Designing a modern Kitchen: ideas, concepts, and tips

To create natural flow, modern kitchens embrace simple lines and geometric shapes. Horizontal lines in particular are used a lot to draw the eye effortlessly from one detail to another. To leverage this kitchen design element, you’ll need to avoid visual clutter in the layout and furniture. A kitchen designer will be able to recommend designs without too much embellishment that are soft and comforting to the eyes. 

Beyond visual appeal, kitchen layouts must be practical. To do this, you’ll need to optimize your kitchen triangle. The food prep space, the designated sink for washing produce and the fridge should all be positioned in logical places to reduce the number of trips back and forth. In most cases, the size of your kitchen will limit your kitchen layout options. 

• For long and narrow kitchens, consider the one-wall kitchen layout. All of the elements, from cabinets to appliances, will be placed along one wall. If there’s a fair bit of space between the two walls, you can also go for a galley kitchen. 

• If you have a medium square kitchen, opt for an L-shaped kitchen layout with cold elements on one wall and hot elements on the other. 

• Spacious kitchens and U-shaped kitchen layouts are a match made in heaven! You can split up the workspace while keeping it ergonomic. You can even add a dining table to make it more inviting.

2. Build plenty of cabinets and storage

Kitchen islands are a must-have in modern design. Not only do they give you the option to open the kitchen up to the living or dining room, but they also make your kitchen feel less cramped. From permanent fixtures to tables on wheels that you can stash when not in use, islands are incredibly versatile and can easily be adapted to your needs. 

Depending on your kitchen’s original layout and how you use it, it could house your baking sheets, your oven and your sink, or be a convenient work surface. Add a few shelves on the side and some stools and you gain extra storage plus an additional gathering space! Whether you go with something removable or permanent, an island fits perfectly into modern kitchen design due to its adaptable materials and multiple layout possibilities.

For more information on designing the perfect kitchen island, check out our video:

4. Choose the right modern kitchen backsplash 

From high-gloss glass options to metal tiles with industrial vibes, you’ll find a wide array of choices when looking for the perfect modern kitchen backsplash. Clean lines, structure and a no-fuss cleaning ritual are key characteristics to look out for.

When it comes to colour, white is an obvious choice because of its minimalistic look. However, if you’ve opted for white modern kitchen cabinets, then choosing a dark-coloured backsplash will add some much-needed contrast. 

On the flip side, dark kitchen cabinets look beautiful against a lighter-coloured backsplash. You can opt for a solid marble look or stick with more traditional white subway tiles.

5. Find a modern kitchen sink

Modern kitchen sinks go far beyond their practical uses and have become an aesthetic focal point. These sinks are chic but simple. While they may use elegant materials such as fireclay, copper, or granite, overall the sinks should have a minimalist feel.

There isn’t one style of sink that’s deemed ‘modern’ but some styles fit the aesthetic better than others. For example, you probably won’t find a traditional farmhouse sink in a modern kitchen, but you’ll definitely see plenty of undermount sinks. Undermount sinks are, as the name implies, mounted underneath the countertop. This mode of installation gives the sink a clean, almost hidden look that’s perfect for modern décor.

If your kitchen has a large island, then installing a small bar sink will help you create functional spaces. Bar sinks are ideal for meal prepping and quick hand washing, allowing you to save the main sink for larger tasks like dishwashing. To keep in line with the modern look, opt for a bar sink in a sleek colour like black or gold.

6. Select modern kitchen flooring

Modern kitchens often combine Mid-Century elements with Scandinavian style–this gives you plenty of options when considering which type of flooring to use in your renovation. As always, simple design and clean lines are encouraged. With that in mind, modern kitchen floor tile is one of the best options. Not only is tile easy to clean and maintain, but you can also take advantage of different tile layouts to elevate a neutral colour palette. For example, wood-look tile laid in a herringbone pattern is a fun way to add warmth and visual depth without straying too far from the modern aesthetic. This technique works well with any tile, including porcelain and ceramic which are ideal kitchen flooring materials due to their durability and ease of cleaning.

If you’re looking to mix the traditional elements of modern kitchens with a touch of industrial style, then you’ll surely be intrigued by terracotta tile. This rustic orange tile gives off an exposed brick look and pairs beautifully with the white and black elements often found in modern kitchen design. Terracotta is an easy way to add warmth without using wood.

7. Opt for a modern kitchen countertop

Modern kitchen countertops are simple, durable and stylish. Marble slabs are an obvious aesthetic choice but don’t worry–if your budget is tight, you don’t need to blow it all on natural stone. There are plenty of suitable alternatives including quartz, concrete and engineered stones that would fit the bill just fine. While marble is beautiful, it’s also costly, stains easily and chips easily. Going with imitation stone will save you money and cut down on maintenance in the long run.

Of course, whichever material you choose for countertops will likely be used to create a modern kitchen island as well. To really elevate your island to a chic new level, opt for a waterfall edge. It gives a cohesive feel and adds a touch of elegance.

8. Choose neutral but enveloping tones

Classic modern kitchen design uses monochromatic colour palettes as much as possible. Avoid using lots of different colours and instead opt for neutrals in large areas. For a bit of contrast, add light touches of more saturated colours on backsplashes, cupboards or decorative items. 

Most surfaces should be in colours reminiscent of natural materials (wood, stone, charcoal…). White will also help–it adds a lot of brightness to a space and can be paired with chrome or metallic finishes. When all the colours go well together, it creates a bright and sophisticated look!

9. Add modern kitchen accessories with purpose

Modern kitchen design focuses on the details. Lately we’ve seen a shift towards sleek, delicate accessories, such as cabinet handles and brass faucets. As we ditch the unnecessary in favour of clean lines and simple surfaces, this lack of visual clutter is important. It helps the eye focus. 

Small appliances also have a role to play in the aesthetic. They’ll complement the overall kitchen style. On the other hand, if you go with a more industrial and unfinished look, they’ll add some cachet to your space. 

Of course, no modern kitchen would be complete without updated features. The kitchens of tomorrow combine form and function, meaning that even everyday accessories are durable and serve more than one purpose. Sinks expand to make room for a colander or cutting board, hidden compost bins cut down on landfill waste. Take it one step further and you can have a smart kitchen with the latest tech. Lighting, appliances, and even garbage cans can be controlled by your phone!

10. Add enough light in the kitchen design

Lighting is another integral part of any successful home design, even more so when it comes to the kitchen. There’s nothing more depressing than cooking in a bleak atmosphere, especially if you have to squint while chopping vegetables. 

Modern lighting styles emphasize clarity, geometric shapes and elegance. The goal is to imitate natural light to make the space brighter and warmer. A good place to start is architectural lighting, which accentuates features like arches, beams, and staircases. For example, you could install LEDs on your kitchen island to create shadows or add them to existing chandeliers to enhance your lighting. 

For a modern and sophisticated kitchen, choose ceiling lighting options that showcase circles, squares and rectangles. Curves are also in, so don’t shy away from pendant lights with arched designs. Be sure to pick the same style of lighting throughout your home to create subtle flow and continuity. Let geometric shapes lead you effortlessly from room to room and let the eye hover on small details like a table lamp with the same aesthetic.

11. Pick the right furniture

Once you’ve decided on the layout and colour palette, it’s time to pick out furniture that suits your modern kitchen design. Basically, you’re looking for pieces that match the selected style. For I- or L-shaped kitchens, avoid overcrowding the space with bulky furniture. Got a U-shaped kitchen with an island? Grab a few metal bar stools or a bench for some stylish seating. 

No matter the style, you’re aiming for simplicity. Go for warm, natural or neutral hues and angular furniture with lots of horizontal lines to lead the eye. If you have a dining room that opens into the kitchen, choose a hardwood table and chair set and pair it with a geometric light. This will create balance and flow between the spaces.

Modernity doesn’t always equal cold and new. If your home has some unique architectural features, keep them whenever possible! A solid wood beam or original parquet floors will fit quite well into a modern design and add cachet to your kitchen. Picture the contrast between modern cabinetry, stone or marble countertops, and beautiful woodwork on the floor or ceiling. One of the benefits of modern design is that you can combine materials and styles from other eras to create an authentic vintage look. Use a few modern or vintage mirrors to reflect (literally) architectural elements and diffuse light to enhance them even more.

13. Get inspired by other styles for a one-of-a-kind kitchen 

Even though there’s a clear difference between modern and contemporary styles, it’s important to note how they can be combined. Contemporary kitchen design can easily blend modern and rustic, maximalist and minimalist, and even industrial and chic. Adding retro elements or vintage décor to a refined design will give your kitchen its own unique character.

Play with proportions to highlight original elements in the contemporary space or breathe new life into vintage furniture by adding pops of colour. Mixing materials is trendy right now: wood blends with marble or sandstone, brick with slate, and ceramic with metal. The golden rule to follow when mixing styles is to simply pick a dominant style and guideline. In this way, you ensure that the second style is introduced as an accent and blends in effortlessly with the rest. Basically, have some fun with it!

14. Customize your modern kitchen design

Lastly, the most important aspect of modern kitchen design is to infuse your personality into the space. You could have a kitchen right out of a magazine, but chances are you won’t be comfortable in it if it doesn’t suit you. Vacation souvenirs, prints by your favourite artist and photos of you and the kids will all help to customize your kitchen in your image. You could also add splashes of your go-to colours or an original kitchen backsplash. And why not include local artisanal wares like embroidered tea towels, handmade rugs or even unique decorative items? Go for it! After all, you’ll likely spend a lot of your waking hours in the kitchen.

Ideas for small spaces

Small spaces don’t have to be limiting. With a few tips and tricks, you can easily design the small modern kitchen of your dreams. Elements such as floating shelves and multi-purpose islands help create functional spaces without taking up too much room. Adding a bar sink, dishwasher or cooktop to the island is a great way to save space that would otherwise be taken up by bulky appliances.

Additional modern small kitchen ideas include: 

• Install corner shelving to use every inch of vertical space available. 

• Play with colour and lighting to make the room appear larger than it is. A monochromatic neutral palette is a good way to achieve this so don’t be afraid to play with geometrical patterns to create visual interest. 

• Modern kitchens rely on a minimalistic approach. Before your modern kitchen renovation starts, take stock of all your kitchen items and donate things that no longer serve a purpose. 

• Say goodbye to huge statement lighting and pendant lights. While beautiful, these lighting fixtures take up too much room. Opt instead for recessed or integrated lighting.

Examples of modern kitchen designs 

If you’re still searching for modern kitchen ideas, here are a few examples to get your inspiration flowing.

White modern kitchen

White kitchens work perfectly with the clean, structured look that modern design is known for. That said, a completely white room can also feel a little jarring, especially when the room is flooded with natural light. To add some warmth without breaking the all-white look, don’t be afraid to integrate touches of gold, brass or wood. You can do this with cabinet hardware, flooring and trim.

Another way to break up the white is with subtle touches of black. You can achieve this by choosing a white tile backsplash or floors with black grout, black faucets and black cabinet hardware.

Grey modern kitchen

In a modern kitchen setting, grey is anything but dull. Grey kitchens play into the industrial side of modern design and are a chic alternative to simple black and white. For cool-toned grey cabinets, try pairing them with white-marbled countertops that feature lots of grey veining. For warm-toned greys, don’t be afraid to play with wood or brown and copper tones.

Dark modern kitchen

Dark kitchens are moody and bold. With the right modern kitchen lighting they can be incredibly cozy and inviting as well. Adding puck or strip lighting to your countertops and cabinets is an easy way to brighten up the dark space and add warmth. Black and white mosaic tile for the floors can add some nice contrast and brightness too. Of course, if natural light is lacking, you might consider adding a patio door to the kitchen to let some sunshine in. And remember, dark doesn’t have to mean black. You can step outside the box and try a dark blue or deep green modern kitchen instead.

What does a kitchen renovation cost?

Style choices don’t factor much in kitchen renovation cost. It varies mainly depending on materials selected and room size. Getting ready for a major renovation requires developing a solid budget, shopping for materials ahead of time, and choosing the right kitchen contractor. You can also rely on our complete guide to kitchen remodelling to learn all the hidden details involved in a kitchen renovation! Then read up on mistakes to avoid during your project to prevent unexpected costs from running up your final bill. 

It’s cheaper if you don’t make any mistakes along the way. 

Examples of modern kitchens renovated by our contractors–with price included 

Find inspiration for your new contemporary kitchen by browsing through real renovation projects completed by our contractors. You will also find the cost of each project clearly displayed. Take a look at the rest of our projects in every category and discover even more kitchen ideas in a variety of styles among a selection of more than 50 renovated kitchens. Who knows, you may decide to mix and match styles! 

A dream kitchen at your fingertips 

So, have you fallen in love with modern kitchen design yet? The ideas introduced here are just an overview of the many possibilities this style has to offer and can easily be adapted to trends, eras or personal preferences.  

Contact one of our Renovation Advisors now for more information and to create your flawless modern kitchen. They will recommend a qualified kitchen contractor. Thanks to our expertise, your kitchen renovation project is just a click away from becoming reality!

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