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20 modern kitchen ideas

By Ellie Reeves | 23rd December 2024 | 7 min read

Ready to give your kitchen a glow up? Whether you're dreaming of a sleek new look or refreshing your current setup, modern kitchen design is all about smart style and clever solutions. Think glossy finishes, genius storage, and appliances that do the hard work for you. Check out these modern kitchen styles and transform your space into the kitchen you never knew you needed – but absolutely deserve.

Gloss white handleless kitchen cabinets, light wooden flooring, and sage green walls.Gloss white handleless kitchen cabinets, light wooden flooring, and sage green walls.Gloss white handleless kitchen cabinets, light wooden flooring, and sage green walls.Gloss white handleless kitchen cabinets, light wooden flooring, and sage green walls.

1. Shine bright with glossy cabinets

When you think of a modern kitchen, high-gloss cabinets are probably the first thing that springs to mind, right? Their reflective finish works wonders for smaller spaces, bouncing light around to make the room feel brighter and bigger. Check out our Garcinia, Alisma, or Stevia ranges in muted tones like grey or white.

Small kitchen with matt grey cabinets, white walls, white splashback, and wooden flooring.Small kitchen with matt grey cabinets, white walls, white splashback, and wooden flooring.Small kitchen with matt grey cabinets, white walls, white splashback, and wooden flooring.Small kitchen with matt grey cabinets, white walls, white splashback, and wooden flooring.

2. Go modern with matt cabinets

Prefer a softer look? Matt cabinets are a stylish alternative to glossy finishes, offering a sleek, modern feel. They’re great at hiding fingerprints too. Our Stevia matt range comes in pewter grey, sandstone, and midnight blue, and pairs effortlessly with metallic accessories for a contemporary touch.

Corner carousel kitchen cupboard full of jars of food and condiments.Corner carousel kitchen cupboard full of jars of food and condiments.Corner carousel kitchen cupboard full of jars of food and condiments.Corner carousel kitchen cupboard full of jars of food and condiments.

3. Smarten up with hidden storage

A modern kitchen loves a clean worktop. Pull-out carousels, corner units, and glide-out larders help you keep everything tucked away yet easy to find. Sleek, organised, and effortlessly practical – what’s not to love?

Large blue kitchen with sleek marble worktops and two wooden breakfast bars at varying heights.Large blue kitchen with sleek marble worktops and two wooden breakfast bars at varying heights.Large blue kitchen with sleek marble worktops and two wooden breakfast bars at varying heights.Large blue kitchen with sleek marble worktops and two wooden breakfast bars at varying heights.

4. Mix and match worktop thickness

Why stick to one size? Mixing thick and thin worktops is a clever way to add character and define spaces. Think chunky breakfast bars paired with sleek prep areas. It’s a simple way to make your kitchen feel custom-designed while keeping things practical and stylish.

Black kitchen island with black tap and a black undermount sink.Black kitchen island with black tap and a black undermount sink.Black kitchen island with black tap and a black undermount sink.Black kitchen island with black tap and a black undermount sink.

5. Undermount sinks for a seamless look

Undermount sinks are the ultimate modern kitchen upgrade. Pair them with seamless worktops and discreet drainage grooves for a streamlined finish. For a statement twist, consider quartz composite options in bold black, crisp white, or sophisticated grey.

White and grey patterned mosaic tile splashback in a grey kitchen.White and grey patterned mosaic tile splashback in a grey kitchen.White and grey patterned mosaic tile splashback in a grey kitchen.White and grey patterned mosaic tile splashback in a grey kitchen.

6. Embrace bold splashbacks

A bold splashback is the perfect way to bring some personality to your kitchen. Think pink herringbone tiles for a playful, on-trend vibe or chic marble for timeless elegance. Whether you go for sleek glass or textured tiles, the right splashback can transform your space. Browse our splashback ideas for more inspiration.

Grey kitchen with dark wood worktops and shelving, with a low breakfast bar and grey chairs.Grey kitchen with dark wood worktops and shelving, with a low breakfast bar and grey chairs.Grey kitchen with dark wood worktops and shelving, with a low breakfast bar and grey chairs.Grey kitchen with dark wood worktops and shelving, with a low breakfast bar and grey chairs.

7. Add a breakfast bar

Short on space? Skip the bulky dining table and go for a breakfast bar instead. It’s ideal for casual meals, quick coffee breaks, or entertaining in smaller or open-plan kitchens. Pair it with sleek bar stools that slide away neatly when not in use.

Modern white kitchen with handleless cabinets and integrated appliances and storage.Modern white kitchen with handleless cabinets and integrated appliances and storage.Modern white kitchen with handleless cabinets and integrated appliances and storage.Modern white kitchen with handleless cabinets and integrated appliances and storage.

8. Choose integrated appliances

For a kitchen that’s as sleek as it is smart, go for built-in appliances. Integrated fridges, ovens, and dishwashers keep everything looking neat and tidy, creating smooth lines and a polished, cohesive vibe. No clutter, no hassle – just flawless functionality at its best.

Large white and grey kitchen with a large island with grey cabinets and white marble worktop.Large white and grey kitchen with a large island with grey cabinets and white marble worktop.Large white and grey kitchen with a large island with grey cabinets and white marble worktop.Large white and grey kitchen with a large island with grey cabinets and white marble worktop.

9. Make a statement with an island

If you've got the space, a kitchen island is a total game-changer. Whether you use it for extra storage, food prep, or as a social spot, it’s a must-have feature. Choose a contrasting worktop colour to make it stand out and elevate the whole room. Need more ideas? Check out our article for plenty of kitchen island inspiration.

Large kitchen with white handleless gloss cabinets with plinth lighting, under cabinet lights, and statement pendant lights.Large kitchen with white handleless gloss cabinets with plinth lighting, under cabinet lights, and statement pendant lights.Large kitchen with white handleless gloss cabinets with plinth lighting, under cabinet lights, and statement pendant lights.Large kitchen with white handleless gloss cabinets with plinth lighting, under cabinet lights, and statement pendant lights.

10. Light up your space

Layered lighting is the secret ingredient to a modern kitchen. Mix pendant lights, under-cabinet downlights, and stylish wall lights for the perfect balance of ambience and practicality. For that extra wow factor, LED strip lights under cabinets and on plinths add an atmospheric glow.

Orange walls, dark blue kitchen cabinets, and dark wooden worktops and flooring.Orange walls, dark blue kitchen cabinets, and dark wooden worktops and flooring.Orange walls, dark blue kitchen cabinets, and dark wooden worktops and flooring.Orange walls, dark blue kitchen cabinets, and dark wooden worktops and flooring.

11. Get creative with flooring

Make a statement from the ground up with bold kitchen flooring. Deep mahogany laminate, charcoal grey vinyl, or stylish porcelain tiles add both style and durability, handling the hustle and bustle of your kitchen with ease. Not only does our flooring look great, but it's built to stands the test of time.

Light green and white kitchen with white splashback and floating wooden shelves full of food, kitchen accessories, and cookbooks.Light green and white kitchen with white splashback and floating wooden shelves full of food, kitchen accessories, and cookbooks.Light green and white kitchen with white splashback and floating wooden shelves full of food, kitchen accessories, and cookbooks.Light green and white kitchen with white splashback and floating wooden shelves full of food, kitchen accessories, and cookbooks.

12. Embrace open shelving

Open shelving is a great way to give your kitchen an airy feel. It’s perfect for showcasing your favourite dishes, cookbooks, or even a few potted plants. This modern touch adds personality and style without crowding the space.

Modern black kitchen cabinets with white walls, light wooden worktops, and light wooden flooring.Modern black kitchen cabinets with white walls, light wooden worktops, and light wooden flooring.Modern black kitchen cabinets with white walls, light wooden worktops, and light wooden flooring.Modern black kitchen cabinets with white walls, light wooden worktops, and light wooden flooring.

13. Go for a bold black kitchen

Black kitchens are effortlessly stylish and incredibly modern. Whether it’s sleek black cabinets, bold worktops, or a striking black splashback, this daring shade adds drama and intrigue to your space. Ready to embrace the boldness? Check out our black kitchen ideas for expert styling tips and inspiration.

Chrome-plated boiling water tap in a kitchen.Chrome-plated boiling water tap in a kitchen.Chrome-plated boiling water tap in a kitchen.Chrome-plated boiling water tap in a kitchen.

14. Upgrade your tap game

Boiling water taps are the kitchen upgrade you never knew you needed. Sleek, space-saving, and ridiculously practical, they’ll have you saying goodbye to the kettle and hello to instant hot water at the turn of a tap.

Gold effect mini hexagon tiled kitchen splashback.Gold effect mini hexagon tiled kitchen splashback.Gold effect mini hexagon tiled kitchen splashback.Gold effect mini hexagon tiled kitchen splashback.

15. Add metallic accents

Introduce a touch of glamour with metallic finishes. Brass handles, gold effect splashbacks, bronze effect taps, or copper pendant lights bring a hint of luxe without overpowering the room.

Modern pink ad white kitchen with black cabinet handles, lighting, sink, and tap.Modern pink ad white kitchen with black cabinet handles, lighting, sink, and tap.Modern pink ad white kitchen with black cabinet handles, lighting, sink, and tap.Modern pink ad white kitchen with black cabinet handles, lighting, sink, and tap.

16. Experiment with colour

Who says modern has to mean neutral? Play around with soft pastels, deep navy, or soothing sage green to create a space that feels both contemporary and cosy. Choose colourful cabinets, give the walls a lick of paint, or add colour with bright and cheerful accessories. These kitchen colour ideas are sure to kickstart your inspiration!

Tidy kitchen with light cream cabinets, white splashback, pale pink walls, and metallic accents.Tidy kitchen with light cream cabinets, white splashback, pale pink walls, and metallic accents.Tidy kitchen with light cream cabinets, white splashback, pale pink walls, and metallic accents.Tidy kitchen with light cream cabinets, white splashback, pale pink walls, and metallic accents.

17. Hide away waste systems

Keep your kitchen tidy and organised with hidden bins. Pull-out waste and recycling systems save precious space in your kitchen and make sorting rubbish a breeze. It’s a simple upgrade that adds both function and finesse.

Modern kitchen with black and white herringbone style splashback tiles.Modern kitchen with black and white herringbone style splashback tiles.Modern kitchen with black and white herringbone style splashback tiles.Modern kitchen with black and white herringbone style splashback tiles.

18. Add texture with tiles

Tiles are an easy way to add texture and personality to your kitchen. From classic herringbone subway tiles to large sleek satin-finish tiles, the right choice can bring your space to life. It’s a simple update that adds plenty of character.

Light grey kitchen with a statement splashback made with extra-long vertical white tiles.Light grey kitchen with a statement splashback made with extra-long vertical white tiles.Light grey kitchen with a statement splashback made with extra-long vertical white tiles.Light grey kitchen with a statement splashback made with extra-long vertical white tiles.

19. Incorporate smart tech

Bring your kitchen into the future with smart home technology. From app-controlled ovens, air fryers, and kettles to voice-activated lighting. These clever gadgets don’t just look cool - but they make your kitchen work harder for you.

Large Scandi-style kitchen with cream matt cabinets, black accents, and rattan bar stools.Large Scandi-style kitchen with cream matt cabinets, black accents, and rattan bar stools.Large Scandi-style kitchen with cream matt cabinets, black accents, and rattan bar stools.Large Scandi-style kitchen with cream matt cabinets, black accents, and rattan bar stools.

20. Keep it minimal

The key to a modern kitchen? Simplicity. Go for clean lines, understated colours, and a handful of thoughtfully selected accessories. Because sometimes, less really is more – and your kitchen will thank you for it.