Modern kitchen design looks at our current lifestyles and embraces a functional layout. That often means a supersized island for cooking and dining; built-in storage that goes up to the ceiling; an array of white cabinets that makes a crisp backdrop for any color scheme; and the inclusion of warm wood elements like flooring, cabinetry trim and countertops.
Modern also reflects an emphasis on horizontal lines. That may mean long banks of window or sliding glass doors, stacks of drawer cabinetry lined in a row or simple flat panel door styles that rely on the beauty and texture of the grain to make a style statement. In this Lake Toxaway, NC, kitchen by Platt Architecture and designer Cliff Fong, the horizontal pattern of Juno limestone counters, the horizontal grain of walnut cabinets, the stacked vertical line of countertop edge details on the waterfall-edge island and the horizontal line of hardware accentuates the modern theme.
A white kitchen can feel stark and clinical without warmth, so adding a few well-placed dark wood accents is a great way to keep a modern kitchen from feeling too cold. In this Northern California kitchen from Cathie Hong Interiors, rich woods in a warm golden stain add a cozy touch to the white cabinets and countertops. Salmon pink bar stools and earthy green accents round out the contemporary palette.
Metallic accents can bring a dramatic, on-trend feel to any kitchen but they’re especially perfect in a modern setting. Try a satin rose gold splashback, matte black light fixtures and shelf hardware or brass faucet finishes for a luxe look that’s still in keeping with modern kitchen trends.