What Does ‘Modern’ Mean in NYC Kitchens?

Each week, we aim to translate insight from NYC homeowners and contractors into information you can use to make better decisions about improving your home. This week: a look at a few of our favorite modern and contemporary kitchens by Sweeten experts and the defining elements that work so well in these inspiring spaces.

Before we can sit back and enjoy a good old photo tour, we need to cover a few minorly technical notes. While it can be interesting to debate the merits of using the terms “modern” and “contemporary” interchangeably (art and architectural history buffs might insist on using “modern” to refer specifically to styles that emerged in the first half of the 20th century), we’re not overly concerned here about terminology. This round-up is meant to show how simple elements can come together to make a kitchen functional and beautiful. If you are planning a kitchen renovation and are inspired by what you see, it’s probably because you are drawn to a few unifying pieces that are visible throughout many of these spaces, so let’s focus on those:

SLEEK LINES: perhaps the most obvious signifier of a modern kitchen, clean-lined design is achieved in all of these homes via a combination of flat-fronted cabinetry and minimal (or concealed) hardware. Foregoing framing, decorative details, and ornamentation makes these spaces extra strong on horizontal lines and material contrast.

OPEN SHELVING: floating shelf cameo appearances throughout these photos show that the concepts of cabinetry and storage can be distilled down to their simplest functions, making everyday dishware easily accessible and a seamless part of a room’s decor.

RAW MATERIALS and ENGINEERED COMPOSITES versus COLOR BLOCKING: the rule for selecting materials and colors for a modern kitchen is that there is no rule. Natural stones, raw woods, highly pressurized composites, and futuristic gloss can all have a place in the modern kitchen. Some of these photos clearly show how minimalist designs can highlight natural or adventurous materials, while a handful of these photos suggest that minimal lines can contrast with statement colors to create a room bursting with light and visual energy.

STYLE INFLUENCES: many of these kitchens draw inspiration from a particular era or design sensibility. Most common in NYC’s modern kitchens? Mid-century modern themes, Scandinavian simplicity, and exposed metal or wood features that signify an industrial style.

With that primer in mind, read on for a play by play of common modern kitchen design elements by Sweeten experts.

Open shelving and custom cabinetry in Midtown West by Sweeten Expert Sarah.

Butcher block and scandi-inspired composition in Clinton Hill by Sweeten Expert Kris

IKEA mod and color-blocking in Fort Greene by Sweeten Expert Santiago.

Mid-century modern in Clinton Hill by Sweeten Expert Kris

Linear hardware pulls and color-blocked cabinets in Williamsburg by Sweeten Expert Jon.

Faux wood finish porcelain tiles and rift-cut wood cabinetry in Hells Kitchen by Sweeten Expert Sandy.

Industrial Brooklyn kitchen by Sweeten Experts Lauren and Adam.

Horizontal lines and natural materials in a Tribeca loft kitchen by Sweeten Expert Thomas.

Futuristic kitchen by Sweeten Expert Marcel.

We hope this roundup of modern kitchen inspiration has given you plenty of ideas. Remember, the perfect kitchen is one that reflects your unique style and needs.

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