Meagan Larsen Photography; Design by Hannah Hacker of Adapt Design
The adage that the kitchen is the heart of the home has never been more true, as evidenced by the latest trend analysis from the National Kitchen and Bathroom Association (NKBA). This report not only reinforces the kitchen’s central role in home design but also highlights a significant expansion in the size and sophistication of our cooking spaces. Drawing on insights from over 600 industry experts—designers, contractors, and manufacturers—the report forecasts the most sought-after kitchen styles and features over the next three years.
While many predictions may seem like old hat (after all, interior design trends evolve at a slower pace than fashion), there are some intriguing new developments. It’s fascinating to observe the gradual shift in design preferences. Here’s a glimpse into what design experts anticipate will be the top kitchen trends for the coming year and beyond.
Tetiana Sokolova of Capture Studio; Design by William Adams
The report indicates that transitional design, which harmoniously merges traditional and modern aesthetics, will maintain its reign as the most favored kitchen style. A full 72% of survey participants chose this style, with contemporary/modern minimalism following closely at 60%. Conversely, more recognizable styles such as farmhouse, cottage, and Mediterranean have seen their popularity wane.
Nate Sheets Photography; Design by Laura McCroskey
While major publications have been heralding the arrival of color, the reality is that neutral tones like browns, grays, black, and white continue to dominate kitchen palettes. According to the report, an overwhelming 96% of respondents anticipate these hues will remain the top color picks. When it comes to non-neutral shades, industry professionals predict green (86%) and blue (78%) will be the go-to colors for homeowners embarking on kitchen redesigns.
Respondents also anticipate homeowners will introduce a bold color in more understated ways, such as through backsplashes, wallpaper, kitchen islands, and decorative accents.
Alise O’Brien Photography; Design by James E. Howard and Kelly Johnson
White oak has been a staple in kitchen design for several years, and it seems its popularity is here to stay, with half of the respondents predicting it will remain the top cabinet material for the next three years. However, there’s a subtle trend toward darker hues, with walnut ranking second at 28%.
In terms of cabinet style, sleek, modern European doors or flat panel slabs are the current favorite, with classic Shaker cabinets coming in second. This, combined with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry and panel-ready appliances that complement the cabinetry, suggests a move toward sleeker, more streamlined kitchens.
Quartz remains the top choice for countertops, as per 78% of respondents. (Its enduring popularity is understandable, offering the look of natural stone without the upkeep.) Quartzite, the real deal, is a close second. Granite’s popularity is on the decline, with less than half of respondents (43%) expecting it to be a major material in kitchens. Despite its luxurious reputation, marble is at the bottom of the list (26%), likely due to its delicate and high-maintenance nature.
When it comes to design specifics, lighter-colored countertops (paired with darker cabinetry) in matte or honed finishes (as opposed to polished) with traditional or waterfall edges are expected to be in demand. However, opinions are split on whether homeowners should use different countertop colors for the main surface and the kitchen island—56% of respondents prefer them to be different, while 44% want them to match.
Matte finishes are also expected to extend to sinks, faucets, and lighting fixtures, with a move away from shiny surfaces.
Nate Sheets Photography; Design by Laura McCroskey
The preference for low-maintenance, durable materials isn’t limited to countertops—homeowners are seeking the same qualities in backsplashes. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are the clear winners, with 70% of respondents voting them as the top backsplash material. Quartz and quartzite are close behind at 64% and 61%, respectively.
The report suggests that seamless, solid surface stone backsplashes that extend from the countertop (and, of course, in warm neutral tones) will become increasingly popular, further promoting the clean, streamlined aesthetic.
Delia Raresheid of Above & Beyond Photography Inc.; Design by Bianca Fathauer
Wood is the preferred flooring material, according to the report, and it will likely mirror the trend in backsplashes, with homeowners opting for large-format and plank-style flooring with minimal grout lines for easy maintenance. This preference is reflected in flooring materials, with engineered wood anticipated to be a top choice—78% of survey respondents anticipate it will be trendy, compared to 59% for traditional hardwood, which requires more care. Lighter, warm neutral wood tones are expected to be the most popular color preference.
Kitchens are becoming even more central hubs, with homeowners adding numerous activity-based zones to their renovations. The report refers to these as “lifestyle enhancements,” defined as dedicated spaces designed for specific functions. The most sought-after feature is a beverage area, such as a coffee station, with an astonishing 85% of respondents anticipating this will be a staple in kitchens across the nation!
Other popular additions include attached mudrooms, pet feeding stations, eat-in kitchens, and home offices or study spaces, further solidifying the belief that kitchens truly are the heart of the home—and will continue to be.
