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  2. Layout: U-shape

Modern U-shaped Kitchen Ideas and Designs

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Gray and White Kitchen Remodel in New York City
Gray and White Kitchen Remodel in New York City
KitchensandClosets.com By K-One Floors, Inc.KitchensandClosets.com By K-One Floors, Inc.
This is an example of a large modern grey and white u-shaped kitchen/diner in New York with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite worktops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl flooring, grey floors, grey worktops, a vaulted ceiling and a breakfast bar.
Mike + Samantha's Kitchen and Bathroom
Mike + Samantha's Kitchen and Bathroom
Encircle Design and BuildEncircle Design and Build
Michelle Ruber
Small modern u-shaped enclosed kitchen in Portland with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, concrete worktops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, lino flooring and no island.
Mukilteo Gem
Mukilteo Gem
Interiors by PopovInteriors by Popov
When we drove out to Mukilteo for our initial consultation, we immediately fell in love with this house. With its tall ceilings, eclectic mix of wood, glass and steel, and gorgeous view of the Puget Sound, we quickly nicknamed this project "The Mukilteo Gem". Our client, a cook and baker, did not like her existing kitchen. The main points of issue were short runs of available counter tops, lack of storage and shortage of light. So, we were called in to implement some big, bold ideas into a small footprint kitchen with big potential. We completely changed the layout of the room by creating a tall, built-in storage wall and a continuous u-shape counter top. Early in the project, we took inventory of every item our clients wanted to store in the kitchen and ensured that every spoon, gadget, or bowl would have a dedicated "home" in their new kitchen. The finishes were meticulously selected to ensure continuity throughout the house. We also played with the color scheme to achieve a bold yet natural feel.This kitchen is a prime example of how color can be used to both make a statement and project peace and balance simultaneously. While busy at work on our client's kitchen improvement, we also updated the entry and gave the homeowner a modern laundry room with triple the storage space they originally had. End result: ecstatic clients and a very happy design team. That's what we call a big success! John Granen.
Dallas | Hillside | Kitchen
Dallas | Hillside | Kitchen
Kitchen Design ConceptsKitchen Design Concepts
In our world of kitchen design, it’s lovely to see all the varieties of styles come to life. From traditional to modern, and everything in between, we love to design a broad spectrum. Here, we present a two-tone modern kitchen that has used materials in a fresh and eye-catching way. With a mix of finishes, it blends perfectly together to create a space that flows and is the pulsating heart of the home. With the main cooking island and gorgeous prep wall, the cook has plenty of space to work. The second island is perfect for seating – the three materials interacting seamlessly, we have the main white material covering the cabinets, a short grey table for the kids, and a taller walnut top for adults to sit and stand while sipping some wine! I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend time in this kitchen?! Cabinetry With a tuxedo trend look, we used Cabico Elmwood New Haven door style, walnut vertical grain in a natural matte finish. The white cabinets over the sink are the Ventura MDF door in a White Diamond Gloss finish. Countertops The white counters on the perimeter and on both islands are from Caesarstone in a Frosty Carrina finish, and the added bar on the second countertop is a custom walnut top (made by the homeowner!) with a shorter seated table made from Caesarstone’s Raw Concrete. Backsplash The stone is from Marble Systems from the Mod Glam Collection, Blocks – Glacier honed, in Snow White polished finish, and added Brass. Fixtures A Blanco Precis Silgranit Cascade Super Single Bowl Kitchen Sink in White works perfect with the counters. A Waterstone transitional pulldown faucet in New Bronze is complemented by matching water dispenser, soap dispenser, and air switch. The cabinet hardware is from Emtek – their Trinity pulls in brass. Appliances The cooktop, oven, steam oven and dishwasher are all from Miele. The dishwashers are paneled with cabinetry material (left/right of the sink) and integrate seamlessly Refrigerator and Freezer columns are from SubZero and we kept the stainless look to break up the walnut some. The microwave is a counter sitting Panasonic with a custom wood trim (made by Cabico) and the vent hood is from Zephyr.
Redmond Residence
Redmond Residence
Michelle Dirkse Interior DesignMichelle Dirkse Interior Design
Photo of a medium sized modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Seattle with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartz worktops, white splashback, stone slab splashback, integrated appliances, medium hardwood flooring, an island and brown floors.
Cupboard Kitchen and Bath Discounter
Cupboard Kitchen and Bath Discounter
Cupboards Kitchen Bath DiscountersCupboards Kitchen Bath Discounters
This is an example of a large modern u-shaped enclosed kitchen in San Diego with a belfast sink, shaker cabinets, beige cabinets, marble worktops, white splashback, marble splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood flooring, an island, brown floors and white worktops.
Modern Chic
Modern Chic
The Couture Haus Interior DesignThe Couture Haus Interior Design
Modern kitchen in modern farmhouse. Taj Mahal countertops and glass display cabinets
Photo of a large modern u-shaped enclosed kitchen in Raleigh with a built-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite worktops, white splashback, medium hardwood flooring, brown floors and black worktops.
Melville Road
Melville Road
Kraemer Kitchen and BathKraemer Kitchen and Bath
This bright and spacious open concept kitchen is a delight to behold and ideal for someone who loves cooking. Plenty of counter space as well as modern stainless steel appliances give a sleek and modern look and feel
Pietra Grey Naturali Collection
Pietra Grey Naturali Collection
Ollin StoneOllin Stone
Pietra Grey is a distinguishing trait of the I Naturali series is soil. A substance which on the one hand recalls all things primordial and on the other the possibility of being plied. As a result, the slab made from the ceramic lends unique value to the settings it clads.
The Bedford House
The Bedford House
Lori Dennis, Inc.Lori Dennis, Inc.
Modern Kitchen with Wood Accents. Flat panel wood cabinets and flat panel grey cabinets blended together with white marble counter and blacksplash. Round glass light pendants hang above contemporary kitchen island, white modern bar stools sit on wide plank light wood flooring.
Randwick
Randwick
Pink Box DesignPink Box Design
Photo of a small modern u-shaped kitchen in Sydney with a built-in sink, engineered stone countertops, white splashback, ceramic splashback, black appliances, medium hardwood flooring and beige worktops.
South Land Park
South Land Park
WOOL Design StudioWOOL Design Studio
Walnut cabinets, soapstone countertops, built-in oven hood with floating shelves.
Design ideas for a modern u-shaped kitchen/diner in Sacramento with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, soapstone worktops, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood flooring and a breakfast bar.
WHITE AND LIGHT BLUE KITCHEN, CANYON COUNTRY
WHITE AND LIGHT BLUE KITCHEN, CANYON COUNTRY
American Home Improvement Inc.American Home Improvement Inc.
Kitchen remodeling in Canyon Country. Light blue and white kitchen, by American Home Improvement, Inc.
Photo of a medium sized modern u-shaped enclosed kitchen in Los Angeles with a built-in sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite worktops, blue splashback, metro tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, marble flooring, no island, white floors and white worktops.
Lincoln Park Japandi Loft
Lincoln Park Japandi Loft
Devon Grace InteriorsDevon Grace Interiors
Beside the refrigerator, we tucked in some open shelves to provide a coffee station for easy access during busy mornings.
Photo of a modern u-shaped open plan kitchen in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, white splashback, mosaic tiled splashback, stainless steel appliances, a breakfast bar and white worktops.
Maximise the feeling of space
Maximise the feeling of space
Kettle Co. KitchensKettle Co. Kitchens
White flat panel doors to maximise the feeling of space and brightness.
Small modern u-shaped enclosed kitchen in Cornwall with a built-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, onyx worktops, red splashback, glass sheet splashback, black appliances, light hardwood flooring, no island, beige floors and white worktops.
Yoneyama Residence- Kitchen Remodel
Yoneyama Residence- Kitchen Remodel
So Cal Builders & DesignSo Cal Builders & Design
Full remodel of existing kitchen, including new black tile floors, flat panel white cabinets, white and black marble countertops
This is an example of a large modern u-shaped kitchen/diner in Los Angeles with a belfast sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble worktops, white splashback, porcelain splashback, stainless steel appliances, ceramic flooring, an island, black floors, white worktops and a vaulted ceiling.
Calcatta Gold- Kitchen and First Floor Remodel
Calcatta Gold- Kitchen and First Floor Remodel
May Construction, Inc.May Construction, Inc.
The previous two-tiered peninsula was bulky and separated the cook from dining area. Replacing with a one level peninsula, large apron front sink and gorgeous brass faucet make the space feel more open, spacious and introduces extra seating and counterspace. Calcatta gold drapes the countertops and backsplash and a spark of black and brass complete this sleek design.
OPTION 2 - Light
OPTION 2 - Light
KORA RenovationKORA Renovation
Beautiful modern/contemporary kitchen design in our lighter option. This design includes amazing Carrara marble countertops, sleek white cabinets, and stainless-steel appliances!
Tree House Kitchen in Piedmont
Tree House Kitchen in Piedmont
Hanomoco DesignHanomoco Design
Open view from Kitchen
Inspiration for an expansive modern u-shaped kitchen/diner in San Francisco with a submerged sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, composite countertops, blue splashback, ceramic splashback, stainless steel appliances, dark hardwood flooring, an island and grey worktops.
Malvern Photoshoot
Malvern Photoshoot
Fontaine IndustriesFontaine Industries
Our timeless stainless sink, the Toronto Square Sink Large, is perfectly practical while also minimalistic and elegant. Matched with the Colette Kitchen Laundry Mixer Tap in Brushed Gold, this combo shines against a marble and white background. The pops of colour with decor also elevate the sophistication in this kitchen.

Modern U-shaped Kitchen 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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