A modern-style kitchen is all about clean lines, minimalism, and functionality. If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen with a modern aesthetic, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from layout and cabinetry to appliances, countertops, and more. Read on for tips and ideas to create the contemporary kitchen of your dreams.

Choosing a Layout for Your Modern Kitchen

The layout of your kitchen will set the stage for the whole design. Here are some popular modern kitchen layout options:

Open Concept Kitchen

Open concept kitchens blend cooking, dining, and living spaces together in one large, cohesive area. This creates an airy, unified space that is conducive to conversation and connection while cooking.

• Remove walls separating the kitchen from adjacent rooms to create one large, open area.
• Use uniform floor materials like wood or tile throughout the space for visual continuity.
• Define different functional zones with changes in ceiling height, flooring patterns, or decorative beams or columns.

Galley Kitchen

Galley kitchen layouts feature two parallel sets of cabinets or countertops with an aisle in between. This efficient use of space is great for small to mid-sized kitchens.

• Optimize traffic flow and work triangle by placing stove, sink, and refrigerator along the same wall.
• Use glass cabinet doors and mirrors to create the illusion of width in narrow galley kitchens.
• Island, peninsula, or breakfast bar provides additional prep space and storage.

L-Shaped Kitchen

With cabinets running along two adjoining walls, the L-shaped kitchen offers both efficiency and ample prep space.

• Take advantage of corner storage solutions and include a corner sink if possible.
• Place appliances along the legs of the L to reduce steps during food prep.
• Include an island or peninsula to demarcate work zones if space allows.

U-Shaped Kitchen

The U-shaped kitchen wraps cabinets and counters around three walls for maximum storage and prep space.

• Position sink, stove, and fridge along back wall with prep zones on side walls.
• Left open, the U shape creates a natural traffic pattern. Close off with an island for more privacy.
• Glass cabinet doors help open up U-shaped kitchens, preventing a closed-in feeling.

Selecting Modern Kitchen Cabinetry

Kitchen cabinets set the overall aesthetic for your modern kitchen. Follow these tips for choosing stylish, functional cabinets:

Opt for Simple, Streamlined Designs

Clean lines and minimal ornamentation are the hallmarks of modern style. Avoid elaborate moldings and trims in favor of flat recessed or full overlay doors. Drawer cabinets and open shelving promote a lightweight, contemporary look.

Mix up Materials

While many modern designs favor sleek lacquered or thermofoil finishes, combining materials lends depth and visual interest. Try pairing stained wood or glass cabinets with high-gloss lacquer doors. Or mix wood species, like walnut and ash, within the same kitchen.

Consider Handle-less Designs

Recessed cabinet doors with channel grooves provide built-in grip points, eliminating the need for hardware. Concealed hinges and electronic latches reinforce the pared-down modern aesthetic. For a minimal but functional option, opt for discreet bar pulls.

Incorporate Interior Fittings

Take full advantage of every inch of space with sliding shelves, tray dividers, and other smart interior fittings. Dedicated cutlery organizers, spice racks, lazy susans, and pull-out waste bins improve organization and accessibility.

Light Up Interiors

LED strip lighting or puck lights installed on the top and bottom of the cabinet interior illuminate contents and eliminate dark corners. Opt for integrated lighting systems with dimmable, motion-activated, and night light settings.

Choosing Countertops for a Modern Kitchen

Durability, maintenance, and aesthetics should all inform your choice of countertop material for a modern kitchen. Consider these popular options:

Quartz

With the look of natural stone but more resilience and easier care, quartz countertops are ideal for modern kitchens. The non-porous material resists heat, scratches, and stains. Choose from hundreds of colors and patterns.

Concrete

Concrete offers a distinctly industrial, urban vibe perfect for modern kitchens. Today’s concrete countertops are sleeker and more refined than the utilitarian variants used in warehouses. Stains and imprints allow for customization.

Laminate

Affordable, durable, and available in nearly endless colors and patterns, laminate countertops have come a long way. Matte finishes better emulate natural materials like stone and wood. Use laminate for a bold, graphic countertop that makes a style statement.

Stainless Steel

A true original, stainless steel countertops evoke the gleaming aesthetic of retro diners and commercial kitchens. Use it sparingly as an accent or for high-traffic work stations. Match with stainless appliances for a cohesive metallic look.

Wood

Wood counters impart warmth and texture not found in many other materials. Opt for naturally water-resistant species like teak, ipe, and cedar or use moisture-resistant finishes on conventional hardwoods like maple or walnut.

Flooring for Modern Kitchens

From sleek and seamless to eye-catching geometrics, flooring plays a starring role in any modern kitchen. Consider these on-trend options:

Polished Concrete

The raw, industrial look of polished concrete fits right in with modern minimalism. Micro-toppings can impart extra durability along with varied colors and aggregates like glass chips. Use radiant heat for comfort underfoot.

Porcelain Tile

Get the look of stone, concrete, metal or wood with the durability and easy maintenance of porcelain tile. Large-format tiles with narrow grout lines lend a seamless appearance. Pair with radiant floor heating.

Vinyl or Linoleum

Don’t count out these classic resilient floors. New technology gives vinyl and linoleum floors the realistic look and feel of pricier counterparts. Both are waterproof, easy to clean, and comfortable underfoot.

Laminate or Engineered Wood

Wood brings natural warmth, but solid hardwood floors can fail in wet kitchens. Laminate and engineered wood flooring couples the beauty of real wood with moisture resistance and dimensional stability. Opt for textured surfaces to hide scuffs.

Cork

Sustainably-sourced cork offers a soft, comfortable walking surface that is naturally water and stain-resistant. Available in planks and tiles, modern cork floors often feature bold graphic motifs or inlaid geometric patterns.

Selecting Finish Materials

Finishing touches like backsplashes and accent walls let you add personality. Consider these materials to round out your modern kitchen design:

Tile Backsplashes

From sleek subway tile to intricate mosaics, tile backsplashes protect the wall behind sinks and ranges in style. Resilient, easy-to-clean ceramic and porcelain tiles suit kitchens. Accent with metal or glass tiles.

Poured Concrete

For an edgy, ultramodern statement, coat walls in a thin layer of concrete. Use molds to imprint 3-D patterns or trowel concrete freehand for one-of-a-kind texture. Embed items like marbles or sea glass into the wet concrete.

Metallic Accents

Add eye-catching shine with metallic finishes like nickel, copper, brass, or gunmetal gray. Try a statement-making metallic tile backsplash, bar counter, or accent wall. Even small touches like metallic cabinet hardware pack a punch.

Exposed Brick

Exposing original brick walls (or installing new veneer brick) brings vintage architectural charm to modern spaces. Whitewash or lightly stain brick to soften the look. Pair with crisp white cabinets and counters to let the brickwork shine.

Wood Paneling

Contrast the sleek surfaces of a modern kitchen with the warmth of wood paneling on one wall. Use muted stains and matte finishes to temper the traditional vibe. Favor linear panels over ornate raised styles.

Appliances for a Modern Kitchen

Sleek, streamlined appliances in a mix of finishes create an up-to-date look:

Refrigeration

Stainless French-door refrigerators pair well with cabinetry in other finishes. Undercounter refrigeration drawers are great for small footprint kitchens. Integrated cabinet-front refrigerators disappear seamlessly into custom cabinetry.

Ranges and Cooktops

Look for ranges and cooktops with minimalist controls and high-tech features like downdraft ventilation. Combine gas and induction cooking. Opt for wall oven cabinetry over a range for a streamlined look.

Dishwashers

Panel-ready dishwashers with hidden controls keep the focus on your design. Drawer dishwashers have a small footprint perfect for galley kitchens. Look for quiet operation and adjustable racks.

Microwaves

Tuck microwaves seamlessly into cabinetry by selecting built-in or over-the-range drawer models. Otherwise, opt for streamlined countertop models with touch controls and minimal exterior hardware.

Ventilation

Downdraft systems hide ventilation in the cooktop itself for flush installation. Chimney ranges place the hood directly behind the cooktop to improve ventilation. Island hoods dominate overhead while discreet under-cabinet hoods tuck in out of sight.

Lighting for a Modern Kitchen

Proper lighting sets the right modern mood and tasks:

Linear LEDs

Narrow, low-profile LED strips and tapes installed under cabinets, shelves, and countertops provide task-focused illumination exactly where it’s needed.

Pendant Lights

Suspended accent lighting draws the eye and helps to define separate kitchen zones. Keep it sleek with rows of matching pendants or make a statement with singular large or sculptural fixtures.

Recessed Ceiling Lights

Recessed downlights or adjustable accent lighting provide ambient and task lighting from above. New slimmer trim designs are less obtrusive.

Under Cabinet Lighting

In addition to under-cabinet LED strips, look for interior lighting systems that automatically illuminate contents. Lit cabinets appear to float, enhancing the streamlined look.

Storage Solutions for a Modern Kitchen

Creative storage keeps kitchens organized without clutter:

• Optimize corner cabinet dead space with lazy susans, vertical racks, or L-shaped pull-outs.
• Use full-extension drawers for easy access to contents in base cabinets along with rubberized interior mats to prevent slipping.
• Try open shelving or glass-front cabinets to showcase favorite wares while hiding small appliances and other unsightly necessities behind closed lower doors.
• Make use of all vertical space with staggered wall-mounted shelving and rails that hang utensils, cookware, and frequently used gadgets for easy access.
• Dedicate pull-out spice racks, knife blocks, and other specialized storage inserts to keep items organized.
• Use customizable pegboard systems for hanging tools and serving ware.
• Tuck small but essential items like oils, spices, paper towels and more in narrow wall-mounted storage rails.
• Opt for kitchen island designs with ample built-in storage like cabinets, shelves, and drawers.
• For open concept kitchens, incorporate a pantry closet or floor-to-ceiling shelving unit to corral provisions out of view.

Additional Elements for a Modern Kitchen

Final flourishes take your design to the next level:

Water Filtration System

An under-sink or above-counter filtration system keeps water pure while the sleek faucet design contributes to the overall modern look.

Smart Home Technology

Control ovens, lighting, and security feeds with custom tablet interfaces. Streamline everything from playlists to ventilation with integrated voice assistant technology.

Custom Artwork

Make a statement by commissioning original art or photographic prints rather than traditional kitchen art. Continue modern design motifs with bold geometry or clean lines.

Indoor Herb Garden

Dedicate counter space or shelving to housing a hydroponic herb garden for fresh garnishes and greens just steps from the stove. Choose self-watering planters for easy upkeep.

Bar/Wine Storage

Incorporate space for wine racks, beverage refrigeration, and barware. Under-cabinet stemware racks, wall-mounted wine racks, and integrated wine columns keep libations at hand without cluttering counters.

Your Guide to a Modern-Style Kitchen: FAQs

Still have some questions about designing your modern kitchen? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What are the most important elements of a modern kitchen?

Clean lines, maximum functionality, minimal ornamentation, neutral colors, natural materials, and integrated technology are key to the modern kitchen aesthetic. Focus on optimizing space and flow.

What colors work best in a modern kitchen?

White, black, and muted neutrals like gray, tan, and wood tones create a seamless backdrop that spotlights your design choices and allows brighter accents to pop. Avoid ornate wallpaper or strong primary colors.

How much does a modern kitchen remodel cost?

According to the 2021 Cost vs. Value report, a major kitchen overhaul costs an average of $70,197 and recoups about 70% of that at resale. Prices vary widely based on size, finishes, complexity, and location.

Should I remodel my kitchen myself or hire a contractor?

Kitchen remodels require electrical, lighting, plumbing, and potentially HVAC skills. Unless you have professional experience, hire a general contractor to manage the renovation. They have the experience and connections to get the job done right.

What are some ways to save money on my kitchen remodel?

Strategic DIY demolition, purchasing materials yourself, and providing your own appliances can lead to significant cost savings. Look for reusable and recycled materials like cabinets, lighting, and sinks to cut down on purchase costs.

How can I add modern style on a budget?

Focus on visible upgrades like new cabinet hardware, counter and backsplash materials, pendant lights, and accent walls or islands. Look for budget-friendly materials like laminate counters and vinyl plank flooring with modern styling.

Your Guide to a Modern-Style Kitchen: Conclusion

The clean lines, minimalism, and focus on functionality that define modern style kitchens provides a fresh, contemporary update ideal for modern lifestyles. Planning your layout, selections, and accents using the tips provided helps you create a gorgeous, efficient, and cutting-edge kitchen space personalized to your needs and taste. With smart planning and strategic investments, you can enjoy a kitchen remodeling project that provides stunning results without over-extending your budget. Use this guide to make the most of your modern kitchen remodel.