September 16, 2025

Inspiration and practical tips for modern kitchens

How many times has a dinner wrapped up in the kitchen, with everyone chatting around the counter? Probably more than once! The kitchen is the heart of a house, apartment or property. It’s where we come together to create and share. Welcoming and functional, the kitchen is the main room in a home and should live up to your expectations in terms of how it looks and how the space is used.

Discover the different styles and characteristics of a modern kitchen, the latest trends and design tips.

Also check out our complete home renovation guide for tips, steps and how to make a budget.

Inspiration: modern kitchen ideas to replicate at home

Modern kitchens come in many styles. Here are the most well known and popular ones.

Minimalist chic

Clean lines, a neutral colour palette, handleless cabinets, built-in appliances and clear countertops are the main features of a minimalist chic design, which is based on three principles:

Simplicity: rather than cluttering the room with decorative accessories, the focus is on the essentials. Choose a simple design that is free of unnecessary details.
Functionality: this includes storage solutions and an efficient layout for an organized kitchen. Avoid cluttering the space unnecessarily with gadgets.
Sustainable materials: you want them to last. Add a touch of warmth with natural materials like wood.

In a minimalist chic kitchen, everything is designed to create a space that is simple, full of natural light, and functional with a touch of richness. If a white kitchen is the stuff of your dreams, this style could be perfect for you.

Modern farmhouse

A blend of warmth, rustic charm and modernity is what makes the modern farmhouse style. Natural elements such as wood (exposed planks or beams) and wicker are typical of the style. In a modern farmhouse kitchen, you will inevitably find:

An apron-front kitchen sink: a classic feature of this style, the front of this sink is visible rather than hidden away by cabinets.
Antiques: objects and accessories with an old-fashioned look. These can include a country-style faucet, a cake dome that once belonged to your grandmother or vintage-style light fixtures.
Shelves: ideal for displaying vintage items and old cookbooks to add some charm.

The iconic retro kitchen hood is also a must if you want to renovate your kitchen in the modern farmhouse style. Just make sure to respect minimalist design principles for a contemporary style.

Modern industrial

The colour black, exposed brick, raw materials and a functional island are the main features of a modern industrial kitchen. In the spirit of a lived-in but polished New York loft, you will find:

Metal, concrete and wood: pair warm wood with a concrete floor and metal shelves for an authentic and inviting look.
Black is often the dominant colour, but combine it with lighter wood tones for a modern industrial style.
Accessories: opt for matte black or gold handles, lamps with hanging filament bulbs or a more imposing metal light fixture.

For a modern industrial style, consider the functionality of the design: smart, accessible storage, open shelves and metal baskets to store utensils.

Modern Scandinavian

Light wood, natural light, and open and functional spaces are what come to mind in a modern Scandinavian kitchen. For a soft, classic and elegant style, choose a light colour palette with pastel accents. To achieve this look, think:

Sleek but warm: an interior with straight lines, simple and clean, a warm atmosphere with wood accents.
Wood and white: natural materials like wood or linen textiles are essential, as is white for optimal brightness.
Ergonomics and functionality: consider storage and avoid wasted space for a simple and convenient design.

Although the modern Scandinavian style exudes simplicity, there’s nothing stopping you from adding a splash of colour with a wall print or practical accessories.

Japandi

This is the fusion of Japanese- and Scandinavian-inspired styles: a minimalist vibe, clean lines and natural materials. For a Japandi-style kitchen, opt for a neutral and soothing colour palette, but also:

Wood and bamboo: light or dark, and oak is often used.
Natural textures and luxury materials: use quartz or porcelain for the backsplash or coffee table.
Handleless cabinets: choose floor-to-ceiling cabinets for a timeless look.

By reducing everyday stimuli, a Japandi kitchen meets its owners’ need for calm and serenity.

Contemporary luxe

High-end materials like marble, premium wood, and gold or chrome accents create a contemporary luxe style that lends your kitchen elegance and refinement. Built-in appliances are a must-have addition to this design. Other elements to consider:

Colours: this style uses the richness and finesse of neutral and warm tones like grey and taupe, but black also plays a starring role.
Cabinets: opt for minimalist cabinets with clean lines for a timeless look.
Counters: luxury materials like marble, quartz and wood are essential. A two-tier counter is elegant and adds a luxurious touch.

Though minimalism may seem incompatible with luxury, this is not actually the case: by richness, we are referring to high-quality, durable and elegant materials.

Modern organic

Rounded, flowing shapes, soothing colours and natural materials come together in a modern organic kitchen. This style is inspired by nature, creating a soft and welcoming space that reflects the environment around you. If you want a kitchen with a more modern and organic look, consider:

Incorporating rounded shapes and curves: it is rare to find perfectly straight lines in nature rather than curves, and the same applies to this type of kitchen.
Choosing natural lighting: daylight is maximized with large windows or even a skylight, as if to bring nature inside.
Reusing and recycling: old wooden planks can be used to create an accent wall or refurbish a piece of furniture. Consider using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials.

Draw inspiration from your environment to create a modern, organic kitchen that reflects who you are.

A kitchen with a modern design combines several aspects, including timelessness, the interplay of materials and a lack of ornamentation, which could overload the decor. A modern kitchen is often associated with functionality, ergonomics, efficient use of space and the atmosphere we want to create through its style.

Discover the modern kitchen trends of 2025.

	Tips and tricks Did you know that you can draw inspiration directly from property listings on Centris.ca? Thanks to the Redecorate function, you can have fun virtually transforming any property for sale. If the modern trend isn’t for you, no worries! There is a wide range of styles waiting for you, from modern to rustic and Victorian to vintage. The only limit is your imagination!

The 5 characteristics of a modern kitchen

When designing a modern kitchen, some basic principles still hold true. Whether you opt for a Scandinavian, farmhouse or industrial style, the same 5 characteristics apply.

1. Sleek design

Modern kitchens are known for their clean lines. The modern look is sleek and features clear surfaces. Even without completely renovating your kitchen, you can still modernize your kitchen cabinets.

2. Contemporary materials

Modern kitchens are characterized by wood (often light in colour, but not always), stainless steel and high-quality materials, such as quartz counters.

3. Colours and finishes

Usually, a palette of neutral or contrasting colours with a matte or shiny finish is used. However, coloured cabinets have been trendy in recent years. What do you say?

4. Built-in technology

Choose smart appliances that integrate seamlessly into the room, LED lighting, and outlets to ensure good connectivity. If you’re planning to renovate your kitchen, steer clear of these 5 mistakes.

5. Optimized storage

Maximize the space with wooden cabinets (with or without handles), sliding drawers, and (most importantly) optimized storage solutions. A modern kitchen makes the most of space so it is functional and ergonomic. Remember that there is always a way to improve your kitchen storage.

Ready to transform your kitchen?

Take a moment to picture yourself in your dream kitchen. No matter what style you prefer, a modern kitchen is one where aesthetics, ergonomics and sustainability come together. Before embarking on this project, plan your kitchen renovation carefully.

Get inspired by looking at properties on Centris.ca, blend different styles and personalize your space. After all, you’re the one who will be enjoying your kitchen!

FAQ

1. What colour should I choose for a modern kitchen?

For a modern kitchen, a neutral colour palette (white, grey, beige) is often preferred and is ideal to create a clean look. However, by playing with contrasts (black, navy blue or dark green), you can add character to the room and create a space that reflects your personality. How about a blue kitchen?

2. Are modern kitchens suitable for small spaces?

Absolutely! After all, one of the 5 characteristics of a modern kitchen is optimizing space and storage. By choosing light colours for the walls, cabinets, counters or floors, you can also transform a small kitchen and make it look more spacious.

3. Can I combine multiple styles in a modern kitchen?

Yes! This style is called fusion. A Scandinavian kitchen with a touch of industrial style? Why not! A farmhouse kitchen with contemporary luxe accessories? Absolutely! The idea is to create a space where you feel equally comfortable hosting friends and devouring a bowl of cereal at 10 p.m.