Kitchen Trends From The Experts

As those of you who have been on my mailing list for a while know, earlier in the year we released our most popular article ever.

That article looked to debunk the “myths” of kitchen trends by looking at the data, and coming up with the most talked about topics for 2019.

Many of you reached out and asked that I provide more context for some of those suggestions.

I took this idea to heart and looked for interior design experts that could provide insight into these trends (and others that weren’t mentioned in the original).

The result is the article below, which features the best advice I heard during my journey to hear more about kitchen design trends and advice.

Enjoy!

Some Practical Advice

Keeping Your Space Organized

Before anything else, a simple and effective way to start your design process is to clear out your space and really decide what’s worth keeping and what isn’t.

Elizabeth Dodson, Cofounder of HomeZada shared a personal anecdote that highlights the point.

Several years ago, I had my pantry repainted which requires taking everything out of it. When you need to repaint any closet or small room, it forces you to rethink what you have and own. You realize that there are items you have not used in years. It may be time to sell or donate those items that you no longer need.
This will also help you refill your cabinets and pantries with less items making your spaces stand out because now you see all that you own easily. Get those pantries and cabinets reorganized for fall.

Research / Frequent Questions

Find A Way To Make It Your Own

Unique is King

Highend magazines have always been a huge source of inspiration for designers and homeowners alike. The rise of DIY, bespoke, and craftsmanship have inspired a new interest in not only what’s beautiful but also what’s unique.

As Sarah Cousins of Sarah Cousins Interior Design explains,

I believe that in the next 6 – 12 months, we’re going to see a move away from clean, white kitchens. I’ve seen a shift in that the home is becoming less about replicating what’s in magazines and more about finding creative and clever ways to inject a sense of uniqueness into a space.
Looking more towards the unexpected, I hope to see unusual materials being used in the kitchen: Leather, copper, unusual stones, delicate light fixtures, jewel-tones, textures — anything that feels just a little out of place.

The Return of Metal

Metal, Longlasting Cabinets/Appliances

There has always been a tension between economy and quality in the kitchen. Nearly all of our 30 experts surveyed mentioned a return to high quality materials in cabinets, cookware, and fixtures.

Feng Shui expert Diane Gallin, CFSC threw some light on this trend through the lens of the ancient art of Feng Shui.

2020 ushers in two years of Metal energy in Feng Shui and a new 12-year cycle of the Chinese five elements – Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth.
In keeping with the shift to Metal energy, I expect to see a renewed interest in sturdy natural surfaces of steel, iron, slate, stone and dense wood with solid (not plated) copper, brass, silver and gold connecting them together. Time worn, recycled items of permanence will replace cheap, lightweight plastic appliances, furniture and fixtures with lots of bells and whistles – and minimal staying power.

Warmer Woods and Warmer Tones

Warmer Woods and Tones

The Scandinavian inspired white and grey tones of the last few years have been losing steam.

Interior designer Brianna Thomas of Bloom in the Black pointed out that…

While that look will forever remain a design standard, there’s been a craving for deeper, richer tones in the heart of the home. We’ll be seeing a lot of dark on dark in the coming months — saturated cabinet colors with moody (and practical!) black counters.

There’s also a shift happening towards wood tones again — even in cabinetry! The availability of chic wood options is growing by the day and I don’t see that slowing down any time soon.

Multifunctional Spaces

Your kitchen as the command center

The kitchen comes equipped with the tools you need to keep productive during the day. From food to natural light, the kitchen is an obvious choice for “where to work” for those of us who work from home.

Brynne Rinderknecht of From the Inside explains,

The kitchen space will be more thoughtfully geared to double as a creative work space. People are increasingly consulting and working from home and they want more space to do their work, so the kitchen is naturally a great place to design a multifunctional space to be inspired in…

Cozy Up For The Winter

Cozy Up for the Winter

As the winter approaches, making your kitchen inviting and cozy becomes more and more of a priority.

As Claudia McLaughlin, Founder of CMFTO, a Chicago-based company specializing in Interior Design & Renovation explains,

[One trends we] love for this fall and into 2020 is creating a cozier and more inviting kitchen that is for more than just cooking and eating.

And here’s how

Adding a banquette in the kitchen makes this formerly utilitarian space instantly more inviting and extends the living space in the home.

Unique Ways to Make it Yours

Unique Ways to Make it Yours

Personalization has been touched on by nearly every designer we surveyed. Finding interesting ways to achieve that personalization, however, is key.

Artist C. Ashley Spencer of Casart Coverings gave us a few ideas.

Maximalism…will remain on trend. This style adds color to cabinets and lets personality shine.
Kitchens will enjoy unique personal touches, like vinyl wall coverings, antique mirror tiles, and more.

Minimalism is the New Black

Minimalism is the New Black

What started with Marie Kondo a few years ago has turned into a certified movement towards less consumption and more mindfulness about accumulating “stuff”.

Ashley J. Saunders — Editor My Dream Haus — explains how that minimalism will translate to your kitchen.

Many homeowners [will try] to simplify what’s visible and where things are stored.
If you’re just starting on your minimalist journey, it’s worth considering it’s a two-step process. In addition to removing objects from worktops, you’ll need to simplify what you have. So think about what pieces have to go and items that can be repurposed as interior accessories.

New Technology With Traditional Materials

New Technology With Traditional Materials

As the technology of building the components of a kitchen continues to improve, some of the traditional materials and elements of a kitchen take on new life.

Ana Cummings, of ANA Interiors Ltd gave us two great examples.

She explains,

[One example is] having your cooktop burners mounted directly onto your countertop. No longer do we require the traditional stove tops, you can actually place your elements wherever you want. A nice example of this is Pitt Cooking. They are great for contemporary kitchens, spice kitchens and outdoor kitchens.
[Another interesting example] are curved farmhouse sinks made from the same quartz countertop material, that has been thermoformed, or transformed by heat.

Statement Cabinet Hardware

Natural wood accents and statement cabinet hardwar are two popular up and coming trends

Although it may not be the first thing that comes to mind, cabinet hardware is the perfect place to make a statement in your kitchen.
One of the most beautiful ways to incorporate warmth into your kitchen is with natural wood.

Erika Wilhelmi from PDR Interiors explains,

More people are getting away from the sterile gray, and craving warmth. One of the main ways people are doing this is by introducing natural wood accents, and statement making cabinet hardware, such as leather pulls for the drawers and acrylic bar handles.

White Quartz

Splashes of color, wood accents, and white quartz countertops are the trends deemed to reign supreme!!

Some of the classics that are popular now aren’t going anywhere either.

Amber Guyton, Interior Stylist and Blogger of Blessed Little Bungalow mentioned a few of those classic touches,

I’m in love with color cabinets. I also love the idea of reclaimed wood to contrast colorful cabinets…
White quartz countertops will continue to reign supreme! They are classic and gorgeous.