Characteristics of modern kitchen design: Elements that define a truly modern space

In this blog:

• The key elements behind sleek, minimalist kitchen design
• How to use neutral palettes with bold, personal touches
• Smart storage solutions that elevate function and flow
• The latest surface trends, from thin stone to curved islands
• Lighting techniques that blend luxury with practicality
• Integrated appliances for a clean, cohesive look
• Design details like fluted glass and timber panelling
• Layout tips for modern, open-plan living

Modern kitchen design remains one of the most popular and enduring styles for Perth homeowners looking to elevate their cooking and living spaces. It’s clean, functional, and endlessly customisable – perfectly suited to both contemporary architecture and homes undergoing high-end renovations.

At The Maker Designer Kitchens, our take on modern design is about creating timeless spaces that fuse beauty and performance. 

Curious about the elements of modern kitchen design in 2025? Explore the key features shaping today’s most luxurious kitchens, along with inspiring modern kitchen design ideas that capture the essence of contemporary living.

Minimalism with intention: Clean lines and uncluttered aesthetics

A hallmark of modern kitchens is their streamlined simplicity. But don’t mistake this for plain or boring. Today’s modern kitchens are warm, layered and purposeful, anchored by precision and restraint.

Key characteristics:

• Handleless cabinetry using push-to-open mechanisms or subtle recessed grips.
• Flat-panel doors for sleek, unbroken surfaces – Polytec’s VENETTE range is especially popular for its fingerprint resistance and refined matt finish.
• Integrated appliances that sit flush with cabinetry, concealing visual distractions.
• Hidden storage including appliance cupboards and pull-out pantries to keep benchtops clutter-free.

For those who value both form and function, this design approach offers the perfect balance, creating a visually calm, clutter-free kitchen space that elevates everyday living.

Sophisticated, neutral palettes (with room for bold touches)

In modern kitchens, colour plays a supporting role – providing cohesion and elegance without overwhelming the senses. Neutrals continue to dominate, but in 2025, they’re being used in more nuanced ways. 

Top modern colour choices:

• Soft whites and warm greys for a timeless base.
• Charcoal, taupe and greige for depth without heaviness.
• Matte black cabinetry for bold contrast.
• Natural timbers to introduce organic warmth.

For added personality, we’re seeing clients embrace colour through:

• Statement splashbacks using kitkat or fluted tiles
• Feature islands in contrasting hues like deep blue or forest green
• Coloured cabinetry internals, offering a eye-catching pop when doors are opened

The key is creating balance. For example, our Swanbourne project shown below has gone for a high-contrast look that still feels timeless.

Smart storage: Modern kitchens that work for you

A modern kitchen is nothing without smart functionality. A good modern storage system is about clever design that supports how you live and cook.

Our most recommended modern storage features include:

• Custom drawers tailored to specific items, from spices to bakeware.
• Integrated bins like the Hailo Euro Cargo for waste separation.
• Pull-out pantry systems like Hafele Tandem and Le Mans II corner units.
• Docking drawers for devices and hidden charging stations.
• Vertical storage for trays and boards, keeping essentials accessible without clutter.

These storage solutions aren’t just about convenience. They enhance visual harmony by keeping appliances and cookware out of sight, maintaining that clean look that modern kitchen design is known for. 

Subtle surfaces with standout style

Benchtops in modern kitchens need to marry aesthetics and form with durability. Engineered stone surfaces continue to lead the way, but we’re seeing a shift toward subtler textures and thinner profiles.

Popular surface choices:

• Engineered stone by Caesarstone, in finishes such as Alpine Mist or Empira White.
• Concrete-look surfaces such as Caesarstone’s Cloudburst Concrete for a contemporary industrial feel.
• Curved stone island facades, a trend that continues gaining traction over the past couple of years for its sculptural elegance.

Lighting that layers luxury and function

Lighting plays a pivotal role in defining the mood and usability of your modern kitchen. In 2025, we’re embracing lighting that’s both architectural and ambient.

Modern kitchen lighting must-haves:

• Feature pendant lights in bold forms or metallic finishes above the kitchen island.
• Under-cabinet LED strips for subtle task lighting.
• Recessed downlights for general illumination.
• Statement lighting fixtures integrated into island benches, like those with Steccawood panelling or curved fascias.

Lighting is also a great opportunity to add warmth and texture to a simple and clean design. Think fluted glass lighting pendants, sculptural metal frames, or colour-tinted globes to warm up neutral, modern spaces.

Appliances that blend in - and elevate

Today’s luxury kitchen appliances are not only smart, they’re stylishly discreet. Integration is the name of the game in modern kitchens, allowing clean visual continuity across all surfaces.

Top appliance inclusions for 2025 modern kitchens:

• Fully integrated fridges and dishwashers.
• Induction cooktops with downdraft extraction systems.
• Wall-mounted oven stacks for ergonomic ease.
• Smart Zip HydroTaps that offer instant boiling, chilled, or sparkling water. (Zip Water’s 2024 trend report shows a 30% increase in demand for multi-functional taps with integrated boiling and sparkling water.)
• Custom appliance cupboards to tuck away kettles, toasters and coffee machines.

These solutions maximise bench space and maintain that all-important clean line aesthetic.

Design features redefining modern kitchens in 2025

Modern kitchens have evolved. No longer stark or sterile, they now feature tactile and layered details that create warmth without compromising minimalism.

Design details to watch:

• Vertical panelling and Steccawood battens for added texture
• Fluted glass on overhead cabinetry for a soft, diffused look
• Curved islands – especially when paired with curved handles or lighting
• Two-tone cabinetry combining flat and profiled doors
• A thoughtful mix of materials, blending natural elements like walnut and stone with modern finishes such as matte surfaces and metal accents–adds depth and sophistication.

These details allow clients to personalise their space, turning functional kitchens into architectural statements.

Layouts that perform

Modern kitchens thrive in open-plan settings where the kitchen becomes a central feature, not an isolated workspace. 

One key feature is the island bench, as it anchors the room both visually and functionally, acting as the central hub for cooking, entertaining, and everyday living. In modern kitchen design, the island is far more than just additional bench space; it can incorporate integrated appliances, smart storage, seating zones, and even statement design elements like curved facades or layered stone. 

Whether used for meal prep, casual dining, or connecting with guests, a well-designed island bench brings flow, versatility, and visual impact to the heart of the home.

How modern kitchens use space smartly:

• Multi-functional islands with seating, storage and prep zones.
• Integrated dining extensions for informal meals.
• Zoned layouts that keep cooking, cleaning, and socialising areas distinct yet connected.
• Concealed pantries and sculleries that free up the main space for showstopping design.

Our Landsdale and Victoria Park renovations demonstrate how clever planning and bold materials come together to elevate both form and functionality – they look beautiful and allow our clients to use their kitchens exactly how they want to. 

Who is modern kitchen design perfect for?

If you’re wondering whether modern kitchen design is right for you, consider the lifestyle benefits it offers. Modern kitchens are fantastic for a wide range of people, including: 

• Professionals who want a sleek, easy-to-maintain kitchen.
• High-end homeowners looking for contemporary luxury.
• Families seeking a functional yet stylish space that integrates with their living areas.
• Anyone who values clean aesthetics, high-quality materials, and custom innovation.

With The Maker Designer Kitchens, we ensure your modern kitchen design is more than just on-trend – it’s crafted for the way you live and want to use your kitchen. 

Experience the future of kitchen design

At The Maker Designer Kitchens, we bring modern kitchen design ideas to life with custom solutions, in-house craftsmanship and a seamless three-step process backed by decades of experience.

Open Hours : Mon to Fri: 8:30am-4pm, Sat: 9am-1pm, Sun: Closed

Address: 12 Dyer Rd, Bassendean WA 6054

Frequently asked questions about modern kitchen design

What are the key features of a modern kitchen design?

Modern kitchen design focuses on clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, integrated appliances, and functional layouts. Common features include handleless cabinetry, smart storage, neutral colour palettes, engineered stone surfaces, and layered lighting.

What colours are popular in modern kitchens in 2025?

The most popular colours for modern kitchens in 2025 include soft whites, warm greys, greige, matte black, and natural timbers. Bold accents like deep blue islands and kitkat-tiled splashbacks are also trending.

How do I make my kitchen look modern?

To make your kitchen look modern, use flat-panel cabinetry, integrated appliances, hidden storage, and a neutral colour scheme. Add statement lighting and consider modern touches like curved islands, fluted glass, or smart technology.

What appliances are best for modern kitchens?

The best appliances for modern kitchens are fully integrated models, such as fridges and dishwashers that sit flush with cabinetry. Induction cooktops with downdraft systems, wall ovens, and Zip HydroTaps are also popular choices.

Is modern kitchen design suitable for families?

Yes, modern kitchens are ideal for families. Their open-plan layouts, smart storage, and multi-functional island benches make them practical and stylish spaces for everyday living, cooking, and entertaining.

What is the difference between a modern and contemporary kitchen?

Modern kitchens are defined by timeless, minimalist design rooted in function, while contemporary kitchens reflect current trends and can be more eclectic. Modern design is more consistent; contemporary evolves with time.

What layout works best for a modern kitchen?

Open-plan layouts with a central island work best for modern kitchens. Islands serve as a visual and functional anchor, offering prep space, seating, storage, and appliance integration—all in one central zone.

Note: This post was originally published on  May 16, 2021 and has been updated on November 27, 2025.