Modern style kitchens: a guide to space design and choosing furniture

Modern kitchens are all about clean lines and minimalism, offering comfort and maximum freedom. Unnecessary decorative elements are no longer relevant, as everything should be carefully thought out down to the smallest detail.

To create the utmost comfort, a unique style, and a harmonious space, it is important to choose the right kitchen furniture. Today, let's break down what to pay attention to when selecting furniture in this style and understand which modern kitchen would suit you best.

Key Features of the Modern Kitchen Style

Modern style kitchens feature various elements that are crucial to consider when selecting furniture and designing the kitchen space.

Simplicity and minimalism

What characterizes modern kitchen furniture is its simple shape and geometric lines. Forget about intricate carvings or decorative handles. The more minimalist the facades, the better. The goal is to create the impression of a smooth, flowing space.

In this case, straight kitchens and handleless furniture, which opens with a click, may be appropriate. This is not only a visual preference but also a practical and convenient design choice. However, this may pose challenges with built-in dishwashers and refrigerators. This problem can be solved by installing an electric steering assist, though this is a costly solution. Another option is milled handles, which look modern and strike a balance between cost, functionality, and design.

Full kitchen development

A modern kitchen is usually fully integrated, as seen in two key aspects. First, there is a trend of hiding appliances. The refrigerator and dishwasher are concealed behind facades, while the oven or microwave is integrated in a way that blends with the furniture's surface (available in white, black, or gray options).

Additionally, you can find units that extend to the ceiling, which not only look aesthetically pleasing but also have numerous advantages. More cabinets mean more storage space, and you won’t need to worry about dust and grease building up on top. Interestingly, extending the cabinets to the ceiling doesn’t make the room feel smaller; it actually creates the illusion of a higher kitchen.

When purchasing ready-made kitchen furniture, the dimensions of the upper cabinets may not fit the room. In this case, it’s best to use modular systems and fill the gaps with special fillers, finished in the same way as the facades. The visual effect will be similar to that of a custom-made kitchen.

Glossy kitchen furniture

For a long time, people opted for kitchen furniture with glossy facades. The smooth, mirror-like, slightly shiny surface visually enlarges the space, making it look more stylish and bright. This advantage is provided not only by light-colored facades but also by graphite or even black options, which are suitable for small spaces.

Additionally, the design combines practicality. While it’s true that painted facades show fingerprints, they are easy to clean. Just spray window cleaner or a vinegar solution on them and wipe with a cloth. Glossy furniture is low-maintenance, and it doesn’t retain stubborn stains (such as from tomato sauce), nor will it yellow or fade over time.

Not all furniture has to be lacquered. A popular combination is matte lower shelves with glossy upper cabinets.

Not just light shades

Modern kitchen design is often associated with pure white, which looks striking but can be seen as too sterile and unfriendly. A much better idea is to combine white with other contrasting colors or materials. A standard solution is to combine white furniture with wood, creating a cozy atmosphere. You can also replace the wood with black marble for an elegant and luxurious finish.

At the same time, white is not the only choice for a modern kitchen. Black (although it’s important to be cautious with lacquered surfaces, as dust and dirt are easily visible) and gray work equally well. To liven up the composition, it's recommended to mix dark facades with lighter elements, such as wood or gold. Playing with materials is also a hallmark of modern design.

Functionality meets design

It’s undeniable that a minimalist kitchen in a modern style is a designer's dream, but this shouldn’t be its only defining feature. Functionality and ergonomics are just as important. When choosing the layout of furniture and individual elements, remember to divide the space into zones and follow the so-called "working triangle" principle.

Furniture should be easy to store, so it’s worth considering the following solutions:

• High cargo cabinets that serve as pantries.

• Pull-out baskets for corner cabinets.

• Multi-level shelves.

• Organizers and baskets.

• Cabinets with space for sorting bins or built-in waste sorting systems.

What characterizes modern kitchen furniture?

A minimalist kitchen isn’t always about dull shades and strict lines. While neutral and more subdued colors like black, white, and gray are predominantly used, contrasts with brighter shades and materials help bring the space to life. Don’t forget the practical aspect of designing kitchen furniture. Use every cabinet and space in the kitchen as effectively as possible, employing various organizational techniques to maximize efficiency.