20 Stunning Contemporary Kitchen Ideas You’ll Want to Steal

Design a kitchen space that feels fresh yet timeless with these twists on the modern aesthetic.

If you’ve been looking for a way to simplify your cooking space, consider a contemporary aesthetic for your kitchen. Similar to modern home style in that the goal is a streamlined, uncluttered, space, contemporary kitchen design uses elements like clean lines, updated finishes, and simple statement pieces.

Unlike modern decor, which tends to lean more timeless, contemporary style continues to keep up with current trends. That makes it an ideal choice for the kitchen, because the sleek design styles makes cleaning up a breeze. To help you cook up a vision for your next kitchen refresh, we’re sharing our best contemporary kitchen ideas for all kitchen sizes and color schemes.

Related: 38 Modern Kitchen Ideas for Every Design Style

Warm Wood Kitchen

The warm wood tone of the cabinets and open floating shelves give this kitchen a touch of a farmhouse feel. But the matte black details, such as the task lights, casement window frames, and decor scattered throughout, keep it contemporary and cool. Additionally, sleek stainless steel appliances, as well as the white walls and upper cabinets, make the interior feel simple and modern.

Contemporary Kitchen with Boho Details

While the cabinets and appliances in this contemporary kitchen are as new as they come, the homeowner snuck in a few boho details to infuse their personal decor style. A vintage orange kitchen rug, eclectic backsplash, and fresh greenery bring pops of color into the space.

Related: 10 Kitchen Rug Ideas for a Cozy Cooking Space

Contemporary Kitchen with Rustic Roots

The juxtaposition of old and new in this kitchen is what makes it so special. The arched doorway, exposed beams of reclaimed wood, and distressed zinc vent hood are directly contradicted by the glossy lacquered cabinets, ergonomic bar stools, and nickel drum light fixtures.

Related: 20 Modern Rustic Design Ideas That Combine Simple and Sleek

Small Contemporary Kitchen

Keeping a small space uncluttered is essential, so if that’s what you’re working with, the contemporary style is a smart choice. Smooth countertops and cabinetry have faux texture, which keeps it visually interesting. Low-back chrome counter stools and clear globe pendant lights contribute to the modish look.

Related: 46 Small Kitchen Decor Ideas for Big Style

Gorgeous Green Contemporary Kitchen

This kitchen’s dark pine green cabinets and brass hardware feel more traditional than contemporary. However, the state-of-the-art appliances put it in the latter category. Modern midcentury bar stools add even more character to the space.

Related: The 10 Best Bar Stools of 2024 for Every Style and Budget

Eclectic Contemporary Kitchen

Since we spend so much time in the kitchen, it’s worth having a little fun with an eclectic design style. This kitchen is a prime example with its alternating walnut-colored and white cabinets, subway tile backsplash, black granite counters, retro plant stand, vintage industrial light fixture, and midcentury modern bar stools.

Related: 34 Eclectic Kitchen Ideas for a Vibrant Cooking Space

Contemporary Farmhouse Kitchen

This open kitchen is every cook’s dream, with its high vaulted ceilings and plentiful natural light. It’s also the perfect way to blend styles. Classic shiplap, slate floor tiles, and a coastal light fixture bring in a modern farmhouse feel. Concealed appliances, steel storage baskets, and loop hardware keep it contemporary.

Related: 23 Farmhouse Kitchen Ideas to Add Rustic Charm in Modern Spaces

Contemporary Kitchen Designed for Entertaining

This kitchen is a host’s dream with wall-to-wall windows, an oversized glass sliding door, vast vaulted ceilings, plentiful countertop space, and contemporary seating. Cooking is also a breeze thanks to state-of-the-art appliances. Natural-hued hardwood floors and a French country-style chandelier help make the large room feel homey.

Contemporary Kitchen with a View

A wall of windows opposite the kitchen island allows the room to bask in the sunlight. A stainless steel range hood descends from the ceiling (so as not to obstruct the view, of course), and a pair of industrial pendant lights give off a modish aesthetic above the island.

Related: 25 Midcentury Modern Kitchen Ideas

Charming Contemporary Kitchen

This kitchen beautifully blends a farmhouse feel with modern elements for a distinctly transitional style. Classic Shaker cabinets, an apron sink, and pops of natural wood evoke a charming cottage. On the other hand, black and gold accents, lofty casement windows, and gorgeous appliances make it feel current and contemporary.

Large Contemporary Kitchen

Contemporary style is all about a clean, streamlined aesthetic, so keep the clutter out. Have cabinets extend all the way to the ceiling and take advantage of industrial-sized appliances. Chrome and leather bar stools and statement light fixtures add interest without distracting from the sleek design.

Kitchen with Cool Tones

While this contemporary kitchen uses a range of colors, they all err on the side of cool, keeping the room fresh. Light wood floors and gray-toned cabinets balance out the white marble countertops and pale blue backsplash. Minimalist windows and shelving, plus the stainless steel chimney range hood, contribute to the clean look.

Related: 37 Kitchen Cabinet Ideas for Every Design Style

Minimalist Contemporary Kitchen

Less is more, even in a spacious open layout like this one. In fact, you should embrace a minimalist decor style, especially in an open-concept kitchen, because it will be seen by anyone in the main living areas. Choose cabinets with clean lines, a smooth waterfall counter, and appliances that do the job but remain discreet within an island.

Moody Contemporary Kitchen

The textured dark gray cabinets that line this kitchen could come off as gloomy without the delightful touches added throughout. Gorgeous granite countertops, a stone vent hood, and herringbone details are used in the backsplash and flooring jive with contemporary appliances, creating a truly unique space.

Related: The 12 Best Range Hoods of 2024

Contemporary Kitchen with Metallic Elements

Although it’s not technically made of silver, stainless steel resembles it. Today’s design trends say it’s perfectly acceptable to mix metals, so don’t be afraid to pair stainless steel appliances and a countertop with gold accents like hardware and task lighting in your kitchen.

Matte Black Contemporary Kitchen

Everything from the dark two-toned cabinetry to the matte black metal range hood, the lava stone countertop, and the waterfall island make this space look dramatic in the best way possible. A bookmatched marble backsplash and a handful of hexagon-shaped pendant lights are the icing on the cake of this contemporary kitchen.

Related: 26 Range Hood Ideas and Styles, from Modern Farmhouse to Eclectic

Warm Wood Contemporary Kitchen

Contemporary doesn’t necessarily equate to cold, so don’t be afraid to infuse the kitchen with warm elements. Dark wood cabinets and flooring balance the industrial-style appliances and gleaming white quartz countertops. Smaller details, like the elegant copper hardware and modern brushed nickel bar stools, also work in harmony.

Related: 23 Timeless Kitchen Design Ideas That Are Here to Stay

Timeless Contemporary Kitchen

This kitchen is an excellent example of transitional style, which you should consider if you’re not ready to commit to contemporary design fully. Upgrade your appliances to the latest models, install a waterfall countertop on the island, and pick out a trio of futuristic chrome light fixtures. Keep a few traditional details like wood sling-back dining chairs and navy blue cabinets with glass front doors.

Related: How to Get the Look of a Transitional Kitchen for Timeless Style

Sleek Contemporary Kitchen

The pale, hickory wood cabinets and sunny-colored cookware brighten this kitchen. Thanks to the stainless steel accents, sleek lines, and modern appliances, it stays true to the contemporary style.

Contemporary Kitchen with Double Islands

This kitchen has plenty of room for prepping, cooking, and enjoying meals. It has not one but two islands, each featuring a waterfall countertop made of the same clean acrylic materials as the cabinets. The eye is also drawn up to the tray ceiling, where an oversized industrial pendant light and steel beam are suspended.

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