“Trends” is a tricky word to use with kitchen updates. Who wants to be investing in something that might feel out of style two years later? So ‘fresh ideas’ might be a better description for our list of kitchen trends that we’ve seen surge across our favourite sources like Pinterest, Instagram, Houzz, and design magazines.
Here we’re sharing seven of our favourites, although there are many others. Use this list as inspiration for your upcoming kitchen project, and if you think we missed something truly great, please let us know!
Dining Islands
Substantial kitchen islands with large surfaces are nothing new, but there’s a movement to make them work better as dining spaces. More comfortable seating, more leg room, and seats positioned on more than one side. They can replace the kitchen table, or provide extra seating when entertaining. The party always happens in the kitchen!
Colour—Especially Green
While there will always be white kitchens, it’s very clear that coloured cabinetry is capturing more hearts. Blue is still hot (see our 2019 kitchen projects), but we’re now envying green in kitchens…olive, forest, jade, and other shades from nature. In more fashion-forward quarters, we’re seeing bold black or soft pastel palettes on cabinets.
Warm Woods
Yes, there’s colour happening in kitchens but there’s also wood, and the two make a terrific team. Hopefully “warm woods” doesn’t conjure nightmares of glazed, yellowy cabinets (or even the dark stuff) from 10-20 years ago. We’re talking ash, oak and walnut, with character and natural rustic texture that are being used in ways beyond the usual flooring.
Eye-Catching Tile
Traditional subway tile backsplashes are being skipped over in favour of more unique shapes, colour, and pattern. Hexagon, herringbone, fishscale and kitkat shapes have jumped in popularity along with richer colours, mosaics, and geometric patterns. Graphic tiles are also covering kitchen floors, and look gorgeous in smaller spaces.
Stone Statements
Richly veined stone in large slabs take centre stage as waterfall countertop islands and/or as a stunning countertop-backsplash combination. Larger-scale, darker dramatic veining is preferred, and warmer tones make it look more modern. While marble initially comes to mind here, there are plenty of premium quartz options with the same wow factor.
Uber-Organized
Planning kitchen cabinetry for specific items, and incorporating rollouts and dividers inside is incredibly user-friendly. Appliance garages are still popular for housing items that aren’t used often, keeping them hidden but close at hand. But what really gets us excited are storage walls: Floor to ceiling cabinetry, the modern version of the classic butler’s pantry, to capture all our Costco and Bosa Foods purchases.
Curated Kitchen Vignettes
Open shelving and uncluttered countertops are encouraging careful styling of kitchen treasures. Our penchant for arranging beautiful items on bookshelves has shifted into this space: cue the short stack of bowls, cutting boards, framed art, pottery that you love (but never use), rustic wood things, greenery, and favourite cookbooks. Then take a photo to share on Insta #kitchenshelves.
Whether you’re interested in a small kitchen update or a full-scale renovation, the NOVERO design-build team would love to help. Contact us to get started!