Kitchen design trends are constantly evolving to meet the needs and desires of homeowners. With open floor plans becoming more popular, kitchens have transformed from closed off functional spaces to wide open spaces for entertaining and family gatherings. Homeowners are looking for kitchen designs that are creative, efficient, and integrate seamlessly with the rest of the home. If you’re considering a kitchen remodel, check out these 10 fresh, out-of-the-box kitchen designs that break the mold and take kitchen design to exciting new places.
Rustic Farmhouse Kitchen
Farmhouse style kitchens are a perennial favorite, offering vintage charm and functionality. A rustic farmhouse kitchen incorporates natural materials like wood, stone, and metal for a cozy, welcoming aesthetic. Some defining features of a rustic farmhouse kitchen include:
- Wooden cabinetry with visible wood grains for texture and warmth
- Open shelving instead of upper cabinets for easy access to dishes and decor
- Natural materials like butcher block countertops and brick or stone backsplashes
- Vintage-inspired hardware like bin pulls, knobs, and handles
- A large apron-front farmhouse sink as the focal point
- Rustic accents like galvanized metal, baskets, and distressed wood cutting boards
To give your farmhouse kitchen a modern twist, pair the traditional elements with sleek stainless steel appliances, pendant lighting over the kitchen island, and polished concrete or wood floors. The contrast of new and old creates a comfortably modern rustic aesthetic.
Industrial Kitchen
Industrial style kitchens blend raw warehouse character with modern amenities for an edgy, eclectic look. Key industrial kitchen features include:
- Exposed brick walls, concrete floors, and high ceilings for loft-like appeal
- Metal finishes like stainless steel appliances, tin backsplashes, and iron shelving
- Few upper cabinets so pipes, ductwork, and other architectural elements are visible
- Dark color schemes like black, charcoal gray, and deep green
- Vintage touches like factory carts for islands, toe kick drawers, and salvaged wood
- Task lighting for illuminating prep areas without overpowering the space
The industrial look can be softened by adding warm wood accents, colorful mosaic tile backsplashes, and houseplants. This helps strike the right balance between hard-edged and inviting.
Minimalist Kitchen
The minimalist kitchen trend is all about simplicity and purposefully designed, uncluttered spaces. Key minimalist kitchen elements include:
- A neutral color palette of whites, grays, and natural wood tones
- Seamless, clutter-free countertops without appliances or accessories visible
- Handle-less cabinetry for a streamlined look
- Hidden appliances like integrated refrigerator and minimal stove
- Simple, modern lighting like recessed LEDs and pendant lights
- Essential kitchenware and tableware, not extraneous small appliances or decor
Though minimalist kitchens have a pared-down aesthetic, clever storage solutions help keep necessities within reach but out of sight. Think pull-out drawers, cabinets with built-in organizers, and slide-out shelving. This hidden storage preserves the clean lines and visual simplicity that define the minimalist style.
Modern Farmhouse Kitchen
The modern farmhouse combines contemporary and rustic elements for a lighter, brighter version of traditional farmhouse style. Key features of the modern farmhouse kitchen include:
- Classic farmhouse touches like apron sinks, exposed beams, and freestanding cabinets
- Crisp, bright color scheme with painted or white-washed cabinets
- Modern updates like marble countertops, gold finishes, and brass hardware
- Mix of wood, marble, glass, and metal instead of only natural materials
- Open concept with defined kitchen, dining, and living spaces
- Large kitchen island for seating and gatherings
To prevent a modern farmhouse kitchen from skewing too traditional, limit ornate carved details. Opt for streamlined Shaker-style cabinets, minimalist light fixtures, and a simplified color palette. The goal is to have a light and airy kitchen with subtle rustic influences.
Scandinavian Kitchen
Scandinavian style brings light, brightness, and functionality into kitchen design. Elements of the Scandinavian kitchen include:
- Light colors like white, light gray, and soft blue
- Natural materials such as white oak floors and butcher block
- Built-in, concealed storage for clutter-free surfaces
- Pops of color and patterns through accessories and appliances
- Smart ergonomic workspace planning for efficiency
- Plenty of windows and skylights to maximize natural light
Focusing on clean lines, minimalist detailing, and a sense of openness helps make even small Scandinavian kitchens feel spacious and airy. Limit upper cabinets, build open shelving, and use glass cabinet doors to prevent the space from feeling too heavy. Scandinavian style pairs seamlessly with modern and farmhouse aesthetics for a timeless, livable kitchen.
Kitchen With Brick Backsplash
Installing a brick backsplash offers great texture and instant character to both rustic and modern kitchens. Brick backsplashes come in a range of styles including:
- Classic red bricks in varied imperfect shades
- Neutral-toned bricks in beige, gray, white, and brown
- Salvaged bricks with aged, distressed finishes
- Thin brick tiles with an authentic brick facade
Paired with natural wood cabinetry and stainless steel, brick becomes the standout element that defines the kitchen’s style. For a more modern look, pair sleek white cabinets with a herringbone brick backsplash in muted tones.
Beyond the backsplash, expand the brick detailing to the range hood, islands, and flooring. Matching your brick floor and backsplash creates stylish continuity. Let brickwork act as an accent wall, cover a whole wall, or install it selectively behind the stove for a neat focal point.
Kitchen Island With Seating
The kitchen island is now considered a must-have, and designing one that incorporates seating makes it even more functional. Island seating is highly desirable for:
- Casual dining and breakfast bars
- Extra seating for entertaining guests
- Homework stations and snack counters for kids
- Social gathering spot to interact with the cook
For bar stool seating, allow at least 15 inches of counter overhang on the edge. For bench seating, allow 18-24 inches of overhang for comfortable leg room. The island should be at least 4-5 feet wide to accommodate 2-3 seats. Include pendant lights overhead and accessories like side towel bars, shelves, and power outlets.
Opt for backless stools without armrests so the view from the kitchen isn’t obstructed. Movable stools make it easy pull up to the counter or tuck them underneath when not in use.
Classic White Kitchen
The classic white kitchen will likely never go out of style thanks to its timeless, versatile elegance. A white kitchen color scheme involves:
- White cabinetry, preferably Shaker-style for added definition
- White or light countertops like marble, quartz, or butcher block
- Neutral backsplash like white subway tile or natural stone
- Stainless steel appliances to introduce contrasting color
- Natural wood flooring to add warmth and texture
To keep an all-white kitchen from feeling flat, introduce visual interest through:
- Varying finishes like high-gloss and matte
- Lighting fixtures like crystal chandeliers and bronze pendants
- Glass cabinet doors and windows to bring in natural light
- Bold hardware like black pulls for striking contrast
- Focal points like a fireplace or statement vent hood
By creatively incorporating texture, shine, hardware, and lighting, the classic white kitchen can feel anything but boring.
Kitchen With Statement Range Hood
As kitchens shift to open concept designs, the range hood becomes more than just a functional element. The range hood makes a stylish focal point and defines the kitchen’s overall aesthetic. Consider range hoods in:
- Stainless steel for an industrial edge or sleek modern look
- Distressed wood with burns and rubs through for rustic warmth
- Bold colors like glossy red or deep green for contemporary flair
- Marble, travertine, or concrete for organic texture
- Copper or brass for vintage personality and metallic shine
Range hood style should be selected early so you can design the rest of the kitchen around it. Let it inspire the color scheme, materials, and finishing touches like the hardware and lighting. An oversized statement hood framed with decorative tile, flanked by open shelves, and fitted with dramatic pendant lights transforms ordinary kitchens into extraordinary spaces.
Kitchen Banquette Seating
Banquette seating is a space-saving alternative to bulky kitchen tables, creating an intimate dining nook. Benefits of kitchen banquettes include:
- Make use of empty corners or other unused areas
- Provide storage underneath with built-in drawers or cabinets
- Offer comfortable, padded seating – no hard kitchen chairs!
- Customizable shape fits any kitchen footprint
- Concealed lighting underneath for an ambient glow
When planning for a kitchen banquette, figure out the best location in relation to workstations. Facing the kitchen allows diners to interact with the cook. Near a window provides pleasant views. Corner placements maximize seating capacity. If designing a custom banquette, incorporate classic details like tufted upholstery, skirted bases, and ornate trim work.
Kitchen Peninsula
The kitchen peninsula offers expanded prep space, casual seating, and room for entertainining in one multi-purpose furniture piece. Advantages of a kitchen peninsula include:
- Expands the kitchen’s footprint without major remodeling
- Provides a natural space division between kitchen and living areas
- Offers an accessible gathering spot for guests and family
- Accommodates quick breakfasts or homework stations
- Functions as extra counter space for baking, bar setups, etc.
- Stylish alternative to bulky kitchen tables
Optimal placement is at the end of a kitchen island or along a wall with open access from two sides. Leave enough walking space so traffic flow doesn’t feel disrupted. For seating, allow 12-15 inches of overhang from the cabinets or wall. Include electrical outlets in the peninsula for charging devices and appliance usage. With smart design, peninsulas can increase a kitchen’s style and efficiency.
Kitchen With Contrasting Islands
Using two separate islands in contrasting styles is an eye-catching way to delineate different functional zones. This clever kitchen layout works well for:
- Separating messy prep areas from clean cooking zones
- Distinguishing casual dining from food preparation
- Defining unique activity hubs like drink stations and dessert bars
- Adding visual interest through mixing materials and colors
Using a combination like white marble paired with rustic wood makes each island’s purpose clear at a glance. Maintain an open traffic lane of 3 feet or wider so moving between the islands is comfortable. Emphasize the contrast with different lighting above each island, like pendant lights over the prep island and recessed lighting over the dining island. Two islands maximize efficiency and style when thoughtfully designed.
Conclusion
Innovative kitchen designs provide endless inspiration, whether your style leans modern, traditional, or somewhere in between. By incorporating creative layouts, architectural details like statement range hoods and brick backsplashes, and multi-functional elements like kitchen islands and banquettes, you can fashion a kitchen that’s tailored to your needs and aesthetics. Keep these fresh design ideas in mind when embarking on your next kitchen remodel and create a space that’s truly one-of-a-kind. With smart planning and bold vision, you can have the stylish, highly-functional kitchen of your dreams.
