Essential Elements of Modern Kitchen Design

When it comes to designing a spectacular kitchen, modern design provides the perfect balance between form and function. With its simple design, sleek lines and timeless finishes, modern kitchen design can be seamlessly integrated into most homes, making it a great investment that stands the test of time. 

A key element of modern kitchen design is a clean, streamlined look. The high gloss white acrylic finish on this cabinetry wall dramatically reflects the spectacular mountain view of Telluride outside the home. The near end of the island, finished in an anodized aluminum finish, houses an induction cooktop and custom hood. Recessed channels serve as door handles, eliminating the need for bulky drawer pulls. At the far end, natural stone warms up the sink and seating area. A recessed toe kick all around makes the island feel lighter, more linear and emphasizes the horizontal stretch of the room.  

Modern kitchen design combines functionality with versatility. This freestanding furniture line lends itself perfectly to modern kitchen design in lofts, studios and transitional spaces. Functional, stylish and portable (based on European norms of people taking their kitchens with them when they move), these pieces define the area with style. In the background, open shelving provides ample storage for all the necessities of a well-stocked kitchen. The long, sleek island is topped with two different surfaces- stainless steel for the work area and walnut for the seating area.

Strong horizontal lines and intentional simplicity are a hallmark of modern kitchen design. Glossy streamlined cabinetry, surrounded by an uber-functional wall panel system, appears weightless, floating above this kitchen’s gleaming concrete floor. Finished in a sand beige aluminum, the cabinetry has a chameleon-like quality, changing color depending on the angle of the light at different times of the day. Gaskets between the wall panels accommodate a variety of clip-on shelves and accessories. 

A dazzling wall system, constructed of aluminum and white glass, provides functionally with pizazz. Integrated function boxes provide instant accessibility to a wide variety of tools and accessories as well as storage. On the right, a door is pulled up to reveal a built-in knife block. In the center, a sleek modern faucet fits seamlessly into the wall unit. With endless options for configuration, this wall system is both ergonomic and fully customizable.

The subtle, timeless nature of modern kitchen design blends beautifully with architecture from every era. In this space, traditional elements like high profile baseboards, weathered wood flooring and arched curves, combine with high-gloss, linear cabinetry for a surprising but fresh and airy look. The space surrounding the cabinetry is anchored by a sumptuous book-matched, grain-matched walnut wood veneer. The vertical seams of the walnut match the cabinetry all the way across, creating a cohesive vision. 

These prism dividers (accordion style inserts) set into the bottom of a pull-out drawer personalize the interior of the cabinetry, keeping tools and accessories off the counters and out of sight. A wide variety of accessories, from spice jars and knife blocks to stainless steel containers and utensil bins, fit within. This system, unique to bulthaup, is available in rich walnut (shown), oak, black rubber and stainless steel.

A master craftsman inspecting wood veneer panels at the bulthaup factory.

Integrating elements of modern kitchen design will reinvigorate your kitchen. Whether you add sleek cabinetry, a wall of storage or a stunning island, the result will be a space that is simple yet functional and beautiful.

William Landeros, CKD and Jed MacKenzie, CKD are on the bulthaup Denver Aspen team. With showrooms in Denver and Aspen, bulthaup services all areas of the Rocky Mountain West and specializes in designing signature kitchens. View their profile or contact them at 303.777.5409.

Content for this article provided by bulthaup Denver Aspen.