How to Style a 'Contemporary' Kitchen — 24 Sleek Decor Pieces That Stopped Me Scrolling

A stylist-led edit focusing on the objects that bring energy and personality into contemporary kitchens — the pieces designed to be left out, not hidden away

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Hero Contemporary Kitchen Collection
(Image credit: Future)

Good kitchen design isn’t just about cabinetry anymore; it’s increasingly defined by what’s left out on display. Contemporary kitchens today are shaped by the everyday objects we interact with most: the pieces that sit on countertops, shelves, and tables, quietly setting the tone of the space.

As a stylist, this is the kind of contemporary kitchen design I’m drawn to, pieces that balance function with presence. Sculptural forms, confident color, and considered proportions turn familiar kitchen essentials into design features in their own right.

This is where contemporary design differs from more pared-back modern kitchen, rather than hiding everything away, it allows personality to surface through objects that are practical, expressive, and deliberately chosen. These are the pieces that earn their place through use and presence — shaping the kitchen without reworking it.

A warm contemporary kitchen softened by sculptural lighting and natural materials. Clean-lined cabinetry in light-oak

(Image credit: Sam Frost)

If this edit has sparked ideas but you’re unsure how to bring them into your own kitchen, Design Lab by Livingetc is here to help. Our personalized sourcing service supports everything from refining your home to finding a considered gift — all starting with your brief and what you already own.

Miaad Latoof
Miaad Latoof
Stylist

Miaad is one of the stylists for Design Lab, Livingetc’s personalized design service. Guided by an instinct for craftsmanship and the beauty of lived-in spaces, she brings a refined balance of creative vision and commercial understanding. Her career, shaped between New York and London, spans luxury interiors and retail furniture design, from creating immersive environments for global brands such as Ferrari and Montblanc to guiding discerning clients through high-end projects at DWR and Restoration Hardware. With a sharp eye for detail and deep knowledge of UK and US furniture brands, Miaad believes great design begins with empathy and intention. She creates spaces that balance aesthetic clarity with everyday life, where individuality feels effortless and beauty feels personal.