If you're thinking of remodeling your kitchen or are in the process of getting started, keep reading! We've compiled 15 of our favorite kitchen design ideas and trends.
Find kitchen design inspiration and learn about the newest kitchen features that homeowners (and buyers!) love.
images via HouseBeautiful
1. Level Your Storage
Everyone understands the kitchen storage struggle. Today, there are countless excellent remedies for disorganization and clutter.
Some of today's most popular storage trends include multi-tiered drawers, pull-out cabinet shelves, and exposed shelving for easy access.
Take it up a notch by adding a sliding ladder, making it easy for you to reach those ceiling-tall cabinets.
Learn more about kitchen remodeling and DIY projects:
- Kitchen Remodeling 101: Costs, Safety, and How to Get Started
- 7 Things You Should Know Before Starting a DIY Demo Project
images via Decoist
2. Cool, Contemporary Grays
White cabinets continue to be the most-used shade in kitchens, but grays are giving whites a run for their money.
Subdued, neutral colors lend to a sleek, contemporary look. The highly popular “greige” is now being overshadowed by its cousins green-gray, blue-gray, and purple-gray.
image via k!tchn mag
3. New Forms of Functionality
Hardware manufacturers are constantly updating and innovating the fine art of opening a cabinet or drawer.
Hydraulic doors now make it easy to fold cabinet doors up and out of the way.
The carousel cabinet—or lazy susan—will forever be an industry standard. This is an excellent way to keep things tucked away but easy-to-grab, making it ideal for everyday items, like toasters and blenders, or less-used items, like breadmakers and slow cookers.
image via Elle Décor
4. Keep It Timeless with Black and White
A classic black and white palette is always in style.
Think matte white cabinets with glossy black countertops and appliances.
Or mix it up with black and white tiles to add an old-school aesthetic to an otherwise modern kitchen.
images via Architectural Digest & Brit + Co
5. Add an "Accent" Piece
An unexpected and fun way to add a pop of color to your kitchen is with a brightly colored appliance.
Vivid reds, yellows, and blues are on trend, and even colors from the seventies are making a comeback in unexpected ways.
If you’re hesitant to splurge on a red refrigerator, opt instead for cheerful-looking stools, an eye-catching paint or wallpaper behind your shelves, or add a bold piece of art that really makes the space pop.
Find an interior demolition contractor near you
image via Chic + Glamorous
6. Big, Bold Lighting
Oversized light fixtures are an excellent way to add functional drama to your kitchen.
Make a statement with massive fabric shades or striking, geometric fixtures.
Learn more about hiring a qualified contractor to get the job done:
- Small Demolition Projects: DIY or Hire a PRO?
- 7 Keys to Successfully Hiring a Demolition Contractor
- Licensing 101: A State-by-State Guide to Contractor License Requirements
- 13 Must-Ask Questions to Side-Step Contractor Scams
image via Houzz
7. Contrast is Key
Dark cabinets don't have to shrink your kitchen space when you contrast them with light countertops and floors.
Likewise, if you're interested in a darker floor, keep your cabinets and/or countertops light so your space still feels breathable.
image via Kitchn
8. All About the Automatics
The future is here, people! There are countless ways to make cleanup easier and save on energy costs.
Sensor-activated faucets make for less mess (aka germs), and automated lights save energy by turning on only when the kitchen is in use.
There are also central vacuum systems that make sweeping up crumbs and dust bunnies a breeze.
images via HGTV
9. Work like a Pro
Commercial-grade appliances make entertaining guests a cinch.
Moreover, exaggerated open floor space makes it a breeze to navigate a kitchen that tends to get crowded.
Find an interior demolition contractor near you
image via HGTV
10. Go Quartz or Go Home
Do you long for a nonporous countertop that is easy to care for, highly resistant to heat, and naturally beautiful with an endless number of color options? Then let us introduce you to quartz.
More expensive than granite, quartz has multiple advantages, in addition to being the most sought after by potential home buyers.
Find out more about demolition costs and how to save:
- How much does demolition cost per square foot?
- 5 Tips for Saving Big on the Cost of Kitchen Demolition
- 2 Jobs, 1 Contractor: How to Save Money on Demolition Projects
image via HGTV
11. Take Advantage of Look-alikes
Granite and quartz countertops are beautiful, but if you want the look of granite without breaking the bank, consider using a laminate look-alike.
Similarly, stone paint is a sealant that can give the look of concrete countertops, which are very on-trend.
image via YLiving
12. Think like an Architect
Architectural lines add a modern touch. Tall, squared faucets not only look minimal and timeless, but they make it easy to wash pots and pans, too.
Research the cost of interior demolition projects nationally and near you
images via Home Flooring Pros & Better Homes & Gardens
13. Make Your Floors Fancier
Statement floor tiles are bold and fun while remaining a little more subtle than a backsplash.
Brick and marble tiles (or marble lookalikes!) are very popular among home buyers.
Keep reading about interior demolition:
- Asbestos: Everything a Homeowner Needs to Know
- The Homeowner's Guide to Interior Demolition
- Demolition 101: A Beginner's Guide to Demo
images via Decoist
14. Two Words: 'Reclaimed Industrial'
The industrial, reclaimed-wood look is still hugely popular, especially in kitchens. There are always fun new ways to incorporate this look into your space.
Pecky cypress is on the rise, adding a textured look to everything from islands to hood vents. Or, go for the lookalike with gray textured laminate.
Add industrial metal stools and lighting fixtures for a casual, modern vibe in your kitchen space.
image via Houzz
15. Hide Your Appliances
If you hate clutter, and just seeing your microwave or Keurig on the counter irks you, then take a cue from English kitchens.
Hide appliances in cabinetry to keep your kitchen free of all clutter.