What colors are used in contemporary kitchens?

Warm neutrals like greige, cream, and mushroom, paired with mid-tone walnut or oak and one muted accent such as sage or terracotta.

Is a contemporary kitchen expensive?

Not necessarily. Painted uppers with wood-veneer lowers, quartz counters, and ceramic tile give the look at a mid-range budget.

How much does a contemporary kitchen cost?

For an average 150 sq ft kitchen, a contemporary refresh on existing cabinets typically runs $8,000–$20,000, a full remodel $25,000–$60,000, and a high-end redesign $70,000 or more. Worth the splurge: real walnut veneer on the lower cabinets; it's the heart of the look.

Can I see my own kitchen in Contemporary style?

Yes. Upload a photo, choose Contemporary, and pick Refresh, Remodel, or Redesign. You'll see your kitchen from the same camera angle in about 30 seconds, and your first design is free.

Contemporary style

Contemporary kitchen ideas

Contemporary kitchens mix warm wood with soft painted tones and gentle curves. It's the look you see in new design magazines right now: calm, tactile, and a little sculptural.

Try Contemporary on my kitchen

Sample kitchenContemporary remodel

Sample espresso builder-grade kitchen with island before redesign

The same kitchen redesigned in Contemporary style

The look

What makes a contemporary kitchen

Cabinets: Warm walnut-veneer slab lowers and soft greige painted uppers
Countertops: Honed warm-white quartzite with a softly rounded edge
Backsplash: Vertical stacked glossy cream ceramic tile
Hardware: Brushed champagne bronze edge pulls
Lighting: Sculptural opal glass globe pendants
Flooring: Wide light oak planks
Walls: Warm off-white
Mood: Warm, current, and design-forward

Three budgets

Contemporary at every level of change

Shown on our reference kitchen, the same room we use to compare every style fairly.

Contemporary kitchen refresh — RefreshNew paint, counters, tile, and hardware on the existing cabinets.

Contemporary kitchen remodel — RemodelAll-new cabinets and finishes in the same layout.

Contemporary kitchen redesign — RedesignThe kitchen re-planned inside the same walls.

Best for

Homeowners who want current but not cold
Mixing wood and paint
Kitchens that open to living space

Design tips

Pair one wood tone with one painted color; more than that gets busy.
A rounded island end or curved pendant softens a boxy room.
Vertical stacked tile reads more current than standard subway.

Budget

What a contemporary kitchen costs

Typical 2026 US ranges for a 150 sq ft kitchen. Get a line-by-line estimate in the remodel cost calculator.

Refresh: $8k–$20k; Paint or reface, new counters, tile, hardware, and lighting.
Remodel: $25k–$60k; New cabinets, counters, flooring, and appliances, same layout.
Redesign: $70k+; Custom cabinetry, premium finishes, and a new layout.

Where to splurge

Real walnut veneer on the lower cabinets; it's the heart of the look.

Where to save

Painted MDF uppers and ceramic stacked tile instead of handmade.

Cabinet colors that suit contemporary

Greige kitchen cabinets White oak kitchen cabinets Walnut kitchen cabinets

Contemporary kitchen FAQ

What colors are used in contemporary kitchens?: Warm neutrals like greige, cream, and mushroom, paired with mid-tone walnut or oak and one muted accent such as sage or terracotta.
Is a contemporary kitchen expensive?: Not necessarily. Painted uppers with wood-veneer lowers, quartz counters, and ceramic tile give the look at a mid-range budget.
How much does a contemporary kitchen cost?: For an average 150 sq ft kitchen, a contemporary refresh on existing cabinets typically runs $8,000–$20,000, a full remodel $25,000–$60,000, and a high-end redesign $70,000 or more. Worth the splurge: real walnut veneer on the lower cabinets; it's the heart of the look.
Can I see my own kitchen in Contemporary style?: Yes. Upload a photo, choose Contemporary, and pick Refresh, Remodel, or Redesign. You'll see your kitchen from the same camera angle in about 30 seconds, and your first design is free.

More kitchen styles

Modern

Transitional

Traditional

Farmhouse

See your kitchen in Contemporary.

Upload a photo and get a photorealistic redesign in about 30 seconds. Your first design is free.

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