Kitchen trends come and go, but some stand the test of time and remain popular year after year. If you’re looking to remodel your kitchen or build a new one, it’s important to know what design elements are hot right now. After analyzing thousands of kitchen photos and designs, we’ve identified the top 8 trends dominating the most popular new kitchens.
Timeless White and Gray
White and gray color schemes never seem to go out of style. These neutral, versatile colors allow you to easily incorporate pops of color through accessories and decor. All-white kitchens feel bright and airy, while gray adds a touch of sophistication. When paired together, the two neutrals create a clean, elegant look.
Here are some tips for integrating white and gray:
- Opt for crisp white cabinets with a light gray island for contrast.
- Use white marble or quartz countertops to complement gray walls.
- Add pops of color with turquoise bar stools, bright red appliances or shiny metal accents.
- Incorporate natural wood elements like open shelving or butcher block counters to warm up the cool tones.
- Layer on textures with nubby gray rugs, white subway tile backsplash and fluffy towels.
Keep your all-white or gray kitchen from feeling too sterile by adding plenty of decorative accents for a welcoming vibe.
Matte Black Hardware
Brass and nickel hardware had their moment, but matte black fixtures are now the accent of choice in modern kitchens. Replacing dated brass handles with sleek black pulls and knobs instantly updates the look of any kitchen.
Matte black hardware and fixtures pair perfectly with:
- White, gray or wood cabinetry
- Marble, quartz or granite countertops
- Stainless steel appliances
- Exposed brick walls
- Concrete, wood or tile floors
In addition to hardware, consider matte black lighting fixtures, faucets, range hoods and sinks for a cohesive look. Black metal stools, shelves and sliding barn doors also complement the trend nicely.
Matte black gives a kitchen a sophisticated, contemporary vibe. It works great in both all-white and wood-accented spaces.
Wood Tones
There’s a warmth and natural beauty that wood brings to kitchen design. The organic texture and eco-friendly appeal of wood never seems to lose its luster. From oak to walnut, wood injects rich color into kitchens.
Some popular ways to incorporate wood include:
- Walnut, oak or maple cabinetry
- Butcher block countertops and islands
- Dark wood shelving for open storage
- Exposed ceiling beams
- Hardwood floors
- Wood accents on islands, banquette seating or bar fronts
Pairing wood cabinetry with white marble countertops or backsplashes creates an elegant contrast. For a more modern look, combine wood with matte black hardware and stainless steel.
Wood infuses kitchens with natural beauty and timeless appeal. Sustainably sourced wood in rich tones like walnut evokes a sense of warmth and comfort.
Statement Lighting
Gone are the days of boring flush mount lights in kitchens. Now it’s all about adding visual interest and ambiance through statement lighting fixtures. From dazzling mid-century pendants to sleek linear LEDs, lighting makes a dramatic impact.
Some popular kitchen lighting trends include:
- Linear LED strips hidden under cabinets or shelves for ambient lighting
- Sputnik-style chandeliers with spiky, mid-century flair
- Industrial pendants like oversized bulbs or matte black metal
- Rustic wagon wheel-style chandeliers
- Nautical rope pendants with galley-inspired bulbs
- Dramatic drum-shaped pendants suspended over islands
- Recessed puck lights to illuminate task areas
- Under-cabinet lights to illuminate countertops
Don’t overlook natural lighting either. Strategically placed windows, skylights and glass cabinet doors maximize sunshine.
With the right lighting, you can set the perfect ambiance in your kitchen for everything from weekday breakfasts to special occasion dinners.
Fresh Greenery
Incorporating plant life into kitchens is an increasingly popular move. Whether it’s a potted herb garden on the windowsill or a living wall filled with leafy greens, greenery livens up kitchens in fresh ways.
Some ideas for bringing plants into your kitchen include:
- Fresh herb garden on the countertop or windowsill
- Hanging potted plants like pothos or ferns
- Window box herb garden
- Living green wall with low-light options like philodendrons
- Succulents and cacti on open shelving
- Potted lemon, lime or olive trees
- Dramatic monstera leaves
You’ll enjoy having fresh herbs and greens right at your fingertips while cooking. Greenery also naturally purifies the air and boosts mood. For busy cooks, opt for low-maintenance plants that can handle some neglect.
Bold Backsplashes
Backsplashes aren’t just an afterthought anymore. Statement-making backsplashes in attention-grabbing materials, colors and designs make the kitchen. From handmade tiles to intricate mosaics, bold backsplashes are at the forefront.
Some eye-catching backsplash ideas include:
- Handpainted or handmade ceramic tiles
- Geometric designs in black and white or blue and white
- Vintage-inspired penny tile patterns
- Moroccan fish scale tile mosaics
- Natural stone like marble or travertine in large tiles or slabs
- Graphic wallpaper backsplash with tropical or art deco motifs
- Blue and white patterns reminiscent of antique china
- Vibrant glass tiles or mirrored mosaics
Beyond protecting your walls from cooking splatter, backsplashes create visual impact in the kitchen. They reflect your personal style and tie the whole room together beautifully.
Smart Appliances
High-tech fridges, stoves, ovens and dishwashers aren’t just for professional kitchens anymore. Home chefs are embracing the convenience of smart WiFi-enabled appliances. You can now preheat your oven from your phone, get notified when the dishwasher stops, check the fridge camera to see what’s inside before going to the store, and more.
Some popular smart kitchen appliance features include:
- App control and monitoring
- Internal cameras so you can check fridge contents remotely
- Voice command compatibility with Alexa or Google Assistant
- Auto-sensing cooking options that automatically adjust time and temp
- Progressive oven lighting that displays how done a dish is
- Wifi connectivity and usage reports
- Automatic detergent and rinse aid dispensing on dishwashers
- Super fast one touch preheating on smart ovens
While pricier upfront, smart appliances offer plenty of impressive features to simplify meal prep and cooking. The latest models make kitchen tasks more effortless than ever.
Natural Stone
Marble countertops may seem uptown, but natural stone surfaces like quartzite, soapstone, and granite have also emerged as sought-after options. Durable, heat-resistant and downright glamorous, it’s no wonder natural stone countertops are here to stay. Their timeless elegance suits both modern and traditional kitchen styles.
Some popular natural stone options include:
- Classic white Carrara marble with gray veining
- Honed black granite for dramatic contrast
- Quartzite like Taj Mahal or White Macaubas with crystalline patterns
- Soapstone’s smooth gray surface that ages beautifully
- Exotic engineered quartz with natural stone looks
- Sandstone, limestone or travertine for organic texture
Proper sealing and care is required to keep natural stone pristine. But when maintained properly, these countertops develop a unique patina over time that adds to their charm.
Natural stone elevates kitchens with a sense of timeless sophistication and luxury. Thanks to advanced sealants, even higher maintenance stones like marble remain staple choices.
Wrapping Up
When designing your dream kitchen, incorporate today’s top trends to achieve a fashionable, functional space you’ll enjoy for years to come. From smart appliances to natural materials like wood and stone, the most popular new kitchens blend sophistication with everyday livability.
Keep your eye on the emerging trends as you plan your own kitchen remodel. Personalize these fresh design ideas to match your taste and lifestyle. With strategic planning and creative vision, you can have the kitchen of your dreams.
Frequently Asked Questions About Popular New Kitchen Trends
Kitchen remodels are exciting but time consuming. Here are answers to common questions on hot trends to help you plan.
What are some affordable options for achieving popular kitchen trends on a budget?
- Opt for low-cost materials like subway tile or vinyl plank floors.
- Paint existing cabinets rather than replacing them.
- Choose engineered quartz over natural stone countertops.
- Incorporate greenery with inexpensive herbs and houseplants.
- Use removable wallpaper or decals for trendy backsplashes.
- Add black bar pulls to update old hardware affordably.
- Install new trendy lighting without changing fixtures.
- Choose smart appliances one at a time vs. replacing everything.
How do I choose appliances that will stay relevant down the road?
- Look for models with wifi/bluetooth connectivity to ensure they stay current.
- Choose stainless steel over bold colors to avoid dated appliances.
- Opt for standard sizes so replacements are easy to find.
- Invest in pro-style appliances designed to endure years of steady use.
- Add an induction cooktop for portability and easy upgrading later.
Should I avoid bold kitchen trends if I don’t plan to move soon?
Not necessarily! The key is choosing versatile styles that transcend trends, then adding bold accents that are easy to change out. For example, opt for neutral cabinetry and counters then infuse color with replaceable décor. Bold backsplashes and funky light fixtures can also be switched up down the road.
What are smart ways to incorporate wood into a kitchen design?
- As an accent wall or backsplash material.
- On open shelving, kitchen islands, banquettes and bars.
- Integrated into cabinetry with wood panels, drawers and doors.
- As butcher block countertops or as an accent along portions of a counter.
- On floors through wood plank tiles, wood-look luxury vinyl or hardwood flooring.
How do I choose the right countertop materials for my lifestyle?
Consider how heavily your counters will be used along with your aesthetic preferences. Natural stone adds beauty but requires more maintenance than engineered materials. Quartz is an ideal choice for busy cooks who want the elegance of stone with less upkeep.
Final Takeaways on Popular New Kitchen Trends
- Focus on timeless elements like white cabinetry and wood accents to avoid outdated styles.
- Add pops of trends through replaceable décor, hardware and lighting fixtures.
- Balance preferred materials like marble or wood with easy-care engineered options.
- Choose versatile neutral backgrounds to highlight bold backsplashes and accessories.
- Incorporate greenery and smart gadgets for modern functionality.
- Pick materials, fixtures and finishes that suit your personal tastes and lifestyle.
- Infuse your own unique personality into of-the-moment trends for maximum enjoyment.
The most popular new kitchens blend classic elegance with of-the-moment details tailored to individual homeowners. Keep these top trends in mind as you design the heart of your home for family gatherings and memories for years to come.
