Kitchens have become more than just functional spaces to make a meal: they have evolved into rooms that not only encourage creativity in cooking, but in design. Click through to see which kitchen trends we predict will be big in 2018.
Blue kitchens with brass fixtures were everywhere in 2017, but here’s the evolution. In keeping with a return to nature, green is emerging as the hot hue of choice. To keep it livable, it’s often given a slight muddy undertone for a heritage flavor. The beauty of this shade is that it enhances the warmth of brass fixtures and makes marble counters look crisp in comparison.
See more kitchens with green cabinets .
Speaking of counters, scratch a little deeper than granite and you’ll find soapstone emerging as a dark horse this year. With its soft, honed finish (which doesn’t require wiping every few seconds to eradicate fingerprints), it’s naturally resistant to bacteria build up and has subtle veining with just enough depth for major drama.
See more kitchens with soapstone countertops .
Photographer: Ashley Capp
Source: House & Home July 2015
Designer: John Baker and Juli Daoust-Baker; Studio Junction
On the floor front, herringbone is continuing to trend because it adds an instant air of European refinement and history. In this kitchen, the slightly greyed finish makes the wood look even more mellow and well aged, for a soft counterpoint to this kitchen’s equally trendy industrial steel doors.
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: Kitchens & Bath Special Issue 2017
Designer: Charlie Coull, Charlie Coull Design
In the past, the vent hood was often parlayed into a design focal point. But in this kitchen, designers Sarah Keenleyside and Lindsay Konoir clad the vent hood in subway tile so it blends seamlessly into the tiled wall.
Tour this kitchen on H&H TV .
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: Kitchens & Bath Special Issue 2016
Designer: Sarah Keenleyside and Lindsay Konior, Qanuk
So what is the new kitchen focal point? Look to the statement stove to keep the interest simmering. In fun colors, high-end purveyors such as Aga and Lacanche are more than willing to grab all the glory, and prove they are worth every penny.
Tour this kitchen on H&H TV .
Photographer: Stacy Brandford
Source: House & Home March 2016
Designer: Sarah Richardson Design
The hard surfaces and gleaming appliances in kitchens can make them feel a tad antiseptic. Hand-crafted pieces such as antique kilim rugs introduce a soft texture underfoot when cooking and add touch of pattern and color.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: House & Home February 2017
Designer: J Gibson
While islands were once crammed with as many appliances and storage as possible, there’s an artfulness to choosing just a few select items to display on open shelves. It makes the kitchen seem more like a living room (which it often doubles as when entertaining).
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: House & Home October 2015
Designer: Sam Sacks
The jewelry-like detail of nickel strapping in this kitchen gives appliances a star quality that plays up their scale, and importance. Look to see more examples of this luxe detailing in 2018.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: Kitchens & Baths Special Issue 2017
Designer: Samatha Farjo
Dark lower cabinets with white uppers have been a hot trend, but this year it’s about a combo of different materials. In this kitchen, white cabinetry mixed with walnut drawer faces and paneling create dimension, texture and coziness.
Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
Source: House & Home April 2017
Designer: Stephanie Pellatt, Pivot Design, Leanne Tammaro and Adolphina Karachok, Designtheory
We called out ready-made freestanding pantries as a big 2018 trend in our January issue, but the pantry wall is another fresh take. In this kitchen, the pantry cabinets are delineated by a pale grey paint, and provide storage in place of a walk-in pantry.
Photographer: Tracy Ayton
Source: Kitchens & Baths Special Issue 2016