Modern kitchens have clean lines and a sleek style, and they’re all the rage in design right now. But will the simple aesthetic stand the test of time as fads change?

Try these six kitchen design ideas to add a classic appeal to your modern kitchen!

1. Add Warmth

The downfall of most modern-styled kitchens is that they can become a bit cold. Because they emphasize straight and clean lines with a minimalistic feel and natural materials, they can feel almost unlived in.

Adding warmth in the form of furnishings can help soften what can become a harsh design feel. Textiles like plush rugs and towels, warmer materials like wood, and homey touches like plants can add depth and a “lived-in” feel to an otherwise sterile feeling kitchen.

2. Mix and Match Textures

Don’t play it safe with materials. Instead of using one or two materials, create a mix that enhances the beauty of the others and adds depth to the overall design.

For instance, if you choose kitchen marble countertops, pair them with wood floors. If you’ve opted for concrete floors, install a wood accent wall to contract. Mixing stone, wood, tile, and metal accents will add a certain texture while maintaining the cleaner modern lines you’re going for.

3. Play With Light

Whether it’s huge picture windows, tall ceilings with skylights, or strategically placed light fixtures, the right lighting never goes out of style. 

The kitchen is one room you can really go to town with lighting. Under-cabinet and recessed fixtures are practical and functional, but also add depth to modern designs. The wide array of modern light fixtures means you can go crazy highlighting the details of your design while adding depth and warmth.

If you want a more subtle approach, consider larger windows or skylights to filter in natural light and open the design up.

4. Keep the Design Open

Open floorplans are in to stay, meaning opening up your kitchen to create a space that flows will always be in style. 

Removing unnecessary counters or overhead cabinets to create space or installing open shelving in lieu of cabinets are two great examples of small changes that can open your kitchen up.

5. Mix Neutrals With Color

Many modern kitchens are either bright and bold or neutral and natural. Consider mixing the two to create a beautiful balance that will stand the test of time. 

A neutral base of flooring, countertops, and cabinets paired with bright accessories or an accent wall, for instance, means you can change out colors as time and fads pass without a complete remodel.

6. Avoid the Trends that Pass

Bright gold appliances might be all the rage right now, but in a few years when the craze is over and your kitchen still shines in 24 karat glory, you’ll be wishing you’d stuck to timeless pieces. 

There are certain trends that never go out of style. Natural materials like wood and stone and basic appliance colors are an excellent base. Keep the fads as accent pieces that can be changed with the times.

Modern Kitchens With a Twist

Modern kitchens can be warm and inviting while maintaining a clean and simple appeal. Avoid trends, mix and match colors and textures to create lasting appeal, and utilize lighting and open designs to create a style that will last the test of time.

And for more helpful articles, check out the rest of this blog to help you with your home!