Modern Kitchen Cabinets – 5 Styles, Features, Ideas

In 2022, chances are your kitchen cabinets are three decades behind a much-needed upgrade. Modern kitchen cabinets are definitely growing in popularity— and for good reasons:

1. They find the perfect balance between functionality and form.
2. They are highly durable cabinets that last a long time.
3. They look absolutely stunning and make your kitchen look as good as new.

Whether you’re getting started on a new build and creating a kitchen from the ground up or considering a remodel and want to add modern kitchen cabinets, we have everything you’re looking for. Here are some modern Scandinavian kitchen cabinet styles, features, and ideas for inspiration to help you create the perfect kitchen.

Scandinavian Cabinets: Sleek and Timeless

Everyone wants a modern kitchen, right? Well, trends come and go each year, so what most people really want is an updated kitchen with a timeless design that can feel fresh for years to come. More and more, homeowners care about environmentally-sustainable products that are also stylish. Enter: Scandinavian kitchen cabinets. Did you know that Puustelli, the leading Scandinavian kitchen cabinet provider in Minnesota, started in Finland in 1920? That’s right, Puustelli was born out of a love for clean lines and outstanding craftsmanship. If you’re looking for sleek and stunning European-style cabinets, look no further than the Scandinavian designs at Puustelli. Check out our five favorite design ideas.

1) Natural Cabinetry With Simple Handles

  Modern kitchen cabinets are often at their best when they incorporate natural elements—such as wood. These cabinets are the perfect marriage of a natural, clean look. They allow for plenty of storage space and functionality without ever compromising on design. Also, notice the blue tile backsplash. This is a great example of how using colors—bright, dark, or otherwise—is making a comeback in kitchens. If you want to add a little pop to your new kitchen, you should! A key feature here is the black handles on the cabinets. A skilled cabinetry provider will allow you to customize that part of your cabinet. Don’t be afraid to try out a few samples of handles until you find the right fit.

2) Clean, Simple, White Cabinets

When one thinks of white cabinets, “modern” is not often the style you’d associate with them. But, when done right, white cabinets can still pull off a modern look with ease. The key is to make sure that you add some natural elements to help warm up the space. For example, the kitchen table in the middle is made of wood. In addition, there are plants throughout the kitchen and large windows which help to bring in natural light. If you love the idea of white cabinets but are afraid that you can’t make them look modern enough, the kitchen above shows that you have nothing to fear. Fantastic ways to accent white cabinets and create an even more modern design include:

• Play with natural light
• Utilize accent colors
• Incorporate striking hardware

3) Mid-Century Modern for Those That Want a Little Bit of Both

  Are you not sure if you want a more classical kitchen or a modern kitchen design? Don’t worry; you’re not alone. Both design styles are unique and beautiful in their own way. Luckily, it’s easy to marry the two styles into a mid-century modern kitchen. The kitchen cabinets above are a great example of a space that pulls off this combination. The cabinets are fairly modern in their design but do add a little bit of a classic look with the indented frame. The white countertop definitely adds to the classical feels, while the lack of clutter helps create a more modern, minimalist feel. Pulling off a mid-century kitchen isn’t easy, but with the right design team in place, it’s definitely possible!

4) Steel Accents + Dark Tone Cabinets

Stainless steel is timeless and can be used in any kitchen setting. The kitchen above is another great example of a modern kitchen that combines some more classic elements to create something truly unique. The cabinetry incorporates dark colors and a simple, modern design, while the glass cupboards add a more traditional look. The kitchen island is very minimal, with a built-in electric stovetop. It’s clear that the homeowners were able to incorporate details that made the space functional and easy to cook their favorite foods in, while still keeping it modern. Because there are so many different details you can include in a kitchen, it’s important to make a list of the must-have features you want for your kitchen. Make a separate list of functions and details that you’d like to have, but can live without. Having these lists handy and ready when you meet with your designer can be extremely helpful in the design process. Your designer should also be ready to help you create this list and help guide you through the tougher decisions.

5) Black Modern Cabinets With Seamless Handles

We’re big fans of going all black with your modern kitchen cabinets. Not only are the individual cabinets stunning, but they create a gorgeous modern space overall. What we really like about this kitchen is its use of natural lighting, specifically the door that leads to an outdoor patio. It’s easy to imagine cooking up a summer meal, bringing it out to the patio, and enjoying the weather. Just like the kitchen that featured white cabinets, you can add some natural elements in a kitchen with black cabinets as well. For example, this kitchen uses a wooden kitchen table, as well as wood flooring to add some warmth.

Modern Is What You Make It

Did you notice how each of these five kitchens is vastly different from each other in terms of design and details? When you partner with a high-quality cabinet provider, the world is your oyster. “Modern kitchen cabinets” doesn’t mean that your only options are an all-white or all-black kitchen. With the help of a skilled designer, you can bring your dream kitchen to life by mixing and matching elegance, functionality, and character.

Modern Kitchen Cabinets in Minneapolis

Minneapolis is no doubt home to numerous modern kitchen cabinet designers. But none other than Puustelli curates a truly unique Scandinavian-inspired catalog of modern kitchen cabinets that are sure to wow. The Puustelli Gallery showcases some of the best modern kitchen designs in Minneapolis. Here are some of our faves:

South Minneapolis Major Kitchen Upgrade

Something that’s been very trendy in modern kitchen design is forgoing upper cabinets or just installing open shelving. In this example, we not only upgraded the cabinets to a beautiful WildGrey special veneer cabinet but removed the top cabinets completely. This really opens up the kitchen and makes it look like it was built yesterday.

From the 90s to Modern Family Kitchen

Trends move quickly, and even though this Minneapolis home was built in the mid-90s, the homeowners still wanted to redesign their kitchen to suit the modern age. They sought a classic look and layout but with modern details that gave them the kitchen of their dreams. The duo-color cabinets, updated sconce light fixtures, and glass door bar cabinet area all brought this kitchen from the outdated 90s to a timeless kitchen for decades to come.

A Mid-Century Modern Dream

We’ve all heard the term “mid-century modern”— but what exactly does that mean? Well, this Minneapolis home is a prime example of what mid-century modern design can do to update your space into something that is both timeless and brand new. Mid-century modern design is defined by its clean lines, simplicity, and minimalist approach. From the clean hardware to the white countertops: this kitchen is a mid-century modern masterpiece.

The Ultimate Chef’s Kitchen

A chef’s kitchen is perfect for professional or aspiring chefs at home. It combines form, function, and design. This might mean easy-to-access utensils, pots, pans, and everything you need to quickly and easily navigate a complicated meal in your kitchen. This Minneapolis chef-inspired kitchen is the ideal place to whip up your favorite meals to impress your guests.

Like What You See? Reach Out to Puustelli Today!

Puustelli has worked on and helped create all the kitchens you see above. Whether you have similar visions as one of those kitchens or want to create something totally different, Puustelli Kitchens will help you create the ideal modern kitchen. Check out our idea book for more inspiration, as well as our full gallery here! In addition, read about our environmentally friendly and authentic Scandinavian cabinetry here. Feeling inspired by what you’ve seen? Reach out today to get started on building the modern kitchen of your dreams!