In this L-shaped kitchen, Joshua Smith Inc. chose to install the sink in the island instead, leaving the countertops under a trio of windows free for meal prep. If you’re designing a small apartment kitchen, consider an L-shaped corner space. Studio Peake chose an all-white palette for this efficient and sleek London kitchen that can be hidden from sight thanks to a decorative patterned curtain. From a chef’s perspective, a one-wall configuration is one of the least effective working layouts for a kitchen, especially in a larger space where you have to take more steps to get from point A to B. If designing a one-wall kitchen, be conscious of grouping appliances in a way that facilitates basic functions around the oven, sink, and fridge, otherwise known as the kitchen triangle. This coffee station doubles as a wet bar and is conveniently located in the kitchen to assist with brewing and mixing needs from sun up to sun down.

A small kitchen can leave you wanting to play it safe with the colour choice, but it’s actually a great opportunity to opt for a striking palette. A bright colour can help to draw a room inwards for a warm and inviting feel, as opposed to it feeling stark. You could always incorporate some open shelving and add colour with plants or coloured plates and bowls. If you have a tall ceiling in your pantry, extend your shelving as high as possible, placing items you don’t use as often on the higher shelves.

Use your kitchen lighting to zone your space

When in use, there’s no reduced functionality of the kitchen as the doors are tucked away, but when closed, your kitchen is completely hidden from view. Black, white and grey is both modern and timeless, making it a great choice for a kitchen that transcends trends. To ensure your design has the appropriate ‘texture’ to not feel flat, include other material finishes such as glass and metal to complete it’s contemporary look.

• Thanks to enough white space to break everything up, the end result is sleek, sophisticated, and polished.
• The marble-patterned quartz countertop and matching backsplash add both timeless beauty and practical function.
• Some kitchens are colorful and bold with wooden counter tops, bright blue cabinetry, and polished nickel accents.
• You’ll achieve a polished and sophisticated look by keeping the design easy on the eye.
• From elemental wood and statement lighting to open shelving and sleek surfaces, there are endless possibilities to infuse modernity and style into your kitchen.

When mixed with sleek black countertops and backsplash, they add a touch of character to your kitchen. High-gloss cabinetry in a neutral color palette can make your kitchen feel bigger and brighter by bouncing light around the room. If you have a large space, consider a bold color that will make your kitchen pop with energy. Most kitchens have a stone or tile backsplash, but this tropical Palm Beach, Florida, kitchen by interior designer Shani Risinger Core proves that vinyl wallpaper can be a beautiful backsplash too. Thanks to its vinyl coating, this botanical mural is durable enough to withstand the moisture, heat, and splatters of daily cooking. But if you want your cooking space to blend in, consider slab front cabinetry in a warm wood tone that coordinates with your furniture and flooring.

Semi-Detached House in SD Villa, Shah Alam

When we think of modern kitchens, our minds often go straight to a classic white color scheme. However, this striking kitchen by Blueberry Jones Design takes the opposite approach by utilizing black everywhere. Inky cabinetry and black marble are balanced with shimmers of chrome details and a handsome wooden island. Work around windows, angled ceilings, doors, and other quirks by varying finishes throughout your U-shaped kitchen.

The trick is to think small, as with this diminutive kitchen island in an apartment designed by Nicholas Obeid. With vintage stools tucked beneath and a pair of Allied Maker pendants hung above, this vignette has all the impact of its sprawling suburban cousins. Due to the popularity of open plan spaces and large expanses of glazing, islands are becoming important practical elements in the kitchen where wall space is limited. Where some kitchen islands provide a clear and clean space to prep and socialize, others play a vital part in the working dynamics of the kitchen.