Your kitchen isn’t just a place to cook. It’s a reflection of your personal style and an important part of the overall look and feel of your home. So, it stands to reason that when it comes to design, you want a kitchen that is stylish as well as functional. Everyone has an idea of what their dream kitchen looks like, but it’s not always as easy to plan for it as it is imagining it. 

From geometric patterns to simple lines and Nordic designs, we explore six ‘must-have’ modern kitchen design ideas that are guaranteed to add character to your living space. Good news is, you don’t have to take on an entire kitchen remodeling project to give your space a fresh look. Repainting kitchen cabinets or adding a few stylish shelves might just do the trick.

Let’s start with the essentials: colors. White or light grey walls that are offset by darker accent colors are ‘on-trend’ for kitchen designs right now. Many iconic kitchens feature dark bluish grey for the backsplash, kitchen cabinets, cabinet doors or a feature wall adding depth to the room’s color palette. Consider the colors you want to incorporate into your kitchen space before choosing any paint color. 

Geometric designs can be used in a variety of ways with many different-looking results. Geometric patterns produce clean lines that are both decorative and easy on the eyes. For small accents, opt for geometric decorative items such as candle holders, fruit bowls, or mirrors. If you’re looking to make a bigger statement, try geometric tiling on kitchen backsplash or flooring. If you love the idea of geometric designs but aren’t quite ready to commit to something permanent, a rug is an easy way to add the geo-look to your kitchen area. For more tips on how to add geometric designs to your kitchen space, check out this article. 

Removing upper wall cabinets is a great way to open up visual space, making your kitchen appear bigger and brighter. Consider smaller, exposed shelves instead of clunky cabinets. 

However, don’t let this idea become an invitation to add clutter to the space. Make use of containers, boxes, or other clever organizers for storage so that you can keep the clutter to a minimum. If you are using open shelving, rough cut natural wood works well to bring in natural elements and add some extra texture without being overbearing. 

In a kitchen void of any upper cabinetry, the hood becomes the obvious focus. Adding copper sheets to your hood incorporates trend-setting metallics with industrial design. Don’t have a hood? Use metallic accents in other areas of your kitchen such as your lighting, bar stools, pots and pans, decorations such as vases, or even the counter. A couple of stylish metallic pendant lights might be just what you need to take your kitchen up a notch. 

Industrial design is a Scandinavian style that has grown in popularity in recent years. The style is characterized by exposed brick and pipes, rustic metals, and minimalist furniture. It combines form, function, and aesthetics. With the industrial trend, even the kitchen sink becomes an element of design. To achieve this look, opt for natural materials such as wood, stone, or concrete for your floors, the counter and other surfaces. Choose stainless steel for your freestanding appliances.

Technology is a big factor in the modern home and the kitchen is no exception. Modern kitchen appliances are highly stylish and practical. When designing your on-trend kitchen, consider appliances with built-in technologies to save you time and energy. Self-cleaning ovens are a must-have for busy households. These ovens get so hot that all dirt and grease turns to ash, saving you from all that dreadful scrubbing. Check out our state of art built-in appliances or our tips on how to choose the best kitchen appliances.