The kitchen is the defining space of a home. It’s where our families gather and we entertain our friends. Keeping the space practical, inviting and personal is often more important than jumping on trends. Still, it’s important to keep on top of new and interesting ideas when designing the perfect kitchen. With some help from local experts, we’ve gathered some of today’s top design trends.
Expert Opinion!
“One trend we’re excited about is the rise of zoned open kitchens—layouts that keep the open-concept feel homeowners love, but carve out purposeful mini-spaces within it, like coffee bars, beverage centers and butler’s pantries. It’s a smart evolution beyond the single giant island: homeowners get the openness and flow they want for everyday life and entertaining, without sacrificing the function of a more traditional, compartmentalized kitchen.”
—Liston Design Build
Light wood and white in kitchens are on the way out. Contemporary design is embracing dark and medium toned woods. The result is richer spaces with more dramatic contrast. Opting for a darker wood tone can give your kitchen a traditional and historic feel, but that doesn’t mean the trend can’t be applied to more modern spaces as well. If you want to experiment, consider starting small with a table, shelving, counter stool or island.
Expert Opinion!
“I love to see clients stepping outside of their comfort zone with color. Five years ago, everything was much more monochromatic. Owners are staying in their homes longer, so they aren’t worried about resale value as much. While we still see the typical beige and white, people are less afraid to get creative with the cabinets, countertops, backsplashes and islands. Remodels are getting bigger and more personalized. I love helping clients think outside the box and create the home they really want.
— Matt Mierek, president of Aptitude Design & Build
A butler’s pantry is one of the most sought-after features in kitchen design. These transitional service areas are perfect for storing dishes and small appliances or can be used for meal prep and preparing drinks during a party, especially if your kitchen is used as a social space. If you don’t have the space to add a separate room, you can update your existing pantry with new shelving and cabinetry to make it feel more special and aesthetic while remaining functional.
Curves and arches have been making a splash in interior design for the past few years, and the trend has reached the kitchen. The easiest way to adopt it is to play with shape in your table, chairs, stools and island. Doing so can make a space feel fresh and inviting by adding movement and softness. Consider adding a rounded edge to your counter or go for a half circle island—don’t be afraid to get creative!
Expert Opinion!
I am loving that warmth is coming back into the kitchen. For years everything was crisp, white and cool. Now, we are pairing natural stained woods with deep, saturated paint colors like inky navy and soft charcoal, and grounding it all with dramatic, heavily veined natural stone. Mixed metals are back too, with warm brass right next to matte black. Add a little backlighting and a pretty display niche or two, and suddenly a space feels collected and personal instead of matchy. That is the part I love the most—these rooms have so much character and soul. They feel gathered over time and truly like the family who lives in them.
— Anne Marie Boedges, president and designer of Anne Marie Design Studio