This post shows you 15 small modern kitchen ideas.
Looking for ways to bring your kitchen into 2025? keep reading!
We’ve got the perfect list small but modern kitchen ideas that tick all of the boxes.
From modern farmhouse aesthetic to sleek contemporary cabinets- we know that you will find your new kitchen style in no time!
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How to make a small kitchen look bigger
One of the easiest ways to make a space look bigger is with light and reflection. When it comes to your kitchen though, you probably don’t want a ton of mirrors nor have the space for them.
In this case, reflective cabinets such as glass, metal or other reflective coated materials are the perfect solution to opening up the space.
Keeping the surfaces as clear of appliances as possible will also help in giving the illusion of more space.
That being said…
Can a small kitchen have dark cabinets?
Of course! but bear in mind that this will make the space feel much smaller than it is.
In the complete opposite way to how the reflective cabinets will bring more light and open the space up, darker cabinets will close up the space. However, this can create a cozy and even dark, moody vibe to cook in. They key to dark cabinets and creating this cozy ambience is to strategically place your lighting and opt for warmer bulbs.
Color schemes
- Neutral tones – cream, sand, and oatmeal.
- Darker tones– charcoal, stone, and forest green.
- Mid tones –sunset orange, navy blue, and peach.
Small modern kitchen ideas
1. Farmhouse
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Farmhouse interior design style can be modern too. Open kitchen shelves and only lower cabinets is a modern upgrade for a small kitchen.
Keeping the countertop in a natural material such as wood is the perfect ode to farmhouse aesthetic. Consider painted cabinetry for the best farmhouse feel.
2. Minimalist
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For a minimalist modern style in a small kitchen, stick to the basics: find your material of choice, for example wood and marble and apply throughout. Keeping it basic with built-in sleek finished appliances and surfaces clear of clutter.
Installing downlights is the best minimalist lighting option as it is hidden within the cabinets or ceiling and doesn’t take up loads of space.
3. Luxury
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Looking for a luxury modern small kitchen to be inspired by? look no further!
Consider installing modern appliances and glistening cabinets to create a seamless bright space that feels like the epitome of luxury. Add in a large vase with a bouquet to sit on the counter to complete this gorgeous look.
Related: 20 Beautiful Small Living Room with Dining Table Ideas
4. Mid century
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We love this stunning mid century style kitchen idea – perfect for a small kitchen too! This space ticks all of the boxes with it’s contemporary kitchen island with seating.
Consider textured cabinets for a more modern approach and incorporate a few wooden accents to break up the lines.
5. Cabinets
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We’ve already talked about cabinets so far but it’s such an integral part of your kitchen space. Whether you opt for wall cabinets and under counter ones or the more modern style of only under counter cabinets and a few shelves on your walls. This is a great example of how dark cabinets while they make a space feel smaller adding in more lighting can still help the space feel a little bigger and brighter.
Related: 29 Stunning Quiet Luxury Master Bedroom Ideas
6. White
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Another great way to make your small modern kitchen feel bigger is with lighter color choices. White is the best option to give the illusion of a bigger space. It’s also great at acting as a blank canvas for your to reinvent your kitchen at any time!
Consider installing a breakfast bar to turn your small kitchen into the perfect snacking spot.
7. Cottage core
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You may think that cottage core cannot be modern because it’s supposed to be vintage decor leading the way. However, we believe you can have the best of both worlds with this small modern cottage core inspired kitchen!
It’s all about the details – your functional yet cottage style items such as dishes, chopping boards, jugs etc.
8. Neutral
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Nothing says modern like a neutral toned kitchen. Consider neutral cabinets and countertops paired with dark wood under counter cabinets for a contemporary kitchen upgrade.
Just because it’s a small kitchen doesn’t mean you can’t have that mini breakfast bar too!
9. Dark, moody
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For the coziest kitchen cooking experience, consider all black cabinets paired with light wood throughout.
Create this dark and moody ambience in your small kitchen by installing modern down lights too.
10. Blue
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Take this blue small modern kitchen as your inspiration for your kitchen renovation. Selecting a deep shade of blue as your cabinet base and pairing it with a medium wood counter – stunning!
We love how the wood stove can be seen from the kitchen space too. For more wood stove ideas – check out 12 Beautiful Corner Wood Stove Ideas for Your Home
11. Wood
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When creating a modern kitchen fit for 2025 always consider using wood in some capacity in the space. The natural feel and look of a wooden counter, wooden cabinets, flooring etc. really adds to the space.
Lighter wood works best in smaller spaces where there is little natural light. Whereas darker wood works better in a small kitchen with large windows that allow more light in.
12. Black
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How stunning is this sleek black modern kitchen idea – perfect for a small space. Notice the reflective marble and cabinets that make the space feel bigger too.
If you don’t have a lot of natural light coming into your kitchen, make sure to add in more artificial lighting instead.
13. Table and chairs
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We love this modern kitchen idea. Perfect for hosting guests as you can chat while you cook! This would work great in a studio apartment for a small kitchen diner area.
Consider adding in multiple complimentary colors for the chairs and keeping it simple with a modern wooden table.
Plenty of lighting is key for this look too!
14. Kitchen island
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Kitchen islands are not going anywhere anytime soon – they are still super popular and super modern.
Even in a smaller kitchen space an island is a must – whether you use it as a breakfast bar or for casual dining. To maximize space, have the island installed with under counter cabinets.
15. Budget
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When it comes to redecorating your small kitchen you may be looking for ways to do this on a budget. Simplify the process by evaluating what absolutely needs replacing and what could be painted or touched up. Then decide on a new color scheme if you want to paint the walls or cabinets for example. Consider taking inspiration from this idea and add in some modern chopping boards, a tray and some new storage jars etc. to rejuvenate the space.
Small modern kitchen ideas for 2025
We hope that these small kitchen ideas to modernize your space are the perfect inspiration and help you level up your kitchen in 2025!
Our kitchens are a part of our homes that we spend a lot of time in and it deserves an upgrade every now and then.
Elevate your space and enjoy your new cooking and dining experience.
You may also like:
- 20 Beautiful Small Living Room with Dining Table Ideas
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Looking for more home decor ideas? Visit Home
This post shows you 15 small modern kitchen ideas.