What is a Modern Kitchen?
Neutral palettes, smooth surfaces and streamlined fixtures make up this minimalist look
Whether you’re tackling a kitchen remodel with the help of a kitchen designer, an architect or a contractor, being able to clearly define your favourite style will help get your project off to a smooth start. If you love clean lines, strong shapes and a minimalist aesthetic that keeps the emphasis on the architecture, modern style might be a good fit. Read on for the need-to-know details about this popular kitchen style, including key elements, colour palettes, fixtures and finishing touches.
Modern-style kitchens at a glance
Modern kitchens emphasise form and structure rather than surface ornamentation – think of smooth surfaces like concrete and steel, strong horizontal lines and plenty of open space. Here are some common elements to look for:
Modern kitchens emphasise form and structure rather than surface ornamentation – think of smooth surfaces like concrete and steel, strong horizontal lines and plenty of open space. Here are some common elements to look for:
- Frameless cabinets
- Clean-lined faucets
- Sleek hardware
- Horizontal lines
- Neutral, limited colour palette
What you won’t find in modern kitchens
Modern kitchens stay away from clutter, excess embellishments and heavy, traditional furnishings. And unlike contemporary kitchens, they avoid experimental shapes and trends. Here’s what you won’t see:
Modern kitchens stay away from clutter, excess embellishments and heavy, traditional furnishings. And unlike contemporary kitchens, they avoid experimental shapes and trends. Here’s what you won’t see:
- Cluttered surfaces
- Elaborate edge treatments on countertops
- Heavy, traditional furnishings
- Highly embellished millwork
- Trendy shapes, finishes and colour palettes
Neutral colour palette
The focus of a modern kitchen is on the architecture and structure of key elements, which means the colour palette tends toward crisp and clean white, subtle neutrals and black. When brighter colours do show up, it is often in the form of accessories.
Colours for modern kitchens:
The focus of a modern kitchen is on the architecture and structure of key elements, which means the colour palette tends toward crisp and clean white, subtle neutrals and black. When brighter colours do show up, it is often in the form of accessories.
Colours for modern kitchens:
- Neutrals. Dove grey, stone, wheat, cream, beige, putty
- Black and white. Architectural white, matte black
- Pops of colour. Fire engine red, navy blue, royal blue, chartreuse, teal
Flat-panel cabinetry
Frameless cabinets with flat-panel or slab doors have a minimalist look that is well-suited to modern kitchens. A flourish-free, linear design lets the beauty of natural wood grain or sleek cabinet pulls take centre stage.
Frameless cabinets with flat-panel or slab doors have a minimalist look that is well-suited to modern kitchens. A flourish-free, linear design lets the beauty of natural wood grain or sleek cabinet pulls take centre stage.
Design detail: Continuous backsplash
Backsplashes in modern kitchens are sleek and simple. Continuous materials like glass sheets, as shown here, and stone slabs offer a streamlined look and are also easy to clean – no pesky grout!
Backsplashes in modern kitchens are sleek and simple. Continuous materials like glass sheets, as shown here, and stone slabs offer a streamlined look and are also easy to clean – no pesky grout!
Minimalist faucets
Wall-mounted or single-handle faucets in polished nickel, chrome or matte black create a modern look. Pair your faucet with a simple stainless steel under-mount sink.
Shop for kitchen fixtures on Houzz
Wall-mounted or single-handle faucets in polished nickel, chrome or matte black create a modern look. Pair your faucet with a simple stainless steel under-mount sink.
Shop for kitchen fixtures on Houzz
Design detail: Concrete
The texture and coolness of concrete make it an ideal material in modern kitchens. Use it as a flooring material, as a countertop surface or even on the walls. Just be aware that concrete is very heavy — you’ll need to work with a pro to determine whether your home can handle the extra weight.
The texture and coolness of concrete make it an ideal material in modern kitchens. Use it as a flooring material, as a countertop surface or even on the walls. Just be aware that concrete is very heavy — you’ll need to work with a pro to determine whether your home can handle the extra weight.
Streamlined lighting
Modern kitchen lighting is clean-lined and sculptural. Look for pendant lights, recessed and integrated lighting in silver, matte black, wood or white. For a warmer look, opt for shiny gold or copper.
Find modern lighting
Modern kitchen lighting is clean-lined and sculptural. Look for pendant lights, recessed and integrated lighting in silver, matte black, wood or white. For a warmer look, opt for shiny gold or copper.
Find modern lighting
Finishing touches
In a modern kitchen, every detail matters. Add that perfect finishing touch with sleek counter stools, open shelving stacked with understated dishes, a gleaming teakettle or coffeemaker and simple canisters.
In a modern kitchen, every detail matters. Add that perfect finishing touch with sleek counter stools, open shelving stacked with understated dishes, a gleaming teakettle or coffeemaker and simple canisters.
Read more:
Design a Modern Kitchen That is an Extension of Your Home DecorModern Kitchen Designs: 7 Must-Have Accessories
Tell us:
Are you a fan of modern style? Describe or show us your favourite modern-style kitchen in the Comments!
Design a Modern Kitchen That is an Extension of Your Home DecorModern Kitchen Designs: 7 Must-Have Accessories
Tell us:
Are you a fan of modern style? Describe or show us your favourite modern-style kitchen in the Comments!
Freespace Design LLC