Before I begin, there’s something I need to get off my chest: I haven’t been using my kitchen to its full potential. I’m the type of person who appreciates contemporary kitchens that are curated, mostly because I don’t spend that much time using mine. My refrigerator serves as the ultimate gallery wall with nearly every inch of the surface covered in photographs, ticket stubs, handwritten notes, quirky magnets, and so much more. I’m not ashamed to admit that I was absolutely roasted by this list of kitchen decor icks—don’t ask which design crimes I’ve committed—but the way I see it, life isn’t worth living when you don’t have enough things to work toward.
Lately, kitchens have become my favorite spot in a home to critique. Too much modern farmhouse on the moodboard, extremely outdated fixtures, not enough counter space… You get the picture. Kitchens are the heart of the home, which makes it the perfect place to show a little personality. Let’s see some skirts underneath those sinks! Life is short, install a massive plate rack for your Hermès tableware collection. Whether you lean more traditional or modern, what point of view are you trying to communicate within this domain? There’s no better resource for interior inspiration than AD, so here are 11 of my favorite contemporary kitchens from our very own home tours. (If you want to go back even further, here are some highlights from the archive.)
Grandmillennial but make it tacky in London
I love every corner of Adwoa Aboah’s cheeky Victorian-era home in London, but the kitchen is an absolute showstopper with its “modern country vibe.” Obviously, it’s stylish with checkered tiles, marble countertops, and yellow-stained plywood, but what I appreciate most are the personal touches like Adwoa’s massive magnet collection taking up real estate on the refrigerator. (The Liquidish by RiRa is a great addition on the island as well; I have one in pink.) If all that makes Adwoa a “tacky granny” then I’m right there with her!
