Modern kitchen design can be described in many ways. Not every expert will agree on every detail. Design is a form of art so it will always be open to interpretation. That being said, there are a few general rules of thumb within each theme from traditional to contemporary kitchens that most designers will agree on. Here is our list of five must-have elements of modern kitchen design.
- Slab cabinets with frameless construction.
In modern and contemporary kitchens, slab or flat-panel cabinetry is pretty standard. This cabinet style features a flat door with no frame. Frameless construction is popular in modern and newly built kitchens because this evolved design ensures full access and maximum storage space. Not only are these cabinets sleek but they are also incredibly functional.
The Urban White Cabinets from Willow Lane Cabinetry are the perfect example of slab cabinets with frameless construction. Take a peak online or order a sample and see for yourself!
- Sleek hardware that lacks ornamentation or detail.
Another telltale sign of a modern kitchen is a lack of ornamentation and detail. We notice this with the selection of cabinet doors but also in the hardware used. Rather than decorative pulls and knobs, modern kitchen design features sleek hardware that doesn’t demand any attention.
A few finds from Willow Lane Cabinetry that fit this mold are Elements’ Brenton Collection Knobs and Verona Collection Pulls.
When planning your kitchen design, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. Whether you need help picking the perfect modern kitchen island or can’t decide between two backsplashes, our designers are here to help from the initial layout to delivery.
- Countertops and flooring designed with natural materials.
Whether it be a marble countertop or wood floors, you will often find natural materials used in the construction of a modern kitchen. This reliance on nature comes from a desire to add character, color, and details in an organic way. It also helps to offset what might come across as a “cold” or “uninviting” ambiance. While the goal of a modern kitchen is to create a sleek, clean design it is not meant to take away for the welcoming vibe that will always be at a kitchen’s core.
- Industrial features that ground contemporary elements.
You’ll likely come across one or more industrial elements in a modern kitchen. This addition helps to ground an overwhelmingly contemporary kitchen much in the way that natural materials do. When you see a concrete countertop or exposed ceiling beams, think of it as an open invitation to make yourself at home.
- Open storage that leaves little to the imagination.
It’s not uncommon to find open shelving or glass door cabinets in a modern kitchen. Rather than keep storage hidden, modern kitchens rely on visually appealing ways to incorporate their essentials into their design.
This approach to storage creates a more open space and also ties into the idea of organic décor. Rather than add clutter to countertops, you can put your favorite dinnerware on display. Minimalism comes to light in many ways in the modern kitchen and this is one of the signature approaches.