30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (2024)

Design Styles

Modern

By

Kristin Hohenadel

30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (1)

Kristin Hohenadel

Kristin Hohenadel has written on design for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Slate, Fast Company, and the international editions of Elle Decor.

Learn more about The Spruce'sEditorial Process

Updated on 05/26/23

Trending Videos

30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (2)

Modern kitchens are functional, stylish, and built for contemporary lifestyles. While no single style defines what is modern, today’s modern kitchens often have neutral colors and clean lines. They may include amenities such as kitchen islands for meal prep and casual dining; plenty of storage; and new, energy efficient appliances such as induction stovetops.

From small apartment kitchens to large family home open plan spaces, check out these modern kitchens that will inspire your next refresh or full scale kitchen renovation.

  • 01 of 30

    Stick to All White

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (3)

    This petite modern kitchen from Fantastic Frank has glossy lacquered cabinetry in a sleek flat-front design that blends into the all-white backsplash. A large picture window floods the tiny kitchen with natural light, making the compact space feel open and airy.

    Continue to 2 of 30 below

  • 02 of 30

    Mix Wood Tones

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (4)

    This London space from deVOL Kitchens has a modern feel thanks to an industrial style glass and metal indoor window over the kitchen sink and a mix of beige and burnt black beechwood cabinetry with a minimalist feel.

    Continue to 3 of 30 below

  • 03 of 30

    Mingle Styles

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (5)

    Sissy + Marley Interior Design made this midcentury modern meets modern farmhouse all-white kitchen feel both timeless and current with a mix of traditional Shaker cabinetry; Scandi-style painted wooden bar stools; and Danish modern pendant lights.

    Continue to 4 of 30 below

  • 04 of 30

    Think Black and White

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (6)

    This black-and-white kitchen from Becca Interiors has a modern feel with its sleek flat-front cabinetry, waterfall edge island, and two-tone cabinetry that runs all the way up to the ceiling.

    Continue to 5 of 30 below

  • 05 of 30

    Skip Upper Cabinets

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (7)

    Home Consultant gave this Southern California kitchen a modern minimalist look with a neutral palette of black, white, and wood tones. Skipping upper cabinetry and painting the lower cabinetry and banquette of the U-shaped kitchen in matte black grounds the space while maintaining a bright and airy feel.

    Continue to 6 of 30 below

  • 06 of 30

    Use a Coastal Color Palette

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (8)

    A coastal color palette of navy and white, light wood accents, and a rounded half-circle range hood give this spacious kitchen from Lindye Galloway Studio + Shop a modern feel.

    Continue to 7 of 30 below

  • 07 of 30

    Go Dark

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (9)

    This moody modern kitchen from Fantastic Frank has a sleek black-on-black design, with black wood cabinetry and a matching backsplash that has visible wood grain for added texture. Discreet silver-toned cabinet pulls and plumbing hardware and a black-and-silver stove complete the streamlined, modern look.

    Continue to 8 of 30 below

  • 08 of 30

    Embrace California Style

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (10)

    This spacious and airy Bay Area kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors has a laid back, minimal, indoor-outdoor feel that embodies modern California living. Clean lines, light wood tones, leather accents, polished concrete flooring, contemporary lighting, and industrial-style black metal framed picture windows create a balanced mix of cool and warm tones.

    Continue to 9 of 30 below

  • 09 of 30

    Choose a Tonal Beige Palette

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (11)

    A tonal beige palette of wood, leather, and stone mixed with soft gold accents and clean lines gives this kitchen from Sissy + Marley Interior Design a soothing and sophisticated modern feel.

    Continue to 10 of 30 below

  • 10 of 30

    Plant a Tree

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (12)

    This award-winning space from Sola Kitchens was designed for a family with Sri-Lankan and Singaporean heritage, who asked for a "Scandi-Asian" kitchen. The result is a clean, organic, warm, minimalist, modern mix of slat wood paneling, black and white finishes, and a massive olive tree that hugs the ceiling and brings the space to life.

    Continue to 11 of 30 below

  • 11 of 30

    Make It Central

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (13)

    In this stylish Scandinavian apartment from Fantastic Frank, a modern black kitchen is positioned in the center of the main living area between the living and dining areas. Flat-front cabinetry and a matching island with an L-shaped wall allow the kitchen to take center stage while preserving flow and maintaining a polished look. Under-counter lighting creates an ambient glow.

    Continue to 12 of 30 below

  • 12 of 30

    Use Light Wood Tones

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (14)

    Home Consultant added warmth to this modern black-and-white galley-style kitchen with plenty of light wood finishes on the flooring and cabinetry that is accented with leather pulls. Black metal gooseneck sconces add an industrial farmhouse touch.

    Continue to 13 of 30 below

  • 13 of 30

    Accent with Red

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (15)

    An all-white kitchen with red accents feels modern and timeless at the same time, like this clean and streamlined U-shaped kitchen from Leanne Ford Interiors.

    Continue to 14 of 30 below

  • 14 of 30

    Use Natural Colors

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (16)

    Neva Interior Design added a soft green backsplash to this small Parisian apartment kitchen, then planted a mini herb garden on a wall-mounted shelf and utensil rack that adds a natural element that is both decorative and practical.

    Continue to 15 of 30 below

  • 15 of 30

    Modernize a Galley Layout

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (17)

    This Scandinavian galley-style kitchen from Fantastic Frank is a modern minimalist dream, with simple prefabricated upper and lower cabinetry that hugs the wall and a white tile backsplash that disappears against walls. Black accents and industrial style black metal and glass partitions help to elegantly divide the space without inhibiting natural light or flow.

    Continue to 16 of 30 below

  • 16 of 30

    Keep It Light

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (18)

    A mix of white walls, pale gray cabinetry, white tiles and walls, a large kitchen island, and subtle gold-toned accents give this spacious L-shaped kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors a clean, light, modern feel.

    Continue to 17 of 30 below

  • 17 of 30

    Focus on Materials

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (19)

    Caroline Andreoni Interior Design created a modern kitchen in a traditional Paris apartment building that focuses on elegant materials and a mix of simple lines and graceful curves from the custom kitchen island to the beetle chairs and pendant lighting.

    Continue to 18 of 30 below

  • 18 of 30

    Mix Black and White Stone

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (20)

    A mix of black and white stone with dramatic veining adds visual interest to this modern kitchen in a renovated 1970s Pittsburgh home from Leanne Ford Interiors.

    Continue to 19 of 30 below

  • 19 of 30

    Embrace Minimalism

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (21)

    This minimalist, black-and-white Scandi-style eat-in kitchen from Fantastic Frank looks as modern now as it will in years to come, a clean and functional space that is reduced to its essential elements.

    Continue to 20 of 30 below

  • 20 of 30

    Hang a Dramatic Pendant Light

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (22)

    A dramatic pendant light hanging over the marble effect quartz waterfall edge island gives this bright black-and-white kitchen from Urbanology Designs a modern feel.

    20 DIY End Table Plans

    Continue to 21 of 30 below

  • 21 of 30

    Supersize the Skylight

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (23)

    This Northern California kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors is lit by a supersized skylight that lets natural light pour down from above onto the cooking space and central island. Earthy green bar stools and salmon pink accents add color to the all-white space that is warmed up with golden hardwood flooring.

    Continue to 22 of 30 below

  • 22 of 30

    Use Two-Tone Cabinetry

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (24)

    Patterned Roman shades, gold-toned pendant lights, a corner banquette, and two-toned cabinetry gives this kitchen from Living With Lolo a lively modern feel.

    Continue to 23 of 30 below

  • 23 of 30

    Update Traditional Elements

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (25)

    This kitchen from Folding Chair Design Co. marries traditional and modern styles, with dark flooring, Shaker cabinetry, and a traditional range hood blended with modern lighting, a waterfall edge island, and gold-toned accents to create a comfortable space that feels both updated and familiar.

    Continue to 24 of 30 below

  • 24 of 30

    Add Display Shelving

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (26)

    Caroline Andreoni Interior Design added a display shelf that runs the length of the kitchen backsplash in this renovated Parisian eat-in kitchen, complementing cool stone effect quartz with golden wood cabinetry and a split level kitchen island that gives the space a modern feel.

    Continue to 25 of 30 below

  • 25 of 30

    Smooth It Out

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (27)

    Clean lines, smooth finishes, and a simple palette of white, gray, and accents of black give this Florida kitchen from interior designer Maite Granda a modern feel. Details like a built-in wine fridge and an integrated energy-saving induction burner in the kitchen island make the space feel current.

    Continue to 26 of 30 below

  • 26 of 30

    Accent With Gold

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (28)

    Jessica Nelson Design accented this modern black-and-white kitchen with gold-toned accents that reflect light and add a measured dose of bling. A mix of all-black finishes from the kitchen island to the wrap-around subway tile backsplash, countertops, and range hood add some variation to the two-tone palette, and leather bar stools add warmth.

    Continue to 27 of 30 below

  • 27 of 30

    Add Industrial Vibes

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (29)

    This industrial warehouse conversion from Leanne Ford Interiors has built-in character and history that is modernized with a massive waterfall edge island that flows into the polished concrete flooring; a mix of weathered and new exposed piping; and black pendant lights and bar stools around the island that complement the classic casem*nt windows.

    Continue to 28 of 30 below

  • 28 of 30

    Mix Beige and Black

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (30)

    Michelle Berwick Design mixed beige wood and matte black cabinetry with matching black hardware with a white tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling, black woven pendant lights, and massive waterfall edge islands for prep and dining in this modern eat-in kitchen with room for a crowd.

    Continue to 29 of 30 below

  • 29 of 30

    Soften It Up

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (31)

    This kitchen from Living With Lolo has a soft modern feel thanks to a light palette of whites and pearl gray finishes mixed with light wood accents and warm metallics.

    Continue to 30 of 30 below

  • 30 of 30

    Keep It Open

    30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (32)

    Interior designer Alvin Wayne gave this small NYC apartment kitchen a glam makeover with a strict palette of black and white that helps the semi open plan space to seamlessly blend in with the rest of the decor.

What style is modern for kitchens?

There is no single style that makes a kitchen look modern. But modern kitchens are often neutral-toned spaces that prioritize function by way of ample built-in storage; counter space for meal prep; a central kitchen island with seating for casual meals; and new, energy efficient appliances such as induction stovetops. Kitchens that are decorated in on trend styles such as modern farmhouse feel modern until they don’t. An all-white, minimalist, or black-and-white kitchen tends to look more modern than one that is decorated in the latest color of the year or outfitted with more traditional fixtures.

How do you design a modern kitchen?

Modern kitchens are designed for current lifestyles. This can mean everything from built-in storage that may go as high as the ceiling; a large central island for meal prep and casual dining; and a neutral palette that includes natural wood accents. Choosing clean lines, classic finishes, and functional layouts will ensure that your kitchen looks and feels updated and fresh, no matter your chosen style.

95 Kitchen Ideas to Transform Your Space

30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (2024)

FAQs

What does a modern kitchen look like today? ›

While no single style defines what is modern, today's modern kitchens often have neutral colors and clean lines. They may include amenities such as kitchen islands for meal prep and casual dining; plenty of storage; and new, energy efficient appliances such as induction stovetops.

What is the current trend in kitchens? ›

L-shaped, U-shaped and galley-style kitchens have dominated design, but homeowners appear to be increasingly focused on optimizing their available space and, in some cases, downsizing. One-wall kitchens are seeing a surge in popularity, with Google searches up 170% over the last month alone, Magnet reports.

What is the most comfortable and efficient kitchen layout? ›

An l-shaped kitchen design is typically the most popular layout among consumers. It includes workspaces on two adjoining walls running perpendicular to each other. This layout works well when there are two cooks in the kitchen since the work area is nice and open.

How would you describe a modern kitchen? ›

Modern kitchen design acts as a calm backdrop to busy kitchen commotion. A modern kitchen design typically consists of open spaces, minimalist features, and simple colour palettes, offering a clutter-free space to relax and entertain. The term “modern” encompasses everything that's sleek and streamlined.

What is the modern color for kitchen cabinets? ›

In 2024, popular kitchen cabinet colors include black, green, gray, and blue. They offer a range of styles and can complement various design styles and personal preferences.

How do you make a modern kitchen look less modern? ›

Mimic molding details from other rooms in the kitchen (this can be subtle, like on an island leg or around the windows). Match wood types and stains. For example, you can match the cherry wood from your dining set to the stain used on your kitchen island or on your base cabinets.

What backsplash is outdated? ›

Small Mosaic Tile

While small tiles can be a perfect fit for your shower or pool, they have no place in a kitchen, she says. “Tiny mosaic tiles on a kitchen backsplash is a recipe for a bad investment,” Meadows says. “It screams outdated.

Are white kitchens out of style 2024? ›

D.C. design pros say do this instead. After years of muted farmhouse-style kitchens, 2024 ushers in an earthier era, with greens, blues, natural wood tones and warm metals. Why it matters: The kitchen sells the house!

What is the most popular color for a kitchen? ›

What is the most popular color for a kitchen? According to kitchen design and painting experts, the most popular color for a kitchen is tied between navy blue and white. Home stagers and listing agents often suggest painting the kitchen a fresh white color to make the space look larger, cleaner and inviting.

What is the least efficient kitchen shape? ›

One-Wall Kitchen Layout

From a chef's perspective, a one-wall configuration is a less efficient working layout for a kitchen, especially in a larger space, because it requires many steps to get from point A to point B.

Which kitchen plan is considered the most desirable? ›

U-Shaped Kitchen Layout

Also known as horseshoe kitchen layouts, U-shaped kitchens provide plenty of storage space, allow for great workflow and let multiple users navigate the kitchen together. This kitchen layout creates the perfect opportunity for setting an uninterrupted work triangle to make the best use of space.

What kitchen layout do chefs prefer? ›

The Chef's Triangle

Chef-Owner Michelle Bernstein says that the right kitchen is “designed for the economy of movement”. Think of the movement between your workspace, sink, and garbage as a triangle, and keep them within close distance of each.

What is the importance of modern kitchen? ›

The best feature of a modern kitchen design is that it offers is the multifunctionality, a seamless look and ample storage space. Modern kitchen designs are crafted to last longer while offering extreme durability to make the contemporary look easy, pretty, practical, and convenient for daily use.

How do you make a modern kitchen look traditional? ›

There are many practical elements to creating the perfect modern traditional custom kitchen, such as using raised-panel doors and ornate hardware on cabinetry. Opting for a farmhouse-style sink and bridge faucet are notable classic features that can look stunning against a more modern luxury kitchen design.

What is classic kitchen vs modern? ›

The modern kitchen design makes it look open, airy, and up-to-date, unlike traditional or classic kitchens. Common features of a modern kitchen are stainless steel, white and sleek cabinetry, glass, and plastic.

What is the difference between modern and old kitchens? ›

Appliances are state of the art and unique lighting adds a high-tech feel. In comparison to darker, woodier colours in traditional kitchens, modern kitchens are lighter in colour showing off whites, greys, metallic colours (silver, gold, bronze) and even colour combinations of a light, neutral shade and bright colours.

What kitchen arrangement is most popular in modern design? ›

- The L-shaped kitchen is a popular and cost-effective layout, making efficient use of corner spaces. - It typically fits into one corner of the kitchen and can be complemented with an island for additional workspace. - This design is practical and versatile, suitable for various kitchen sizes and shapes.

What is the difference between modern and traditional kitchens? ›

A traditional kitchen is recognizable with its decorative details. The setup is generally made of natural materials such as wood, and the elements often come in dark wood colors. Meanwhile, a modern kitchen looks more streamlined. It usually incorporates a monochromatic color.

How do you make a traditional kitchen look modern? ›

Creating a two-tone look is a great way to modernize your kitchen. You can do this either by installing dark lower cabinets and light upper cabinets or dark island cabinets and light cabinets against the wall. Put in new lighting: Incorporate contemporary pendant lights above the island or main work area.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg O'Connell

Last Updated:

Views: 6680

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg O'Connell

Birthday: 1992-01-10

Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

Phone: +2614651609714

Job: Education Developer

Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.