22 Modern Kitchen Design Worth Stealing

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You know that kitchen board you’ve been secretly updating for 18 months? The one with marble countertops and those dreamy open shelves you’ll finally organize perfectly (sure, just like your closet).

Your morning coffee deserves better than fluorescent lighting and dated cabinets that judge your takeout habits. These 22 modern designs show you exactly what works—from handleless minimalism to exposed brick that makes you feel like you actually have your life together.

Industrial Chic: Exposed Brick Walls and Metal Shelving Units

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The industrial chic kitchen is basically that converted loft aesthetic you’ve been saving on Pinterest, minus the actual warehouse. It’s like bringing your favorite exposed-brick coffee shop home—raw materials meet refined living. This style works because it balances masculine edge with warmth, giving you permission to leave things “unfinished” while still looking completely put-together.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Cabinet refresh: Transform builder-grade cabinets with Benjamin Moore “Wrought Iron” (2124-10) or “Hale Navy” (HC-154) for that perfect industrial depth without going full black
  • Wall treatment: Sherwin Williams “Gauntlet Gray” (SW 7019) on main walls, with one accent wall in “Urbane Bronze” (SW 7048) to mimic aged metal patina

Budget Range: $18,000-$28,000 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Open-concept spaces with high ceilings

Two-Tone Triumph: Upper and Lower Cabinets in Contrasting Colors

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Two-tone cabinets are having their main character moment, just like that perfect outfit where mixing navy and camel suddenly makes sense. It’s the kitchen version of color-blocking that fashion girls have been doing forever—unexpected but somehow perfectly balanced. This combo breaks up visual weight while keeping things interesting, exactly what your feed-worthy kitchen needs.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Lower cabinet refresh: Benjamin Moore “Hale Navy” HC-154 or Sherwin Williams “Naval” SW-6244 for that perfect deep blue that doesn’t read black in photos
  • Upper cabinet brightening: Benjamin Moore “White Dove” OC-17 for warm whites or “Chantilly Lace” OC-65 for crisp contrast against darker lowers

Budget Range: $18,000-$28,000 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Galley kitchens and spaces with good natural light

Scandinavian Simplicity: Light Wood and White Color Palette

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This is basically the kitchen equivalent of that effortlessly chic friend whose Instagram feed looks like a Kinfolk magazine spread. You know the one—everything’s bathed in natural light, there’s always fresh eucalyptus somewhere, and somehow their space feels both minimal and cozy. The Scandinavian approach strips away the noise, leaving you with a kitchen that actually makes you want to meal prep on Sundays.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Cabinet refresh: Benjamin Moore “White Dove” OC-17 on upper cabinets paired with “Pale Oak” OC-20 on lowers creates that Pinterest-worthy two-tone look without committing to actual wood
  • Wall magic: Sherwin Williams “Pure White” SW-7005 for main walls with Clare Paint “Current Mood” on an accent wall behind open shelving for subtle contrast

Budget Range: $18,000-$28,000 | Timeline: 4-5 weeks | Best For: Galley kitchens and compact spaces

Bold Black Beauty: Matte Black Fixtures and Hardware Throughout

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Matte black is having its main character moment, like wearing all black to brunch but for your kitchen. Those glossy chrome fixtures your mom loved? They’re giving 2010 energy. Black hardware hits different—it’s the kitchen equivalent of swapping silver jewelry for gold and suddenly looking put-together.

Shop The Look:

  1. Dark charcoal or navy shaker cabinets
  2. Absolute black granite or soapstone countertops
  3. White subway tiles with black grout (3×6 classic)
  4. Dark luxury vinyl plank flooring (waterproof)
  5. Matte black track lighting system
  6. Black and white striped kitchen runner (washable)
  7. Matte black wire basket organizers
  8. Black ceramic vase set with dried pampas grass

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Cabinet refresh: Transform builder-grade cabinets with Benjamin Moore “Wrought Iron” (2124-10) or “Black Beauty” (2128-10) for that perfect matte finish. Sand, prime with Kilz, then two coats minimum.
  • Wall pairing: Sherwin Williams “Agreeable Gray” (SW 7029) keeps walls soft against dark fixtures, or go bold with “Tricorn Black” (SW 6258) on just the island for drama without commitment.

Budget Range: $18,000-$28,000 | Timeline: 4-5 weeks | Best For: Galley kitchens and modern farmhouse styles

Open Concept Excellence: Kitchen Islands With Built-In Dining Areas

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Kitchen islands with built-in dining are basically the grown-up version of eating at the kitchen counter as a kid—except now it’s intentional and Instagram-worthy. This setup gives you that casual coffee shop energy where people actually want to hang out while you cook. It’s the furniture equivalent of wearing sneakers with a dress: functional but make it fashion.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Island base transformation: Paint your existing island base in “Hale Navy” (Benjamin Moore HC-154) or “Iron Ore” (Sherwin Williams SW-7069) for that sophisticated contrast against light perimeter cabinets.
  • Perimeter cabinet refresh: Use “White Dove” (Benjamin Moore OC-17) on upper cabinets and keep lowers in natural wood or paint them “Accessible Beige” (Sherwin Williams SW-7036) for warmth without going full farmhouse.

Budget Range: $18,000-$30,000 | Timeline: 4-6 weeks | Best For: Open-concept floor plans with 10+ feet of clearance

Smart Storage Solutions: Floor-to-Ceiling Pantry Systems

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Those floor-to-ceiling pantries you screenshot from million-dollar homes? Totally achievable without the trust fund. It’s basically the walk-in closet concept applied to your kitchen—everything visible, organized, and styled like that one friend whose spice rack is color-coordinated.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Cabinet refresh: Paint existing cabinetry in Benjamin Moore “White Dove” OC-17 for that fresh, clean backdrop that makes your pantry items pop like a curated boutique display
  • Interior accent: Use Sherwin Williams “Accessible Beige” SW 7036 inside the pantry for warmth, or go bold with Clare “Current Mood” for a moody contrast that’s having its moment

Budget Range: $8,000-$18,000 | Timeline: 2-4 weeks |

Best For: Galley kitchens or homes with adjacent utility spaces

Mixed Metal Magic: Combining Brass, Copper, and Stainless Steel

mixed metal curated kitchen style Save

Mixing metals is like wearing gold and silver jewelry together—once considered a fashion faux pas, now it’s what makes your kitchen look curated rather than catalog-ordered. The warmth of brass and copper balances stainless steel’s coolness, creating that collected-over-time vibe everyone’s pinning.

Shop The Look:

  1. Navy or forest green shaker cabinets with mixed hardware
  2. White marble or quartz countertops with gray veining
  3. Brass cabinet pulls mixed with copper knobs
  4. White subway tiles with light gray grout
  5. Medium-tone wood or wood-look luxury vinyl flooring
  6. Copper Moscow mule mugs displayed on open shelving
  7. Brass and wood cutting board set from CB2
  8. Mixed metal pendant lights (one brass, one copper, one steel)

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Cabinet refresh: Paint lower cabinets in “Hale Navy” (Benjamin Moore HC-154) and uppers in “White Dove” (Benjamin Moore OC-17) for that two-tone trend that frames your mixed metals perfectly.
  • Wall magic: Go with “Agreeable Gray” (Sherwin Williams SW-7029) on main walls, then add “Tricorn Black” (Sherwin Williams SW-6258) on the range hood wall for drama that makes metals pop.

Budget Range: $18,000-$28,000 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Traditional homes needing modern updates

Waterfall Wonder: Continuous Countertops Flowing to the Floor

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That waterfall edge is basically the kitchen version of those infinity scarves everyone was obsessed with—seamless, dramatic, and somehow makes everything else look intentional. Your morning smoothie prep suddenly feels like you’re working in a high-end juice bar, minus the $18 price tag. It’s the design choice that makes friends ask “who did your kitchen?” every single time.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Cabinet refresh: Transform existing cabinets with Benjamin Moore “Chantilly Lace” OC-65 in satin finish for that gallery-white look that makes the waterfall edge pop
  • Wall harmony: Paint walls in Sherwin Williams “Accessible Beige” SW-7036 to warm up the stone elements, or go bold with Benjamin Moore “Hale Navy” HC-154 on a single accent wall

Budget Range: $25,000-$40,000 | Timeline: 4-6 weeks | Best For: Open-concept kitchens with islands

Hidden Appliance Haven: Fully Integrated Refrigerators and Dishwashers

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Remember those HGTV reveals where appliances vanish behind matching cabinet panels? That’s your kitchen’s glow-up moment. Like switching from obvious logo tees to quiet luxury fashion, integrated appliances make your space feel custom without screaming “look at my SubZero.” It’s giving boutique hotel energy while keeping your snack drawer fully stocked.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Cabinet refresh: Transform existing cabinets with Benjamin Moore “White Dove” OC-17 in satin finish for that barely-there warmth that matches integrated panels perfectly
  • Wall harmony: Paint walls in Farrow & Ball “Skimming Stone” No. 241 to create seamless flow, with Clare Paint “Current Mood” on the ceiling for subtle contrast

Budget Range: $25,000-$40,000 | Timeline: 4-6 weeks | Best For: Galley kitchens and closed floor plans

Geometric Glory: Hexagonal Backsplash Tiles and Patterns

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Hexagonal tiles are having their main character moment, like that honeycomb pattern sweater that suddenly shows up everywhere from Target to Nordstrom. Your kitchen backsplash becomes the geometric statement piece that makes everyone ask “where did you get that?” It’s basically the marble phone case of kitchen design—unexpectedly chic and totally screenshot-worthy.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Cabinet refresh: Transform lower cabinets with Benjamin Moore “Hale Navy” HC-154 for that two-tone trend, keeping uppers white for balance
  • Wall harmony: Paint walls in Farrow & Ball “Cornforth White” No. 228 to complement gray hex tiles, or go bold with Clare “Current Mood” for a moody accent wall

Budget Range: $18,000-$28,000 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Galley kitchens and breakfast nooks

Natural Light Sanctuary: Skylights and Oversized Windows

sunlit california inspired kitchen sanctuary Save

Natural light flooding through floor-to-ceiling windows while you sip morning coffee feels like main character energy. This kitchen style captures that golden hour glow all day long, making your space feel twice as big and infinitely more expensive. It’s giving California wellness influencer meets Architectural Digest—the kitchen that makes even instant ramen look aesthetic.

Shop The Look:

  1. White shaker cabinets with glass upper panels
  2. Calacatta marble or marble-look quartz countertops
  3. White subway tiles in vertical stack pattern
  4. Light blonde hardwood or whitewashed oak flooring
  5. Statement skylight or solar tube installation
  6. Natural jute runner rug (2.5’x8′)
  7. Woven baskets for pantry organization
  8. Minimalist brass picture ledge for herbs

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Window frame refresh: Paint existing frames in Benjamin Moore “White Dove” OC-17 for that crisp contrast against walls, or go bold with “Wrought Iron” 2124-10 for modern black frames
  • Wall brightening strategy: Use Farrow & Ball “All White” No. 2005 on walls facing windows to maximize light bounce, with Clare Paint “Current Mood” on the accent wall for subtle warmth

Budget Range: $18,000-$35,000 | Timeline: 4-6 weeks |

Best For: Single-story homes or top-floor apartments

Floating Shelf Sophistication: Wall-Mounted Storage Without Brackets

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Those floating shelves at your favorite coffee shop? That’s the vibe—clean, minimal, and somehow making everything displayed look curated. It’s giving “I have my life together” without the visual weight of traditional brackets cluttering your walls.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Cabinet refresh: Transform lower cabinets with Benjamin Moore “Hale Navy” HC-154 for that sophisticated two-tone look everyone’s saving on Instagram
  • Wall perfection: Paint walls in Farrow & Ball “Pavilion Gray” No. 242 with trim in Benjamin Moore “Simply White” OC-117 for that barely-there contrast

Budget Range: $18,000-$28,000 | Timeline: 4-5 weeks | Best For: Galley kitchens and narrow spaces

Concrete Counter Culture: Raw Industrial Surfaces and Finishes

raw industrial concrete kitchen vibe Save

That unfinished concrete look from your favorite coffee shop? It’s having a moment in home kitchens. This raw industrial vibe pairs perfectly with soft textures—like wearing combat boots with a silk dress.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Cabinet refresh: Strip existing cabinets and apply “Wrought Iron” (Benjamin Moore HC-168) for that perfect industrial depth, followed by matte polyurethane for durability
  • Wall treatment: Base coat walls in “Stonington Gray” (Benjamin Moore HC-170), then add one accent wall in “Chelsea Gray” (HC-168) behind open shelving for contrast

Budget Range: $18,000-$30,000 | Timeline: 4-5 weeks | Best For: Loft-style and open floor plans

Tech-Forward Territory: Voice-Activated Faucets and Smart Appliances

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Smart home tech in your kitchen is like having a personal assistant who never calls in sick. Voice commands for your faucet while your hands are covered in cookie dough, fridges that text you grocery lists—this is the upgrade that makes daily life feel effortless.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Smart accent wall: Paint one wall in Benjamin Moore “Stonington Gray” HC-170 to create the perfect backdrop for your smart display hub without overwhelming the tech-forward aesthetic.
  • Cabinet refresh: Transform existing cabinets with Sherwin Williams “Pure White” SW 7005 in semi-gloss for that Apple Store clean look that makes stainless steel appliances pop.

Budget Range: $25,000-$40,000 | Timeline: 4-6 weeks | Best For: Tech-savvy households with busy schedules

Monochromatic Mastery: Single Color Schemes From Floor to Ceiling

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Remember that minimalist kitchen you saved on Instagram with a thousand white cabinets? This is that, but elevated—like wearing head-to-toe cream instead of stark white. Single-color schemes create the same calming effect as your favorite neutral wardrobe capsule, making morning routines feel less chaotic.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Cabinet refresh: Transform existing cabinets with Benjamin Moore “White Dove” OC-17 for that perfect not-too-bright white that works with every lighting condition
  • Wall harmony: Paint walls in Sherwin Williams “Alabaster” SW 7008 with ceiling in Benjamin Moore “Cloud White” OC-130 for subtle dimension without breaking the monochrome flow

Budget Range: $18,000-$28,000 | Timeline: 4-5 weeks | Best For: Galley kitchens and compact spaces

Live Edge Luxury: Natural Wood Slabs as Statement Pieces

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Raw wood counters are having their Instagram moment, like wearing vintage denim with designer heels—unexpectedly elegant. That gorgeous irregular edge you see in boutique hotels? It’s basically nature’s version of abstract art for your kitchen. Your morning smoothie prep suddenly feels like you’re in a Pacific Northwest coffee roastery.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Cabinet refresh: Transform lower cabinets with Benjamin Moore “Wrought Iron” (2124-10) for that perfect contrast against natural wood. Upper cabinets stay white or go with “Cloud White” (OC-130).
  • Wall magic: Sherwin Williams “Accessible Beige” (SW 7036) warms up the space without competing with wood tones. For drama, try “Iron Ore” (SW 7069) on the island base.

Budget Range: $18,000-$35,000 | Timeline: 4-6 weeks | Best For: Open-concept spaces with natural light

Glass Cabinet Gallery: Display-Worthy Storage With LED Lighting

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Glass cabinets are having their main character moment, turning your kitchen into that boutique coffee shop where everything feels curated but approachable. Like displaying your favorite handbags behind glass, this trend makes your prettiest dishes and glassware part of the decor while LED strips create that golden-hour glow 24/7.

Shop The Look:

DIY Paint Transformation

  • Cabinet refresh: Paint lower cabinets in Benjamin Moore “Hale Navy” HC-154 for that jewelry box effect that makes glass uppers sparkle
  • Wall magic: Sherwin Williams “Accessible Beige” SW 7036 on walls creates warmth without competing with displayed items, while “Pure White” SW 7005 on ceiling maximizes LED reflection

Budget Range: $18,000-$28,000 | Timeline: 3-4 weeks | Best For: Galley kitchens and single-wall layouts

Marble Vein Victory: Book-Matched Stone Backsplashes

book matched marble kitchen statement Save

That waterfall effect when marble veins perfectly mirror each other? It’s like finding the designer version of your favorite Target dress—suddenly everything else looks intentional. Book-matched stone creates that high-end gallery wall effect behind your stove, turning meal prep into content creation gold.

Shop The Look:

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