Kitchens are the heart and soul of the home. But, modern kitchens are also one of the most used and abused spaces in the house. From food particles being flung all over, to exposure to smoke, to the never-ending foot traffic to the constant cleaning – kitchens see them all and a lot more. And these factors, despite the constant cleaning and regular maintenance, can end up tarnishing even the best luxury modern kitchen designs.
In order to keep the kitchen looking spic and span, it is important to retouch, refresh and update the modern kitchen interior design on a regular basis. No, you do not need to go all out and remodel your kitchen every few years, but regular upgrading can ensure not only a good-looking kitchen but also one that is highly functional.
For example, with time, we stopped using those heavy light bulbs and made the switch to sleek, power-saving LEDs. So, while you may not change up the whole space, you can definitely upgrade the lights. Similarly, you can simply add a pop of colour with the addition of a bright backsplash in modern kitchen colours.
Here are 31 modern kitchen ideas to upgrade your kitchen and improve its aesthetic as well as functionality:
Beautiful Kitchen Design Ideas & Inspiration
Add A Kitchen Island For More
A kitchen island is a platform that is not attached to any wall. Rather, it is a free-standing structure in the centre of your kitchen. It can add an extra surface area, providing you more space to add a sink, place your appliances, to work on and also provide you with more storage space. Marble is one of the favourite materials for kitchen islands – it works well with the most modular kitchen design, does not look out of space and is durable enough to withstand the ongoings of a kitchen.
Opt For An Open Plan Kitchen
Most modern homes today have open-plan kitchens and for a good reason. Modern open kitchen design is inconspicuous and these kitchens are often sleek and minimalist, emphasising a chic modern vibe. It also provides you with some much-needed flexibility in terms of designing the space, enabling you to make it a multi-purpose space where you can cook, spend time with the family and entertain without walls keeping you away.
Two-Tone Is The Way To Go
Two-tone kitchens are all the rage now. Gone are the days of monotone kitchens in neutral colours – today, more and more homeowners are opting to add some bright colour into their kitchens. You can use two colours in your kitchen in various ways, but two-tone walls or two-tone modern kitchen cabinets have the maximum impact on the space. As for the colours, you can use two different shades of the same colours, opt for complementing colours or even go contrast if you are feeling adventurous!
Who says floors need to be plain or drab? You can easily make a fun, and bold statement with fun patterned floor tiles in the kitchen. With the advent of technology, patterned floor tiles are available in a wide variety of different designs for you to choose from. From eye-catching Moroccan tiles to happy vibe-inducing floral tiles – you will find them all! Figure out which type of pattern will work well with the style and design of your modern kitchen decor, and then work with it. Opt for simpler walls and cabinets to let the bold pattern on the floor be the star of the space.
Use Straight Lines
Using straight lines in the kitchen can not only make the space feel modern and minimalistic, but it can also help add to the depth perception of the space. There are various ways by which you can add straight lines to your kitchen, depending on the look you want. You can use straight-edged handles that are parallel to the floor or use pendant lights hung in a straight line above the kitchen island, or even use straight-edged kitchen appliances to make a bold statement.
Select A Bold Colour
The best part about designing a modern kitchen is that you can experiment with colours, especially brighter and bolder colours. Add touches of bright blues, greens, red, oranges, punks, and even black to an otherwise neutral kitchen to uplift the mood and look of the space. These modern kitchen colours can be added in the form of bright backsplash tiles, laminate on the cabinet, patterned floor tiles, accent walls or even some coloured kitchen towels. If brighter, in-your-face colours, you can opt for darker versions of the aforementioned colours – they will still have a noticeable impact on the look of the space.
Keep It Simple
You do not need to make bold statements to create a modern kitchen. Small, minimalistic changes are also enough to give your space that chic look. But, instead of opting for the done-to-death grey, white or black interiors, go for an unexpected colour, such as a midnight blue or an emerald green or even a deep mauve. You will be surprised by how a simple colour change can switch things up dramatically.
Give It A Contemporary Touch
Giving a kitchen a contemporary touch doesn’t mean you need to create a clean and sterile space with sleek lines. Rather, a good contemporary kitchen is a functional space that has your personality infused in it. So, while choosing a bright pink cabinet might be tempting, a contemporary style would be you opting for a more subdued shade and opting for brighter backsplash tiles instead, since you may not be able to replace cabinets often, but can paint over tiles if required. Similarly, quirky hacks, such as hanging pots from the wall, can not only add to the décor but are also a space-saving measure. Contemporary is all about adding a functional aesthetic to the space.
Combine Modern With Traditional
While creating a modern kitchen, you do not need to get rid of every traditional thing and design aspect. Rather, combining modern elements with traditional aspects can help create a unique space that is true to your style. You can use bright or pastel colours for your walls and floors while sticking to the rustic look of old-school wooden cabinets.
Add Some Pattern
If you think using patterns in a modern kitchen is a thing of the past, then think again! Patterns in the kitchen are back in trend, and they are here to stay for a while. From patterned wallpapers to patterned floor tiles to even patterned cabinet laminates – homeowners are adding patterns in subtle and bold ways to the kitchen.
Let The Lights Do The Talking
Lights are an essential part of the kitchen, and without proper lighting working in the kitchen can prove to be dangerous. Add enough light to the space to make the space well-lit and bright. Use ambient lights for overall brightness, spotlights to enhance dark corners or common work spaces and pendant or hanging lights to add to the aesthetic while providing more light.
Go For A Warm Wood Look
Wood has the ability to instantly uplift a space, adding a warm, inviting feel to it. With modern technology, it is possible to incorporate wood in various ways into your kitchen. From hardwood or laminate kitchen cabinets to wood-look tiles – you can add wood almost everywhere! You can use various wood tones in the space to give it a warm feel. Just make sure you match the undertone of all the shades for a cohesive look.
Using geometric shapes is a great way to add a pop of pattern to your kitchen. Adding geometric tiles to the backsplash can help create a focal point for your space while using geometric tiles on the floor can help add visual depth to the space. Do you not want to make a permanent change to your kitchen just yet? You can opt for textiles with a bold and repeating pattern.
Eat-In Table
One of the most popular small modern kitchen design ideas is to add an eat-in table right in the kitchen. With smaller homes becoming the norm, families can no longer add a formal dining room to their homes. The kitchen island has often delegated the duty of doubling up as an eat-in.
Using Natural Stone
Modern designs often consist of the addition of natural elements to the space, such as using natural stone. A rough stone accent wall can be added to offset the simplicity of other walls. Stone-look tiles can also be used on the floors since they are better suited in the kitchen than natural stone flooring.
Charcoal Counters
Charcoal countertops are a great choice for a modern counter design. They not only give the space a streamlined look, but the dark colour ensures that your countertop doesn’t easily show stains and looks pristine for longer. It is also very easy to pair it with other colours and designs – meaning that you can opt for almost any colour or design scheme without having to worry if they will work with your countertop or not.
Eye-Catching Backsplash
While the purpose of the backsplash is pretty practical – it serves to protect your walls from water, splashes and spills, it does not mean that you cannot show a little creativity while designing the space. The backsplash is the natural focal point in the kitchen and homeowners often use bold colours or patterns here to enhance the mood and aesthetic of the space. From boldly patterned Moroccan tiles to glass mosaics to even metal sheets – backsplashes have evolved into functional pieces of art!
Ditch The Bulky Handles For A Sleek Look
Modern kitchens often have simple and clean lines, without any disruptions or with at least minimal disruptions. Handles can often ruin the sleek straight lines of cabinets, and going handleless is a great way to maintain the sleek look.
Metallic Accents
Metallic accents can not only add a modern look to your kitchen but can also give your modern kitchen cabinets an expensive look. Metallic accents pair well with most materials, especially wood, and can add a shine to your space. While stainless steel and aluminium are the most popular metal choices in the kitchen, brass and gold accents are fast gaining popularity due to the timeless and rich look they bring to the space.
Streamline The Storage
Storage is an essential part of the kitchen, but it does not mean you add rows and rows of cabinets to your kitchen. Good kitchen storage has equal parts of visible as well as invisible storage. Open shelves or glass-lined cabinets can be used to store your fancy crockery and show pieces, while concealed and closed cabinets can house all your pots, pans and pantry items. Wherever possible, opt for concealed storage so that you do not end up with huge and bulky storage cabinets. Wall-mounted peg boards can be used to hang the commonly used pots and pans – it not only adds a décor element to the space, it also helps free up your counter space!
Strike a Balance Between Colours
Modern kitchens do not require neutral colours – bright colours are the way to go. Strike a balance and use bright colours in one space and counter them with darker colours in another. For example, if you are going to plaster your cabinets with a bright yellow laminate, opt for darker countertops to balance the brightness of the yellow. Similarly, if you are opting for a bright backsplash, keep your cabinets neutral to prevent the colours from clashing.
Soften Straight Lines With Rustic Elements
While straight lines are the epitome of modern design, often, the sleek look may end up being too cold and sterile for one’s taste. The simple modern kitchen design can be softened using rustic elements in the kitchen. For example, the addition of a rustic farm table or even rustic floors can give the space some much-needed softness and warmth.
Do Not Forget The Ceiling
While you design your walls and floors, why should the ceiling be left behind? The addition of wooden beams or false ceiling elements can have a great impact on the overall look of your kitchen. If you do not want to add something to your ceiling, you can also simply paint it – maybe stripes to add some quirk and fun to the space in an unexpected way!
Popular Modern Colour Schemes
oMonochrome White
White has been a popular colour in the kitchen and will remain so in the foreseeable future. Adding wooden elements and well-placed lights can add warmth to the space and transform it from a cold space into an inviting space. Black can be sparingly used, such as on countertops, to add some visual depth to the space and break the monotony of white.
o Grey And White
Grey is the perfect colour to complement white, and the combination of white and grey is not only timeless but elegant too. White floors and walls with a grey backsplash can do your space wonders. Adding silver fittings, such as handles and faucets, can further add to the beauty of the space and add some metallic shine to it too.
o White, Blue And Green
Shades of blue and green can also be used to tone down the starkness of simple white. The blue and green add a beach-like feel to the space and gives space a relaxing vibe. Wooden elements can be used to add a natural touch to the space, while gold accessories can be a metallic addition to the space.
o Grey, Gold and White
As mentioned before, grey and white is a timeless combination that can make your kitchen stand out. The addition of gold in the mix can further elevate the look. Gold helps add some warmth to the space and can add an understated touch of elegance to the space.
o White With Wood
Pairing white interiors with wood is uncomplicated. Almost all shades of white work with almost all tones of wood – you just need to match their undertones, and you are good to go. If you wish to add a modern twist to this classic combination, instead of opting for white walls with wooden cabinets, opt for wood-panelled or wood-tiled walls and floors with white cabinets.
o Neutral With A Pop Of Colour
Neutral colours are an all-time favourite, and you can never go wrong with them. But neutrals are also very overdone and boring and can fall flat if not used properly. Adding a splash of colour can help uplift the space and give it a modern look. A bright accent wall, backsplash, floor or even a bowl of fruit on the kitchen island can go a long way!
o Modern Rustic Theme
When we picture rustic, we often think of old-school stuff, but a modern rustic kitchen is far from the old school – it is a modern twist on old school. You can add metal furniture or sleek countertops to rustic stone walls and exposed wooden beams to create a modern space with a rustic undertone.
Striking Barstools
One of the simplest and quickest ways to add a modern twist to any kitchen is by adding quirky and eye-catching bar stools to it. You can use simple cushion-topped wooden bar stools for a sleek look or can opt for metallic stools for a more industrial feel.
Add A Touch of Green
Adding plants to the kitchen is a great way to add a refreshing and natural element to the space. From a small planter to a planter box – your choice of plants will depend on various factors – the amount of natural light your kitchen receives, the amount of free space you have and the amount of time you are willing to dedicate to its upkeep.
Multi-Faceted Kitchen Sink
A sleek, multi-functional kitchen sink is not just good for the aesthetic but also for the functionality of the space too. With multiple uses, a multifunctional sink can be the space where you wash, dry and even prep. Match your faucet with the other accessories in your kitchen, and you are good to go.
Open Shelves
Open shelves can not only add to your storage space but can also double up as a space for you to display the choicest of your crockery pieces. These kinds of shelves work with most modern kitchen design ideas and can help reduce clutter in the kitchen.
If space is not an issue, why not integrate your bar into your kitchen? Not only will you save up on installing a separate fridge and sink in a separate bar, but messes are also a lot easier to clear in the kitchen than in the living room. Your bar can easily be integrated into the kitchen island, with inbuilt wine coolers as well as a storage space for all your glasses and other equipment.
Chalkboard Wall
Adding a chalkboard wall to the kitchen can add a fun and quirky element to your kitchen. The wall can work as a space where you write your shopping and to-do lists, a space for your kids to practise their art on while you work in the kitchen or a display art wall for you to showcase your talent too!
Revamp Your Pantry
The pantry need not necessarily be a dark, dingy space with just cabinets on every available surface. Revamp your pantry and give it a new look with new cabinet laminates, organisational accessories (such as rotating caddies, sectional boxes and air-tight transparent bins) and even a see-through door to encourage you to keep things clean and organised in the pantry.
Modern Designer Kitchen Must Haves
Modern High Storage Cabinets
Modern kitchen cabinets are often handleless and have a “slab-door” style design to achieve bold straight lines. But modern kitchen cabinets not only have a sleek look but also have a lot of hidden storage and organisational accessories in order to maximise the storage space. From organisational bins to rotating caddies to deep drawers – modern storage units are all about maximising your storage space and keeping your countertops clutter-free.
Good Quality Kitchen Countertops
The countertop is one of the most important spaces in the kitchen – after all, that is where you will be getting all your work done. It is important to use good quality material for the kitchen countertop so that it can stand the test of time. Granite, quartz, marble, and even tiles are some of the durable and aesthetically pleasing materials you can use for your modern counter design.
The All Purpose Kitchen Island
The kitchen island is a great way to add more working space, storage space and a seating area in your kitchen. You can also add a cooking range to it or even place your sink on it or add a bar to it. It can also double up as your work-from-home space, your children’s homework space or a space where you socialise with your guests over drinks and snacks. The kitchen island is your one-stop solution for any need you may have.
Double Bowl Kitchen Sink
The kitchen sink is one of the most essential aspects of the modern kitchen, and if space and budget allow, always opt for a double bowl sink. It can free up a lot of space on the counter and can be a multitasking space where you can wash your dishes on one side and rinse your fruit and vegetables on the other side simultaneously.
While choosing a flooring material for your kitchen, it is important that it ticks off the following properties:
Strong
Long-lasting
Low maintenance
Easy to clean
Not easily stained
Anti-skid
Aesthetically pleasing
There are lots of flooring choices available, so make sure you choose the material that matches the aforementioned features.
Eye Catching Backsplash
Your backsplash doesn’t just exist to protect your walls from splashes, stains, water and heat – it also is an important visual element in the kitchen. Adding pattern, colour or even a metallic shine to this space can elevate the look of your kitchen. You can opt for traditional patterned tiles, glass mosaic tiles or even opt for the modern trend of adding metallic sheets.
Ample Lighting
An ideal kitchen has multiple layers of lights and a number of different fixtures to ensure that every area of the kitchen is well-lit. Ambient ceiling fixtures can add to the overall brightness and make the room well-lit. Spotlights and under-the-cabinet lighting can be used to highlight certain sections, as well as light up the counter space below the cabinet, where you will work. Pendant lights can be used to light up the kitchen island and also to add a stylish touch to your kitchen.
A Space To Dine
With the lack of separate dining rooms in modern homes, more and more homeowners are opting to add an eat-in table in the kitchen itself. It can be a separate table tacked to the end of the kitchen island, a Murphy table that folds onto the wall or even just using the kitchen island as a dining table – modern problems require a modern solution. Eating in the kitchen can also help reduce the mess that may be created in other parts of the home.
Adding A Dash Of Colour
Adding some modern kitchen colours can make your kitchen feel brighter and happier. But not everyone is a fan of colour in large doses. If you love your neutrals, you can simply choose to subtly add a pop of colour to your kitchen while keeping the overall neutral theme intact. Colourful laminate or a coat of paint on the cabinetry, a colourful backsplash, patterned wallpaper, patterned floor tiles, or even strategically placed vases with fresh or fake flowers can subtly add a dash of colour to the kitchen.
Art Elements
Even a small piece of art goes a long way in impacting the overall look of the space. Art can help create the mood, can add character to a space and help in evoking emotions. You can add any piece of art to your kitchen – professionally painted canvases, photographs and even art made by you or your children.
While designing the modern kitchen, remember that minimal decor is the key. Take into account the ease of usage factor while keeping the design simple. You can incorporate these ideas, such as adding a kitchen island, using bold colours, opting for patterned tiles, or going with wood look decor, to create a space that is stylish and also highly practical. It doesn’t matter if you prefer a minimalist look with sleek lines or neutral tones or want to make a bold statement with vibrant colours, just keep in mind to balance the area at the end. Consider even small ideas like changing lighting bulbs or lamps or adding new stools can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Take some inspiration from the above designs to transform the overall look of your kitchen and make it a contemporary area where you enjoy hosting and cooking meals for loved ones.
To make a kitchen look modern, you need to look for a few factors such as simple and clean lines, and a clutter-free area, which focuses on being functional. This kind of decor uses neutral colours, sleek furniture natural authentic materials, and modern appliances. The best choice for creating one is to incorporate Super Gloss GVT Tiles such as Super Gloss Portoro Gold Marble for a shiny and modern finish.
The most popular kitchen design which is also trending is the modern farmhouse style. People love mixing rustic and modern elements. For this, they use natural materials, and open shelves, by blending a blend of wood and modern elements like metal. You can opt for something like DGVT Chestnut Oak Wood from the Orientbell Tiles Wooden Plank range to give your area a warm and natural look.
One simple concept that goes behind both these settings is that the traditional kitchens have detailed designs, classic styles, and bold colours. It will have an Indianness in the decor. Whereas modern kitchens are simple, feature clean lines and very less but contemporary decorations. It also boasts big leafy plants in jute or metallic planters in open spaces.
To make your kitchen look luxurious, use high-quality materials like marble, or marble-look tiles if you have a certain budget in mind. Try using elegant lighting, and premium cabinets with high-quality glossy laminates. Check out Carving Statuario Marble for the floor and the granalt tiles from Orientbell Tiles that can make your kitchen look luxurious.
If you have a small area in the kitchen, using marble look tiles, or wood look tiles can help you save budget as well as enhance the beauty of the setting. Try incorporating vertical cabinets which are sleek and don’t occupy too much space. Do not forget that light colours can make the area look bigger. Adding Orientbell Tiles’ OHG Brushed Mosaic BlueGrey HL for a perfect backsplash and make it look more stylish and bright.
Mannika Mitra brings a wealth of experience to her role as Digital Content and Marketing Manager at Orientbell Tiles, having been associated with the company for the past 5 years. With a total of 12 years in the industry, Mannika holds an Arts degree from Delhi University and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication. Her journey has seen her excel as a digital producer at esteemed news agencies like ANI, NDTV, and Hindustan Times.
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