Modern kitchen design is favored by homeowners who like the look of clean lines, open spaces and a lack of ornamentation. The style works well with sleek, stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops, but can also coordinate nicely with a range of other materials and finishes.
Aside from the color palette, one of the key characteristics of modern kitchens is the use of natural elements for a cohesive look. This includes woods like walnut and maple, glazed earthy tiles with visible grain and dramatic marble with rich veining. A mix of materials is also a hallmark, such as this modern kitchen from Fantastic Frank that combines reclaimed wood with contemporary lighting and copper bar stools.
Another important factor is consistency in the overall style of accent pieces like a countertop, pendant lights, table and chairs. This is particularly true for kitchen cabinets. Cabinetry company MasterBrand says that the top cabinet styles they're seeing in new-builds and remodels are a blend of transitional, soft modern and modern traditional. This hybrid approach appeals to a lot of people because it lets them stay current without having to commit fully to one aesthetic or risk looking dated in just a few years.
Other trends in modern kitchen design include a return to the basics — a shaker doorstyle, for instance — with a more personalized touch. Catherine Deutschlander, NKBA member and owner of CW Design PLLC, notes that homeowners are opting for a slimmer version of the classic Shaker door because they want their cabinets to feel fresher and more personalized.