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If you swoon over modern kitchen ideas that combine functionality with style, isn&rsquo;t it time to revamp your space?
After all, your kitchen is more than a place to prepare meals. It&rsquo;s the heart of your home, and it should be a room you look forward to spending time in.
This guide features everything you need to know about bringing your favorite modern kitchen ideas to life, complete with tips and product recommendations.
<h2 dir="ltr">How to design a modern kitchen you&rsquo;ll actually love</h2>
<a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Acadia-Dining-Table/105580#Desc"><img alt="Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe-oH-B5teJnCXZ_1qZtBxouQY2qVTdjjLKa47NMD9wmaDbxijo4-_An4G64FqaBLn7DjU0j-Wu3NWS__hzfCaQP9YRPICafUgSJPSBtgw6Y0HXYobqq6hwezMVFFdO5Nf2EZfGgw?key=UdlXsU82FbZglIRupDfU76i1" width="624" height="416"></a>
You don&rsquo;t need to be a professional interior designer to create a wow-worthy modern kitchen (or any room, for that matter). In fact, the kitchen is one of the most straightforward rooms to decorate because it&rsquo;s all about creating a foundation that helps you thrive &mdash; without cluttering the space.
Now, we&rsquo;re not saying you need to take on a complete <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/minimalist-interior-design">minimalist-style</a> kitchen renovation, but less is usually more in this space.
If you look at professional kitchen designs with <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/less-is-more-guide-to-modern-style">modern decor</a>, they usually have elements like:
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Organized cabinetry and shelves
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Clutter-free countertops
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Clean lines with minimal ornamentation
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Well-placed light fixtures plus lots of natural light when possible
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High-quality appliances (e.g., faucet, kitchen sink, range hood, oven, refrigerator, etc.)
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Coordinated color palettes
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</ul>
With these essentials, you can make your space feel perfect without shelling out money on a pricey kitchen renovation with stone countertops, a custom kitchen island, chic pendant lights, or a bespoke tile backsplash.
Instead, work with the floor plan you have, give your existing kitchen a makeover, and focus on functionality.
<h2 dir="ltr">Our top 4 modern kitchen ideas to build a beautiful foundation</h2>
Assuming you already have your appliances and cabinetry, we recommend starting with foundational pieces to make your kitchen look and feel practical, clean, and inviting.
Here are some of the best foundational elements to update your space, complete with recommendations to help you save time on shopping.
<h3 dir="ltr">1. Add seating with counter-height bar stools</h3>
<a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Elison-Counter-Chair/182646#Desc"><img alt="Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdbJjiK9G13fXuKuXRdbmDxPC5Ys71RbsquqleNhVG9pvhcVQgh1TPtNcfmApOFV6QdxoPrIg05ljgIX4bPI06jeehgOssAuNhRFz8cd82Ve_YzdIwvhpwmwq-pr2ooYeHNuZ9W7Q?key=UdlXsU82FbZglIRupDfU76i1" width="624" height="820"></a>
If you&rsquo;re lucky enough to have counter space to spare, add some bar stools like the <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Elison-Counter-Chair/182646#Desc">Elison Counter Height Bar Stools</a> shown above. The beauty of this addition is that you can create an instant <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/breakfast-nook">breakfast nook</a> and modernize your space just by adding a couple of stools.
The <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Viola-Counter-Chair/108188#Desc">Viola Boucle Upholstered Counter Chairs</a> offer another excellent choice if you&rsquo;d like something softer or more textural.
<h3 dir="ltr">2. Create a welcoming dining area</h3>
<a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Camden-Dining-Set/105780-S5#Desc"><img alt="Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfnUABNAjdsKwhO8OiOIN5MbVPymYJnYI1XizgFn6zmCDNGGBwHEQ7X-MFOvjZbhBcrzYTmmEkJKtJUiPFeMKH7ujtKIkmfsPBmsBuZ4XxLpAxYBmRgmev6QQr7-IOoJu2bYxVt?key=UdlXsU82FbZglIRupDfU76i1" width="624" height="468"></a>
If you&rsquo;re working with an open-concept kitchen layout, adding a dining area can make the space feel even more like the heart of your home. This <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Camden-Dining-Set/105780-S5#Desc">Camden 5-piece Round Faux Marble Top Dining Table Set</a> is a picturesque option for a modern look.
Already have dining chairs you love? Then you can get a standalone table instead of a full dining set, such as
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The <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Bradbury-Dining-Table/107350#Desc">Bradbury Round 48-inch Wood Top Dining Table</a> for a natural color palette
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The <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Acadia-Dining-Table/105580#Desc">Acadia Round 53-inch Sintered Stone Top Dining Table</a> for a brighter white option
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</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">3. Put your best pieces on display</h3>
<a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Montara-Wine-Cabinet/182037#Desc"><img alt="Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcwbuoju1ssxFTjxG7_v_Opwsj2dc1UPcFYKjGOFZU1H_cxyrZUEyPyHyogWNLQVmR7S_bCH84tC5S-s4-wrYmx_DizHSCoxaJgz3DLHwlMfH8p9TVpv3dEF814nHi4VkVE2nt7Yg?key=UdlXsU82FbZglIRupDfU76i1" width="624" height="624"></a>
If you entertain guests regularly or keep a nice collection of wines and spirits, you deserve to show off a little! For example, this <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Montara-Wine-Cabinet/182037#Desc">Montara Tempered Glass Wine Storage LED Curio Cabinet</a> offers an elegant way to showcase your best vintages.
Or check out the <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Risley-Home-Bar/182798#Desc">Risley 2-Door Circular LED Home Bar Cabinet</a>. It&rsquo;ll add lighting and a dash of luxury to any modern kitchen.
<h3 dir="ltr">4. Keep seasonal and situational items tucked away</h3>
<a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Brookmead-Sideboard/108235#Desc"><img alt="Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe03xVpiXGXnvEQVocV7poTDgeGzoViYDr8TSvnD6---1uwnR1Pabr0fp6E6R9pVcHtCi8CVNOy8dYR_wpZyJEfKMFzOjXkPpcJ7_wCElQnxYJAyg9HwYVkgv4XLNVUDrjtoPR4vg?key=UdlXsU82FbZglIRupDfU76i1" width="624" height="520"></a>
Modern decor emphasizes clean lines and clutter-free spaces, and unless you&rsquo;re living the minimalist lifestyle, this means you&rsquo;ll probably need some extra storage in your kitchen.
The <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Brookmead-Sideboard/108235#Desc">Brookmead 4-Door Sideboard Buffet Storage Cabinet</a> shown above is an excellent choice to add some contrast to your space. Or if you&rsquo;re going with an organic feel, the <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Dennis-Sideboard/190655#Desc">Dennis 3-Door Marble Top Sideboard Buffet</a> is another stunning choice.
<h2 dir="ltr">More tips for a modern kitchen design</h2>
<a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Dennis-Sideboard/190655#Desc"><img alt="Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeT-ov4DlQlg-4pVW1rUHJFPCacL0OFmpzhfX_GzFLxpf-uqD75c68vlDDPpkCpcZWGFFrApv4rLzXwbq4TwkRLxCeZKW1zmni8MSUGlZyQyjLu5fu-zA1TNFqI4TN9lstA9P3cPQ?key=UdlXsU82FbZglIRupDfU76i1" width="624" height="496"></a>
Already have all your foundational elements? You still have plenty of room to give your kitchen a makeover, and we&rsquo;re here to help.
Here are some more tips to help you create your dream kitchen.
<h3 dir="ltr">Make the most of your storage space</h3>
Most modern kitchen ideas emphasize organization and smart storage solutions. This way, you always know where everything is, you can access it easily, your space feels calming, and cleaning everything is more straightforward.
Some ways to make the most of your storage space is to:
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Add dividers and extra shelves to your kitchen cabinets and drawers
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Taking advantage of <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://lifehacker.com/home/when-to-use-vertical-versus-horizontal-storage">vertical storage space</a>
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Keep any open shelving neat with organizers
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This tip is especially important if you&rsquo;re working with a small kitchen where every inch counts.
<h3 dir="ltr">Pick a modern color palette</h3>
Modern kitchen design ideas emphasize light-toned neutral colors throughout the space to reflect natural and artificial light, making the kitchen feel brighter. It&rsquo;ll make your space more functional while allowing any colorful home decor to become a focal point.
You&rsquo;ll generally want a color palette with the following elements:
<ul>
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Light-toned neutrals: Pick two to three light-toned neutrals like white, eggshell, ivory, or beige. These work well as paint colors for the walls and cabinet doors as well as tile and stone colors for kitchen backsplashes and countertops.
</li>
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Natural materials and colors: Pick one or two natural materials and colors for your space (or three if you&rsquo;re aiming for <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/organic-modern">organic modern decor</a>). This might mean natural wood upper cabinets, quartzite countertops, or stainless steel appliances.
</li>
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Pops of color: Add one or two bright or bold colors to give your modern-style kitchen some extra personality. For example, you might add house plants for a <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/minimalist-furniture">Scandi vibe</a>, a light blue backsplash for a <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/modern-farmhouse">modern farmhouse</a> kitchen, or a bright yellow accent wall for a <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/mid-century-modern-decor">mid-century modern</a> look.
</li>
</ul>
<h3 dir="ltr">Add multiple layers of lighting</h3>
A well-lit kitchen space feels inviting, happy, clean, easy to work with, and modern. Trust us, you won&rsquo;t find many luxury kitchen designs that don&rsquo;t focus on good lighting.
Your lighting could include:
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Windows
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Skylights
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Pendant lights
</li>
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Chandeliers
</li>
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<a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Lamps?PId=MTE5OQ%3D%3D&amp;CId=MTM5MQ%3D%3D">Countertop lamps</a>
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Under- or above-cabinet strip lighting
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Baseboard lighting
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Bright light sources from a connected open-concept dining or living room
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</ul>
If you&rsquo;ve layered your lighting but your space still feels too dim, you have options that don&rsquo;t involve a kitchen remodel.
For example, consider going for an all-white kitchen to reflect and amplify what lighting you do have. You can also try positioning a <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://www.coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Mirrors?PId=MTE5OQ%3D%3D&amp;CId=MTM4Ng%3D%3D">decorative mirror</a> to reflect one or more light sources.
<h3 dir="ltr">Draw inspiration from what you love</h3>
Spend time browsing kitchen design trends and save pictures of spaces that align with your vision. Then, refer to these for inspiration whenever you don&rsquo;t know what to pick &mdash; there&rsquo;s no shame in it; even professional designers use this trick.
Remember, the more modern kitchen ideas you have to pull from, the more likely you are to design a space you love.
<h3 dir="ltr">Add thoughtful personal touches</h3>
If you&rsquo;re creating your dream kitchen, personalize it! Add thoughtful touches that highlight design elements that make you smile.
This could be as simple as adding colorful pull handles on white cabinets, wall hangings, photos, and house plants. Or, if you&rsquo;re a homeowner who&rsquo;s open to remodeling, you could go big and add butcher block kitchen countertops or a kitchen island with a sink and dining space.
<h2 dir="ltr">Your dream kitchen is closer than you think</h2>
<a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/furniture/category/Dining-Room/Risley-Home-Bar/182798#Desc"><img alt="Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeMGKWjp807yeOaHLGK7IR4k5hnHIPLjmy0pxrM60MNXW7ZnXh1kP7QqOU8iSoh2h7VuqA1B4kGSJM4v8Pvnomaq_H-iMX8GI2IxgAXopL6EarXZH1QO30xI5LKexTXtSj8GSvx0Q?key=UdlXsU82FbZglIRupDfU76i1" width="624" height="624"></a>
From foundational elements like thoughtful seating to personalized touches that make your space uniquely yours, creating a modern kitchen is an exciting journey of form and function.
Whether you&rsquo;re preparing for a complete renovation or just refreshing your existing space, remember that the most beautiful modern kitchen ideas balance a practical foundation with clean aesthetics.
Even small additions like a pair of stylish bar stools can make a big difference in how your kitchen feels. And trust us, you deserve a kitchen that gets you excited to cook homemade meals and spend time with loved ones!
Ready to take the next step? <a alt="Go to Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function" href="https://coasterfurniture.com/DealerLocator/DealerLocation">Use our store locator</a> to find a local retailer where you can see and feel the quality of your favorite pieces in person.
&nbsp;

Modern kitchen ideas that combine form and function

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