By Wanvisa Matathaniyanon (Ploy), Designer at German Kitchen Design
Clients often ask me what makes a kitchen truly modern. Is it just a simple, white look? Or is it something more? After many years of designing kitchens, I can tell you the answer is a little different.
I always say, “A beautiful look is important, but a truly modern kitchen is about the little things that add up, making your daily life easier and more beautiful.” After all, great design is in the details.
That is why the modern kitchen designs we come up with at German Kitchen Design are filled with thoughtful touches that both simplify your routine and add unmistakable personality that truly reflects you.
Today, I want to share six of my favorite features or ‘details’ – the ones that, once you see them, you will wonder how you ever lived without, and deeply embody the “modern” living experience.
1. A Ventilation System That Fits Your Needs
Everyone knows about traditional overhead hoods: they can be big and can block the view, especially on a kitchen island. But did you know that there are many alternatives?
For example, an integrated cooktop with ventilation removes the need for a hood completely. This system features a powerful extractor built directly into the center of the induction cooktop, meaning the countertop remains entirely flat and clear. It quietly and efficiently pulls steam downwards, leaving you with a clean, open space. The behavior and aesthetic of the system are dependent on the make and model you opt for – but don’t worry, our team will happily recommend the best fit for you based on your needs.
I remember a client in Samui with a very nice garden view full of palm trees who specifically expressed their desire to cook on their island and still see the garden. A traditional hood was out of the question! We recommended several variations of downdraft extractors – a feature they did not even know was available – that allowed us to design a kitchen island that could be used for heavy-duty cooking with a watching crowd.
It’s a feature that completely changes how you can personalize your high-end modern kitchen designs, entirely opening new customization possibilities.
2. The Underrated Storage Solution For Modern Kitchens
A core principle of a great modern kitchen design is an uncluttered countertop. But given we all have appliances we use every day – like a coffee machine, a toaster, a blender – how do we keep your space visually clean?
The appliance garage is an often-overlooked solution. At the end of the day, it is ‘just’ a dedicated cabinet (with a special door that lifts up or slides away), but this subtle detail really elevates both your kitchen’s aesthetic and practicality.
The best moment is when a client realizes they don’t have to put their heavy coffee machine away ever again. When hidden in an appliance garage, it can stay plugged in and ready to use, and be completely hidden when not needed. That way, you can keep the clean, ‘showroom-perfect’ look every day.
3. Convenience at Every Corner
No matter which client we talk to, most will agree that corner cabinets are a problem. Given their position and angle, they tend to feel deep, are always too dark, and things inside are objectively hard to reach.
But we also love pleasantly surprising our clients with Intelligent systems like the tried-and-true LeMans pull-out system, or the novel FurnSpin rotating cabinet (which will be available in 2026), both of which solve this problem completely.
Going the extra step with these solutions means you don’t have to crawl into a corner cabinet and fumble around trying to shift heavy items with your lower back anymore. The entire shelf system glides smoothly and silently out to you, luxuriously presenting everything in full view. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference and is a key part of our modern kitchen designs.
4. The Right Lighting For Modern Kitchen Designs
When designing a modern kitchen, many people have a checklist: cabinets, kitchen islands, shelves, backsplashes – but one crucial thing they often forget is lighting. It is a feature that, when it does its job right, is completely unobtrusive and unnoticeable. The issue arises when you don’t have enough, resulting in a glaring absence.
The simple fact is that a single bright light is not close to enough for the many ways we use our kitchens. Rather, a truly modern kitchen uses many types of lighting to create the right atmosphere.
My personal tip is to always think in layers. What does this mean in practice? Let’s take it step by step:
- You need bright, clear ‘task lighting‘ over your worktops for when you are chopping vegetables.
- But later, for dinner with friends, you want soft ‘ambient lighting‘ to create a warm, relaxing mood.
- Then you realize that finding things in lower cabinets or drawers can sometimes be difficult as they’re not as well-illuminated – so we can even add lighting that turns on automatically when you open a drawer.
Just by considering the different use-cases you have in your kitchen, you can map out your needs and see if it’s worth investing in dedicated lighting solutions for them. It is this level of detail that separates good modern kitchen designs from great ones – and rest assured that our team will be ready to help you discover your needs whenever you want to start designing your dream kitchen!
5. Waste Zero Space With Plinth Storage
This is my favorite ‘secret’ feature, especially in modern kitchen designs for smaller spaces like condos. The idea behind it is so simple: leave no space unused.
First of all, what is the ‘plinth’? The plinth is the kickboard area at the very bottom of your cabinets, and most people don’t really consider its functionality beyond being the “bottom” of your cabinet system, whether to serve as structural foundation or sometimes engraved with designs to add aesthetics. But the truth is, we can build a discreet, handleless drawer there.
It’s completely invisible, perfect for storing things you don’t need every day. I had one client use it for their special occasion serving platters and another for their children’s art supplies to keep the main kitchen clear.
Investing in this slice of ‘luxurious’ space helps you gain valuable storage in a place no one else thought to look, and once you have it, you’ll really wonder why it isn’t more common!
6. ‘Seamlessness’ In Modern Kitchen Design
This makes the list because it is a detail of our modern kitchen designs that always impresses.
When most people think of kitchens, it’s normal to visualize the sink as an individual piece that needs to somehow fit into their space, sometimes even just a standalone piece of furniture that looks entirely out of place.
But when we show them the possibility of having a seamless sink integrated directly into the countertop using a flush installation for a flawless, monolithic look, jaws always drop.
And beyond the beautiful, minimalistic aesthetic, the biggest luxury is how easy it is to clean. You can wipe crumbs and spills directly from the counter into the sink with no lip to stop you. It is a small but very satisfying convenience that really elevates the entire worktop, and kitchen as a whole.
The Modern Difference Is In The Details
For me, the most impactful modern kitchen designs are defined by these smart, thoughtful features that come together to make your life better. It’s about creating a space that is not only beautiful to look at, but a genuine joy to live and work in.
Many of these innovations are best understood in person. I invite you to visit our showroom, where I or one of my colleagues can show you these features and help you discover the details that will really transform your house into a home!
