15 Must-Have Elements for a Dream Kitchen

A dream kitchen is on every homeowner’s list. Whether starting from scratch or exploring design ideas for a new kitchen, you want to create an ideal space. What many people don’t realize how a dream kitchen is attainable.

Dream Kitchen

Here, we’ll show you some of the best modern dream kitchen design ideas. Also, we’ll explore their unique characteristics. If you’re looking for inspiration and have run out of ideas, you’re in good hands.  

If you’re ready to create your dream kitchen, you’ll enjoy the following examples curated by our team of design experts. 

Stylish And Gorgeous Kitchens To Admire

Chosen by our team of editors, the following designs showcase the latest interior kitchen trends.

Modern Farmhouse Kitchen Design

Traditional looks like this French provincial style can still incorporate the latest kitchen technologies and conveniences.

Traditional looks like this French provincial style can still incorporate the latest kitchen technologies and conveniences.

Traditional Kitchen Design

Contemporary kitchens , like this one from Marchi, incorporate lots of elements and maintain a comfortable style.

Contemporary kitchens , like this one from Marchi, incorporate lots of elements and maintain a comfortable style.

Industrial Kitchen Layout

This luxe retro island with appliances is paired with modern glass-fronted storage.

This luxe retro island with appliances is paired with modern glass-fronted storage.

Retro Modern Kitchen

Minimal open storage and a mostly hidden kitchen make this design from Martini especially dramatic.

Minimal open storage and a mostly hidden kitchen make this design from Martini especially dramatic.

Latest Stove Top Technology

Gas or induction, there are many new styles and technologies available for your cooktop. These examples are all installed in an island, but you can also have it on a counter with a backsplash.

Stove Heat Sensors

Aran's induction cooktop has designated burner areas that are sleek and modern.

The stovetop feature ceramic glass flush-mounted cooker hobs. The hobs can calculate the area, while the plates automatically turn off when you remove a pot.

Induction options now include features like invisible burners, removable knobs and new surface materials. Gas cooktops have new burner designs and custom features.

Griddle Cooking Station

Gatto has an induction cooktop that has a perfectly smooth surface and no knobs.

This is a blackstone griddle cooking station. You can turn your kitchen into a real diner. This is ideal for large families. 

Invisible Cook Top

Binova has another version of the invisible cooktop that looks like a marble island.

Binova has another version of the invisible cooktop that looks like a marble island.

Modern Gas Stove

The Smeg gas cooktop has LED lights and customizable burner rings with whimsical shapes.

The Smeg gas cooktop has LED lights and customizable burner rings with whimsical shapes.

Hidden Kitchen Elements

In a departure from the popular chef’s kitchens with hanging pot racks, walls of appliances and imposing ranges, the “hidden kitchen” is trending. 

Modern Cabinetry Style

Aran has this unit where lovely wood cabinetry hides many of the appliances and has unique vertical hardware.

Manufacturers are also creating the latest appliances with handle-less technology or sleek styles that help keep the look minimal.

These designs have every convenience you might want, but everything is secreted behind sleek cabinetry with a minimum of hardware or visible appliance units.

Cooking Space

Even gas cooktops can be part of a hidden kitchen when a sliding cover is included. This is by Ernestomeda.

Even gas cooktops can be part of a hidden kitchen when a sliding cover is included. This is by Ernestomeda. Aran has this unit where lovely wood cabinetry hides many of the appliances and has unique vertical hardware.

Retractable Kitchen Island

Laboratorio Mattoni has a remote control sliding top that conceals all the components of the island.

Laboratorio Mattoni has a remote control sliding top that conceals all the components of the island.

Kitchen Cabinetry

No space can be a dream kitchen without ample and functional storage space. What that storage looks like is up to you. 

Open Shelving

Laboratorio Mattoni has a remote control sliding top that conceals all the components of the island.

It can be sleek and modern cupboards, glass-fronted cabinets, open shelving or a combination of many types of storage. The exact configuration will be determined by the size of your kitchen, its layout and your specific needs.

Multi-Style Cabinets

This modular version includes hanging racks for stemware, shelving and cubby holes.

This modular version includes hanging racks for stemware, shelving and cubby holes.

Stylish Cabinet Doors

A more casual style in this Stosa kitchen includes cupboards, appliances, open shelving and a chalkboard.

A more casual style in this Stosa kitchen includes cupboards, appliances, open shelving and a chalkboard.

Designer Kitchen Drawer Hardware

Lighted drawers are a must have in new kitchens. This design is from Arrex.

Lighted drawers are a must-have in new kitchens. This design is from Arrex.

Compartmentalized and lighted drawers make organization a breeze.

Compartmentalized and lighted drawers make organization a breeze.

Functional Cooking Space Designs

As in any kitchen, every square inch of space has a purpose. Increasingly, space in the kitchen has to serve multiple purposes: 

Open Layout

Arclinea's counter with cooktop and sink has lots of functional extras.

Every detail counts in your home. Areas that can be used to serve guests, versatile work space, and well-arranged tools, and cooking elements. Large or small, a well-designed functional cooking space makes preparing meals a breeze.

Custom Sink

Arrex shows a large single sink with two high neck faucets.

Every kitchen has to have a sink, but a dream kitchen will feature a custom design, complete with a stylish hardware. When designing a sink space, it’s important to consider whether you want one or two sinks and faucets, how and where you want the faucets placed, and what materials you would like to incorporate.

Modern Sink

Stenninger has a sleek version where the knobs and tap are below the counter surface, and includes a sliding wood panel.

Stenninger has a sleek version where the knobs and tap are below the counter surface, and includes a sliding wood panel.

Traditional Sink

Leicht's multi-compartment sink includes a long, wall-mounted faucet with old-fashioned knobs.

Leicht’s multi-compartment sink includes a long, wall-mounted faucet with old-fashioned knobs.

A farmhouse sink with an angled front from Arrex is paired with a rose gold faucet.

A farmhouse sink with an angled front from Arrex is paired with a rose gold faucet.

Basic Kitchen Sink

A double sink can have a faucet installed in the center divider. This one is by Valdesign.

A double sink can have a faucet installed in the center divider. This one is by Valdesign.

Stylish Faucet With Pendant Lighting

Scavolini's single compartment sink has a unique corner-mounted faucet.

Scavolini’s single compartment sink has a unique corner-mounted faucet. This design is all about attention to detail. The stylish faucet and water handle offer a classic country charm. 

Versatile Dining/Workspace

Everyone loves to gather in the kitchen, whether family or guests, so you need space that doubles as dining/serving space and workspace. 

A perpendicular counter extension is a great way to add dining space to the kitchen that also doubles as work space. This is by Biefbi.

A perpendicular counter extension is a great way to add dining space to the kitchen that also doubles as work space. This is by Biefbi.

Some homes might have the luxury of a size big enough for defined spaces, but for those who need to make the most of the space in their dream kitchens, there are many ways to incorporate versatile space.

By extending an island, you can add versatile worktop real estate to your dream kitchen design, as in this one by Doimo.

By extending an island, you can add versatile worktop real estate to your dream kitchen design, as in this one by Doimo.

Kitchen Island Design

Spagnol's raised counter bar design is useful as serving, dining and staging space.

Spagnol’s raised counter bar design is useful as a serving, dining, and staging space.

Dream Kitchen Backsplash

Creo's illuminated backsplash adds more than just lighting -- it adds plenty of drama.

The basic purpose of a backsplash is to provide an easy-to-clean surface behind areas that are prone to splatters and splashes. In a dream kitchen, you can take the backsplash to a whole other level by indulging special lighting, modular storage or unique materials.

Modern Stovetop

Customized, modular backsplash pieces increase storage options.

Customized, modular backsplash pieces increase storage options.

Dramatic Lighting

Doimo's off-center placement of the airy ball lights over the counter adds a dramatic punch.

Doimo’s off-center placement of the airy ball lights over the counter adds a dramatic punch.Even if you can’t afford to have every luxe detail in your dream kitchen, choosing dramatic lighting can make a budget design look spectacular.

Much like a gorgeous gem, a statement lighting fixture draws the eye and adds pizzazz.

Modern Kitchen Island

Alno demonstrates how an oversized and understated pendant can dominate a kitchen.

Alno demonstrates how an oversized and understated pendant can dominate a kitchen.

Contemporary Lighting Styles

A pair of gilded modern pendants adds a little bling to Alno's otherwise industrial design.

A pair of gilded modern pendants adds a little bling to Alno’s otherwise industrial design.

Innovative Kitchen Appliances

Chilled food storage has gone from an individual refrigerator and freezer to a choreographed “food” preservation system.

Modern Refrigerator

Thermador's kitchen system is sleek and cutting edge.

Most dream kitchens also include specialized kitchen appliances that cater to your cooking whims, including specialty grills, steam ovens, custom wine storage and meat smokers.

Custom Wine Refrigerator

Miele's sophisticated wine tower includes serving space.

Miele’s sophisticated wine tower includes serving space.

Teppanyaki is a fun and entertaining way to cook and Viking lets you do it at home.

Teppanyaki is a fun and entertaining way to cook and Viking lets you do it at home.

Modern Oven

Carnivores will love Team 7's dry ager for making meat taste best.

Carnivores will love Team 7′s dry ager for making meat taste best.

Industria Oven 

Those who prefer a traditional gas range can have innovative finishes like Viking's carbon fiber model.

Those who prefer a traditional gas range can have innovative finishes like Viking’s carbon fiber model.

State-of-the-Art Ventilation

If you cook you need ventilation, but it no longer needs to be a massive, traditional hood.  The latest styles include low-profile versions, models that include lighting and some that retract into the ceiling.

Kitchen Pod Vents

Nobilia has large hoods that include plentiful lighting.

Welcome to the future. The exhaust pods look like rocket boosters. You’ll never to worry about a smoky kitchen when you have these.

Nobilia's industrial model is a statement-making hood.

Nobilia’s industrial model is a statement-making hood.

Rangecraft lets you add some bling to your kitchen with platinum and Swarovski crystals.

Rangecraft lets you add some bling to your kitchen with platinum and Swarovski crystals.

Low profile hood options from Zephyr.

Low-profile hood options from Zephyr.

Winged whimsy for your hood from Rangecraft.

Winged whimsy for your hood from Rangecraft.

Distinctive Hardware

Plenty of hardware options are available like these from Waterworks.

Many people don’t give much thought to the knobs and hardware on their cabinets, but much like jewelry or embellishment for a designer outfit, hardware is the finishing touch for your dream kitchen.

Even just swapping out knobs can totally change the look of your space.

Add Color

White kitchens will probably always have a following, but most designers – and homeowners – have had enough of the all-white palette and are ready for a richer look.

Kitchens with color have more personality and can present a level of casual sophistication that the all-white or neutral palette does not.

Moreover, if the color is used on an element like the cabinetry, it’s quite easy to change the look with paint. So, shades of green might be trending this year, but when the wind shifts and some other hue becomes popular, the updates can be affordable and easy.

Modern kitchen with brass hardware

This kitchen may have rustic flair but it is still oh so sophisticated! The muted forest green cabinetry has a matte finish that creates dramatic elegance when combined with the rustic wood ceiling and floor and the marble countertop and backsplash. It’s an absolutely perfect palette of materials for quiet, casual luxury.

Custom Space

Modern kitchen with brass hardware

Modern kitchens also benefit from some dramatic color, such as one that incorporates a colorful backsplash. This is also a lower-cost refresh for a kitchen that is overwhelmingly neutral. Here the glossy glass surface contrasts nicely with the sleek but not-so-shiny cabinets.

Organization Made Easy

Aside from a great layout and top-notch major appliances, the next most important factor in the kitchen is storage.

Without the right kind of storage, it’s hard to keep a kitchen uncluttered and clean.

Building in utility wherever possible helps make staying organized easier, so plan carefully when designing your dream kitchen, or upgrading your current cabinetry. Specialty inserts and a well-organized pantry space make all the difference in the world.

Espresso Drawer

Modern kitchen with brass hardware

Coffee aficionados will appreciate this amazing drawer with a custom insert for the capsules that match your preferred coffee-making appliance.

This means no boxes, jars or piles littering the counter, plus, it’s easy to see at a glance which flavors might be running low.

Even if you’re not fully remodeling the kitchen, upgrading a drawer for this kind of storage can be a great on-trend addition.

Modern Kitchen Drawers

Modern kitchen with brass hardware

Deep shelving in any pantry can be a challenge because cans and boxes of staples can get lost at the back. A great solution is installing pull-out drawers instead of plain shelving. This type of organization means that you can see everything at a glance and small items don’t get lost or fall to the back. 

Standout Island

The centerpiece of any kitchen is the island and in most cases, the bigger the better. If you don’t have room for a giant one, you can still have the kitchen of your dreams by creating one that has workspace, storage and maybe even an overhang to accommodate some bar stools

Modern kitchen with brass hardware

Many of the trendiest islands resemble a large table that sits in the middle of the space like this one does. While it goes with the rest of the color scheme, it’s not a traditional built-in island and instead features legs and a shelf at the bottom. 

Modern kitchen with brass hardware

This island is indeed a long table, repurposed and used as an island. The vintage appeal, spacious, weathered top and bottom shelf create a real centerpiece for the kitchen. An island of this type also adds a great deal of character to a kitchen and can be used with quite a few styles of cabinetry. 

Mixed Materials

Gone are the days when all kitchen work surfaces and the island sported the same countertop material, all the cabinets were the same and every piece of hardware matched every other piece of metal. The latest kitchen designs mix thing up to create a more interesting and less stilted look. Countertops might be quartz while the island is topped with concrete. 

Modern kitchen with brass hardware

With cabinets painted green and some left with a natural finish, this country-style kitchen is a marvelous example of how to mix materials. Not only are there two cabinetry finishes, but there are also two countertop materials and two different metal finishes: Brass and black.

Together, all these different materials create a charming and relaxing kitchen that anyone would be happy with.

Modern kitchen with brass hardware

Taking another look at one of our favorite coordinated kitchens, it also makes use of different materials. The main countertops are a white solid surface material while the island is topped with a darker one, closer in color to the cabinets.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How To Make A 3-D Kitchen Design?

You’ll need the right software to take advantage of the technology. 3D kitchen design is a computer technology tool that allows you to create and design dream kitchens. 

How Much Does A Kitchen Designer Cost?

For a new kitchen design, you can expect to pay almost $13,000. Before you hire a designer search online for “kitchen designers near me” and pick five names from the search results. Make an appointment with each one and see what kind of bid they give you. 

Is There An App To Design My Kitchen?

Yes, there a few kitchen design phone apps. You want to go with major name brands,which you can use for free. For example, IKEA has a interior design app that is popular among homeowners.

Do I Need To Hire A Contractor To Design My Kitchen?

The best way is to hire a kitchen designer first and then a general contractor.

How Do You Protect Your New Kitchen From Termites?

When designing a new kitchen or doing a remodel, consider your natural light sources. Direct sunlight is the best way to discourage termites. The insects prefer dark environments. Also, make sure you keep your water pipes clean and cracks sealed. The cleaner your pipes are, the more you won’t have to worry about termites.

Dream Kitchen Conclusion

Bottom cabinets can be painted a deep hue while the upper ones are white and the open shelving is natural. The sky’s the limit when it comes to combining materials in a pleasing, cohesive look. There’s also no crawling on the floor to reach the back of the bottom shelf. Even better, it’s easy to sweep the floor when all the storage is raised up and attached to the wall.

Also, with open shelving, you could go with a natural wood into the palette, which is also highlighted on some of the specialty cabinet doors at the bottom. Glass fronts add some variety to the top cabinets, which are finished with the same sophisticated, muted green.

Dream and dream big. Figure out what you want in your kitchen, prioritize those items, and then apply your budget to the list. See what you can afford and what you can do to bring your kitchen closer to your dream. Of course, few people can afford to have everything, but if you plan well and include the elements that are most important to you, you can make your dream kitchen come true.