2027 Kitchen Trends: My Predictions

Every year about this time, we start talking about next years kitchen trends...

But after more than 20 years of designing, I’ve learned something about trends.

The best kitchens are designed around the people who live there, not trends.

Good kitchen design has always been about customizing a space to the way you actually live.

How you cook. How you entertain. What you need to store. And yes, what you love looking at...

I don't see that changing in 2027.

What I do see shifting is warmer material palettes, richer finishes, better storage and kitchens that feel increasingly personal rather than designed around one dominant style.

So here they are, my 2027 kitchen design predictions:

1. Larger Kitchens

The kitchen is no doubt the heart of the home and ground zero for most families. I think we'll continue to see large scale kitchens plans with various open-style layouts that naturally connect with the surrounding living spaces.

2. Butler's Pantries + Sculleries

Butler's pantries and sculleries have proven incredibly useful for homeowners and busy families.

Instead of asking the main kitchen to do everything, these secondary work zones come in handy with back up appliances, another sink, beverage storage, serving pieces—you name it. They also provide valuable space for additional storage and small appliances. Not to mention, being able to hide the dirty dishes during a party may be one of life's greatest luxuries.

3. Storage Solutions

Clever storage continues to be a priority.

Appliance cupboards keep frequently used appliances accessible without leaving them exposed and create a custom feel. Extra-wide and deep drawers make dishes, pots and large items easier to access. Roll-out shelving turns deep cabinet interiors into user friendly storage.

4. Rich Wood Tones

Traditional design elements are making their way back into kitchens, and we're beginning to see richer stains and darker woods incorporated into the mix.

But I don't think we're headed back to an entire kitchen filled with dark wood cabinetry.

Instead, I predict we'll see these finishes used much more intentionally. Imagine a beautiful walnut island designed almost like a piece of furniture, surrounded by lighter painted cabinetry.

A coffee bar or butler pantry would be a great place for this.

When you introduce darker finishes, the lighter elements automatically become even more important because it's the contrast that really makes it interesting.

5. Whites Warm Up + Jewel Tones

White kitchens aren't disappearing. But I think the shade of white is changing. Instead of stark, crisp whites, I expect to see more off-whites and warmer painted finishes that work beautifully alongside natural wood.

On the other end of the spectrum, I think jewel tones will have a place in next years cabinetry, too. A deep, saturated color used thoughtfully adds personality without making an entire kitchen feel trendy. Again, if you're afraid to go big with color, use it intentionally in key accent areas.

6. Classic Metal Finishes

Along with richer wood tones and traditional design elements, I expect metal finishes to follow.

Lacquered and antique brass finishes in hardware, plumbing fixtures and lighting bring warmth and character and pair beautifully with both natural wood and warmer painted cabinetry.

7. Countertops Turn Warmer

As cabinet colors shift warmer, countertops are naturally going to follow. For years, we've seen a lot of white countertops with cool gray veining. I don't think veining is going anywhere, but I do think the colors within it are.

Countertops with warmer veining—soft tans, creams and taupes, or even a combination of gray and tan. Those warmer tones work beautifully with off-white painted cabinetry, richer wood stains and brass finishes.

You can still have that light, bright countertop you love. But it will have just enough warmth running through it to connect with everything else happening in the room. Win, Win.

8. Workstation Sinks + Induction Cooking

Some of my favorite trends are the ones that make a kitchen work better. I predict workstation sinks will continue gaining popularity in 2027. With integrated accessories such as cutting boards, colanders and drying racks, they essentially give you another prep surface right at the sink. They're functional and beautiful.

Also, I think induction cooking will continue to grow. eventually overtaking gas. As more homeowners become familiar with it, I expect increased interest in its speed, control, safety, cleanability and style .

9. Performance Lighting

Lighting is becoming much more than decorative pendants over the island. LED technology gives us more opportunities to integrate lighting directly into cabinetry and other kitchen features.

Residential kitchens are taking cues from commercial spaces.

For example, LED lighting in a deep dark pantry now illuminates the space making is much easier to see, think of opening your refrigerator.

Natural light continues to be a priority for homeowners who are building or remodeling. Larger windows and better connections to the outdoors can completely change how a kitchen feels.

10. Runners for Practical Softness

Here's a smaller trend that I think deserves some attention: kitchen runners. Kitchens are filled with hard surfaces. A runner adds warmth, pattern and softness—but it also has to survive spills, pets, shoes, food and heavy traffic.

That's why I think we'll continue to see more interest in performance runners that are stain-resistant, durable and designed for real life. Pretty and practical wins again.

11. Curvy Kitchens

And now for the kitchen trend I'm ready to be over already. Rounded kitchen features are having a moment.

Curved islands, rounded cabinetry and softer architectural forms are showing up but I honestly don't see them lasting long.

A kitchen is simply too expensive—and too permanent—to design around something just because it's currently trending.

The Biggest Takeaway for 2027: Make It Yours

If I had to sum up where I think kitchen design is heading in 2027, it wouldn't be one cabinet color, countertop or appliance - it’s personalization.

Maybe you need a scullery because you entertain constantly. Maybe a workstation sink would completely change the way you prep meals. Maybe you love rich walnut, while someone else feels happiest surrounded by light coastal colors.

That's the point.

You don't need to follow every trend. You

need to understand which ideas will actually make your kitchen more beautiful, functional and better suited to the way you live.

If you're planning a kitchen remodel for 2027, download my Kitchen Remodel Starter Kit to start thinking through those decisions before construction begins.

Because a beautiful kitchen always starts with a good plan.