From Modern to Minimalist: Top Kitchen Design Styles

Less can be more, when it comes to minimalist kitchen designs. Clean lines, soft monochromatic colour palettes and absolutely no clutter are hallmarks of the minimalist design aesthetic. In the kitchen, this often translates to minimal (often hardware- and handle-free) cabinetry and sleek, fuss-free finishes that evoke calm, zen feelings.

Stylish, modern and simple, Scandinavian-inspired design delivers a clean, fresh aesthetic that’s not unlike minimalist design. The main difference is the materials used. Minimalist design prefers steel and chrome, whereas Scandi style prefers wood and softer textures, as this airy Save My Reno kitchen shows.

Taking a more à la carte approach to design, bohemian interiors layer bright, spirited elements for high-impact charm. Popularized by 1960s counterculture, bohemian aesthetics mix and match colour, texture and pattern – as the Property Brothers epitomized with this western inspired boho kitchen featuring matte black and metallic finishes, lavender-hued cabinets and a gorgeous geometric backsplash.

Rooted in design from – aptly – the mid 20th-century, mid-century modern style is sleek, functional and well-crafted. Mid-century elements are often influenced by nature, incorporating materials like teak wood, glass and cement – materials that work beautifully in kitchen cabinets, countertops and flooring.

Love beachy vibes? A coastal-cool kitchen could top your list. Featuring plenty of sea-themed colours, driftwood accents and nautical details, a coastal-inspired kitchen offers a modern take on a relaxed cooking space.

A favourite style of lofts and spaces with high ceilings, industrial interior design is all about materials – think elements that you might have seen in industrial buildings, like brick, exposed wood and metal. In the kitchen, industrial elements can be easily incorporated into surfaces like centre islands, countertops and light fixtures.

Love statement-making design, geometric shapes and a lot of glamour? Let art deco – a design style that became popular during the roaring 1920s – guide your kitchen design. For a modern take on this classic style in the kitchen, integrate bold decorative details, lots of metallic and geometric elements. For example, when choosing your cabinets, try thinking to yourself: “what would Gatsby do?”

Pulling inspiration from a variety of design styles, eclectic aesthetics are ideal for those who love to mix and match to perfection. In the kitchen, eclectic design allows you to use a variety of materials – as this stylishly playful kitchen shows with a rustic wood countertop, bright blue cabinets and a boho-patterned wall.

Mixing elements of Southwest American and Spanish design, Southwestern interior style tends to feature woven textiles, terra cotta accents and intricate patterns – as this character-filled, vintage-inspired kitchen.

Simply sleek but not entirely minimalist, contemporary design favours clean lines and bright aesthetics — perfectly demonstrated by the sophisticated black-and-white styling.

Taking the simplicity of contemporary style to the next level, ultra-modern interiors showcase super sleek lines and open spaces. Often, ultra-modern designs will integrate future-friendly details – in the kitchen, this could include smart and energy-saving appliances.

What if you could combine the cozy comfort of farmhouse design and mix it with the stylish elements of modern decor? You can have it all – especially in the kitchen – with a modern farmhouse aesthetic. The key to getting the look is adding warm farmhouse-inspired elements (like exposed wood, brick and metal) to sleeker silhouettes. For a chic example, check out this high-end modern farmhouse kitchen – complete with a custom oven hood made from reclaimed barn wood.

Emphasizing the beauty of nature, rustic interiors showcase wood, distressed elements and cabin-inspired influences. Whether it’s part of an actual cabin or you just want your home’s kitchen to have a rustic feel, the key is in the materials — integrate stone, timber and warm hues from ceiling to floor to cook up the right feel.

Inspired by the Mediterranean, this design style is warm, energetic and dappled with lively sunny shades, rich wood textures and classic architectural details. For Mediterranean influence in the kitchen, consider incorporating bright oranges, yellows and reds into the backsplash and wall colours for a sunny, sophisticated look.

If you’ve browsed any kitchen style galleries, you’ve likely noticed that only of the most popular design styles is actually a colour — or lack of colour. Modern, all-white kitchens — with white walls, tiles, floors and appliances – can take on any number of design elements, but are popular for the bright, clean feel they bring to the messiest room of the house.

It’s all about the details when it comes to traditional kitchen designs. Decorative moulding, arches and other ornate nods to historical design elements from the 18th- and 19th-century create a formal feel for a luxurious, elegant kitchen.

Soft, cozy and elegant, French country-inspired interiors are influenced by Provence, favouring creamy colour palettes, classic patterns and distressed wood accents. In the kitchen, this translates to light-filled designs with timeless details and gentle colours.

Want to indulge in a more formal feel? Old world interior designs typically focuses on ornate details – from textured finishes to complex patterns and luxe, rich hues and dark-stained woods. In the kitchen, old world designs can range from more lived-in looks to elevated, elegant designs – but all harken to stylish moments from days gone by.

In the 1980s and ’90s, shabby chic interiors were popular for worn-in, comfy vibes and soft, feminine accents. Today’s cozy chic designs are more prevalent, with kitchens filled with soft, pastel hues, warm woods, natural light and curated vintage-inspired details.

If you want the best of both worlds, a transitional kitchen might be more your cup of tea. Combining the lush, decorative elements of traditional design (like wood shaker-style cabinets and patterned tile) with clean-lined contemporary details (like sleek pendant lights and marble counters), transitional design is a way to create comfortable elegance in your kitchen and dining area.