July 16, 2026, 3:15 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
Modern kitchens often have the reputation of being stylish but anything but cozy. Current interior ideas for this room in a home prove that this assumption is misleading. myHOMEBOOK reveals five tips for successfully designing a kitchen in a modern style.
Essentially, a modern-style kitchen is characterized by three things: elegance, functionality, and minimalism. If you manage to harmonize all these aspects, the room becomes a highlight of any home. Our five tips for designing a modern kitchen reveal how to successfully achieve the look.
Overview
1. Choose a modern kitchen layout
As the style suggests, modern kitchens stand for a contemporary look that often appears futuristic. To break away from the traditional concept of a kitchen and embrace a sense of boundless freedom, a modern kitchen is often designed as an open-plan kitchen.
Accordingly, the transition to the living or dining area is somewhat seamless. In between, there is usually a kitchen island, either square or running parallel to the kitchen counter in a rectangular format. Another current trend in modern kitchens is the absence of upper cabinets. Instead, wall shelves, hook rails, or rods are placed above the countertop. This look makes the modern kitchen appear lighter, more casual, and airier overall.
2. Use neutral colors and materials
A modern kitchen typically presents itself in a deliberately subdued manner. This means only neutral colors and materials are used in the space. For the kitchen fronts, colors like white, anthracite, or even black are particularly popular. Light tones make the modern kitchen appear distinctly futuristic, yet also simple and more spacious. Dark colors, on the other hand, create an elegant, dramatic look.
It is advisable to opt for matte rather than glossy surfaces. Grayish shades like light gray or anthracite on the kitchen front create a particularly harmonious combination with a countertop made of solid oak, cherry, or walnut. A countertop made of natural stone such as granite, slate, or marble also fits well. The elegant look is further emphasized by stainless steel surfaces on appliances. A display cabinet made of frosted or clear glass should not be missing in a modern setting. True minimalists also prefer concrete walls to create even more tranquility.
3. Follow the line
Since the modern kitchen should be as simple and functional as possible, certain design rules should be followed. More precisely, the room’s design should consistently follow a clear line. Such linearity, smooth and closed fronts, and the almost complete absence of embellishments and details closely resemble a minimalist design.
To meet all the practical demands a modern kitchen should fulfill, it is advisable to rely on smart storage concepts and organization systems. The market is constantly evolving and offers numerous innovative solutions. From a design perspective, it is also recommended to maintain a consistent line. Ideally, the aforementioned neutral colors and materials should be repeated in the room. This form of uniformity benefits the look of the modern kitchen.
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4. Integrate freestanding elements
Freestanding furniture and elements are clearly welcome guests in the modern kitchen. A larger refrigerator that distinctly stands out from the rest of the decor in its design will certainly draw all eyes if it stands somewhat apart in the room. For the range hood above the stove, modern kitchen concepts often choose an extravagant model that stands alone and is not integrated into the upper cabinets.
Especially when made of brushed stainless steel and featuring an original design, this kitchen element quickly becomes a superstar. Occasionally, a vintage piece in the form of an old design classic can be added as a freestanding element, but the rest of the design should remain neutral for this.
5. Accentuate details
Details are used sparingly in the modern kitchen. The best way to achieve this is through the handles on the kitchen cabinets. Shell handles made of brass or leather loops skillfully accentuate the front surfaces. However, the modern kitchen design can also do entirely without handles. Those who choose this option can select between wide recessed grips or the so-called push-to-open technique.
Thanks to both operating options, a modern kitchen could not be more minimalist in its design. Adequate lighting should also not be missing in the modern kitchen. Small spotlights built into the underside of the upper cabinets provide glare-free use of the work surface. Additionally, lights integrated within a kitchen cabinet help improve visibility. Fresh greenery in the form of small herb pots, as well as various wooden boards, cork coasters, and linen tablecloths, bring natural, warm accents to the otherwise neutrally designed modern kitchen. Hello coziness!