Modern Kitchen Cabinets

Modern cabinets to use in contemporary kitchen design are harder to find that you would think. I have searched all of the major brands and home improvement retailers, but nowhere can I find the futuristic polished wood style of the units in this outstanding open kitchen.  I am in the midst of revamping my new home into an ultra modern bachelor pad fit for frequent entertaining with friends and family.  Tired of the boring traditional white kitchen cabinets so pervasive today, I was inspired by the edgy architectural styles of homes like this one that I viewed when I was in LA for business. However, it has been challenging to find products that create a similar style out here in the Midwest.

After deciding to update my kitchen I began skimming through books, magazines, and online articles to get some ideas on styles, colors, and layouts. After seeing several ads for hardware and kitchen cabinet doors, this picture in particular caught my attention and I was immediately drawn to its attractive, modern feeling! I fell in love with the beautifully crafted counter top and decided that this is just what I would want my own kitchen to look like. I think adding a large pantry cabinet would not only help with storage but would also create a clean, organized space for both working and entertaining friends and family.

The key to any modern kitchen design is selecting the right cabinets to magnify your chosen style.  Most units tend to lean on the traditional side, with heavily paneled doors and trim work. It can be challenging to find some that do not take away from the sleek lines and minimalistic look you are trying to achieve. This designer did an absolutely fantastic job of selecting kitchen cupboards that, not only do not distract from the very edgy modern design they had chosen, but actually enhance the entire space. The shiny grey acrylic finish pairs perfectly with the solid marble backsplash and large center island. The lack of garish knobs or drawer pulls further accentuates the minimalist approach to decor and the designers no nonsense approach to design.

White kitchen designs such as this can produce a modern and comfortable feel, while becoming one of the focal points of the home. This design was recently redone and it features flat surface counter-tops and cabinets to conserve space and improve functionality. The kitchen cabinets have a sleek and eye-catching sold white finish. Also note that the color compliments the chrome surfaces of the faucets, sinks, and appliances, which adds consistency to the overall design. Modern kitchen cabinets are the main feature of this remodel. Older cabinets tend to have warped wood or other forms of damage from moisture and wear over the years.

Dark wood kitchen cabinets like these are a great way to modernize a more traditional style home. They retain the classic styling of paneled doors, crown molding and bead board accents on the island, yet the ashy espresso stain brings a bout an air of modernity. This dichotomy of decor trends is further accentuated by the contrast between simple granite countertops and the funky glass tile mosaic backsplash accent.  Rather than extending the simple neutral stone backsplash throughout the kitchen, they homeowners added a fun focal point between the kitchen cabinet design framing the gas range.  The metallic tile mosaic ties together all of the colors in the room, from the neutral beige tones of the countertops and walls, to the dark finish on the modern kitchen cabinets and stainless steel accents via the appliances.

I always consider modern kitchen lighting to be the crowning piece of a fantastic overall design. It is small finishing touches like pendant lighting over an island, or well placed spotlights highlighting a piece of wall art that give that outstanding professionally decorated look. When we took on this contemporary home remodel project, we knew that we wanted to keep the color palette and kitchen base cabinets quite simple and monochromatic in order to draw the attention to the gorgeous ocean views outside of the large wall of windows. Despite this choice, we didn't want the design to be completely invisible and devoid of style. Small touches like the beautiful blow glass hanging light fixtures, funky bronze ceiling fan, chrome handles on the modern kitchen cabinets, the wide plank ceiling inserts, and glass shelving flanking the range hood give the decor some pizazz without consuming the overall design.