31 Modern Kitchen Ideas for an Elegant and Streamlined Space

Modern white and black kitchen — Credit:
Katie Charlotte Photography

At any given time, there’s a confluence of design approaches considered en vogue. For example, when it comes to designing kitchens, there’s currently an equal mix of color-saturated maximalism and hyper-minimalism, while farmhouse-inspired designs and kitchens that take their cue from the French countryside are also prized.

Modern kitchens—with their sleek lines, natural sunlight, and neutral color palettes—are also coveted and are arguably one of the most timeless design approaches you can take. That's precisely where we're aiming our focus today. Whether you’re considering a complete remodel or seeking inventive ways to modernize your space, we've rounded up 20 of our favorite modern kitchen designs to inspire you.

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Curved Seating Nook and Tiny Island

When the square footage isn't high, it's time to get creative with your seating situation. In this modern kitchen by PJC Architecture, the island is carved down to a smart size for the space and the back corner neatly fits a curved nook for easy dining.

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Playful Mosaic Backsplash

colorful tiles and brown tones — Credit:
Abby Hetherington Interiors

A color family of beige, brown, and oatmeal-cream set the stage for this stunning modern kitchen by Abby Hetherington Interiors. (Note that even the fridge is hidden away behind wooden doors, which is a brilliant way to streamline and modernize a kitchen.) Those same tones are woven into a playful mosaic backsplash comprised of hexagonal tiles.

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Modern With Natural Materials

Modern kitchen island — Credit:
L A R K + P A L M, Christopher Stark

White is a large part of the color story in this L A R K + P A L M modern kitchen design. What helps set it apart is a fresh, midcentury-inspired island—with lots of space underneath—that doubles as a high-top table. The black-and-white bamboo nods to a laid-back coastal vibe, while blue sconces infuse a touch of color.

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Black Marble and Dark Wood

Black Modern Kitchen Design — Credit:
Blueberry Jones Design, Avery Nicole Photography

When we think of modern kitchens, our minds often go straight to a classic white color scheme. However, this striking kitchen by Blueberry Jones Design takes the opposite approach by utilizing black everywhere. Inky cabinetry and black marble are balanced with shimmers of chrome details and a handsome wooden island.

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Open Shelving

You've got plenty of options for cabinetry in modern kitchens, including open shelving. While having everything on display might not be for everyone, it can be great for showing off favorite items or storing things you reach for frequently. Pictured in this design by Collected Interiors, the open shelving leverages vertical wall space and serves as a place to store both decor and kitchen necessities.

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Marble and Pale Wood

Wood and Marble Modern Kitchen — Credit:
Sarah Jefferys Architecture, Morten Smidt

There's a dose of modern Scandinavian influence in this kitchen design by Sarah Jefferys Architecture. Pale wood tones cover the walls, ceiling, and floor, while natural light floods the space via large windows and sliding glass doors. A luxurious marble island serves as a grounding focal point in the space, while a hint of whimsy is infused via mustard yellow chairs and ketchup-colored pendants.

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Blue and Breezy

terrazo flooring in modern kitchen — Credit:
Cm Natural Designs, Laura Resen

For an elegant yet playful kitchen aesthetic, borrow some ideas from this beautiful space dreamed up by CM Natural Design. Fun patterns infuse a healthy dose of texture, while pale blue cabinetry, rattan pendant lights, and a restaurant-esque bench, table, and chairs make for an especially inviting dining area.

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Urban Sophistication

If ultra minimalism with an urban twist is more your speed, consider taking inspiration from this city kitchen dreamed up by PJC Architecture. Clean vertical lines streamline the space, while large windows make for sweeping skyline views. Scattered starburst lighting adds a touch of magic and warmth.

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Colorful Pops

pops of color in modern kitchen — Credit:
Avery Cox Design, Lindsay Brown Photography

This modern kitchen by Avery Cox Design leans into mid-century vibes via funky olive green pendant lights, a square-tile backsplash in contrasting black and white, and comfortable seating. An extra pop of color via a bright yellow door instantly makes the space feel cheerful.

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Black, White, and Wood

When in doubt, lean into a black, white, and wood color scheme for your modern kitchen. Here, ATX Interior Design creates beautiful contrast with a black island underside (complete with sleek black chairs), white cabinetry and backsplash, and wooden floors and shelving. Airy rattan pendants help soften the space.

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Marble Backsplash and Glass Cabinets

A similar white, black, and wood approach is utilized in Nina Jizhar's modern kitchen design here. The black is more subtle, though, as it's incorporated via veining in the marble backsplash, bar stool legs, and glass cabinetry.

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All-White and Cool

all white modern kitchen — Credit:
Meredith Marlow Interiors, Emilio Collavino Photography

While some are moving away from all-white kitchens, the monochromatic look will likely always have a place in modern design. This breezy space by Meredith Marlow Interiors makes white the central force but infuses texture through soft veining on the backsplash and island, a silver range hood, crystal light fixtures, and blue accents.

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Window Seating

No doubt you're familiar with cozy kitchen nooks and bar stools at the counter, but how often do you see seating right at the window? This kitchen by Mendelson Group makes good use of space by creating an extra space for eating, sipping coffee, or working. Note the cool blue tones and contrasting green abstract art.

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Gray and Light Wood

neutral color scheme and glass pendants modern kitchen — Credit:
Shelley Cekirge Interiors, Kirsten Francis Photo

An air of glamorous sophistication courses through this beautiful kitchen created by Shelley Cekirge Interiors. Cool gray and light wood offer subtle contrast, while angular glass pendant lights almost feel like jewelry dripping from the ceiling.

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Double Island

If space allows, incorporate a double island in your kitchen, as pictured in this modern space by Blueberry Jones Design. It maximizes your working surface area, allows for more storage, and offers another place to sit.

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Extra Long Island

black and brown with round pendant lights — Credit:
Design Alchemy

As an alternative to a double island, consider filling your kitchen with an extra-long island. There's plenty of room for seating and working in this modern kitchen by Design Alchemy. Note the rounded white pendant lights with a gold interior, tall wooden cabinetry, and gorgeous marble backsplash with beige veining.

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Rich Blue Cabinetry

For an infusion of color, take your inspiration from this beautiful modern kitchen featuring blue upper and lower cabinetry. A marble backsplash with swirls of blue veining—and carefully placed blue pottery—helps create a real feeling of intentional color design.

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Silver Details

silver backsplash modern kitchen — Credit:
Bakes & Kropp

Often in modern kitchens we see natural textures and tones utilized. If you like that style but are craving a little more pizzazz, consider pairing white and pale wood tones with a silver backsplash that catches the light. The white and silver bar stools, chrome faucet, and silver cabinet handles pull it all together.

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Leather and Sage

Sage and Leather modern kitchen — Credit:
Cedar & Oak, Lindsay Brown Photography

If splashy colors aren't really what you're aiming for, but all-neutral isn't quite it, either, opt for a color that feels extra earthy. Here, Cedar & Oak adds subtle color by painting the underside of the island a soft sage green. Leather lends a handsome touch, while black and white details anchor the space.

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Monochromatic Minimalism

Cozy warmth oozes from this incredible modern kitchen designed by San Francisco-based BalloonSTUDIO. The same milky wooden tones are utilized from floor to ceiling to wall and island, and it even blends into the living room space.

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Pops of Gold

Colorful kitchens are beautiful, but if you prefer to stick to the basics, then you can't go wrong with an all-white palette. A caveat, though: This style works best with a bit of bling. Instead of just chrome appliances, weave in brass hardware via the lighting, drawer pulls, and faucets for just the right amount of glitz.

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Black and White

Black plus white equals a kitchen that feels both modern and timeless. Here, pendant lights, stools, and a dark island pair with pale tile and cabinets for a soothing interior. Decorate the shelves with some of your more elevated kitchen items to complete the look.

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Light and Bright

wide shot of blue and white modern, airy kitchen — Credit: Courtesy of KitchenLab Interiors

Maximizing natural light is all-important in any room, and the kitchen is no different. A great way to make sure your modern space soaks up the sun is by sticking to a brighter color palette of subtler whites, grays, and blues.

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Accent Stone

Kitchen with marble backsplash and blue cabinets — Credit:
Sarah Elliot

Color and pattern can make a statement, sure, but so can stylish stone. We love the intricate gray veins in this marble, which extends from the countertops all the way up to the shelves. It may not be the easiest to install, but it's worth it!

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Light Rustic

white kitchen island with wheels — Credit:
Tatiana Kutina / GETTY IMAGES

Yes, rustic can be modern too! If it's done the right way, of course. Incorporating natural wood finishes and accessories can elevate any space, whether it's contemporary or more traditional. It works best, though, with white, blue, or green tones.

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Statement Lights

small kitchen with large eat in kitchen island — Credit: Courtesy of Katie Martinez

Good lighting is important so you can see what you're cooking. It's also essential to a well-rounded interior design scheme. Here, the copper pendants add just the right amount of character, making the kitchen feel modern, but not needlessly edgy.

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A Moodier Palette

beautiful kitchen with black island and wood countertops — Credit:
monkeybusinessimages / GETTY IMAGES

If your kitchen is leaning a bit bohemian, consider adding a few darker, moodier tones into the mix. Not only will this make the scheme feel a bit more modern, but it'll make meal prep that much more beautiful.

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Colorful Cabinets

white kitchen with blue cabinets and white tile — Credit:
Kylie Fitts

Painting kitchen cabinets is a quick, easy way to add extra color to mealtime. The exact palette is up to you, but blue, green, and even an earthier red can help give your space the modern look.

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Splash of Green

Modern green kitchen — Credit:
Alexander Nevmerzhitsky / GETTY IMAGES

Green has been the color du jour as of late, and it shows no signs of stopping. Prized for its biophilic nature and its ability to pair with just about any other hue, it looks just as good in the kitchen as it does in the living room or lounge.

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Mix and Match

black kitchen — Credit: Alyssa Kapito Interiors

As the old saying goes, what's old is new again. Pair your new kitchen finds with vintage pieces for a look that feels effortlessly modern—if you need help tracking down the latter, we recommend the local thrift shop.

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Go Bold

Kitchen with painted cabinets, modern hardware and wallpaper — Credit:
FollowTheFlow / GETTY IMAGES

Big, in-your-face color won't be for everyone, but there's no better way to make your kitchen stand out. This emerald-blue tone is a favorite of ours, and pairs beautifully with a stone island and brass hardware.