8 Modern Kitchen Design Ideas

When you live in New England--a region where homes often have historic significance, and colonial and federalist architecture dots much of the landscape-- there's a tendency to lean towards traditional design when updating or renovating your home. But, while classic style may be the obvious complement to a traditional home, it's not the only suitable option. We've installed many sleek, modern kitchens around Massachusetts that pop against their more traditional surroundings, and open the doors for contemporary design elsewhere in the home. Thinking about installing a modern kitchen? Here are eight of our favorite design ideas from past projects.

1. Flat-paneled cabinetry. Moreso than raised- or recessed-panel cabinet fronts, flat-panel cabinetry has a clean, streamlined look. For the best result, choose hardware with an equally sleek appearance.

2. European-style appliances. American appliances tend to be larger and bulkier than those manufactured by European brands. Consider exploring appliances offered by high-end European companies like Gaggenau, Miele, or Bosch (all carried by Divine) if you're after a more modern look.

3. Two-tone cabinetry. Choosing two different hues for your cabinetry (like one color for the bottom row, and another for the top), adds a fun, contemporary twist to the kitchen. Our favorite combinations include bright white paired with either a dark espresso or smokey gray hue.

4. Minimalist fixtures. In keeping with the "sleek" theme that's essential to a modern kitchen, choose faucets and fixtures that are equally spare, like those offered by Dornbracht, or the modern collections from Danze and Rohl.

5. A futuristic lighting plan. Take task lighting to the next level: In addition to installing ceiling lighting (choose futuristic fixtures for a high-style space), add modern luxuries like under-cabinet (and even in-cabinet) lighting to your kitchen.

6. A sleek backsplash. Maintain a streamlined appearance by choosing a sheet-style backplash made of glass of marble, or evoke a high-tech, pixelated feel with small mosaic tile.

7. Engineered countertops. Granite is a beautiful material for countertops, but its natural striations can feel too organic for a contemporary kitchen. Engineered materials like Silestone, on the other hand, can be manufactured in a single color for a sleek effect.

8. Built-in appliances. Having appliances built into your cabinetry plan will help create the clean appearance that's essential for a modern look.

For more modern kitchen design ideas, visit our Wellesley, Massachusetts showroom at 180 Linden Street, or give us a call to set up an appointment at (781) 235-5650.