Modern Kitchen Design: Styles, Trends and Creating a Space That Works for You
Designing your dream kitchen in Camden? Whether you're building from scratch or renovating your forever home, the kitchen is one of the most important spaces to get right. It needs to be practical—but it should also reflect your personal style and feel like a space you truly enjoy spending time in.
As an interior designer working across Camden, Oran Park, Gregory Hills and the greater South West Sydney region, I help clients create kitchens that balance functionality with elevated design. Here’s what’s trending now, and what really matters when it comes to creating a modern kitchen that stands the test of time.
Start With a Style That Reflects You
Modern kitchen design means different things to different people. The most successful designs start with clarity on your preferred style—because that shapes every decision that follows.
Some of the most popular styles I’m seeing right now include:
Modern Farmhouse
A blend of warmth and practicality. Think soft neutral palettes, warm timber tones, shaker cabinetry, and charming yet refined details.
Modern Minimalist
Streamlined and clutter-free. This look features clean lines, handleless joinery, and a restrained palette that creates a sense of calm and clarity.
Modern Hamptons
Elegant and timeless. Coastal-inspired, but with a more elevated feel. Features often include panelled cabinetry, brushed brass tapware, and layered whites and neutrals for a sense of quiet luxury.
If you're unsure which direction to take, you're not alone. Helping clients define and refine their style is one of the most rewarding parts of the design process.
Tapware and Handles: The Jewellery of Your Kitchen
The right tapware and hardware can transform a kitchen. I like to think of these elements as the jewellery of the space—small details that have a big impact.
Brushed brass remains a favourite with my clients, offering warmth and elegance that pairs beautifully with most materials. Lately, copper and bronze finishes have also been gaining popularity, particularly in homes leaning towards farmhouse or Hamptons aesthetics. Matte black continues to hold strong, especially in minimalist kitchens where clean contrast is key.
It’s these small details—often overlooked early in the process—that truly complete the look.
Prioritise Functionality From the Start
A beautiful kitchen means very little if it doesn’t work for the way you live. That’s why I begin every kitchen design by asking questions about how you cook, entertain and use the space day to day.
In homes across Camden, I’m seeing a clear desire for kitchens that work hard behind the scenes. Large island benches often become the centrepiece of the space, ideal for family life and entertaining. Butler’s pantries are a popular inclusion too, keeping appliances and mess tucked away from view. And of course, custom joinery is key—maximising every corner and giving the kitchen a sense of polish and purpose.
Layer Lighting Thoughtfully
Lighting plays a bigger role than most people realise. It doesn’t just help you see—it changes the entire feel of the room.
I recommend layering three types of lighting in any kitchen:
Task lighting under cabinetry for prep zones
Ambient lighting like pendants over an island or dining area
Accent lighting to highlight details, add warmth and create mood
When done well, lighting helps the kitchen feel considered, high-end and welcoming.
Finishes That Feel as Good as They Look
Choosing the right materials will help your kitchen stay timeless and easy to live with. I recommend keeping your palette simple and letting texture and tone do the talking. Engineered stone benchtops, soft-matte cabinetry, and quality tapware will give your kitchen longevity—both in function and style.
Let’s Design a Kitchen That’s Uniquely Yours
Designing a kitchen is about more than just keeping up with trends. It’s about understanding what works for your lifestyle, and making intentional choices that support how you want to live and feel in your home.
If you're planning a renovation or new build in Camden or the surrounding areas, and want to feel confident about your design decisions, I’d love to help.
Ready to get started?
Explore my Selections Simplified or Full-Service Design offerings, or reach out to book a personalised consultation. Together, we can create a kitchen that looks incredible—and works beautifully for the way you live.
