The kitchen is the heart of every home. For the gourmet chef and the master host or hostess, having a kitchen that functions while looking beautiful is an absolute must in design. Recently, we have been getting requests for modern kitchen design. Modern kitchens are everywhere. Their sleek design prioritizes functionality, sustainable materials, and durability for today’s hectic lifestyle.
What we find, however, is that interpretation of “modern” can vary. Today, we are sharing some examples from our portfolio and our own perspective on how to design the modern kitchen.
DESIGNING THE MODERN KITCHEN
Modern is a term that is misunderstood to be exclusively mid-century modern or contemporary. In reality, a modern design can contain elements from both of these styles. We believe the modern kitchen should have a simplified, pared down style with clean lines and little adornment. It should be functional with:
- Simple hardware
- Modern appliances
- Minimal decoration in millwork and furnishings
- Clean lines and flush connections
The kitchen in your home should be the epitome of your style. While these are typically the cornerstones, your kitchen should contain all the functional comforts you need to cook fabulous meals and entertain effortlessly. That is the definition of a true modern kitchen.
OUR KITCHEN DESIGNS
For those of us that are parents, the kitchen can be a place of extreme chaos. For those of us that work long hours, the kitchen can be a place of hasty meals. And for everyone in between, the kitchen can be another space to clean at the end of long day. The modern kitchen hopes to alleviate all of this through design.
UNIVERSITY PLACE
For our University Place kitchen remodel, we did not alter the original layout, however we did rework the island, cabinetry, and countertops. We replaced the existing subway tile with Ann Sacks mosaic tile for the backsplash in the kitchen and butler’s pantry. Beneath the backsplash are Silestone countertops by Constentino. Above the backsplash are repainted cabinets with satin brass finish Emtek knobs.
We reworked the millwork of the existing island, transforming it into a waterfall island with an apron front sink. This structure better accommodates the seating arrangement. Above the range is a custom plaster vent hood by Segreto. Instead of simple wire-base bar stools, we added Fritz rope counter stools in fog white from Palecek, one of the homeowner’s favorite brands. These were upholstered in a custom Haze color Cordova pattern fabric. We painted the underside of the island in Black Fox from Sherwin Williams to create contrast and depth
FRIAR TUCK
This Friar Tuck kitchen is all about functionality and style with an airy and breathable space. 
The glass doors on either side of this Friar Tuck kitchen allow the natural air and sunlight to pass.
The Friar Tuck kitchen gets its bold and contrasting look with the timeless combination of white and black with a hint of Ferrari red. The stunning backsplash, with Kelly Wearstler for Ann Sacks tile, catches the attention immediately. The kitchen island completed with a speciality stone gives this contemporary kitchen an elevated appeal.
The huge glass doors allow for a free and easy passage of sunlight, giving a reflective quality to the marble counters and acrylic chairs. We selected the transparent material to eliminate any visual color, focusing on the high-contrast.
The white lacquer cabinetry, completed by Poggenpohl, one of the best kitchen design brands based in Germany. Poggenpohl has been improving kitchens since 1892, delivering the highest quality designs with meticulous craftsmanship and technical expertise. For our discerning client, no other vendor would do. She specifically requested the brand for their reputation and European style.
REGENTVIEW
While designing this sleek kitchen in the Regentview Home, we kept in mind the owners’ love for purple. From aubergine to lavender, the client insisted that purple was a neutral. And we tend to agree!
The Caesarstone countertop is an effortless addition to this modern kitchen. Caesarstone offers high-grade quartz, which means the material is over 90% natural stone and usually of the largest slabs to reduce seams. That literally seamless look is essential to the modern kitchen. Also, the qualities of quartz lend itself to heavy use for modern design lovers: it is non-porous and easy to clean.
The sleek gun metal pendant lights, from Troy Lighting, add a touch of industrial style. In addition, the chrome drawer pulls add a contemporary touch to this flawless kitchen. The charcoal and wood finishing on the cabinets add warmth to the kitchen interiors.
Benedettini cabinetry blends well with the contemporary style of this kitchen. Benedettini has been manufacturing custom-made cabinetry for the last twenty years. One of the coolest features in this kitchen, is the way the doors open. One push to the corner, and they hitch up much like a garage door for ease of use.
DUNSTAN
The Dunstan home clients sought a comfortable and open space in their kitchen. They wanted a functional space for both quick meals after work and fun gatherings with friends and family. Keeping their preference in mind, we designed an open space kitchen with subdued and neutral shades that invoke the feeling of warmth and comfort.
The silver chrome faucets and drawer pulls match the appliances for a cohesive look. The cactus-colored leatherette barstools give the white walls and cabinets the desired contrast, balancing the more monochrome palette. An adjoining butler’s pantry hides all the messy items that come with good cooks.
GREENTREE
The mid-century architecture of the Greentree kitchen is honored in this updated space. The backsplash is completed with an Ann Sacks tile for dimension and contrast. The shimmering quality of the grout aids in the dynamic nature of the tile, putting a modern twist on the mid-century shapes.
Stunning Poggenpohl cabinets show why the brand is the oldest and most respected in the world. Modern design is often mistaken for being cold and that simply isn’t the case here. The warm stain of the cabinets is inviting for home cooks. In addition, the absence of door pulls makes the clean lines so obvious and striking.
RENOVATING THE KITCHEN
With many of us finding ourselves at home more, we find that our kitchens do so much in keeping our families healthy. Not only that, a good meal means baking with our kiddos, holiday dinners, even cocktail hour with friends. It’s so important to have a kitchen that works well, flows perfectly, and looks gorgeous.
If modern is your kitchen style, keep these in mind:
- Warm-stained wood for sleek cabinetry
- Brass or chrome fixtures and hardware
- Quartz countertops
- Backsplash with visual interest
- Hidden appliances
DISCOVER MORE BEAUTIFUL KITCHENS ON OUR PORTFOLIO
Head over to this post on the blog for more inspiration.