65 Modern Kitchen Design Ideas (Photos)

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Welcome to one of our most popular kitchen design ideas gallery. This is where we feature both contemporary and modern kitchen ideas – my hand-selected favorites as well as an extensive set of tips and images to achieve this style. Please note, while “modern” in design is a very specific type of design, the fact of the matter is many people looking for modern are actually looking for contemporary kitchen designs.

In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.

Therefore, this page features both modern and contemporary kitchens.

Modern Kitchen Style Statistics

10.62 percent of kitchens are reported to be in the modern design style. Given the popularity of modern kitchen design that’s not very many given traditional (31.41%), contemporary (25.18%) and transitional (16.42%), makeup quite a bit more.

The Trend

What’s interesting about the trend based on online searches (we use software to determine this) is that “modern” is far more popular than “contemporary”. Yet, in the chart above, you’ll notice that “contemporary” is more popular.

Why the difference?

The reason for the difference is that in the chart and stats above, those numbers are self-reported mostly by industry experts (interior designers), whereas the trend numbers based on all online searches are done by laypeople. Lay people tend to use “modern” when they really mean “contemporary”.

Great Modern Kitchen Photos

Here’s my favorite section which includes my hand-picked modern and contemporary kitchen designs that I think are the best.

1. Modern galley kitchen

A modern white kitchen with galley layout featuring high gloss cabinetry and stainless steel appliances. There’s a rustic island in the middle with a raised countertop paired with multi-colored round stools.

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2. Modern marble L-shape white kitchen

Above is a modern marble l-shaped luxury kitchen with long island, two double-wall ovens all flanked by floor-to-ceiling windows by Luca Lanzetta Group.

3. Amazing woodwork

Check out the different wood tones and patterns throughout this modern loft kitchen.

4. Brown and White Contemporary

Large U-shaped modern kitchen with square island that accommodates 5 stools. Notices the smooth front cabinets which is a hallmark of modern kitchen design. I love the dark brown and white color scheme. The chrome chandelier adds a modern touch as well.

5. Modern kitchen design in a glass house

Long single wall modern kitchen with long modern island. Main cabinets are dark gray and the island is natural wood tone. — Long single wall modern kitchen with a long modern island. Main cabinets are dark gray and the island is natural wood tone.

Photos: Redfin / Wicklund Real Estate

6. Stark White with U-Shaped Island

Stark white modern kitchen with large u-shaped island — Austere stark white modern kitchen with light wood flooring. This is a fascinating design with a large u-shaped island (or two islands joined by a breakfast bar plank). Architect: Thellend Fortin.

7. Stone Island

Rock base island in open contemporary kitchen — Now, this is unique. Check out that huge rugged rock-island base surface with the light wood top surface. It’s amazing. It sits in front of a small single line contemporary kitchen with light wood cabinets and black backsplash. Designed by: SAOTA

8. All Wood

The above kitchen is all wood designed by yh2 architects. You can’t tell by the photo above, but the kitchen is part of a huge great room that extends like a bridge above a small ravine. It’s a fabulous house – you can see the entire house here.

9. Contemporary Cathedral

Minimalist all white modern kitchen with smooth surface cabinetry. The cathedral ceiling nicely opens up the room. While there are no windows along the wall, the two skylights and large windows on the end wall emit plenty of natural light. — Minimalist all-white modern kitchen with smooth surface cabinetry. The cathedral ceiling nicely opens up the room. While there are no windows along the wall, the two skylights and large windows on the end wall emit plenty of natural light.

10. Floating kitchen island

Modern kitchen with floating island in highrise condo — Designed by Heusch Inc.. Modern kitchen with cement supporting wall/column from which extends a cool floating island. Otherwise, cabinets are a mix of purple and natural wood. Interesting design.

11. Natural Wood with Dark Gray (plus 2 islands)

This natural wood and dark gray kitchen oozes modern style but without the sterile effect some give off. The two-island luxury kitchen offers loads of cabinet space (floor-to-ceiling) and surface workspace from the two islands. — This natural wood and dark gray kitchen ooze modern style but without the sterile effect some give off. The two-island luxury kitchen offers loads of cabinet space (floor-to-ceiling) and surface workspace from the two islands.

12. No Cabinets

Modern kitchen no cabinets — Check this chef’s kitchen out with pretty much no cabinets. It’s amazing. I love the rack wall for storage… talk about easy and fast access to all the kitchen utensils you’d need. The island is like one huge workbench. Overall, this is a super cool modern kitchen. Architects: W4 Arquitetura Criativa | Photography: Cristiano Bauce.

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13. Sleek Gray

Stylish gray and white modern kitchen with a tray ceiling. The white island and partial white ceiling lighten up the space while gray is the dominant color. The space is almost entirely straight lines and edges except for the slightly arched window. — Stylish gray and white modern kitchen with a tray ceiling. The white island and partial white ceiling lighten up space while gray is the dominant color. Space is almost entirely straight lines and edges except for the slightly arched window.

14. Long Single Wall with Island

Long single wall chef's kitchen with super long island — Look closely at this contemporary kitchen and notice how long this thing is. It’s amazing. I like the one long aisle because it’s easy to work the line when cooking. It’s a well-laid-out kitchen. Designed by: David Coleman Architecture.

15. Modern Industrial

Modern open concept kitchen that is mostly natural wood in color and material with black countertops. Upper cabinets are open-shelf and glass-faced. There's a large wine storage cabinet on the end of the island which happens to be on wheels which works really well in the large open space. — Modern open concept kitchen that is mostly natural wood in color and material with black countertops. Upper cabinets are open-shelf and glass-faced. There’s a large wine storage cabinet on the end of the island which happens to be on wheels which works really well in the large open space.

16. Modern White

Modern white kitchen with island — This modern white kitchen is in an urban detached narrow home that was fully remodeled. The kitchen is at the rear of the main living floor and is very large. As you can see, there are many cabinets that extend from the floor to the ceiling. The island has a sink and waterfall surface. Architects: Urbanscape Architects

17. L-Shape with Wood, White and Subway Tile

Long L-shaped modern kitchen with engineered quartz countertops and waterfall island. Huge double gas range takes up part of the long arm of the kitchen. Flat-faced wood cabinetry offset nicely with the smooth white engineered quartz countertops. — Long L-shaped modern kitchen with engineered quartz countertops and waterfall island. The huge double gas range takes up part of the long arm of the kitchen. Flat-faced wood cabinetry offset nicely with the smooth white engineered quartz countertops.

18. Small Black and White Modern Kitchen with White Brick Wall

Modern black and white kitchen. I think the little bit of black is just perfect in this kitchen to give it visual appeal. the white painted brick wall also offsets the smooth surfaces of the white cabinets beautifully. Notice the ceiling is black as well, which works given the extra height this room offers. the black range, oven and hood look awesome as well. — Modern black and white kitchen. I think the little bit of black is just perfect in this kitchen to give it visual appeal. the white-painted brick wall also offsets the smooth surfaces of the white cabinets beautifully. Notice the ceiling is black as well, which works given the extra height this room offers. the black range, oven, and hood look awesome as well.

19. Brown and White with Breakfast Nook

20. Contemporary Black and Light Wood

Light wood and black make up the color scheme in this modern kitchen. It's a single wall with long island layout. It's a very simple aesthetic and fairly bright which is a result of the windows, white backsplash and white ceiling. — Lightwood and black make up the color scheme in this modern kitchen. It’s a single wall with a long island layout. It’s a very simple aesthetic and fairly bright which is a result of the windows, white backsplash and white ceiling.

21. White with Marble Backsplash

Contempory white kitchen with marble backsplash — Here’s a nice close-up photo of contemporary design with some modern elements. What stands out here is the marble backsplash which looks fabulous. The variety of modern cabinets looks good too. Overall it’s a simple design but it’s very effective in its simplicity. Designed by: LLI Design

22. Light Wood and White (and Bright)

Render design of what I think is a very cool modern kitchen design that while very white and bright, is warm and inviting with the natural light wood elements via cupboard doors and island base. Check out the suspended wine glass shelf above the island... very smart (although I'd probably bump my head on that). — Render design of what I think is a very cool modern kitchen design that while very white and bright, is warm and inviting with the natural light wood elements via cupboard doors and island base. Check out the suspended wine glass shelf above the island… very smart (although I’d probably bump my head on that).

23. Massive L-Shaped Island

A spacious kitchen in a modern home featuring a large beige L-shaped island with sink and breakfast bar. There are two faucets, one conventional with hot and cold levers and one is "boiling water on demand" together with the sink next to a smaller waste disposal unit. In the background surrounded by beautiful wood-faced cupboards, is a bank of ovens (microwave, pizza and two large ovens). A wall mounted TV screen is on the wall opposite the dining area. — A spacious kitchen in a modern home featuring a large beige L-shaped island with sink and breakfast bar. There are two faucets, one conventional with hot and cold levers and one is “boiling water on demand” together with the sink next to a smaller waste disposal unit. In the background surrounded by beautiful wood-faced cupboards, is a bank of ovens (microwave, pizza, and two large ovens). A wall-mounted TV screen is on the wall opposite the dining area.

24. White Minimalist

Large all white kitchen with smooth-faced cupboards and white tile floor. Frankly, I don't like this kitchen design at all, but it's a good example of modern design. — Large all-white kitchen with smooth-faced cupboards and white tile floor. Frankly, I don’t like this kitchen design at all, but it’s a good example of modern design.

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25. Modern Glam

Stunning white and black modern kitchen with medium dark wood flooring. Actually, this kitchen has hints of country with modern; it works very well. The long island has a waterfall surface and can accommodate 4 to 6 stools. While fairly narrow, it's deep enough for both breakfast bar and workspace - check out the wood butcher block addition to the work-side of the island. One of my favorite design elements here are the four fabulous black and white pendant lights. — Stunning white and black modern kitchen with medium-dark wood flooring. Actually, this kitchen has hints of the country with modern; it works very well. The long island has a waterfall surface and can accommodate 4 to 6 stools. While fairly narrow, it’s deep enough for both breakfast bar and workspace – check out the wood butcher block addition to the work-side of the island. One of my favorite design elements here are the four fabulous black and white pendant lights.

26. Ultra Luxury Modern

Huge, long modern kitchen with a mirror as a backsplash which makes the already large space look bigger. It's a minimalist design with the appliances placed so as to almost be invisible. — Huge, long modern kitchen with a mirror as a backsplash which makes the already large space look bigger. It’s a minimalist design with the appliances placed so as to almost be invisible.

27. Minimalist Modern Narrow Kitchen

Minimalist modern kitchen with natural wood and whte cabinets in narrow house — Who says the island must be a rectangle? Check out that island with a slight angle to it narrowing on one end. It gives this otherwise minimalist kitchen an added appeal. I also like how the island is entirely natural wood which is contrasted with the bright white cabinets and ceiling. Also, take note of that massive window – that’s a great kitchen window. Designed by: Paul Bernier Architecte

28. Industrial modern hipster kitchen

Small modern hipster industrial style kitchen with floating cabinets, chalk wall, concrete support column and exposed brick walls. — Small modern hipster industrial style kitchen with floating cabinets, chalk wall, concrete support column, and exposed brick walls.

When you’re upgrading your kitchen, modern design is something you may wish to consider. However, your concept of a modern kitchen design is often much different than a designer’s. While you may think modern designs contain furniture, appliances, and colors which are popular now, they use ideas from the past.

29. Black counters and backsplash kitchen

Modern kitchen with black countertops and black backsplash along with glass windows. See more of this home here

30. Modern white and brown kitchen with white waterfall island

Modern white and brown kitchen featuring a large waterfall-style breakfast bar island. See more of this home here.

31. Open-space kitchen with a small island

This kitchen features white countertops on both kitchen counters and the small island, under the white tall ceiling filled with recessed ceiling lights. See more of this home here.

32. Gray and white color scheme modern kitchen

A kitchen featuring gray kitchen counters and center island both with smooth white countertops and lighted by recessed ceiling lights. See more here.

33. Modern brown kitchen with a thick marble countertop

Kitchen with brown cabinetry, kitchen counters and a brown center island with thick marble countertops and backsplash. See more of this home here.

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34. Contemporary custom kitchen

Contemporary kitchen with a custom floating island that looks absolutely stunning. The kitchen counter looks very handsome as well. See more of this home here.

35. Single wall kitchen with a large waterfall-style island

A single wall kitchen featuring a large breakfast bar island in a white waterfall-style. See more of this home here.

36. L-shape brown kitchen with a breakfast bar island

L-shape kitchen featuring brown cabinetry, kitchen counters and a center island, along with white tiles backsplash and white countertops. — L-shape kitchen featuring brown cabinetry, kitchen counters, and a center island, along with white tiles backsplash and white countertops. See more of this home here.

37. White modern kitchen with bookshelves

White modern kitchen with white cabinetry and kitchen counters. It also offers a breakfast bar island with built-in bookshelves. See more of this home here.

38. White modern kitchen with bookshelves

This modern kitchen pairs its charming light hardwood flooring with a black and white kitchen island that also serves as a breakfast bar paired with white stools and topped with pendant lights.

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39. Modern farmhouse kitchen with brass accents

Light wood elements combine to the white scheme of this kitchen to bring a fresh and cozy look. Brass accents from the hardware and lighting add elegance to the area.

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40. Sleek kitchen with large exposed beams

Contemporary chandeliers hanging from the large beamed ceiling illuminate this kitchen. It is enhanced by strip lights from the center island that’s crowned with an elegant marble countertop.

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41. Eat-in kitchen with great views

Bright and airy kitchen with sleek white cabinets contrasted by a rustic two-tier island. It has large windows and doors that provide a wonderful view of the surrounding.

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42. Kitchen with caged pendants

This kitchen showcases white cabinetry, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, and a multi-use island well-lit by a couple of eye-catching caged pendants.

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43. Kitchen with a touch of blue

Blue island and lower cabinets bring a nice interest to this modern kitchen. It goes well with the white upper cabinets and slate appliances.

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44. Kitchen with black marble island

This is a close look at the modern kitchen that has a black marble kitchen island across from the built-in white cabinetry of the wall with a section that has opaque cabinet doors.

45. Kitchen with white and stainless steel

This is a view of the kitchen that has consistent white modern cabinetry and white kitchen island to pair with the stainless steel appliances and elements. These are then accented by the hardwood flooring and wall paneling. — See more of this home here. Source by: iUSE for ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

This is a view of the kitchen that has consistent white modern cabinetry and a white kitchen island to pair with the stainless steel appliances and elements. These are then accented by the hardwood flooring and wall paneling.

Modern Design Definition

In interior design terms, modern designs involve a certain time period, the 1920s to the 1950s to be exact, which never changes. Some people include Mid-century modern kitchens. These designs contain clean lines, natural materials, and a minimalist style.

If this is the type of design that you want, then there are several modern kitchen design ideas you may find appealing. However, most people when looking for modern, are really looking for contemporary kitchen designs, which is what this article technically is about. We debated for months whether to stick to the strict definition or open it to contemporary as well.

Purists will not like our decision and I totally understand that, but at the end of the day, we chose to offer up what people want which is modern and contemporary designs.

Flooring

In a study of over 1.78 million kitchens, researchers found that almost 11% of them were modern designs, yet this style falls in line with most other styles by having hardwood as by far the most common flooring material. Despite all the composite products out there for home improvement, good ole natural wood is still favored for petty much every style.

Cabinet Materials and Styles

The cabinet finishes in kitchens with a modern design aesthetic are often acrylic with high gloss or flat panel wood cabinets. In fact, approximately 66% of modern kitchens have flat-panel cabinetry design. Since this design involves having clean lines, flat-panel cabinetry is usually found in these kitchens.

For contemporary design, wood is the most common, usually a flat-faced design. Ornate is sometimes implemented but that typically falls under another kitchen style such. As for modern kitchen countertops, engineered quartz is the most common material with granite a somewhat distant second.

Any Kitchen Size

Modern kitchens suit any size kitchen, from small one-wall kitchens to large ones. In fact, some modern efficiencies make modern features a great style for small kitchen spaces. The use of a center island or a counter defining the kitchen area from the dining or living area is also common since open floor plan kitchens are very popular.

The islands or counters can also provide space for eating in the kitchen, which is something many homeowners want. Along with working well for any kitchen size, modern designs also suit different kitchen layouts. Whether it is an L-shape kitchen or a single-wall kitchen, the clean lines and minimalist style can be applied to most kitchens layouts.

If you like kitchens with an uncluttered, clean aesthetic, then you may find that modern design is right for your home.

Modern Kitchen Lighting

Without a doubt, the two most used modern and contemporary kitchen lighting options are a combination of recessed and pendant. Recessed provides the room-wide illumination while the pendants illuminate either the peninsula or island surface. However, not just any pendant light will do.

It must be a modern or contemporary design. Check out the many photos in this extensive article to get an idea of examples.

Modern Kitchen Appliances

When it comes to modern/contemporary kitchen appliances, there are 3 considerations. They are:

Current cooking technologies: Examples of current cooking technologies that are popular include sous vide, air frying, steam oven, brewing, custom coffee preparation, and water purification.
Modern design: Modern appliance design can be black or stainless steel. In some cases something that pops like red or blue work as well. Some have stark bare faces while others no so much. The variety is broad. At the end of the day, modern appliances are used in all kitchen designs.
Design: There are many different types of kitchen faucets and sinks that meed the contemporary design element.
Smart technology: Today’s appliances come with apps and hook into the internet so that you can control them remotely and/or by voice. We are at the early stages of this technology, but it’s already amazing and will advance very, very quickly.

Check out our in-depth modern kitchen appliances guide here.

Modern Backsplash

Subway tiles work, but so too do regular white tiles and even colored tile. Mosaic isn’t a good choice for modern. You typically want a more stark, unicolor design that coincides with the simpler modern design overall.

However, for the contemporary kitchen, the options are seemingly endless – grays, earth tones, and even brighter colors work given a contemporary kitchen is merely one that is a current design.

Stools

Most contemporary kitchens have stool seating either at the island or peninsula. It’s a hallmark feature of today’s kitchens. You can go modern rustic, strict modern and everything in between.

You definitely want the stools to be a stand-out feature as well as comfortable.

Sink and Faucet

Sink and faucet innovation is incredible with respect to design and features.

Design: There are many different types of kitchen sinks and faucets that meed the contemporary design element.

Features: In addition to providing water and catching water, they extend, operate via a sensor, offer instant hot water and more. The innovation is amazing.

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