skip to main content
Photos
Photos
Advice
Stories From Houzz
Houzz Discussions
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
  1. Kitchen
  2. small kitchen island

Contemporary Kitchen Ideas and Designs

All Filters (2)
Refine by:
1 - 20 of 104 photos
Item 1 of 12
Sunfilled Contemporary
Sunfilled Contemporary
Wendy Glaister InteriorsWendy Glaister Interiors
This high contemporary kitchen places an emphasis on the views to the expansive garden beyond. Soft colors and textures make the space approachable.
Photo of a large contemporary l-shaped kitchen/diner in Sacramento with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, white splashback, stone slab splashback, light hardwood flooring, an island, beige floors, white worktops, marble worktops and stainless steel appliances.
White and Warm
White and Warm
Design First InteriorsDesign First Interiors
This formerly small and cramped kitchen switched roles with the extra large eating area resulting in a dramatic transformation that takes advantage of the nice view of the backyard. The small kitchen window was changed to a new patio door to the terrace and the rest of the space was “sculpted” to suit the new layout. A Classic U-shaped kitchen layout with the sink facing the window was the best of many possible combinations. The primary components were treated as “elements” which combine for a very elegant but warm design. The fridge column, custom hood and the expansive backsplash tile in a fabric pattern, combine for an impressive focal point. The stainless oven tower is flanked by open shelves and surrounded by a pantry “bridge”; the eating bar and drywall enclosure in the breakfast room repeat this “bridge” shape. The walnut island cabinets combine with a walnut butchers block and are mounted on a pedestal for a lighter, less voluminous feeling. The TV niche & corkboard are a unique blend of old and new technologies for staying in touch, from push pins to I-pad. The light walnut limestone floor complements the cabinet and countertop colors and the two ceiling designs tie the whole space together.
Rocky Butte Remodel (Portland Oregon)
Rocky Butte Remodel (Portland Oregon)
The Jack + Mare | Portland Design & BuildThe Jack + Mare | Portland Design & Build
Split Level 1970 home of a young and active family of four. The main public spaces in this home were remodeled to create a fresh, clean look. The Jack + Mare demo'd the kitchen and dining room down to studs and removed the wall between the kitchen/dining and living room to create an open concept space with a clean and fresh new kitchen and dining with ample storage. Now the family can all be together and enjoy one another's company even if mom or dad is busy in the kitchen prepping the next meal. The custom white cabinets and the blue accent island (and walls) really give a nice clean and fun feel to the space. The island has a gorgeous local solid slab of wood on top. A local artisan salvaged and milled up the big leaf maple for this project. In fact, the tree was from the University of Portland's campus located right where the client once rode the bus to school when she was a child. So it's an extra special custom piece! (fun fact: there is a bullet lodged in the wood that is visible...we estimate it was shot into the tree 30-35 years ago!) The 'public' spaces were given a brand new waterproof luxury vinyl wide plank tile. With 2 young daughters, a large golden retriever and elderly cat, the durable floor was a must. project scope at quick glance: - demo'd and rebuild kitchen and dining room. - removed wall separating kitchen/dining and living room - removed carpet and installed new flooring in public spaces - removed stair carpet and gave fresh black and white paint - painted all public spaces - new hallway doorknob harware - all new LED lighting (kitchen, dining, living room and hallway) Jason Quigley Photography
Find the right local pro for your project
Find top design and renovation professionals on Houzz
Weatherford Ranch
Weatherford Ranch
H. Customs Audio VideoH. Customs Audio Video
brian hugghins Braswell Homes
Design ideas for a contemporary kitchen in Dallas with a belfast sink and flat-panel cabinets.
2545 E. Alameda Cir
2545 E. Alameda Cir
Teri Fotheringham PhotographyTeri Fotheringham Photography
Photography by Teri Fotheringham Cabinetry Designed by:Aspen Leaf Kitchens Limited
Inspiration for a contemporary u-shaped enclosed kitchen in Denver with stainless steel appliances, a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, beige splashback and mosaic tiled splashback.
Global
Global
GepettoGepetto
Design by Laure Guillelmi Photo by Yannick Grandmont Construction Gepetto
Inspiration for a large contemporary enclosed kitchen in Montreal with shaker cabinets, a submerged sink, white cabinets, wood worktops, grey splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic flooring, an island and beige floors.
Four Seasons - Brickell - Private Residence
Four Seasons - Brickell - Private Residence
OpustoneOpustone
Noriata limestone tile flooring Roma Imperiale quartz slabs backsplash Mother of Pearl quartzite countertop
Photo of a large contemporary l-shaped open plan kitchen in Miami with glass-front cabinets, medium wood cabinets, brown splashback, stone slab splashback, stainless steel appliances, an island, quartz worktops, limestone flooring and white floors.
Park Hill Home
Park Hill Home
company kd, llc.company kd, llc.
Design ideas for a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Denver with glass-front cabinets, medium wood cabinets and an island.
The Woodshop of Avon
The Woodshop of Avon
The Woodshop of AvonThe Woodshop of Avon
Ehlan Creative Communications
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary kitchen/diner in Minneapolis with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, white splashback and integrated appliances.
Dine with a view
Dine with a view
space + style by Marco Joe Fazio Ltdspace + style by Marco Joe Fazio Ltd
photography :: Marco Joe Fazio © mjfstudio photographic bureau
This is an example of a small contemporary kitchen in Surrey.
San Mateo Interior Remodel & Addition
San Mateo Interior Remodel & Addition
JPM ConstructionJPM Construction
Cherie Cordellos
This is an example of a medium sized contemporary u-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, blue splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island, quartz worktops, glass tiled splashback and brown floors.
Dorville Crescent
Dorville Crescent
Bethell Projects LtdBethell Projects Ltd
Mays Photographers
Design ideas for a contemporary kitchen in London.
Crane House
Crane House
Fairchild Broms DesignFairchild Broms Design
Design ideas for a contemporary kitchen in San Francisco with open cabinets, marble worktops, white splashback and ceramic splashback.
Artistic Contemporary in Carmichael
Artistic Contemporary in Carmichael
INTERIOR FOCUSINTERIOR FOCUS
Photo of a contemporary kitchen in Sacramento with white cabinets, grey splashback and matchstick tiled splashback.
729 Congo Street
729 Congo Street
HOME Stagers, Inc.HOME Stagers, Inc.
Inspiration for a contemporary u-shaped kitchen in San Francisco with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, beige splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood flooring, an island, quartz worktops, wood splashback and brown floors.
Modern Urban Kitchen Renovation
Modern Urban Kitchen Renovation
Design Build DuluthDesign Build Duluth
Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary u-shaped open plan kitchen in Other with blue splashback, an island, a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium wood cabinets, composite countertops, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble flooring, grey floors and white worktops.
Thornton Road
Thornton Road
IQ Glass UKIQ Glass UK
Frameless glass window box with aluminium bi fold doors to rear renovation. Holland and Green | IQ Glass UK
Small contemporary kitchen/diner in London with blue splashback, stainless steel appliances and an island.
Frameless – Aspen Oak
Frameless – Aspen Oak
SOLLiD CabinetrySOLLiD Cabinetry
Photo of a contemporary l-shaped kitchen in Las Vegas with flat-panel cabinets, grey cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige floors.
Grüner Mäander
Grüner Mäander
Atelier STAtelier ST
Foto: Werner Huthmacher
Photo of a large contemporary l-shaped enclosed kitchen in Leipzig with glass-front cabinets, multi-coloured splashback, concrete flooring, an island, integrated appliances and ceramic splashback.

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:

Urban Angles Kitchens
Urban Angles Kitchens
Urban AnglesUrban Angles
Urban Angles
Contemporary kitchen in Melbourne with flat-panel cabinets, medium hardwood flooring, an island and white cabinets.
1
123456Next Page
United Kingdom
Tailor my experience with cookies

Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.