navigate flow. White cabinets, faux leather stools, and brass fixtures create visual interest and a distinct mid-century vibe.

Mid-Century Modern Kitchen design

Image credit:annerogersinteriors

8. Beach Life

Beach style bright and spacious kitchen

Image credit:keeneyemarketing

9. Natural Light

If your kitchen has a patio, include it in your design. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors will let in lots of light and make your kitchen feel fresh and airy. A dining space on the patio will bring the two areas together even more. It’s perfect to enjoy a nice summer evening dinner outdoors.

Natural light filled spacious and bright kitchen

Image credit:kennedyco__

10. Monday Blues

A sure way to make your kitchen space feel fresh and clean, yet not dull, is to go for light blue paint. Combine it with a darker shade of blue for the chairs and white countertops to create a classic design.

Light blue colorful kitchen

Image credit:squareroomsmag

11. Elegant & Sleek

If you are looking for elegance, go with neutral tones and stainless steel for your range hood, bar stools around the island, and other fixtures. Opt for sleek and slender silhouettes to make the space feel unique and efficient.

Elegant and sleek modern bright kitchen

Image credit:amyel44

12. Monochromatic Design

Not only does the monochromatic design make your kitchen look more modern, but it also opens up asmaller spacethat would otherwise feel overcrowded with many details in the design. If you go for black cabinetry, appliances, and floor, break it up with white or cream-colored walls.

Monochromatic black and white Kitchen

Image credit:buildkomm

13. Statement Floor

Whenever a statement piece is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is either lighting, art, or even a kitchen island. However, bold floor tiles can create a statement that feels modern and unique. Tone down other decorations to give yourmodern kitchen tiles designthe full limelight it deserves.

Statement and colorful kitchen floors

Image credit:eurotilestone

14. Streamline Your Storage

It’s hard to underestimate the importance of storage in any kitchen. Streamlining cabinets and other storage facilities creates a clean and sophisticated look. Moreover, it’s a practical solution.

Smart storage room in brown kitchen

Image credit:cabinettreenj

15. Black is Your New Favorite Color

Going all black for a kitchen might not be a conventional choice, yet it gives your kitchen a modern and sophisticated vibe. Complement it with a lot of natural light and plants.

Matte black modern kitchen

Image credit:jozi_kitchens

16. Mix & Match

“Rustic” might not be the word you associate with a modern kitchen. But if you like this style, combining different materials will give you this result. Between wood tones, metal appliances, and a textile runner, your kitchen will look sleek yet simple.

Mixed styles and material kitchen

Image credit:cm.interiors

17. Statement Hood

Statement piece hood in a bright kitchen

Image credit:archwaysandceilings

18. Personal Touches

Nothing speaks modern like showing your personality in every corner of your home. Original kitchen island lighting, your favorite cookbooks on display, or customized cabinet pulls will bring individuality to your kitchen and make it an inviting space.

Personal touches in a unique designed kitchen

Image credit:homeandstone

19. Snow White

An all-white kitchen might sound sterile and the opposite of homely. However, it can create a timeless look that gives plenty of options for decor ideas.

white and bright kitchen

Image credit:mstormdesigninspo

20. Matte Finish

Mixing finishes can create a unique visual contrast. While a matte finish creates an exquisite look on its own, combining it with a glossier finish will enhance the effect.

Matte black designed kitchen

Image credit:wurfel.in

21. Black and White

An all-time classic color combination, a black and white kitchen will feel warm and inspiring. Whether you choose white marble countertops and black cabinets or vice versa, you can’t go wrong.

Black and white kitchen with pretty lights

Image credit:remingtonavenu

22. No Upper Cabinets

Skip upper cabinets to give your kitchen more air. Paint the base cabinets a color that contrasts the walls for a contemporary minimalist vibe.

Spacious no cabinet kitchen design

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23. Bright Accents

If you have a white kitchen, accentuating it with bright colors can add warmth and create an interesting visual solution. Whether it’sinteresting wall artor painted fixtures on built-in cabinets, this style is modern and visually appealing.

Brownish kitchen with wall art

Image credit:alvicusa

24. Go Minimal

If functionality is all you are looking for in a kitchen, you can skip kitchen decor and go full minimalism. Never feeling outdated, a minimal kitchen is a great example of combining style with efficiency.

Minimalist brown and white kitchen

Image credit:caesarstoneau

25. Pendant Light You Can’t Miss

Amongkitchen lighting ideas, a statement pendant light hanging over a marble island not only creates a stylish combination but also visually opens up the space.

Pendant lights in a spacious bright kitchen

Image credit:magnolia_lane_

26. On Display

Put your favorite cookbooks, decorative pieces, or framed photos on display. Mount a shelf above your backsplash that complements it in color or matches the warm wood of the cabinetry.

Framed pictures and many interesting things displayed in kitchen

Image credit:theroaringcreekhome

27. Industrial Feel

An industrial kitchen features strict lines and minimal decor yet allows generous space for creativity. Frombrick wallsand concrete floors to a black island and exposed pipes, it is full of personality.

Industrial style spacious, grey kitchen

Image credit:materialbank

28. Keep It Open

Keeping your kitchen space open and blended with the rest of the apartment works well not only in larger spaces but also in small apartments. Opt for a reserved palette and consider floating cabinet ideas.

Open spaced kitchen and living room

29. Galley Layout

Galley Layout bright kitchen

Image credit:rockwoodkitchens

30. Right In The Center

Give your kitchen the limelight it deserves! A central kitchen positioned in the middle of a living or dining room stands out. You can either coordinate it with the surrounding space or play with contrasts.

Open spaced room with a kitchen in the middle

Image credit:ernestonave

How Can I Modernize My Kitchen Cheaply?

Remodelings can take a significant toll on your wallet, so you might hesitate to start modernizing your kitchen right away. However, the good news is that there are ways to update your kitchen that don’t require a huge budget but will still make your kitchen look on top of the game.

Painting

Details Are Deal Breakers

Don’t Overdo The “Wow” Effect

Remember, not every piece of furniture, lighting, or decor in your kitchen should be a statement. If you have a pendant light over your kitchen island or dining table that immediately draws attention, go easy on the dining chairs. One great piece of art will stand out so much more if the walls around it aren’t completely covered with other decor.

Statement pendant light in a modern kitchen

Image credit:simone_anderson

The Kitchen Of Your Dreams

Refined, sophisticated, and inviting, themodern kitchen designhas the power to turn your kitchen from a place that was only used as a necessity into the most loved space in your household. With all themodern kitchen ideasto inspire your next remodeling, giving your kitchen a whole new life becomes an exciting project. Have fun renovating!

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