30 Modern Kitchens That Feel Fresh and Current (2024)

Design Styles

Modern

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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

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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.

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    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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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    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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

    4 Things to Look for When Shopping for End Tables

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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 is the most modern kitchen? ›

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 would you describe a modern kitchen? ›

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 difference between a modern kitchen and a normal kitchen? ›

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 is a modern kitchen in home economics? ›

Modern kitchens are abundant with smart and essential appliances as the priority is convenience and comfort. A traditional kitchen usually has free standing appliances, while a modern kitchen would majorly focus on having Built-in appliances. These appliances have higher usability value and convenience benefits.

How much does a new modern kitchen cost? ›

HomeAdvisor puts the average 2023 kitchen remodel price in the $14,611-$41,432 range with the median cost at $26,790. A small kitchen remodel can cost as little as $10,000-$15,000 and a lavish remodel can cost as much as $130,000+.

Are wood cabinets coming back in 2024? ›

In 2024, the classic combination of cream and wood kitchen cabinets reigns supreme as a beloved choice in kitchen cabinet design. This timeless pairing exudes warmth, elegance, and versatility, making it a popular trend for homeowners seeking a refined yet inviting aesthetic in their kitchens.

How would you identify a modern kitchen? ›

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: Frameless cabinets. Clean-lined faucets.

What is a modern kitchen called? ›

Contemporary kitchens can include everything from completely uncluttered handleless designs to quirky flat-panel interiors with open-shelving and natural textures. They often incorporate a series of on-trend design details such as stylish modern taps, fashionable pendant lights, or sleek handles.

What is the new trend in kitchen design? ›

While the natural look of simple wood cabinetry is nothing new, 2024 will see a different wood tone than in previous years. Whereas dark and ultra-light tones were fashionable in decades past, 2024 will see the kitchen trend of medium wood tones as the most popular natural look for cabinets.

What are the disadvantages of a modern kitchen? ›

Cons of Modern Style Kitchens
  • They Can Be Expensive. It can be expensive to install and maintain. ...
  • They Can Be Difficult to Clean. Another disadvantage of owning a modern kitchenette is that it can be difficult to clean. ...
  • They Can Be Uninviting. ...
  • They Can Be Unsafe. ...
  • They Require More Maintenance. ...
  • They're not always practical.
Feb 1, 2022

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.

What are the features of modern and traditional kitchen? ›

Contemporary kitchens typically have sleek, flat cabinetry, while traditional ones have cabinets with raised panels. Cabinets are more embellished and often have eye-catching hardware. They could also have decorative door inserts like glass and metal mesh.

What is the difference between modern and contemporary kitchens? ›

Modern kitchens prioritize functionality by incorporating efficient storage solutions into sleek cabinetry. On the other hand, contemporary kitchens embrace open-concept designs, promoting seamless flow between cooking, dining, and entertaining areas.

What are the objectives of modern kitchen? ›

The objective behind having a kitchen design is to have a functional and efficient space that can meet your needs, maximises your productivity and enhances your experience each time you step into the kitchen.

What's trending in kitchens in 2024? ›

As technology continues to evolve, the concept of smart kitchens is becoming increasingly prominent in kitchen renovations. In 2024, we are seeing a surge in the integration of cutting-edge smart appliances, sophisticated voice control systems, and interconnected devices that revolutionise the culinary experience.

What is trending in new kitchens? ›

Cosy Tones Replace Cooler Tones

It's now on-trend to go for a cosy colour scheme instead of the cooler tones, such as greys, that have dominated kitchen interior design in recent years. Anything that blends comfort and style seamlessly will be the look of 2024.

What type of kitchen is timeless? ›

"A white kitchen is a forever trend that has stood the test of time," says Fujikawa. "It's fresh, clean, and updated, and it gives you the flexibility to change out your décor or furnishings to create a new look without having to renovate the bones of your kitchen."

What is the current trend for kitchen cabinets? ›

In terms of broader, full-kitchen cabinet designs, top trending choices include Modern Farmhouse featuring neutral colors and rustic detailing; Urban Industrial that mixes metals with warm tones for an edgier look; and Classic Contemporary that combines synthetic and natural materials for a bold experience.

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