Modern Kitchen Cabinets
Different styles of modern kitchens
What is a modern kitchen?
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Modern kitchens are full of clean lines and materials that offer a flat surface that appears seamless with the rest of the space. The materials you choose can have a super matte, high-gloss, or textured finish though, so you are not as limited as you might think when designing modern spaces. Of course, once you add in the different hardware options, you may think that you are in over your head, because there are so many additional choices.
Materials for Modern Cabinets :
As I mentioned above, there are three different modern cabinet material types for your kitchen. They are super matte, high-gloss, and textured. Each one offers a unique look that will turn your kitchen into the modern space you have been dreaming of.
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High-Gloss – As this name suggests, the surface of this material is shiny and reflects light quite well. There are many different materials that offer a high gloss look for modern kitchens, which is why it is usually the most popular option. Plus, since these materials reflect light, you do not need as much natural light in the space.
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Super matte– Any super matte finish is not going to reflect any lighting at all, so it is best used in an open space that has a lot of natural or artificial light.
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Texture – Textured finishes will offer a look that is considered slightly unique in modern kitchens, because it begins to stray from those sleek surfaces. However, these materials will be visually appealing to those who just need that little extra visual appeal in the room.
Most modern kitchens do not have trim around the cabinets, because it detracts from the straight lines. As long as the ceiling is straight and flat, all modern cabinets can touch the ceiling and nothing else is needed. However, there are times when a small piece of modern trim is used, or a filler is used to make it appear that the lines are straight and seamless.
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You have so many options when it comes to materials for modern cabinets in a kitchen. While this can be good news, since you can get exactly what you want, it can make it more difficult to make a final decision.
No handles
Modern kitchens normally installed without handles/knobs. Instead, there's 2 alternatives:
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Integrated finger pulls
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Push-to-open hardware
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We use both - and I think it's just a personal preference.
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Most Popular Materials for Modern Kitchen Cabinets
Laminate
Laminate can be applied to any type of surface to give it a super matte finish that is durable, resistant to stains and scratches, and easy to clean. Add in the fact that this is an anti-fingerprint material and you will quickly see why it is so popular among homeowners. Since this is a super-matte material, you will never have any glare coming from your kitchen cabinets. Acrylic laminate is a popular choice for high-gloss kitchens. (the kitchen at the top of the page has laminate fronts)
Lacquer
This is one of the high-end high-gloss material options with a thousand colors to choose from. Many materials within the high-gloss options are not as durable or scratch resistant as lacquer, which could be buffed to remove scratches (same as you can polish a car).This is the reason why it is one of the most popular materials among those who want a glossy finish.
Veneer
Veneers can be made of real wood or you can choose from so many eco-friendly options (reconstituted veneers). A couple of those options include composite wood veneers, exotic veneers, and prefinished veneers. However, for modern kitchen cabinets, you may want to customize the veneer you are using. This will allow you to have the exact look you crave in your kitchen area.
Fenix NTM
Fenix NTM is a new nanothech matt material that is laminated on all the exposed surfaces of kitchen cabinets. This modern material is very durable and resists fingerprints. Its an absolute matte and doesn't reflect any little light. If the Fenix NTM does happen to get scratched over time, it is easy to fix those scratches with thermal healing. Therefore, you won’t need to replace the entire cabinet, or all your cabinets, if an accident happens.
Glass
Glass (or poly-glass) has a seamless look, which is why it is so popular in modern kitchens. It can be clear and smooth, back-painted (most popular option) frosted, or even textured, depending on the actual style you are trying to achieve. Poly glass offers mirror-like glossy finish.
This two tone modern kitchen is a combination of Italian laminate (dark grey) and matte lacquer (light grey).
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This laminate is soft-touch, scratch resistant, and antibacterial. If might look like lacquer on the photo but if you see and touch it in our showroom you will notice the difference - it is super easy to clean compared to lacquers and other plastics.
Combination of various finishes: like metal, lacquered MDF doors, textured laminates, glass, etc. - that what makes modern kitchen unique - your cabinets can be virtually any color, texture, and combination of any material. Polished chrome could be use to high light some detail in the kitchen as well: Like a range hood cabinet of some kitchen island details.
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Advantages of modern kitchen cabinets
What style cabinets are modern?
Designing Modern cabinets. It typically feature clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. They often have a flat or slab front, without raised panels or other decorative details. Many modern cabinets are made from materials like wood, metal, or glass, and may feature simple hardware with a minimalist design.
Some popular styles of modern cabinets include European-style frameless cabinets, which have a sleek, seamless look, and mid-century modern cabinets, which often feature a mix of wood and metal materials with clean lines and geometric shapes.
What is European-style frameless cabinets
European-style frameless cabinets, also known as full access cabinets or frameless cabinets, are a type of cabinet construction commonly used in modern kitchen designs. Unlike traditional face-frame cabinets, which have a wooden frame around the front of the cabinet box, frameless cabinets have no frame at all. Instead, the doors and drawers attach directly to the sides of the cabinet box.
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This design allows for more storage space inside the cabinet and easier access to the contents. It also creates a clean, contemporary look, as there are no visible gaps between the doors and drawers. European-style frameless cabinets are typically made with thicker materials and more precise construction methods than traditional face-frame cabinets, which can make them more expensive. However, they are a popular choice for those who value functionality and modern design in their kitchen cabinets.
What color cabinets are in style right now?
I think the choice of cabinet color for your home depends on various factors such as your personal preference, the style and color of your kitchen or room, the lighting, and the overall theme of your home. It is always a good idea to choose a color that complements the other design elements in the room and reflects your personal taste.
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At Devix Kitchens - we can make any color and any material available on planet Earth.
Best cabinet color for your kitchen
I can suggest some general tips for choosing cabinet colors that could help you stay updated with the latest trends:
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Neutral colors such as white, gray, beige, and black are always in style and provide a timeless look that can complement any design style.
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Bold and bright colors such as blue, green, yellow, and red are becoming increasingly popular for adding a pop of color and personality to kitchens and other living spaces.
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Two-tone cabinets, where the upper cabinets are a different color than the lower cabinets, are gaining popularity as well and can add visual interest and depth to a space.
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Finally, consider the overall aesthetic of your home, the color scheme of the surrounding walls and countertops, and your personal style preferences when selecting cabinet colors. Ultimately, choose a color that you love and that reflects your personality and taste.
Materials commonly used for modern kitchen cabinets:
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Wood: Wood is a classic and timeless option for kitchen cabinets. Popular wood types include oak, maple, cherry, and walnut. They can be stained or painted to match any design scheme.
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MDF: Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is an great option for kitchen cabinets. It is made from wood fibers and resin and is a more stable and consistent material than natural wood. High-end MDF also water resistant and does not emit any formaldehyde - all MDF we use is formaldehyde free.
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Plywood: Plywood is another great option that is strong and durable. It is made from layers of wood veneer glued together. For people who love to see wood inside the cupboards.
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Metal: Metal kitchen cabinets are a modern and sleek option. They are typically made from stainless steel or aluminum and are resistant to heat and moisture.
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Glass: Glass-front cabinets are becoming increasingly popular in modern kitchen designs. They provide a sleek and contemporary look and can be made from clear or frosted glass.
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Laminate: Laminate cabinets are a low-maintenance option that are resistant to scratches and stains. They come in a variety of colors and patterns and can mimic the look of wood or other materials.
Considering a modern kitchen design
If you're considering a modern kitchen design, there are a few additional elements to consider that can make your kitchen even more unique and functional.
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Mixed Materials: While modern kitchens are typically associated with sleek and minimalist designs, mixing materials can add depth and interest to your kitchen. Consider combining materials such as wood, concrete, and metal for a more dynamic look.
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Creative Lighting: Lighting is an important aspect of any kitchen design, but modern kitchens often feature unique and creative lighting solutions. Consider incorporating pendant lights, under-cabinet lighting, or even LED strips to add a modern and functional touch.
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Bold Colors: While white and neutral colors are common in modern kitchen designs, incorporating bold pops of color can add a fun and playful element to your kitchen. Consider painting your kitchen island or a feature wall in a bold color, or adding colorful appliances for a modern twist.
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Smart Storage: In addition to functional cabinets and drawers, modern kitchens often feature innovative storage solutions such as pull-out shelves, corner cabinets, and hidden compartments. These smart storage solutions can maximize space and make it easier to stay organized.
At Devix Kitchens, we specialize in creating custom modern kitchens that are tailored to our clients' unique needs and style preferences. Our team of expert designers will work closely with you to incorporate these additional elements and create a kitchen that not only looks great, but also functions perfectly for your lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more about our modern kitchen design services.
Learn more about other styles here: transitional kitchens and traditional cabinets,
Learn more about white oak kitchen cabinets and walnut kitchen cabinets
The kitchen above is a combination of white Fenix and textured Arpa laminate
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I have seen super matte laminates and veneers grow in popularity in the last few years. The popular laminate colors are gray and white, while the homeowners who chose veneers went with oak or walnut.
There really isn’t a right or wrong answer when it comes to which materials you should choose for your modern kitchen cabinets in Toronto. However, you will want to only consider the ones that offer all the features you want in this space in your home. So, choose carefully and before you know it, you will have the modern kitchen of your dreams.
In terms of hardware, modern kitchens tend to have a lot of drawers and pull-outs. This style is always great for a condo kitchen but also looks good in a house, like a big galley kitchen with an island in the center. Read my recent blog post about types of high-gloss kitchen cabinets. The main picture is a custom kitchen with textured Italian laminate doors and Caesarstone countertops. Read about matt kitchen cabinets here.
There are several advantages of modern kitchen cabinets:
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Aesthetic appeal: Modern kitchen cabinets have sleek and minimalist designs that can enhance the overall look of your kitchen. They come in a wide range of styles, colors, and materials, allowing you to choose the perfect one to match your kitchen décor.
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Functionality: Modern kitchen cabinets are designed with functionality in mind. They offer features such as soft-close drawers, pull-out shelving, and built-in organizers, making it easier to store and access your kitchen essentials.
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Durability: Modern kitchen cabinets are made of high-quality materials that are built to last. They can withstand wear and tear, and are resistant to damage from moisture, heat, and stains.
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Sustainability: Many modern kitchen cabinets are designed with sustainability in mind. They are made of eco-friendly materials and are often built to be energy-efficient, which can help reduce your carbon footprint.
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Customization: Modern kitchen cabinets can be customized to fit your specific needs and preferences. You can choose the size, shape, and layout of your cabinets to ensure that they meet your storage needs while also fitting seamlessly into your kitchen design.