The kitchen has been dubbed “the heart of the home” for many reasons. Bodies and relationships are nourished around the table, it’s where the special and mundane are equally enjoyed, and days often begin and end within its perimeter. We put a lot of thought into what it should look and feel like as well as what purpose it will serve for ourselves, our families, and our guests.

Being intentional about the aesthetic and function of such an important space within your home will always be the best prescription for creating a comfortable, beautiful, and usable space. To help you make those decisions, I’ve gathered a few of my favorite timeless kitchen design trends to consider. Take a look at what’s arrived, what’s coming, and how it can all benefit your space!

• Cabinetry: Kitchens are places where we need to have utility and beauty. Open cabinetry is a recurring design that I like seeing as it is great for displaying your favorite pieces while also being a convenient place to store your more frequently used items. At the other end of the spectrum, I’m seeing a resurgence of hutch-like builds as cabinetry is being placed directly on the countertop which provides additional space for the appliances that might take up counter space but don’t quite blend with the aesthetic.

• Appliances: I’m seeing color added to appliances; beautiful emerald green ovens, coral-colored toasters, and mint-colored fridges. It’s not only the look of the appliances but the abilities that are fascinating! Kitchens are definitely places where artificial intelligence is making a splash. From counters that have invisible cooktops to dishwashers that sense the amount of “soil” and adjust the soap, water, and wash time, AI is changing the level of interaction and visibility of some typical task masters. Smart appliances have arrived and are expected to continue advancing in popularity and sustainability.

• Purpose: We’ve discussed how kitchens are places where people gather for more than just food. So, it makes sense that we’re still trending toward making the kitchen an extension of the living area. For instance, people are building multiple islands as a way to create a more comfortable, usable space for gathering in their kitchens while still maintaining the food-related requisites. Table lamps are providing additional lighting and people are departing from traditional bar stools and embracing banquette seating as extensions of countertops or islands.

• Natural Stone: Trends are showing that while all-white kitchens remain beautiful, the industry is seeing more of the beige, greige, and brown veining in their stone applications throughout the kitchen. The popularity of these luxurious, warm colors not only complements the textures used within the space but also creates an upscale look that wows.

I hope that this list helps you to define what you need and want in your kitchen and what emerging design elements will help you arrive at a space that is purposeful, functional, and breathtaking!

Tell me, what ‘trends’ are getting you excited? I’d love to know!