From two-toned cabinetry to unexpected concrete elements, we’ve rounded up the top trends that some of our favorite design professionals are seeing dominate the world of kitchen design. Whether you’re partial to a charming farmhouse aesthetic or a sleek, modern space, you’re sure to find a trend that sparks inspiration for an upcoming kitchen renovation.
“Two-toned cabinetry keeps a kitchen from looking too flat and sterile. The kitchen is the center of the home, so playing with various colors and textures create visual impact and brings more warmth and life to the space. Using two-tone cabinetry can work just as well in a traditional/transitional kitchen as it does in a more contemporary/modern space. I love using two different paint colors as well as using one paint color and a more natural-looking wood together. In this kitchen, we used a pale gray and navy blue: Harbor Gray and Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore along with adding some bleached sycamore for warmth and depth.” — Kimberley Harrison
“Mixing metals is a great way to add visual interest, particularly in a kitchen. When you mix metals, like bronze and brass, you are creating depth. This works so well in a kitchen because you have the opportunity to use different finishes in your plumbing, hardware, and lighting. A matte finish combined with a shiny one creates a great balance. Strive for a coordinated look rather than a matchy-matchy one and the end result will be far more interesting than selecting the same finish throughout.” — Annie Downing
“In designing kitchens, I believe in the adage of ‘form follows function.’ It is important to keep both in mind with every design. A number of factors came into play with this kitchen design. The family needed to be able to store their children’s toys. The husband is also an avid cook and he wanted easy access to his various books. The island storage was the perfect place for keeping the family organized.” — Bonnie Steves, BJS Assoc Interior Design
“With the last few kitchen renovations I have done, we have opted for a concealed hood. There are a couple of functional reasons why. The projection and angle on a lot of hoods bump into taller family members while cooking, and keeping the hood clean is another consideration. The concealed hood alleviates these two issues. Aesthetically, having the hood integrated into the cabinetry creates a streamlined look with no interruption to the eye. You have the ability to add architectural elements for interest as well. For instance, this one is paneled but we also added a curve. The end result provides a functional and beautiful option.” — Jill Kalman
“The brick ceiling is evocative of a countryside French farmhouse and pairs so well with the wide plank French Oak flooring. We are seeing a resurgence in the modern farmhouse aesthetic and this is a beautiful representation of that trend. The warmth of the brick ceiling, wood floor and islands pair so well with the crisp white finish of the kitchen.” – Steven Cooper, Cooper Pacific Kitchens
“A comfortable banquette is always the best seat in the house. I love that it is a casual spot for breakfast, a working lunch or large family dinner. This built-in is located right next to the balcony for optimal exterior views.” — Erin King
“Going with bold patterned flooring in a kitchen is one way to incorporate drama, movement and yet another layer of customization to create a truly unique space. Be sure to select a pattern that you connect with naturally. Maybe that’s the pattern’s origin, or the way it ties in with your particular architectural language. If you do decide to go bold on the floor, let other layers within the space create a sense of quietness or pause so the bold pattern on the floor remains special.” — Kenna Stout, Brio Interior Design
“Mixed materials and finishes on everything from cabinets to hardware and fixtures has become popular as well as cabinetry with open shelving and even sliding doors. Appliances in a variety of colors are also trending.” — Ginny Padula, Town & Country Kitchen and Bath
“Concrete as a kitchen countertop material has a certain warmth and appealing tactility not found in natural stone or manmade alternatives. Combined with the ability to customize its color, shape, appearance and its high recyclability, a well-executed concrete countertop becomes a kitchen focal point—one I enjoy in my own home.” — Stephen Verner
“This home has a theme of accessibility, optimism and openness. As a family gathering place, the kitchen needed to be a centerpiece, filled with light, and provide a connection to adjacent outdoor terraces, patios and the pool. The floor-to-ceiling bay windows in the breakfast room help fulfill this requirement. To enhance the interior placement of the kitchen, we created a dramatic custom lightwell detail above the island. This element provides a strong visual anchor and literally funnels natural light into the space during the day and soft ambient light at night.” — Doug Reynolds, Reynolds, Architecture, Design & Construction