What’s Trending in Kitchen Designs Today

What’s hot in kitchens right now? A peek at some recent popular photos on Houzz offers a few clues. Open layouts, large islands, workhorse pantry storage and statement pendants feature heavily, but what’s surprising is what appears to be a relaxing of the enthusiasm for the all-white kitchen.

White cabinets with white walls and white countertops have reigned supreme in recent years. And while you’ll definitely find some examples of that here, you’ll also find lots of dark, sophisticated colors, soft hues, light- and mid-tone natural wood, and shiny brass fixtures and cabinet hardware.

If there’s one general theme to take away from these 8 kitchens (presented in ascending order of popularity) it’s that there is no theme. People’s preferences for kitchen style and function span a broad spectrum. But few will disagree that there are some knockout ideas in here for kitchen design. Which is your favorite?

8. Island Popping

Sometimes it’s a simple decision that makes all the difference. Here, wide-plank reclaimed-oak boards covering part of the island take what could have been a perfectly OK kitchen to the next level. Gray cabinets, subway tile with dark grout, a waterfall-edge counter and globe pendant lights complete the casual-meets-classic design.

7. Step Right In

Storage and appliances take up the bulk of space in kitchens. Too much of either and things start to feel crowded. That’s why a walk-in pantry is one of the most coveted amenities when it comes to kitchen design. Here, the homeowners even found room for the microwave, freeing up space and visual design in the main area.

6. Rustic and Raw

The reclaimed-wood beams and massive island (are you noticing a theme yet?) made this one of the most popular kitchen photos of late. The airy layout, large window and heavy use of linen-white tones also gave it mass appeal.

5. Back to the Classics

As you can see, many people these days are eschewing fussy, complicated designs for a return to a more traditional style. When you think of a kitchen, you probably have a very specific image in your head, so why mess with it if it works? Shaker style cabinets are a great example of this, with clean lines and an elegant design that has graced our kitchen walls for the last few decades. Pair these with classic colors, unobtrusive fittings, and perhaps one or two statement pieces, and you’ll have yourself a kitchen that will never go out of fashion.

Related: When to Go With Engineered Wood Flooring

4. Net Neutrality

Apart from a few plants and a couple of lemons as props, you’d be hard pressed to find a color here that’s not some shade of black, white or gray — and that’s apparently how a lot of people like their kitchens.

The crisp white cabinetry and walls and marble island countertop create the backdrop, while near-black floors, a dark gray glazed tile backsplash, gray perimeter counters and dark classic bar stools enrich the look.

3. Pantry Perfect

This custom double pantry — 4 feet wide, 7 feet high and 2 feet deep — with drawers and pullout baskets is the stuff kitchen dreams are made of. Imagine how free and clear your countertops would be with everything tucked so nicely away.

Paint color: Purbeck Stone by Farrow & Ball

2. Casual Contrast

The large island (105 by 75 inches) commands attention in this spacious kitchen, which enjoys 12-foot ceilings with dark-stained beams. A mix of white perimeter cabinetry with black island cabinets, black-paneled refrigerator and black custom range hood creates contrast. A backsplash of brick veneer Leuder stone brings just the right amount of raw material to balance the otherwise slick finishes.

Island countertop: Calacatta Colorado marble; perimeter countertop: Cambrian black satin granite; wall paint: Gray Clouds by Sherwin-Williams; island paint: Black Licorice by Behr; ceiling paint: Swirling Water by Behr; range hood: custom, Vent-a-Hood; floors: red oak; backsplash: brick veneer, charcoal Leuder stone, Alliance Materials (Keller, Texas); refrigerator: panel-ready SubZero; stools: Ethan Allen; faucet: Etch, Moen; pendant lights: Yoke 1, available on Houzz

1. All About That Base

The most popular kitchen photo on Houzz in recent months is full of light and sophistication. Brass fixtures and hardware and dark gray paint on custom Shaker-style base cabinets steal the show. White walls and open shelves and a custom marble backsplash and countertop lend an airy, clean feeling, while a vintage runner rug on a floor of reclaimed heart pine creates warmth.

Base cabinet paint: Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball; wall and upper cabinet paint: Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore; cabinet pulls in satin brass: Lew’s Hardware; faucet: East Linear in satin brass, Newport Brass; sink: Rohl; range: BlueStar; sconces: Schoolhouse Electric