Contemporary design is all about sleek, open, calm and functional spaces, with room for personal style. Clean designs, neutral colour palettes and metallic accents are some of its key features.
Here are 12 modern kitchen design trends that represent this sleek, innovative look. Whether you want something bright and quirky or muted and sophisticated, these contemporary designs will inspire you to start your own kitchen remodeling project.
12 Modern Kitchen Design Ideas to Inspire You
From colour-pop cabinets to wicker stools and funky light fixtures, these modern kitchen design ideas will inspire you to create something unique.
- Go for the All White Look
Nothing says contemporary like all white. Bright, luxurious and airy, this simple yet effective design makes a real style statement (as long as you keep it clean). Black stools and faucets break the monotony, while the fine grey veining throughout the kitchen island adds interest to the space. You can also add some greenery and flowers to uplift the overall mood and appearance of your all-white kitchen.
- Use Blue Grey Pastels
If you don’t like all-white but want something muted and eye-catching, go for this blue-grey pastel colour scheme. These tones have a warm, homey feeling that goes well with modern decor. The shade is just right – neither too pale nor too bright. Pair with muted gold accents (faucets, flower vases and cabinet drawer handles) for a dose of contrast and interest. Add low-hanging pendant lights, some greenery and pastel cookware for the perfect modern look.
- Consider Chandeliers
Not many people think of hanging a chandelier in their kitchen but this unique idea works wonders for an open cooking space. The cookware and appliances are neatly integrated into cabinets, while the dining table takes centre stage, with the chandelier hanging above. A standalone wooden cupboard adds character to an otherwise empty space. Consider this neat and perfect kitchen setup for family dinners and get-togethers.
- Invest in Matte Cabinetry
Effortlessly chic and sophisticated, matte finish cabinets are becoming popular in contemporary kitchens. They look more consistent than glossy ones because there’s no reflected light to make some areas of the cabinet appear darker. Scratches, fingerprints, and other imperfections are also less noticeable. Pair them with mirrored backsplashes and sleek pendant lights for a statement contemporary look.
- Use Country-Style Décor
Dark wooden floors, grey walls, pastel cabinets and metal cookware give an angular twist to an otherwise soft country-style kitchen design. These blonde wooden furnishings give texture and character to the space, while the open shelves, island and suspended utensil holder make everyday items more accessible.
- Add Colour-Pop Cabinets
The best thing about contemporary kitchen designs is that you can experiment with bright colours, while still using neutral shades. These bold, midnight blue cabinets are just what you need to break the monotony of white countertops, walls and backsplashes. The open wooden shelves and bright gold hardware add to the modern vibe.
- Include Wicker Stools
Available in a range of colours and designs, wicker stools fit seamlessly into almost any interior design. Since most wicker chairs and stools come with customizable cushions, getting the perfect accessories is easy, too. If you’re worried about your wicker furniture being damaged by heat or moisture, go for UV-treated resin-moulded models that look so much like real wicker that you won’t notice the difference.
- Choose a Two-Tone Cabinet Design
Dual-toned cabinets are a popular kitchen design trend that fit best in a modern setup. As in this image, white and sage green cabinets with huge horizontal frames give the space a visual dimension. An integrated cook top on one side and a high arc faucet with a stainless steel sink on the other enhance the kitchen’s modern look.
- Go for Balanced Woodwork
This U-shaped contemporary kitchen design features wall cabinets made with white laminates and base cabinetry made of blonde wood veneers. The wood breaks the monotony of white and adds warmth to the space. The drawer handles are sleek and simple, keeping in mind the clarity of design. An integrated space for appliances like microwaves and coffee machines keeps bulky items off the countertop.
- Use a One-Wall Layout
Perfect for small spaces, this one-wall layout incorporates everything you need in a kitchen without compromising on looks or functionality. The base and overhead cabinets are ideal for storing everything from linens to serving dishes, while the kitchen island features the sink and cook top. This minimalist and compact kitchen design is a wonderful example of how to make the most of a small space and keep everything organized.
- Get Creative with Your Backsplash
A quick and effective way to give your kitchen a modern upgrade is to recreate the backsplash design. Instead of using regular tiles, consider reflective materials like metal or mirror, or even ceramic, marble, or stone. In this exemplary modern kitchen design, steel-finish ceramic tiles add a touch of glam to the space, while the bluish-grey cabinets perfectly match its contemporary theme.
- Use a Monochrome Colour Scheme
Monochromatic kitchens are primarily decorated in one colour, often with diverse shades, patterns or textures. Go for cabinets in one colour and countertops and/or backsplashes in the same colour family. You can also match the lighting fixtures, appliances, sinks and faucets. You can also choose a contrasting monochrome scheme, which is a rather modern take. For this, you need to divide your kitchen into different sections and then choose a specific colour palette for each. This gives your modern kitchen a unique and interesting look.
Kitchens are certainly one of the most used (and abused) rooms. Foot traffic, food spills, smoke stains and general wear and tear are just some of the factors that can damage even the most well-maintained kitchen. Hire professional kitchen renovation contractors to keep the space looking fresh and updated. Take inspiration from these modern kitchen design ideas and mix and match them to create what you need.