The modern kitchen designs that more and more homeowners are integrating in their spaces

There are many different types of kitchens out there. Some people want theirs to be fully practical so that they can cook and bake as much as possible. Others want their kitchens to be more like gathering areas, places where they can get together and entertain their guests. Some homeowners want kitchens that are vibrant, with bright colours being the dominant choice, while others go for the minimalist, timeless look instead, preferring to mix and match neutrals. Then there’s the difference between traditional designs and the ones that are more modern.

If you want your kitchen to be in tune with the latest trends but feel like your own space at the same time, here are a few of the design ideas that feel current but which will stand the test of time as well.

The cabinets

What kind of units and cupboards do contemporary kitchens have? Well, there are many different options. Gloss acrylic cabinets are quintessentially modern as they have the sleek, elegant look that is generally associated with recently developed designs. Flat textured woodgrains and stone effect doors are another alternative as well, typically used by those who want their kitchens to feel a little more put-together without the risk of looking formal. Then there are the handleless doors, whose seamless look is also fundamentally modern, especially if you get them in a colour such as cream or a cool grey.

Wood kitchens, an all-time favourite among those looking to renovate and elevate their spaces at the same time, might sound like a dated option if you’re looking to achieve something modern. However, rustic, nature-inspired looks are very popular nowadays, with more and more people gravitating towards organic materials and colour palettes that are reminiscent of nature, such as brown, green, and sky blue. Planked white oak is a great choice if you feel like regular solid wood is not modern enough. Pair with a black tile splashback, a white marble worktop, and open shelving for a more dramatic look.

Work with your space

Many homes nowadays are smaller than those people were decorating several decades ago. While that might sound like something that will impose several limitations on what you can do with your kitchen, the truth is that any layout can be worked with. All you need to do is be creative. You can find the perfect furniture pieces at antique dealers, since vintage pieces are highly sought after nowadays, not only because of their high-quality materials but also because of the unique looks that they can create, which are in stark opposition to buying the same things as everyone else.

Your kitchen can be an open plan too, if your space doesn’t allow for separate areas for dining, cooking, and living. Implement strategic zoning if this is the case, by using kitchen islands, different lighting, and even rugs to tell one space from the other. Choose storage carefully in order to avoid clutter (integrated appliances, hidden storage, and deep sinks all work for this environment) and consider installing high-performance ventilation in order to manage the stronger cooking odours.

One-wall kitchen

The one-wall kitchen is another idea that can save you quite a lot of space. All the cabinets, appliances, and the worktop are set in a straight line along the same wall. Apart from being a genuine lifesaver for tiny homes and studio apartments, it is also a cost-effective, minimalist, and efficient design option. Floor-to-ceiling cabinets are generally used in this case in order to maximize storage capacity. A small island (or one that comes equipped with wheels and can be moved out of the way when you’re done with it) will provide you with a little more space without becoming a hindrance or causing you to bump into sharp corners when you’re in a hurry.

Be creative

Minimalism has been a huge trend over the last few years. There’s no denying its appeal since it creates spaces that will always look good simply because neutrals will never go out of style. They can be a little high maintenance, though, as you need to avoid staining and clean spills right away, as they will stand out all the more in a kitchen that is almost entirely made up of different shades of beige and ecru. For others, these kitchens eventually end up feeling a little impersonal as well, leading them to seek improvements and to add a pop of colour here and there.

This doesn’t mean that you have to go for something really wild, but adding colour is definitely not antithetical to modernity. Colours such as olive green and teal will fit perfectly with the cabinets, but you can integrate other hues via accessories and appliances. Wall art, plants, or lighting appliances can serve as the contrasting pieces. If it won’t put a dent in your budget, you can go for lighting that is a little bit posh as well by installing pendants made from ornate glass, for instance. They don’t need to be installed in the entire kitchen and can, in fact, be placed just above a table and bar stools ensemble, where you’ll want to create a more intimate atmosphere.

Modern in the past

Just as vintage pieces are making a comeback, so are retro styles and design choices from several decades ago. The 1970s are an endless source of inspiration for many, including those who weren’t even alive back then, in order to experience them on their own. The style is bold and sculptural, feeling modern but with a twist. Open floor plans, sunken areas, and unique shapes were commonplace. Wood joinery, glass, brass hardware, and microcement (a decorative coating made of mineral pigments, additives, and resins that are combined with the cement to create a seamless, waterproof finish) are some of the most popular materials.

Creating the kitchen of your dreams is no easy task, especially now that there are so many styles and options to choose from. If you want the space to feel modern, there are several things you can incorporate, but keep in mind that the place where you’ll feel truly at home is the one that has your personal touch added to it as well.