13 Brilliant Ways to Modernize Your Kitchen

You’ve always wanted an indoor herb garden, but without all the fuss. This little kit absorbs light and waters itself from within, making those fresh peppers and basil plants a breeze to maintain.

Modern Sprout ($219)

The little black dress of fridges. It’ll match all your other decor no problem, but it will also stand out as an interesting deign element (proving that it is possible to inject style into even your most basic kitchen appliances). Oh, and the built-in coffee brewing system, hands-free water dispenser and drawer LED lights ensure it’s heavy on functionality, too.

GE Black Stainless Steel Refrigerator ($3,399)

You like the idea of composting, but it has always felt like such a chore (and not a sight you wanted to see in the middle of the floor). This little box is actually quite pretty and is meant to sit right on your countertop near a food prep area for a fresher, more appealing way to go green.

Alasaw ($180)

This nifty device is made of bamboo and can be attached to the wall. It keeps your iPad or cookbook propped for maximum convenience while you whip up a recipe.

IKEA ($16)

This modern focal point looks great no matter what kind of finish you have on your appliances. (Psst, bronze is the neutral of metals).

Lulu and Georgia ($109)

This modern metal and pine stool goes with just about everything.

West Elm ($200)

Navy blue, soft gray or sage—they all feel just interesting enough without being overwhelming. Plus, these colors are calming, which is necessary when you’re dealing with those inevitable cooking mishaps.

Magnolia ($44 per gallon)

To your kitchen? Yes. Treat your kitchen just as you would any other room in the house and infuse it artistic accents.

AllModern x Framebridge ($178)

Marble is always a gorgeous choice, but if you haven’t considered quartz, it’s about time you did. They’re naturally nonporous—meaning they don’t harbor germs or soak up stains. They’re a bit pricier than other options, but the luxuriousness and depth of the stone can’t be beat. 

Home Depot ($8 for a sample)

Whether your audio of choice is music, a juicy new podcast or just being able to hear the TV better from across the room, this system will keep you entertained for as long as it takes to do your Sunday meal prep (and then some). Amazon Alexa is also built right in, so if you can't remember how to convert ounces to cups, you’re covered.

Sonos ($350 for two)

While there’s certainly nothing wrong with making everything in a traditional oven, modern cooks who really know their way around a kitchen agree that having a convection oven is a dream (and having both is even better). They cook faster, more efficiently and more evenly—and because GE Appliances offers a convection and traditional oven set in black stainless steel, they’ll look extremely chic stacked on the wall together.

GE Black Stainless Steel Double Wall Oven ($3,499)             

We’ve got nothing against a basic white set, it’s just that we think your dishes should be as drool-worthy as the food they’re serving. 

Crate & Barrel ($47)

Let’s say you have one linked up to your favorite dish soap. Stick it right inside the cabinet door where you keep your supplies, press the button anytime you’re running low and a new bottle will show up at your door in a day or two. Yup, that’s all it takes—pretty nifty, right? 

Amazon ($5)