20 Small Modern Kitchen Cabinet Ideas That Will Make Your Kitchen Feel Larger And More Open

This post shows you the best small modern kitchen cabinet ideas.

Often, I spend a lot of time in my small kitchen because I love cooking and baking.

Thus, it has always been my aim to have a kitchen space that feels big and spacious.

For this reason, I embarked on organizing and designing my kitchen cabinet properly.

I realized modern elements would infuse personality into my small space for a roomier atmosphere.

Make the most of your small kitchenby considering these 20 small modern kitchen ideas.

Regardless of your aim, these ideas will inspire a kitchen that feels larger and more open.

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Modular Cabinet

Start by installing an open cabinet with a quartzite interior to make the room seem larger.

Then add a grey-toned modular kitchen cabinet to fit the small space.

Paired with modern terrazzo flooring, this stylish design will make your kitchen feel more spacious and open.

Roomy Impression

Install crisp white kitchen cabinets then add LED lights to the open section for a roomy feel.

Integrate modern recessed lighting into the white roof for a kitchen that feels larger.

Add a more spacious feel by incorporating black cabinets on the other side and add bar stools for a sharp modern contrast.

Luxurious Look

Incorporate black kitchen cabinets with a high-quality finish for a luxurious look.

Include flooring and fluted roofing of similar wood tones for a cohesive and more open feel.

The black and wood colored tones create a striking contrast that makes the small kitchen look modern.

Bright Atmosphere

White floating shelves with a glossy finish and a track light-like design on the ceiling above will enhance illumination in your kitchen.

The lights will reflect on the glossy finish of the kitchen cabinet to make the small space feel more open.

Use a grey-toned glossy finish on the lower cabinet to balance the overall bright look.

Warm Tones

Utilizing light-colored kitchen cabinets with warm tones adds thatopen and airy vibe to your small space.

Use a handless design to contribute to a minimal modern design.

Make the kitchen cabinets seem larger by adding an open design with a black interior for the corner section.

Sophisticated Look

Utilize ceiling-high cabinets with glass doors and a light color for a sophisticated look.

The modern fluted design from the cabinets and Central Island creates a more expansive and open design.

The idea creates a vertical visual emphasis creating a sense of openness in the small kitchen.

Elegant Style

Add elegantly designed handless kitchen cabinets with an ambient-lit under section.

Combined with the warm light from the black open shelves, the idea gives the room an open and inviting feeling.

The modern seamless cabinet design is perfect for minimizing clutter in small kitchen spaces.

Timeless Design

You can use a traditional design for your kitchen cabinets with handles on each side for a more open look.

Incorporate three modern high-hanging ceiling lights for a brighter room that feels larger.

This design is perfect for increasing functionality when cooking in small spaces.

Deep Blue Hues

Paint a deep blue hue for the upper and lower kitchen cabinets to achieve a more open and continuous design.

For one side, add lighting under the cabinet to reflect the grey-patterned modern wallpaper.

The consistent look of the cabinets will make any small space feel larger.

Unified Look

Use a rich black coating for your countertops, sink, and lower and upper cabinets for a unified design.

Use white on the other walls of the kitchen and window for a larger and more open view.

Add a statement chandelier with gold accents for a modern finish to your small kitchen.

Incorporate Wood

A kitchen cabinet with unique drawer designs and a soft wood edge creates an appealing atmosphere.

Leave one drawer open for microwaving functionality and a more open design.

The continuous look of the wood panel and lower cabinets makes the room feel larger.

Clean Aesthetic

A wallpaper with light grey hues will seamlessly merge with dark-toned lower and upper kitchen cabinets.

The clean lines from the minimalistic cabinets and the uniform curved ceiling lights will make the room seem larger.

The modern finish from this look adds depth to make a small kitchen feel more open.

Classy Appearance

Classic-looking kitchen cabinets with lighting inside and visible spaces on the top add to an open and larger appearance.

Combine the kitchen cabinet with an open wine cellar display to break the monotony of grey.

Add a large glass bubble chandelier with a floating design to exude modern intricacy.

Warm and Inviting

Handless Kitchen cabinets with five medium-sized sections and warm recessed lights at the bottom will make the area look open.

A mini hanging shelf at the bottom of the cabinet creates a larger look.

Adding three equal modern ceiling lights with a warm glow will enhance the look of your small kitchen upper cabinet.

Refined look

Use dark wood tones for your upper kitchen cabinets and lighter wood for your lower cabinet for a modern refined look.

Add a pop of black for the sink and counters and an open shelf design for the ends of the upper cabinet.

Combining these elements adds depth to the small space.

Natural Aesthetic

If you are into organic designs, try using warm brown-toned wood for your upper cabinets and floors.

Add white cabinets with open hanging shelves at the bottom for the room to appear larger.

Add woven seats that seamlessly merge with the small kitchen design.

Extended View

Use a light pastel blue for both your upper and lower cabinets combined with dark wood paneling and a marble wall at the bottom.

Add a hanging shelf with assorted décor on one end for a kitchen that feels much larger.

The modern kitchen idea offers an elongated view making the small space seem more open.

Rich Finishing

Painting your lower and upper cabinets a luxurious white color with a fine finish offers a modern vibe to your kitchen.

Include an open shelf with see-through black glass to make the cabinet appearlarger and more in-depth.

Add fine white finishing, a unique white ceiling light, and a fluted wall for a rich small kitchen design.

Comfortable and Warm

Pitch-black cabinets that extend to the counter on both ends leave a functional space that adds a more open feel.

Paired with the wood-toned cabinets in the mid sections, they add deepness to the open space making it seem larger.

Add a marble wall on the bottom for a modern vibe.

Light and White

Paint your kitchen cabinets white and add black handles for a design that adds more brightness.

Use the same color for the walls and add black fixtures for a modern monochrome scheme.

The pure white design, and minimal black fittings paired with a small window atop the sink evoke a larger and open illusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of cabinets work best in a small modern kitchen to make it feel larger?

In a small modern kitchen, flat-front, slab-style cabinets are ideal because their sleek, clean lines create a seamless and uncluttered look.

Glossy or reflective finishes, like lacquer or glass-front cabinets, can bounce light around the space, making it feel larger.

Opting for light colors like white, soft gray, or beige also enhances openness, while minimalistic, handleless cabinets maintain the modern aesthetic.

For added functionality, choose cabinets that extend to the ceiling to maximize vertical storage, keeping countertops clear and the kitchen feeling more spacious.

2. How can I use color to make my small modern kitchen cabinets feel more open and airy?

Light colors are key to making a small kitchen feel larger and more open.

White cabinets are a classic choice, but you can also go for soft neutrals like light gray, beige, or pale blues for a modern twist.

These hues reflect light, which helps to create an airy feel.

For those who prefer a little contrast, adding a two-tone effect—like white upper cabinets with darker base cabinets—can draw the eye upward and give the illusion of more space.

Keep in mind that lighter colors for cabinets pair beautifully with natural light and minimalist design elements to enhance openness.

3. What are the best storage solutions to incorporate into modern kitchen cabinets for small spaces?

Smart storage solutions are essential in small modern kitchens to maximize space while keeping a clean and stylish look.

Opt for pull-out pantry cabinets, corner carousel units, or deep drawers with dividers to efficiently store items and eliminate clutter.

Installing vertical dividers inside cabinets is perfect for organizing cutting boards, baking sheets, and trays.

You can also use pull-out spice racks or hidden trash and recycling bins to keep surfaces free from clutter.

Open shelving inside cabinet doors or under-shelf organizers add additional storage without sacrificing the sleek modern aesthetic.

4. How can I incorporate open shelving without losing the modern look of my kitchen?

Open shelving can actually enhance the modern feel of a small kitchen when done right.

Stick to sleek, minimalistic shelves in materials like glass, metal, or light wood to maintain that contemporary vibe.

Limit the number of items you display—curate a few beautiful, functional pieces like glassware, ceramics, or matching storage containers to avoid visual clutter.

Open shelving works well when paired with closed cabinets, balancing the openness with enough hidden storage to keep the kitchen looking tidy and streamlined.

This creates a perfect mix of functionality and style in a modern kitchen.

5. What hardware or cabinet handles should I choose for a small modern kitchen to keep it feeling spacious?

In small modern kitchens, less is more when it comes to hardware.

Opt for sleek, minimalist handles like slim bar pulls or integrated handles that blend seamlessly with the cabinet fronts.

Alternatively, you can go handleless with push-to-open mechanisms for an ultra-sleek, modern look that keeps the kitchen feeling clean and uncluttered.

If you prefer visible hardware, choose metallic finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, or matte black to add a subtle touch of luxury without overwhelming the space.

Keeping the hardware minimal ensures that the cabinets stay the focal point while enhancing the open feel of the kitchen.

If you love these ideas, don’t forget to pin the above image to your “Kitchen Storage” board.