Modern Kitchen/Diner Ideas and Designs

Transitional Kitchen & Bath Remodel in Brooklyn

Inspiration for a medium sized modern u-shaped kitchen/diner in New York with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, marble worktops, white splashback, metro tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic flooring, white floors, white worktops and no island.

Ultra-Modern Kitchen behind a restored Victorian Facade (Melbourne)

Elite Custom Homes

Modern galley kitchen/diner in Melbourne with a double-bowl sink, dark wood cabinets, concrete worktops, light hardwood flooring and an island.

Oakhurst, NJ Outdoor Kitchen

Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet

This outdoor kitchen features a K1000 Built-In Hybrid-Fire Grill, weather-tight Signature Series storage cabinets, two refrigerators and a sink to complete the perfect outdoor space.

Modern flat blue cabinets in Granada Hills

Metropolis Drafting and Construction Inc

A small enclosed kitchen is very common in many homes such as the home that we remodeled here. Opening a wall to allow natural light to penetrate the space is a must. When budget is important the solution can be as you see in this project - the wall was opened and removed but a structural post remained and it was incorporated in the design. The blue modern flat paneled cabinets was a perfect choice to contras the very familiar gray scale color scheme but it’s still compliments it since blue is in the correct cold color spectrum. Notice the great black windows and the fantastic awning window facing the pool. The awning window is great to be able to serve the exterior sitting area near the pool. Opening the wall also allowed us to compliment the kitchen with a nice bar/island sitting area without having an actual island in the space. The best part of this kitchen is the large built-in pantry wall with a tall wine fridge and a lovely coffee area that we built in the sitting area made the kitchen expend into the breakfast nook and doubled the area that is now considered to be the kitchen.

Luxury Accommodation Features Smartstone Benchtops in Kitchens and Bathrooms

Smartstone | Quartz Benchtops, Engineered Stone

In the coastal town of Barwon Heads VIC, 19w lofts created a laid back atmosphere of a luxury beach house that provides stylish accommodation with views over the sea. 19w Barwon Heads seaside property features Smartstone Carrara in the bathrooms and kitchens in two lofts available for holiday rental, providing the perfect space for an intimate group of family and friends . Credits: Builder: Larkin and Drought Homes Interior Design & Styling: We Are Kin Interiors Building Design: Michael Higgins Building Design Photography: Barnaby & Wilson Photography

Coldwater Canyon - Kitchen and Bathroom

Pearl Remodeling

These homeowners have been living in their house for a few years and wanted to add some life to their space. Their main goal was to create a modern feel for their kitchen and bathroom. They had a wall between the kitchen and living room that made both rooms feel small and confined. We removed the wall creating a lot more space in the house and the bathroom is something the homeowners loved to brag about because of how well it turned out!

Modern Kitchen and Mudroom Addition - Atlanta

Innovative Design Build

Our clients had outgrown their kitchen/laundry space and had a rough idea of how to expand their kitchen. Our team worked closely with them to design a new layout that would convert a covered carport area into their new kitchen, mudroom and powder room. The addition of these bright open spaces has already changed how this wonderful family functions on a daily basis, especially with the addition of a mudroom and storage cubbies for all the girls. A fantastic transformation!

Mill Valley Modern

Tyreus Design Studio

Modern white kitchen with white slab cabinets, white oak floors, Western Window Systems, waterfall edge marble island. Photo by Bart Edson
Large modern kitchen/diner in San Francisco with a submerged sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble worktops, integrated appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, white worktops, window splashback and beige floors.

White Modern Kitchen with Compac Quartz Counters and Island

Oceana Designs

Modern Kitchen Remodel with and for Contractor/Homeowner MLZ Corp Compac Quartz in Glace Unique Calcutta Kitchen Perimeter: 3cm Edge: Eased Island: 2 1/2 Drop Down Mitered Edge Photo Credit: Patty's Pixels of New Jersey

Rac Jac Way

Creative Cabinetry Corp

The Textured Melamine, Homestead Cabinetry and Furniture with a Cleaf Noce Daniella finish is enclosed in a wood island with waterfall ends. Photo credit: Joe Kusumoto

Hampden Modern

EastWing Architects

Photography by Coral Dove
This is an example of a small modern single-wall kitchen/diner in Baltimore with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble worktops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, beige floors and white worktops.

Downtown Toronto Condo Kitchen

Ashton Renovations

The original kitchen in this condominium was renovated arising from the need to replace Kitec plumbing. The work triangle remained generally the same, but numerous changes were made to improve the kitchen’s functionality, aesthetics, and lighting. Automation was also introduced. The goal was to design and build a modern contemporary functional kitchen with inspiring colours accented with textured wood features. The functionality was improved with the addition of an under counter microwave, which freed up countertop space. Additional and improved storage was also created by incorporating under cabinet drawers throughout the kitchen, a bar area with open glass shelving above, and open shelving to the right of the seating area. Upper cabinet storage was as well increased with storage above the fridge. Numerous lighting improvements were made including the addition of potlights. This was done by dropping the ceiling in the kitchen, which also created a visual division with the dining area. Automation was introduced as well into the space with HUE under cabinet lighting, and a touch faucet. The under cabinet lights are controlled by the Phillips Hue App that programs routines, scenes, and other settings. The kitchen features painted Shaker cabinets accented by textured wood shelving. The countertop surfaces are quartz with waterfalls on both sides of the island, which is a focal point. Shapes are also strongly identified in the design with the use of triangular tiles in the backsplash along with rectangular upper cabinets, and appliance doors and drawers. The kitchen is made most unique though with the uplifting use of colour in the cabinets that make this a bright and cheerful space. Aristea Photography

Amazing Entire Overhaul for Rambler in Arlington, Va.

Michael Nash Design, Build & Homes

For this couple, planning to move back to their rambler home in Arlington after living overseas for few years, they were ready to get rid of clutter, clean up their grown-up kids’ boxes, and transform their home into their dream home for their golden years. The old home included a box-like 8 feet x 10 feet kitchen, no family room, three small bedrooms and two back to back small bathrooms. The laundry room was located in a small dark space of the unfinished basement. This home is located in a cul-de-sac, on an uphill lot, of a very secluded neighborhood with lots of new homes just being built around them. The couple consulted an architectural firm in past but never were satisfied with the final plans. They approached Michael Nash Custom Kitchens hoping for fresh ideas. The backyard and side yard are wooded and the existing structure was too close to building restriction lines. We developed design plans and applied for special permits to achieve our client’s goals. The remodel includes a family room, sunroom, breakfast area, home office, large master bedroom suite, large walk-in closet, main level laundry room, lots of windows, front porch, back deck, and most important than all an elevator from lower to upper level given them and their close relative a necessary easier access. The new plan added extra dimensions to this rambler on all four sides. Starting from the front, we excavated to allow a first level entrance, storage, and elevator room. Building just above it, is a 12 feet x 30 feet covered porch with a leading brick staircase. A contemporary cedar rail with horizontal stainless steel cable rail system on both the front porch and the back deck sets off this project from any others in area. A new foyer with double frosted stainless-steel door was added which contains the elevator. The garage door was widened and a solid cedar door was installed to compliment the cedar siding. The left side of this rambler was excavated to allow a storage off the garage and extension of one of the old bedrooms to be converted to a large master bedroom suite, master bathroom suite and walk-in closet. We installed matching brick for a seam-less exterior look. The entire house was furnished with new Italian imported highly custom stainless-steel windows and doors. We removed several brick and block structure walls to put doors and floor to ceiling windows. A full walk in shower with barn style frameless glass doors, double vanities covered with selective stone, floor to ceiling porcelain tile make the master bathroom highly accessible. The other two bedrooms were reconfigured with new closets, wider doorways, new wood floors and wider windows. Just outside of the bedroom, a new laundry room closet was a major upgrade. A second HVAC system was added in the attic for all new areas. The back side of the master bedroom was covered with floor to ceiling windows and a door to step into a new deck covered in trex and cable railing. This addition provides a view to wooded area of the home. By excavating and leveling the backyard, we constructed a two story 15’x 40’ addition that provided the tall ceiling for the family room just adjacent to new deck, a breakfast area a few steps away from the remodeled kitchen. Upscale stainless-steel appliances, floor to ceiling white custom cabinetry and quartz counter top, and fun lighting improved this back section of the house with its increased lighting and available work space. Just below this addition, there is extra space for exercise and storage room. This room has a pair of sliding doors allowing more light inside. The right elevation has a trapezoid shape addition with floor to ceiling windows and space used as a sunroom/in-home office. Wide plank wood floors were installed throughout the main level for continuity. The hall bathroom was gutted and expanded to allow a new soaking tub and large vanity. The basement half bathroom was converted to a full bathroom, new flooring and lighting in the entire basement changed the purpose of the basement for entertainment and spending time with grandkids. Off white and soft tone were used inside and out as the color schemes to make this rambler spacious and illuminated. Final grade and landscaping, by adding a few trees, trimming the old cherry and walnut trees in backyard, saddling the yard, and a new concrete driveway and walkway made this home a unique and charming gem in the neighborhood.

Mid Century Modern Addition and Interior Revision

Rossoto Art LLC

William Rossoto
Photo of a medium sized modern galley kitchen/diner in Other with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz worktops, grey splashback, metro tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and white worktops.

Modern Shaker kitchen in grey with dark island

Eclectic Interiors

This classic look with a long main run and large island is a perfect design solution for this newly created extra-large kitchen extension in Balham. Our Modern Shaker style in mid-grey was successfully used here with the large island in a contrasting dark navy/grey. The main appliances and fridge/freezer were placed on the main wall run with the induction hob in the middle and framed perfectly by the tall units. The large island with the sink, dishwasher and L- shaped seating creates not only a great preparation area but also a space for the family to seat casually or when entertaining. An additional bank of tall units placed by the entrance were designed to house the utility part of the kitchen with the washing machine, tumble dryer and the megaflow cylinder all hidden away. The overall design gives our client lots of space for a busy family life and entertaining, with plenty of space around the dining table and a generous seating area for relaxing by the garden doors.

Fox Point WI Modern Home

Barenz Builders

Tricia Shay Photography
This is an example of a modern l-shaped kitchen/diner in Milwaukee with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, white splashback, stainless steel appliances, an island, grey floors and white worktops.

From Seasoned to Sophisticated

Next Stage Design + Build

Scott DuBose Photography
Design ideas for a medium sized modern kitchen/diner in San Francisco with a submerged sink, white cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, glass tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, no island, brown floors and white worktops.

From Seasoned to Sophisticated

Next Stage Design + Build

Scott DuBose Photography The hidden storage allows the client to store away things that would otherwise take up valuable counter space.
Photo of a medium sized modern kitchen/diner in San Francisco with a submerged sink, white cabinets, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, glass tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, medium hardwood flooring, no island, brown floors and white worktops.

Evans Kitchen Case Study

Roundhouse

Roundhouse Urbo matt lacquer bespoke kitchen in Farrow & Ball Blue Black and Strong White with Burnished Copper Matt Metallic on wall cabinet. Worktop in Carrara marble and splashback in Bronze Mirror glass. Photography by Nick Kane

Modern Apartment Upgrade in Cobble Hill

Crown Woodworking Corp

Design ideas for a small modern galley kitchen/diner in New York with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, engineered stone countertops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring, white splashback, metro tiled splashback, an island, brown floors and white worktops.

Modern Kitchen/Diner Ideas and Designs

Want to discover beautiful modern kitchen ideas to inspire your new kitchen design? You’ve come to the right place. You can discover millions of modern 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 modern photos to inspire you for your next kitchen project on Houzz.

What kind of modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern kitchen storage ideas should I consider?

If you want to keep your modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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 modern 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.

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