When it comes time for a kitchen remodel, planning can be the most difficult task.

However, planning out how you want to redo your kitchen is crucial to making sure you like the new design and capture your ideas just as you imagined them.

If you’re ready to ditch the farmhouse look in favor of something more modern, we have the tips you need for a successful transformation.

TL;DR: Modern Kitchen Update Ideas

• Plan Your Remodel: Take inventory of existing elements; decide what to replace or repurpose for a modern, urban chic look.
• Update Cabinets: Paint or replace with flat panel doors; consider new hardware for a fresh touch.
• Upgrade Countertops: Choose modern materials like quartz, marble, or granite to match new cabinets.
• Add a Modern Backsplash: Use patterns like hexagons or cubes in chic colors (white, gray, black).
• Install New Molding: Use molding to create a finished look; ensure style and size match the new design.
• Replace Flooring: Opt for neutral tones, simple shapes, and clean lines; consider wood or laminate.
• Finishing Touches: Add rugs, wall art, and window accessories to complete your modern kitchen design.

Keep Reading: Ready to dive deeper into your kitchen remodel? Explore detailed tips and ideas to transform your kitchen from farmhouse to urban chic in the full article below. 

Modern Kitchen Update Ideas

Going from farmhouse to urban chic means changing more dated parts of your kitchen. This can mean completely swapping out certain elements or repurposing them if you can re-finish them to fit your new style.

Before you get started: Take inventory of your farmhouse furniture and kitchen elements so that you know what needs to be replaced and what can be repurposed.

When planning on how to redecorate your kitchen, here are some elements you can update.

Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets are the focal point of any kitchen, making them a key element in your kitchen update.

Most of the time, a simple coat of paint can help your cabinets fit your new kitchen design. But if you have older cabinets—and your budget allows—replacing them with a more modern style is going to be the best option for achieving an urban chic look. Replacing all your kitchen cabinets may seem like a daunting and expensive undertaking, but it doesn’t have to break the bank! You can give your kitchen a brand new look for under $6K! Including replacing your cabinets, countertops, sink, and more.

Most modern cabinet designs feature flat panel doors with a full overlay and little to no molding or trim to create a clean, simplistic look.

Second & Surplus has a wide selection of kitchen cabinets at a great price. You can find a variety of styles such as, pre-finished cabinets, unfinished, or something custom that’s sure to match your new look.

If you like the way your current cabinets look and you’re leaning toward simply repainting them, consider swapping out the hardware.

Cabinet Hardware

Updating your hardware is a small, budget-friendly kitchen update that can make a big difference in changing your kitchen’s style.

Pulls are a popular hardware option for modern and minimalist designs, especially those with a metallic finish.

Traditional knobs come in a variety of styles, so you can still find one that fits a modern kitchen if you’re not a fan of pulls.

Our selection of kitchen hardware features cabinet pulls, knobs, and other hardware options.

Countertops

Countertops are another element to consider in your kitchen redesign.

If you’re replacing your cabinets, it’s a good idea to replace your current countertops with ones that will match your new cabinets.

A lot of modern kitchen designers incorporate quartz, marble, and granite countertops. You can browse different patterns and colors of these popular countertop materials and more here.

Backsplash

The right backsplash can add a modern look to your kitchen.

The trick is to choose a backsplash that complements your kitchen’s color scheme. To do this, consider the material, pattern, and of course, color.

Hexagons and cubes are excellent options for a modern backsplash design. Popular chic colors include white, off-white, gray, and black.

You can browse our selection of affordable backsplash options.

Molding

Molding will give your kitchen a finished look and can help tie different elements together.

You can use molding to create an eye-catching border where the wall meets the ceiling. You can also use molding to cover gaps between your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling if they don’t reach all the way up.

Like with everything else, make sure you choose the right style and size for your new kitchen design. If you find that the molding you’re using for your farmhouse look will also work for the modern direction you’re taking, you can save yourself some work.

If you need to replace your current molding, feel free to browse our options.

Flooring

Never underestimate what good flooring can do for your kitchen design.

Years of use may have worn down your current flooring, or maybe you can’t find a way to incorporate it into your new plans. No matter the case, when taking on a kitchen update, you should plan to replace your kitchen floor.

Popular modern flooring elements include:

• Neutral tones
• Simple shapes
• Clean lines
• Metallic accents

Seconds & Surplus has tons of affordable modern flooring options like wood and laminate to choose from.

Finishing Touches For Your Kitchen Updates

Once you’ve planned out the major aspects of your new kitchen design, consider giving smaller ways to achieve your dream kitchen a thought. This includes adding things like decorations. Some of the best ways to redecorate your kitchens include:

• Rugs: Add the finishing touch to your new modern following with a new rug. Rugs are a great accent piece for your kitchen and provide support while you wash dishes or prepare meals.
• Wall Art: Modern designs often incorporate wall art. To ensure a cohesive look, coordinate the artwork with existing decor. You can spread out your wall art or create a gallery wall.
• Window Accessories: New roller blinds, woven shades, and curtains will help tie your new modern design together while providing functional benefits like privacy and light control.

You get the idea. There are hundreds of modern kitchen decoration ideas from which you can draw inspiration, but the best ones are those that help achieve your vision.

Now that you know what you need to transform your kitchen, let us get your project started. Our talented kitchen designers can help you find the right products for the job and bring your vision to life.Plan your kitchen update at our Kitchen Design Center, available at any Seconds & Surplus location.

If you have any questions about our products and services, feel free to contact us.