The Fundamentals of Modern Kitchen Design

Clean lines, clear spaces, natural materials, neutral colors

Appearances can be deceiving when it comes to modern kitchen design. Seemingly effortless and simple, modern design incorporates minimalistic details and clean lines. But it’s this simplicity that demands perfection in craftsmanship, design selections, and functionality that only years of experience can achieve.

Defining modern design

Modern design originated in the early to the mid-20th century when designers moved away from the heavily ornamented Gothic, Renaissance, and Victorian design styles. Industrialization produced new materials which inspired furniture and construction. At its most basic, modern interior design features straight lines over curved lines. Long horizontal planes are broken up by clear, open spaces and highlighted with lots of natural light. Neutral colors and natural materials create just the right amount of contrast and interest while complementing the clean look of the overall design. Strong emphasis is placed on functionality to create an organized and calm atmosphere.

Functional minimalism

Minimalism is a key characteristic of modern design. Kitchens, by their very nature, are spaces that receive heavy use and are prone to clutter. To combat this, a professional kitchen designer works diligently with the client to ensure that every surface, appliance, and cabinet has a specific purpose in the space. The focus of the design is on efficiency and intentionality that suits the client’s lifestyle while eliminating distracting, unnecessary “extras”. A kitchen designer perfects the design in a way that reduces potential for clutter. Much attention is paid to the layout of the cabinetry to guarantee storage is ample and kitchen items are kept from sight. This functional minimalism makes the modern kitchen a sly workhorse of a space.

Integration of appliances

Traditional kitchen appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers, ranges, and microwaves, are required in the space but can distract from the monochromatic look that defines modern kitchen design. Integrating appliances through custom cabinetry and appliance selections allows them to blend seamlessly into the design.

Panel-ready dishwashers and refrigerators allow for a cabinet front to be attached which integrates the appliance into the overall design. Professional, custom cabinetry allows for cabinets with unique opening hardware to conceal countertop kitchen appliances. Drawers can be outfitted with outlets and charging ports to keep family devices charged and easily accessible, but out of sight. Additionally, a butler’s pantry out of the sightline of the main kitchen makes a great place to house appliances that cannot be integrated into the design as easily, like a built-in coffee station or microwave.

Materials and finishes

Design selections are pivotal when creating a modern kitchen. Careful consideration must be made to ensure that the principles of interior design are achieved while eliminating unnecessary ornamentation.

Modern design often pairs man-made materials with the natural materials, to strike a balance of crispness and a visual softness and warmth. An example might be pairing a matte acrylic and natural wood for cabinetry and a stone countertop with soft veining to lend personality to the space. Another element that truly defines modern design is the selection of hardware or the lack of, achieved with hidden function or integration. Thin, top mounted edge pulls, touch doors and drawers, or channel systems can all be explored with modern design.

A neutral, monochromatic color palette produces harmony and radiates a calming rhythm in the space. A careful accent color or texture can provide interest but does not overwhelm the design.

Balance is achieved in carrying this same color palette to adjacent areas of the home within the sightline of the space. Lighting choices complement the beauty of the space and keep with the clean lines and natural materials modern design is well known for. When it comes to modern kitchen design, starkness is not the goal. The goal instead is to create a space that harmonizes with the entire home, creating an aesthetic that lets the eye travel from room to room, with fluidity and sense of purpose.

At TruKitchens we’ve executed many beautiful modern kitchen designs to suit our clients’ needs. With a full spectrum of design expertise and talented team of designers and installers, we can achieve the perfection that modern design requires. We help our clients create stunning spaces through our carefully curated custom cabinetry lines and other design products. Our love of creativity and focus on functionality helps our clients create a space uniquely tailored to their love of modern design. ❂

Jessica Fitnich Senior Designer, TruKitchens

616.957.1969 hello@trukitchens.com trukitchens.com