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Contemporary Kitchen Ideas and Designs

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Radical Bungalow Remodel
Radical Bungalow Remodel
DHV ArchitectsDHV Architects
Federica Vasetti
Large contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Other with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, composite countertops, white splashback, glass sheet splashback, light hardwood flooring, an island and white worktops.
CALI RESIDENCE
CALI RESIDENCE
FOHR DESIGN STUDIO INC.FOHR DESIGN STUDIO INC.
This is an example of a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, an island, beige floors and white worktops.
Morningside renovation
Morningside renovation
Level Craft ConstructionLevel Craft Construction
Photo of a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Atlanta with a belfast sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, soapstone worktops, grey splashback, stone tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring and an island.
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SouthEnd RowHome Kitchen
SouthEnd RowHome Kitchen
ZeroEnergy DesignZeroEnergy Design
This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Photography: Eric Roth Photo
Contemporary Tuscan
Contemporary Tuscan
TRG Architecture + Interior DesignTRG Architecture + Interior Design
Bernard Andre
Photo of a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with a submerged sink, open cabinets, medium wood cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, marble worktops, mosaic tiled splashback and beige floors.
Modern Farm House
Modern Farm House
Cabinet PlantCabinet Plant
For this project, the initial inspiration for our clients came from seeing a modern industrial design featuring barnwood and metals in our showroom. Once our clients saw this, we were commissioned to completely renovate their outdated and dysfunctional kitchen and our in-house design team came up with this new this space that incorporated old world aesthetics with modern farmhouse functions and sensibilities. Now our clients have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind kitchen which is perfecting for hosting and spending time in. Modern Farm House kitchen built in Milan Italy. Imported barn wood made and set in gun metal trays mixed with chalk board finish doors and steel framed wired glass upper cabinets. Industrial meets modern farm house
Peak Performance
Peak Performance
JayJeffersJayJeffers
Matthew Millman
This is an example of a contemporary galley open plan kitchen in San Francisco with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete worktops, grey splashback, stone tiled splashback, integrated appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, beige floors and grey worktops.
Rosslyn Cabin
Rosslyn Cabin
Studio MielStudio Miel
Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Photo of a small contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in DC Metro with a belfast sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, wood worktops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, porcelain flooring, an island, brown floors, white appliances and brown worktops.
27th St. Noe Valley
27th St. Noe Valley
designpad architecture - Patrick Perez Architectdesignpad architecture - Patrick Perez Architect
Adam Rouse & Patrick Perez
Contemporary galley kitchen in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, concrete worktops, blue splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring and an island.
Stylish copper kitchen featuring accent lighting
Stylish copper kitchen featuring accent lighting
Stoneham KitchensStoneham Kitchens
The rich lustrous brown tones of Ambience were the perfect choice to blend with clean, white Fusion Pro and Corian work surfaces in Glacier White, which offer a sleek, striking contrast to the traditional warmth of the timber.
Modern Industrial Kitchen and Bath
Modern Industrial Kitchen and Bath
Scavolini Store DetroitScavolini Store Detroit
KITCHEN: This open floor plan kitchen is a mix of materials in a modern industrial style. The back L portion is black painted wood veneer with dark stainless steel bridge handles with matching dark stainless countertop and toe kick. The island is a natural ruxe wood veneer with dark stainless steel integrated handles with matching toe kick. The counter top on the island is a honed black quartz. Integrated Miele refrigerator/freezer and built in coffee maker. Wolf range and classic stainless steel chimney hood are the perfect appliances to bridge the look of modern and industrial with a heavy metal look. Photo by Martin Vecchio.
A Grand Design in Malmesbury
A Grand Design in Malmesbury
Sustainable KitchensSustainable Kitchens
The clever combination of Oak worktop and integrated bin cabinet below, provides a brilliant food preparation area. When you are finished chopping vegetables just slide the rubbish straight into the bin.
Duplex near Harvard Square, Cambridge Massachusetts
Duplex near Harvard Square, Cambridge Massachusetts
Don Foote ContractingDon Foote Contracting
Two large 72"x16" flat panel pull-outs for pantry items and cleaning storage. design: Marta Kruszelnicka photo: Todd Gieg
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary kitchen in Boston with flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, marble worktops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances and medium hardwood flooring.
Upper East Side Pied a Terre
Upper East Side Pied a Terre
Weil Friedman ArchitectsWeil Friedman Architects
Every inch is important in small spaces. Custom cabinetry with built in appliances assure that the design flows in a clean uninterrupted way.
Photo of a small contemporary u-shaped kitchen/diner in New York with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, engineered stone countertops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, a breakfast bar and brown floors.
Nantucket-Inspired Remodel and Furnish
Nantucket-Inspired Remodel and Furnish
Jeff Sheats Designs, IncJeff Sheats Designs, Inc
Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen in Indianapolis with wood worktops, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multi-coloured splashback and stainless steel appliances.
Dream Kitchen
Dream Kitchen
Mark Hickman HomesMark Hickman Homes
This kitchen is everyone's dream. Custom floors, cabinets, hardware....you name it, this kitchen has it! Contact Mark Hickman Homes for more details.
Glengall Rd, Queen's Park, NW6
Glengall Rd, Queen's Park, NW6
HuntsmoreHuntsmore
Design ideas for a contemporary galley kitchen/diner in London with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, wood worktops, white splashback, metro tiled splashback, integrated appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and brown worktops.
Boclaud Architecture, APPARTEMENT SAINT MANDE
Boclaud Architecture, APPARTEMENT SAINT MANDE
UserUser
Bertrand Fompeyrine Photographe
Design ideas for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen/diner in Paris with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, a breakfast bar, brown floors and white worktops.
Ballard Street, Yarraville
Ballard Street, Yarraville
Marco HoferMarco Hofer
American Oak timber battens and window seat, Caeser stone tops in Airy Concrete. Two Pack cabinetry in Snow Season. Overhang and finger pull detail.
Photo of a medium sized contemporary galley open plan kitchen in Melbourne with a submerged sink, grey cabinets, concrete worktops, window splashback, light hardwood flooring, an island, grey worktops, flat-panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances and beige floors.

Contemporary Kitchen Ideas and Designs

Want to discover beautiful contemporary kitchen ideas to inspire your new kitchen design? You’ve come to the right place. You can discover millions of contemporary kitchen designs and ideas; from kitchen islands and storage units, to all sorts of kitchen lighting ideas, such as pendant lighting or under cabinet lighting. Whether you want inspiration for all-in-one fitted kitchen designs, some small kitchen ideas or maybe just some tips for improving your kitchen decor, there are tons of contemporary photos to inspire you for your next kitchen project on Houzz.

What kind of contemporary kitchen design should I go for?

With so many kitchen ideas and photos to look at you might be a bit overwhelmed when it comes to picking your own contemporary kitchen design. If you are updating your kitchen you know what a big and important decision it is to get the design right – the kitchen can be the hub and heart of the home, and it’s unlikely that you would invest in renovating your kitchen again in a few years. But fear not, focusing first on the important elements like layout, cabinet style, worktops and appliances will help you to bring together your dream kitchen design. Additional elements like kitchen lighting, cupboard storage and decor can come after in the kitchen planning process. A kitchen designer or fitter can help you to decide the layout of your contemporary kitchen in terms of where to place your kitchen units, appliances and island (if you’re having one), but if you prefer to handle this yourself you can focus on where you want your key elements of your kitchen to be – the oven, hob, sink and fridge. Of course you might be constricted by space, but try to envisage the easiest and most efficient layout based on how you usually like to cook and prepare your food. If you’re fed up of always having to carry dirty pans and pots across the room to the sink, place the sink closer to your oven and hob. Once you have the core elements sorted, consider extra layout considerations, such as where your bins will be stored, where the cutlery draw should be and where small contemporary kitchen appliances can be installed.

Should I include a kitchen island?

Kitchen island ideas are abundant these days; it seems most kitchen designs include a kitchen island, if not multiple islands. However, if the layout doesn’t work, especially if you have a small kitchen, then there’s no necessity to add in a kitchen island. You can add a breakfast bar or counter to your existing kitchen units, or stick with a good old-fashioned dining table if you don’t need the extra work surfaces. That said, if you do have the room, take a look at some contemporary kitchen island ideas to see if the designs inspire you for your kitchen. There are a huge variety of island designs to cater to different needs – you can have sinks, ovens, hobs, wine storage and all sorts of drawers and organisers built-in, you can have separate bars and counters that extend from your island, or you could go for a kitchen island on wheels to make your kitchen layout more versatile.

How do I choose my kitchen units and cabinets?

When picking out kitchen units and cupboard styles for a fitted kitchen, you’ll first want to consider the more practical questions – how many units do you need? How many cupboards and drawers do you need? Do you need extra kitchen storage built into your units? It’s always best to overestimate how much kitchen storage you’ll need as we all tend to have a habit of filling up whatever current space we have to the maximum. Next you can consider kitchen cabinet style and colour. Shaker style cabinets and raised and recessed panel cabinets offer a more traditional kitchen cabinet look, while flat panel cabinet doors tend to lend more to the modern and contemporary style. However, going for raised or recessed panel work in a striking colour such as dark blue, green or black can still work with contemporary kitchen ideas. White kitchens can give a sleek and clean feel, but remember you may have to do a bit more cleaning of those cupboard doors if you want everything to stay shiny and fresh. Of course, grey kitchens are the neutral colour choice du jour and can be paired with pale and rich shades alike if you want your fitted kitchen cupboards to contrast with your worktop, splashback, floor, or all of the above. Exposed shelving and storage is also popular for eclectic, Scandi and industrial-inspired looks, so you could opt for glass-fronted cabinets or no wall-mounted cabinets at all. Remember that this will require more restraint in what you can store and more effort in keeping it looking presentable compared to what is stored away hastily behind cupboard doors. The kitchen cupboard handles are also another element to decide upon – do you want traditional round knobs, modern metal bars, country kitchen cup handles or maybe to go ultra sleek with a completely handleless kitchen?

What contemporary kitchen storage ideas should I consider?

If you want to keep your contemporary kitchen well-stocked and well-equipped but don’t want it spilling over with clutter, then you’ll need to rely on good kitchen storage. Apart from the usual fitted kitchen cupboards and drawer space, there are many other ways of keeping your kitchen tidy. Whilst a large kitchen pantry is the dream of most homeowners, it can’t always be a reality. However, there are now lots of pull out compartments and drawers with trays and shelving that can act as mini kitchen pantries, and you can install handy cupboard organisers that fit onto the inside of the door to make the most of your cupboard space. You can also look at corner drawers and cupboards that open up to reveal lots of extra storage. Rails or small shelves along your kitchen walls or splashback can help with hanging utensils or pans, or storing small items like herbs and spices in an usually empty space. Buy extra kitchen storage products for your home on Houzz

Are there small kitchen ideas for small contemporary spaces?

If you’re working with a galley kitchen, a one-wall kitchen in an open plan space or just a pretty small kitchen, there are some small kitchen ideas that can help you get the most out of your cooking and dining area. If you find that you don’t utilise the back of your cupboards (maybe they become the graveyard for out-of-date tin cans), you could decide to go with shallower kitchen units to free up some extra floor space in front of your cabinets. As mentioned, open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets are a popular trend and they should make the space feel more open and less boxed-in. However, if you have the capacity for it, cupboards and contemporary kitchen units that maximise the floor-to-ceiling space you have will mean you can use all of that for valuable kitchen storage. Wall or ceiling racks could be a useful solution for hanging pans and pots if you’ve run out of cupboards in which to store them. Kitchen ideas and contemporary accessories such as baskets, trolleys and storage jars are both aesthetically pleasing and practical as they give you extra storage space. Kitchen appliances like a fridge or dishwasher can be tucked away in built-in units in fitted kitchens so they blend into your layout and don’t make the space look crowded. Discover all the small kitchen ideas you could need by taking a look at photos of compact kitchens.

What sort of contemporary kitchen lighting should I go for?

In the kitchen you need to have practical lighting – no one wants to chop, cut and cook in a dingy room. Kitchen ceiling lights are probably the best way to go, but should you opt for recessed spotlights or traditional hanging ceiling lights? While spotlight LED kitchen lighting will give you excellent light, they may not fit with a design that’s not contemporary. Traditional chandelier lights could work for other kitchen styles, and of course, kitchen pendant lighting comes in all sorts of styles, colours and designs. While the popular choice is to go with one or two pendant lights over your kitchen island, you could also opt for a single pendant light over your dining space, or a few spaced out across your kitchen. Of course, if you want good lighting for your worktops, under-cabinet lighting is the way forward. Speak to your kitchen supplier about having this pre-installed, or there are a number of easy-install options you can fit yourself or with the help of a lighting expert or electrician. In the market for your contemporary kitchen lighting today? Once you’ve found some inspiring kitchen lighting ideas here, take a look at our kitchen lighting products to find the new lights for your kitchen project.

Check out these popular kitchen pages below:

Construction Resources
Construction Resources
Barbara Brown PhotographyBarbara Brown Photography
Barbara Brown Photography
Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen/diner in Atlanta with a double-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, marble worktops, white splashback, metro tiled splashback, coloured appliances, an island and white worktops.
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