Mixing playful style with enduring design, contrasting cabinet borders are the new way to make your scheme feel instantly personalized. This kitchen cabinet trend is quietly emerging as we head into 2027, and designers say it's one to watch.

A colorful or contrasting border on your kitchen cabinet doors and drawer fronts elevates your storage from simple to considered, whether you opt for tonal neutrals or a pop of playful color. Here's why designers love the trend, and how to get it right.

Unique kitchen cabinet details usually come in the form of decorative millwork, playful cabinet cutouts, and even statement hardware. But there's a growing desire for designs that feel more unexpected – something new and original that hasn't been seen before. Colorful kitchen cabinet borders fill that gap, and they do so in a way that works in modern and traditional kitchens.

'I love how this treatment brings attention to the individual details of the cabinetry. Using a second color on the inset panel emphasizes the door profile and introduces another layer of depth and interest. It’s a relatively simple way to give the millwork more character without changing the overall design,' says Maggie Vollrath of Provision Studios.

'I also think it’s a wonderful way to elevate painted cabinetry, particularly when the budget doesn’t allow for more expensive materials or finishes. A thoughtful use of color can make even relatively simple cabinetry feel much more considered and custom.'

The timing of this kitchen trend is no coincidence. Designs have shifted from sleek and white to dark and moody, but a colorful or contrasting border offers a middle ground. It also taps into a more timeless approach. A kitchen drenched in one bold color can lose its lustre after a while, but a smaller infusion, especially when paired with a neutral, feels more enduring.

'People want color, but many are still wary of committing to a fully colorful kitchen. A border is the middle ground: it brings personality while keeping the overall look light. There's a longevity argument too. Clients want kitchens that last, and because the border is painted, the color can change in a few years without replacing any of the joinery,' explains Adam Peck, Partner at 202 design.

The trend also taps into the more lived-in style many homeowners want in their cooking spaces. Many traditional kitchen features have made a comeback, from freestanding furniture and open storage styles to historic architectural details, and cabinet borders create a softer, more decorative, and slightly more personalized feel that these revived features are known for.

'I think traditional, handcrafted details are having a real resurgence. In a world where so much is mass-produced, which certainly has its place, there’s something especially appealing about the smaller details that require a more personal touch. They bring a sense of individuality to a space that can be difficult to replicate,' Maggie adds.

'I love that we’re seeing more inspiration drawn from analogue sources and a renewed appreciation for traditional millwork and decorative techniques. Cabinetry is a natural extension of that. There’s something really interesting about looking at antique furniture and the way color was used to highlight individual details, then finding ways to bring those ideas into kitchens today.'

Colorful kitchen cabinet borders are a relatively easy look to get right, but proportions are important. Narrower borders often feel more delicate and traditional, while thicker bands feel more playful and contemporary. And beyond scale, where you choose to introduce them requires careful consideration.

'One thing we were really intentional about at Willow Lane [pictured below] was keeping all of the lower cabinetry as drawers. With contrasting colors, too many different door shapes and proportions can make the design feel busy. You certainly don’t have to use all drawers, but repeating the same configurations allows the lines and contrast to flow naturally throughout the kitchen,' Maggie explains.

Perhaps the most important factor is the color combinations you use. Two really bold colors can be striking, but you also risk falling out of love with your kitchen colors quickly. For balance, designers often choose neutral cabinets with a colorful border – this adds unexpected color without entirely overwhelming the scheme.

'We designed this kitchen [pictured above] in collaboration with Sarah Peake of Studio Peake, and the brief was to bring color, fun and freshness into the room while respecting the Arts & Crafts architecture of the property,' Adam explains. 'A painted border allowed us to be playful with color in a subtle, considered way. The lower cabinets are finished in Argile Blanc de Meudon, with a Farrow & Ball Suffield Green border to each door and drawer front. The green is repeated on the tall units, the arched alcove and the window frames, which ties the kitchen into the wider scheme.'

Even though we are seeing many kitchen cabinet borders in brighter colors, it's a trend that works beautifully in a neutral scheme too. Contrast is the most important detail that makes the look work, so you can choose a light and dark neutral to create the design in a more pared-back way, as this Provision Studios project shows.

'At Willow Lane, we used two timeless Farrow & Ball colors, Bone and School House White. I loved this combination because the contrast was so subtle, almost as though we had simply moved a few shades away from our base white,' Maggie adds, explaining that the trend works best when you choose colors you truly love.

'I think that approach can work with almost any color scheme. Start with a color you love, then look for a lighter or darker shade with a complementary undertone. The colors don’t necessarily have to be in the same family, but they should feel like a natural extension of one another.'

If you're planning a kitchen refresh in 2027, this is your sign to consider colorful cabinet borders. It's a stylish way to breathe new life into your interiors without a full renovation – and 2027's biggest kitchen color trends are the perfect place to find the perfect shades to try it with.

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And as with all kitchen trends, 2027 is promising some truly elevated ways to make your kitchen cabinets work harder. From the decorative details that add a refined elegance to the styles and materials designers are excited to see more of, this year's kitchen cabinet trends are worth paying attention to.

So, whether you're planning a new kitchen, a few subtle updates, or simply want to be in the know, these are the kitchen cabinet trends designers say will be most coveted in 2027, and how you can get the look. They might just be the most personalized yet.

1. Furniture-Style Cabinetry

The pull toward less uniform, more furniture-style cabinetry continues into 2027, but it goes beyond just a simple freestanding unit, incorporating the island, seating, and day-to-day kitchen storage. 'I think we’ll see less of the traditional wall of cabinetry approach and more kitchens incorporating pieces that look and feel like furniture. Think a freestanding hutch, an island designed to resemble an antique worktable, cabinets with feet or furniture-style bases, inset details, and contrasting wood pieces. Even when everything is custom built-in, we’re designing it to feel as though it was collected over time,' explains interior designer Jennifer Davis.

'More than anything, I think the perfectly coordinated kitchen is becoming less interesting,' Kailee Blalock, Co-Founder of House of Hive Design Co, agrees. 'I'm drawn to kitchens where every cabinet doesn't necessarily have to match, an antique table can sit beside new cabinetry, or a vintage piece can be incorporated simply because the homeowner loves it. The best kitchens don't always look like they were installed all at once. They feel like they've been added to, lived in, and collected over time.'

2. Ventilation Holes as a Kitchen Cabinet Detail

For small but effective ways to elevate your kitchen cabinets, ventilation holes are the answer. We've seen the cabinet cutout trend emerging recently, but in 2027, expect it to reach new heights, becoming more statement-making and decorative.

'Ventilation holes continue to be a major request in our cabinetry designs. We’re using them on pantry doors, appliance cabinets, and other areas that need airflow, but they’ve become as much about details as function. I love that something so practical can add pattern and a slightly old-world quality to otherwise simple cabinetry,' says Maggie Vollrath of Provision Studios.

If cutouts alone don't feel striking enough, decorative vents in aged brass or brushed nickel take the trend to the next level. Consider The Brass Ventilation Grill by deVOL for a more elevated design.

3. Colorful and Contrasting Cabinet Borders

The days of choosing between colorful or neutral cabinetry are over – contrasting borders are about to be one of the biggest kitchen cabinet trends of 2027, and for good reason. With a band or border around the edge of the cabinet doors in a contrasting hue, it's a more exciting way to bring contrast and unique style to your design.

'It gives the cabinetry definition in a different way, adding detail through colour rather than a traditional shaker frame,' says Adam Peck, Partner at 202 design. 'It also lets us use two tones across the room without the scheme feeling heavy. We refer to it as painted banding: a simple detail that frames each panel and picks out the shape of the joinery.'

This kitchen cabinet trend is incredibly versatile. You can play with two neutral tones for something more pared-back, or take inspiration from 202 design by pairing a white base with a more vibrant border. It's a look that nods to classic shaker doors, but with a more playful twist.

4. A Focus on Decorative Details and Statement Hardware

There's a growing emphasis on details, especially around kitchen cabinets. Instead of minimal designs, elegant profiles, mixed materials, and statement hardware designs are at the forefront of trends. It's not about being showy, but about creating a more personalized scheme.

'We've had years of very streamlined cabinetry and simple hardware, and I think we're ready for more detail again. Interesting door profiles, furniture-inspired cabinetry, glass or mesh fronts, and more decorative millwork can give a kitchen so much character,' explains Kailee, noting the appeal of mixing in new materials that help to break up the cabinets.

'I also think hardware will become a much bigger part of the design,' she continues. 'Rather than defaulting to a simple knob or pull, we'll see more unique details like strap hinges, cremone bolts, latches, decorative backplates, and hardware that feels antique or handmade. Those smaller details can completely change the personality of cabinetry and make a kitchen feel much more collected and custom.'

5. Two-Tone Cabinets Return – But It's More About Finish Than Color

We're used to two-tone kitchens featuring contrasting colors, often one shade on the uppers and another on the lowers. But the look is getting an update in 2027, with a greater focus on wood tones than vibrant hues. Consider pairings such as white oak cabinets and a rich walnut island, lighter wood for the uppers and darker for the lowers, or even mixing painted and stained wood cabinets for a more layered look.

'I definitely think we’ll continue to see more mixing of finishes within the same kitchen,' Maggie says. 'We love pairing a painted perimeter with a stained wood island, or using a different finish on a piece that’s meant to feel more like furniture. It gives the room another layer and keeps the cabinetry from feeling like one matching set.'

It's a kitchen cabinet trend that taps into the more lived-in style that people are gravitating towards in these rooms. It feels more collected and personal, rather than a space filled with built-ins and single tones.

6. An Emphasis On Concealed Function

When we think of kitchen cabinet trends, the exteriors usually come to mind. But the inside of your cabinets is just as important, and in 2027, concealed function is at the top of most designers' lists. Cabinetry is being designed to store specific items, whether it's small appliances, custom dividers, or even dedicated stations.

'I think we'll continue getting better at hiding some of the things that make a kitchen function,' Kailee adds. 'Appliance garages, integrated refrigeration, paneled appliances, concealed storage, hidden coffee stations, and cabinetry designed around the homeowner's specific routines are all becoming more sophisticated. The goal isn't to hide that it's a kitchen; it's to make those functional necessities feel intentional within the overall design rather than allowing appliances to dictate the room.'

It gets even more specific, with inserts and drawer dividers being carefully planned for ultimate function. 'Behind the cabinet doors, everything has its place,' says interior designer Stephanie Kraus. 'Custom inserts for knives, spices, paper towels, and utensils are now part of the plan from the start, and the inside of the cabinet is finished in a beautiful wood material, like oak or mahogany.'

7. Richer, Darker Wood Cabinets in a Variety of Species

The penchant for moody colors is translating into wooden kitchens, with darker wood tones becoming more desirable. It's not replacing white oak entirely, but it's an alternative for homeowners who want something tonally richer. And the variety is greater than you might think.

'White oak isn't going anywhere, but I think we're going to see a continued move toward richer wood tones, walnut, mahogany, dark-stained oak, burl woods, and finishes with more depth,' says Kailee. Each offers a different tone and style – walnut feels incredibly classic, while burl wood feels bold and statement-making.

'We've spent a long time trying to make kitchens feel as light and bright as possible, and I think people are becoming much more comfortable embracing moodier materials. A kitchen doesn't have to be white or pale to feel timeless.'

Shop Kitchen Cabinet Trends

2027's biggest kitchen cabinet trends are focusing on personalized designs with decorative flair, but there's also a focus on refined function, too. For more inspiration, discover the biggest kitchen color trends of 2027, guaranteed to bring endless style and charm to your design.

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It taps into the idea that a kitchen should be treated more like a room than a practical work zone. Of course, functional needs should still be considered, yet they should infuse the soft, inviting atmosphere that this year's kitchen trends are highlighting.

Making your kitchen feel more lived-in doesn't have to be complicated, nor does it need to involve a renovation or compromising on the practical elements of these rooms. It can be as simple as introducing curved details, a cozier seating nook, or even introducing more natural materials that bring a more tranquil feel.

Here, we spotlight the chicest pieces to take your kitchen from purely practical to a soft, lived-in room.

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This wasn't the usual transformation that starts with a dated, dingy scheme, but rather a case of different styles. 'The story behind this house is kind of wild. We'd fully designed it for a client who loved color, pattern, and bold tile. Then the house changed hands, and the new owners wanted the opposite: clean, minimal, nothing funky. So the kitchen became an exercise in creating impact with less,' designer and founder Amber Lewis recalls.

'We let the architecture and a handful of humble, beautifully textured materials do the heavy lifting: white oak, plaster, brick, stone, and blackened metal under rustic wood beams. It's warm, it has a little old-world soul, and it's edited within an inch of its life (in the best way).' Here's how she took a bold, colorful scheme and turned it into a calm yet beautifully layered neutral kitchen.

Infuse Warmth With Natural Materials

A pared-back, minimal kitchen doesn't have to be stark or boring. Tactile finishes and organic materials seamlessly replace bright colors and maximalist patterns, creating a warm, inviting kitchen that doesn't overwhelm. 'When you strip a room back to sleek cabinetry and pared-back surfaces, it can go cold and sterile fast. Natural materials are my secret weapon against that. Brick underfoot, tumbled stone, metal counters, plaster walls and white oak all bring texture and the kind of quiet variation you feel more than see,' Amber explains.

While the wood cabinetry certainly sets the tone for the space, the organic texture and tonal variations in the kitchen flooring instantly catch your eye. 'It's a small tumbled brick laid in a running bond, in this dreamy mix of blush, sand and gray. In a room this pared back, the floor is where the pattern and age get to sneak in. It gives the kitchen the feel of an old European courtyard, like an outdoor material that wandered inside. And practically? It's basically indestructible. With little kids in the house, that variation hides a lot of real life, and it only gets better with wear,' she adds.

Use Cabinetry To Add Lived-In Style

It's easy to overlook the visual impact your chosen kitchen cabinets can have on the design. It's not just about color and storage – the right style adds texture and interest, especially in a pared-back, neutral design. And in this kitchen, the cabinetry had to work harder, bringing movement, textural interest, and a less kitchen-y feel, which is where the shiplap-inspired fronts come in.

'I wanted the cabinetry to feel more like beautiful millwork than kitchen cabinets,' Amber recalls. 'The white oak planks run floor to ceiling around the range and along the back wall, and the fridge, pantry, and storage all disappear behind them. Out of sight, out of mind, which was perfect for clients who didn't want a single thing extra. The vertical lines give the room rhythm and texture without any fuss, and they pull your eye up so the ceilings feel even taller.'

Transform a Range Area Into the Heart of the Kitchen With Darker Tones

Modern spaces often overlook the range cooker area, opting to hide it rather than make it a focal point. But Amber had a different approach here, choosing to reinstate the range as the true heart of the kitchen. Centered and framed by a built-in range hood and flanked by full-length cabinetry, it's the dark backsplash that allows this nook to really stand out.

'The range wall is the heart of this kitchen. A big professional range sits under a simple plaster hood that melts right into the ceiling, with tall oak columns on either side,' she describes. 'Then we ran a dark, patinated metal backsplash all the way up to the hood, with a matching counter on each side of the range. I always say every room needs a touch of black, because it grounds everything and pulls the whole space together. Against all that pale oak and plaster, the dark metal does exactly that. Bonus: it's incredibly forgiving, which every busy kitchen needs.'

Design a Pantry That Feels Cohesive With the Main Kitchen

Your kitchen and pantry work in harmony, so the design should, too. It's easy to overlook these smaller storage spaces as purely functional, but they offer a charming opportunity to play with materials. In this project, Amber brought the same flooring and cabinetry style into the pantry, but used a soft neutral to create a light, inviting space, and dark countertops that tie back to the backsplash behind the range.

It's easy to see why she highlighted this space as a standout feature. 'So, it’s not technically the kitchen, but tucked just down the hall is the oh-so-cute pantry, and it’s my favorite. The built-in shiplap cabinetry adds just enough contrast through its lines and hardware while still feeling true to the clean aesthetic. Plus, my Virgo soul loves an organized space, so the mix of open display and tucked-away storage checks all my boxes!'

Add Unexpected Industrial Style With Hardware

Never underestimate the power of hardware – specifically, the visual impact it has on a kitchen. While brass is favored for a classic look, a more minimal scheme requires something unexpected to bring another layer of interest. And in this kitchen, faucets and handles brought a more industrial look. 'A room this soft and neutral needs a little grit; otherwise, it can tip into too sweet,' Amber notes.

'The caged glass pendants, blackened bar pulls, and dark bridge faucets have that utilitarian edge I love. They work like punctuation marks, adding contrast and keeping the oak and plaster honest. We used naturally patinated finishes throughout the house because they bring quiet character without any upkeep. The clients wanted low-maintenance, and these finishes only look better with time.'

Create a Cozy Dining Nook

Just as the cabinet design created a more lived-in feel, the dining nook also brings a softer edge. It taps into the movement towards kitchens that do more than just function, and the upholstered banquette seating offers a cozier, more comfortable space to sit and really enjoy the kitchen. Even though there's a touch more color in this corner, it still feels perfectly at home in the minimal design.

'This nook is a built-in banquette that wraps the corner in charcoal upholstery, around a round oak pedestal table. The chairs have black frames and charcoal seats, with backs slipcovered in a caramel-and-cream stripe. That stripe is the one little hit of pattern in the kitchen, and it picks up the warm tones of the brick and oak,' Amber explains.

The smaller, decorative details were just as important in the design's success. 'A white globe pendant, linen shades, and a soft gray artwork keep everything calm. My rule is that a nook always needs a job, and this one's job is everyday family meals. A banquette fits more people than chairs alone; it's cozy for the kids, and the round table keeps everything flowing in a corner.'

Quick Tips

• Choose natural materials to add warmth to a neutral kitchen
• Let your cabinetry be more than just storage – they're a design feature, too
• Use contrast to reinstate your range as the focal point
• Don't forget about your pantry – it deserves a beautiful design, too
• Introduce hardware that adds an unexpected feature, whether it's the style or finish
• Make your dining nook an opportunity to experiment with color and texture, but be conscious of how it marries with the rest of the room

This kitchen proves a pared-back, minimal design doesn't have to be boring, nor does it require a palette of plain white. This design feels layered, textured, and full of warmth. It's exciting and interesting without being bold or busy. 'Minimalism so often gets mistaken for emptiness, but for me it's all about refinement,' Amber adds. 'When there are only a few elements in a room, each one had better have some character. And with those stone garden walls right outside the windows, it felt only natural to bring that same earthiness inside.'

Shop the Look

At Homes & Gardens, we believe a kitchen should work as beautifully as it looks. That’s the philosophy behind Dream Kitchens, our new series exploring the world’s most inspiring cook spaces. From clever layouts to the 'it' materials of 2026, we’re uncovering the design lessons tucked inside every home. Join us for an intimate look at the spaces that define modern living – and find the blueprints for your next big project

They help to give you direction – we've moved away from whites over recent years, and kitchen trends are steering us in a warmer, richer, and more personalized route that elevates our cooking spaces. And if you choose colors you love, it will never feel dated. So if you're looking for new kitchen colors to give your space a refresh or in the midst of a remodel and looking to pick a shade that's both on trend and timeless, designers say these are the kitchen color trends to have on your radar.

1. Nuanced Shades with Earthy References

In 2027, expect the chicest kitchens to remain warm and earthy. And we're not just talking creams and soft greens; richer burgundy is also in the mix as an alternative to the light, traditional palettes. There's a focus on enduring colors here, the shades that will still feel considered and beautiful years from now.

'I think we'll continue moving away from kitchens that rely heavily on white, gray, or very safe neutrals, but I don't necessarily see that translating into overly saturated colors either,' says Kailee Blalock, Co-Founder of House of Hive Design Co. 'I'm much more interested in nuanced shades, muddy greens, warm blues, oxblood and burgundy, tobacco browns, buttery creams, and plaster-like neutrals that are a little harder to define. Those colors tend to change beautifully throughout the day and pair especially well with natural stone and wood.'

2. Jewel-Tone Purples Return

Purple has certainly been a controversial color in recent years, with kitchens in this color severely lacking. But the joy of moodier colors in recent trends has brought this color back to the forefront, and in kitchens, expect the richer, jewel-toned shades to be more prominent.

'I think the purples we're going to see more of in kitchens are the deeper, muddier shades: aubergine, plum and raisin rather than brighter, sweeter purples. They have enough brown and red in them that they can – almost surprisingly – behave almost like a neutral, particularly on cabinetry. What I love about aubergine is that it has real depth without feeling loud,' says interior designer Blair Burton.

This kitchen color trend relies on rich pairings. Purple alongside white can fall a little flat, but in combination with other rich jewel tones, like the emerald green backsplash tiles in this purple kitchen, you instantly get that rich, bold atmosphere. It shows confidence and character – exactly what kitchens should be in 2027.

'In this kitchen, we paired aubergine cabinetry with a deep green tile, warm wood and aged brass. Those are all colors and materials we find in nature, so even though the combination is quite rich, it doesn't feel artificial or overly decorated. I think that's where purple becomes especially interesting for kitchens. Used in a complex, earthy shade, it can give cabinetry the grounding quality of a dark neutral while bringing considerably more personality to the room.'

3. Dusty Blue Paired with Deep Maroon

It's not just singular colors entering 2027's most coveted kitchen trends – there are a few unexpected pairings that are proving increasingly popular. And one of the most interesting is the blend of soft, powdery blues with deep maroon, bringing a sophisticated contrast to designs.

'Based on what we've seen so far, the pairing of dusty blues with shades of maroon is going to be a big trend this year. There's something about it that feels both rich and relaxed at the same time: the maroon brings warmth and depth, while the dusty blue keeps it from feeling too heavy or formal,' says interior designer Shannon Crain.

'Don't be afraid to embrace color for an entire room; a full color-wash can be a beautiful, confident choice. If you go that route, make sure to balance it with some timeless elements, like antiques or original artwork, so the room still feels grounded and doesn't read as an ad.'

4. Browns Continue to Dominate, But Are More Muted

Brown's comeback is one for the books, and this hue isn't disappearing from kitchen color trends any time soon. But rather than the rich, dark shades prominent in recent trends, 2027 is all about the softer, more muted hues – and this design proves it's not confined to the cabinets, with a soft brown-toned kitchen wallpaper becoming the true focal point.

'Soft beige colors have been a pretty consistent go-to color in the kitchen for a few years now, which I LOVE, but I think more and more people are fearing color less. I think a big color for 2027 will be a soft and muted brown, like Virtual Taupe by Sherwin-Williams,' says interior designer Alexa Kingery.

'It’s still neutral, so it’s not too scary, but still a little more rich and bold than beige. There are so many different levels of commitment you can take when incorporating colors into your kitchen. I would definitely put brown on my kitchen cabinets; I don’t think that’s a color you’d have to fear going away anytime soon.'

5. Softer Olive To Replace Darker Green

While many of the richer colors that have topped trends over the past year are set to remain, those darker forest greens are making way for softer, more earthy shades. And olive green kitchens are set to take the spotlight, pairing beautifully with the classic materials typical of these rooms.

'Deep greens will continue to have a lasting impact on the design world, so I wouldn't expect those hues to go away anytime soon. However, based on what I've seen so far, I wouldn't be surprised if we start to see a shift toward olive tones over darker forest greens. Olive feels a little more relaxed and earthy – less moody, more livable – which fits where a lot of clients' tastes seem to be heading,' says Shannon.

'I think people are moving away from stark white kitchens and gravitating to warmer, earthy neutrals. At the same time, many people are ready for richer colors, and mossy and olive greens seem to fit the bill,' agrees interior designer Liz Williams. 'They offer depth and warmth that connect to the outdoors. Both the warm neutrals and mossy greens pair well with wood tones like rough-sawn beams, walnut countertops, or other wood furnishings.'

6. Warm Taupes Take Over Neutral Kitchens

Whites and grays are out, and warmer neutrals are in. But rather than sticking to the creams and beiges we've grown so used to, designers are hailing taupe kitchens as the go-to color in 2027 for a scheme that balances pared-back elegance with rich, inviting design. Paired with wood or drenched throughout a space, it's a color that feels far more layered and nuanced.

'I think we’ll continue to see a shift toward warmer, more nuanced neutrals in kitchens in 2027. One color I’ve been particularly drawn to is taupe, which has largely taken the place of gray as a foundational neutral. Depending on its depth and undertones, taupe can feel soft and understated or rich and sophisticated. It pairs beautifully with stained woods and natural materials, creating a palette that feels warm, layered, and timeless,' says Elizabeth Schulz, Co-Founder of Black Forest Design & Build.

'I love using taupe as a foundation, particularly on cabinetry, and building around it with natural materials, varied finishes, and thoughtful accents. Two colors I’ve been gravitating toward are London Fog and Woodcliff Lake, both by Benjamin Moore. London Fog is a softer, lighter taupe-greige, while Woodcliff Lake moves into a deeper, moodier brown-gray. I’ve returned to these complex neutrals on recent projects because they offer flexibility without feeling predictable.'

7. A Bold Combination of Ochre and Maroon

Another kitchen color duo entering the trends, the muddy tones of ochre offer an almost country-inspired pairing with the deeper tones of maroon. It feels like a traditional combination, perfect for country abodes yet still perfectly at home in a townhouse or historic home.

'Another big combo I think we’re going to see in 2027 is a deep maroon paired with ochre. We’ve already seen a bit of maroon on walls and cabinetry this year, but I think it’s going to explode next year, and the ochre color just adds another warm layer to it,' says Alexa.

This combination has different levels, depending on how bold or subtle you want the pairing to feel. 'If you’re feeling more bold, you could try doing some cabinetry in a maroon color, like Arresting Auburn by Sherwin-Williams. Throw in some beautiful fall foliage to pull in a touch of the ochre color for an added touch,' she suggests.

Shop the 2027 Kitchen Color Trends

The biggest kitchen color trends for 2027 all signal one thing – designs will continue to celebrate warm, inviting spaces that feel full of personality, rather than stark and minimal. Layering tonal decor, mixing unexpected combinations, and thoughtful shade selections are all key this year, so take note for an elevated kitchen.

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Bringing an extra tone into the design, this emerging tile layout reimagines a classic fabric as a large-scale feature, adding interest and charm in abundance. The beauty of this design trend is its versatility, adapting stylishly to various rooms and uses.

So, whether you're giving a bathroom new life or adding unexpected style to a cozier room, here's how designers are bringing gingham tiles into their spaces, and why this elevated layout is predicted to transcend trends.

Checkerboard tiles have become incredibly popular, adding a playful pattern to spaces of every style. A kitchen backsplash, shower walls, fireplaces, and even entryway floors thrive with this pattern, whether it's classic black and white or something more tonal.

But with any popular feature, fatigue can set in when it's overused. Perhaps you've already used it in one room, and require something a bit different elsewhere. Or maybe you don't want the tile layouts everyone else is using, and prefer something more unique. Whatever the reason, gingham tiles are becoming one of the chicest alternatives.

'There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about gingham, with its lovely associations of picnic blankets, country kitchens and those slightly mismatched interiors that feel as though they’ve been collected over time. It’s a pattern that has always had a certain charm, but translate it into tiles, and suddenly it feels fresh, playful and completely at home in a modern interior,' says Grazzie Wilson, Head of Creative at Ca' Pietra.

'Gingham is such a timeless, nostalgic pattern. It makes me think of summer picnics and cozy cottages with a fire burning. There’s something wonderfully familiar and comforting about it, and it feels at home throughout the seasons,' adds Jessica Horton of Deorling Studio. 'They bring a playful charm and a touch of whimsy. Translating a pattern we usually associate with fabric into tiles feels unexpected, while retaining that lovely sense of nostalgia.'

Because tiles are often used in more functional spaces, whether it's the main kitchen or adjacent pantry, a bathroom or laundry room, choosing a design that feels reminiscent of fabric instantly softens the space without compromising the practical requirements the tiles provide.

'They bring pattern, rhythm and joy,' says Sophie Rowell of Côte de Folk. 'It gives a room a strong visual anchor and can make any space feel considered and characterful. I think there's something unexpected, yet familiar about a gingham tile; it’s playful and youthful but still grown up enough to work in a sophisticated scheme.'

There's an art to getting a gingham tile layout right. Of course, square tiles will always work best, but how you lay them and the color combinations you choose will instantly dictate whether it looks chic and elevated or confused and messy. And your color palette is the perfect place to start.

'The key is choosing the right combination of tiles so you get the right “overlap” tone where the two colors meet. You want enough contrast between the tiles to create the gingham effect, but not so much that the pattern feels too graphic. You want to make sure the pattern feels like a textile rather than just a checkerboard,' explains interior designer Jennifer Hunter.

It's trickier to get right than a simpler checkerboard, so planning is key. 'Samples are your friend,' Sophie adds. 'Get your samples into the space and experiment before making a final decision. Even a subtle change in tone can make quite a difference, so play around until you find the right balance for you.'

Gingham tiles work beautifully throughout your home's design, but each room calls for a slightly different approach, whether it's scale or application. 'This really depends on the scale of the tile. A smaller-scale gingham works beautifully in smaller spaces, like a bathroom or powder room,' Jennifer explains.

'For larger-scale tiles, I love using the layout in an entry or mudroom, where you have more room for the pattern to breathe. The scale of the tile can completely change the feeling of the look, so it’s important to consider both the size of the space and the overall effect you want to create.'

'I’d let the gingham be the main pattern in the room, giving it space to shine rather than pairing it with another large-scale print. Keep the surrounding finishes relatively simple, bringing in texture and complementary colors to create balance,' Jessica suggests. 'I love it in a bathroom or as a statement floor or in an entrance hall. It’s also particularly charming in a kitchen pantry, where that nostalgic feel works beautifully.'

Checkerboard layouts aren't going anywhere – they are inherently timeless. But gingham tiles bring the same enduring style with a playful twist, tapping into the more unique, personality-filled ethos that so many of us want in our homes. It's a design feature you can have fun with – a bath nook covered in this charming pattern adds an unexpected detail, while a confident backsplash brings depth and interest to a neutral space.

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This decorating style has had an upgrade. Darker wood tones that feel more natural, richer colors that take a kitchen to new levels, and an emphasis on collected and antique pieces that create that cozy, lived-in look. In 2027, cottagecore kitchens are far chicer – less farmhouse movie set, a pastiche, more naturally evolved.

Designers say this more sophisticated take on the kitchen trend is the answer to a characterful scheme. Here's how to get the look right, and the pieces that make it happen.

Despite its name, cottagecore isn't just for cottage kitchens – especially with the new and updated take. It's less about the washed-out finishes of past trends and more focused on texture, architectural features, and a layered approach to kitchen decor. It should feel sophisticated, rather than kitsch or themed.

'Cottagecore has an inherently cozy, homey appeal, making it a natural fit for the kitchen, often considered the heart of the home. Its emphasis on natural materials, tactile details, and a connection to the outdoors creates a space that feels welcoming and relaxed, rather than purely functional. The result is a kitchen with a sense of warmth and lived-in charm,' explains Gemma Tucker, Creative Director at Balance Interior Design.

'I think it's the warmth and character they bring,' interior designer Sophie Garland agrees. 'A cottage kitchen should feel welcoming and lived-in, with a sense of history rather than feeling as though everything has been installed at once. I love mixing old and new to create a space that feels personal and full of character.'

The updated take on cottagecore requires a real mix of features, from thoughtful color schemes to blended furniture styles and a balance of old and new. It should feel collected over time and deeply personal – it shouldn't look as though you are trying to force an aesthetic.

'The key is to focus on the more timeless elements of cottagecore, from natural materials and warm, earthy color palettes to vintage finds and thoughtfully crafted objects,' Gemma explains. 'Keeping the look understated, rather than leaning too heavily into whimsical details, helps capture the essence of slow living without the space feeling overly themed or contrived.'

For Sophie Garland, decorating with antiques is key to the look. 'Mix antique furniture with modern practical elements, and use color and pattern thoughtfully,' she advises. 'The aim is to create a kitchen that feels as though it has evolved over time, rather than following a particular trend.'

Instead of focusing on just the decorative pieces you bring into your space, consider how the principles of cottagecore style can be introduced to the bones of your kitchen. For Sophie Rowell of Côte de Folk, that means 'anything that gives your kitchen a sense of history and personality: aged brass hardware, vintage dressers, and plate walls. I love incorporating lamps onto kitchen countertops or a perfectly placed wall light for nighttime low-level lighting.'

'I love freestanding antique furniture, open shelving and patterned curtains,' adds Sophie Garland. 'They add warmth and individuality, making the kitchen feel more like a living space than a fitted kitchen. Good lighting and natural materials also help create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.'

Fabric and texture come into their own with this trend, but focus on comfort and heritage prints that feel timeless – think less ditsy florals and more narrow stripes, gingham, and even classic plaids. They feel sophisticated with an air of playfulness.

'Gingham and striped fabrics are a lovely way to introduce pattern while keeping the overall look timeless. They bring softness and a sense of familiarity to a kitchen, whether used for window treatments, seat cushions or table linens,' Gemma adds. 'Tongue-and-groove paneling is another detail I love, particularly as a backsplash. It introduces texture and character, while offering an opportunity to bring in a subtle wash of color without overwhelming a smaller space.'

There are so many ways to imbue cottagecore style into your kitchen depending on your space, the architecture you are working with, and the decorative pieces you've collected over the years. But despite the flexibility of the style, there are a few elements that were typical of outdated approaches and feel outdated and contrived today.

'Avoid being too literal with the cottagecore look or making everything feel deliberately rustic. You don't need every traditional feature to create character. I think the best kitchens balance old and new, retaining the charm of the building while still feeling practical and comfortable for modern family life,' says Sophie Garland.

And it turns out, being too literal is perhaps the biggest mistake you can make in a cottagecore kitchen in 2027. 'Think about the feeling it creates over recreating something you’ve seen in a magazine or on social media,' adds Sophie Rowell. 'Choosing pieces you genuinely love will always feel authentic and timeless.'

10 Cottagecore Kitchen Buys To Make Your Space More Cozy

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We spend most of our time in the kitchen. Cooking, dining, and as our kitchens become even softer, they are also the center for cozy family evenings, and cup-filling gatherings take place in these rooms. And while exquisite marble countertops and custom-designed cabinetry feel like the pillars of luxury, we know that the most exceptional kitchen ideas consider the smaller details – the kitchenware, accessories, appliances, and furniture that instantly elevate the design.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, the one room we use daily and where every guest convenes, so infuse life into it in a way that shows your personality and softens all those hard edges. The most successful schemes strike a balance – enough decorative details to add character, but not so many that function is disturbed.

It starts with the larger pieces – a hutch, vintage or heritage-inspired, to display heirloom ceramics, elegant counter stools that double the comfort, and layered kitchen rugs that add warmth underfoot while cooking. A freestanding wooden island brings a rustic charm and more of a living-room feel, while an empty corner is quickly transformed into a charming eating nook with an upholstered banquette and low-level lighting.

Then the smaller details: McGee & Co. has a beautiful collection of wooden cutting boards for elegant layering, and Rejuvenation is hard to beat for timeless hardware that elevates cabinetry and shelving, creating the chicest base for decorative displays. And don't overlook underused countertop corners – they're the perfect place for artfully styled recipe books, a vintage-style lamp, and your favorite bowls.

Even the most mundane kitchen items can be swapped for something more design-forward: Lulu and Georgia's salt and pepper mills in classic brass or sophisticated marble; a basic fruit bowl replaced with a luxury pedestal vessel from Crate & Barrel or Nickey Kehoe; and worn-out linens upgraded to pieces from Magnolia in charming fabrics and uplifting kitchen colors. The things you use every day, even for the smallest tasks, have the most impact.

Even your cookware and appliances are an opportunity for a design moment. 'The cookware and appliances featured here are among the very best our expert team of reviewers has tried and tested over the years,' says Chiana Dickson, Homes & Gardens' Kitchen Appliance Editor, who has shared her top picks. 'From stunningly chic non-toxic coffee makers to the best non-toxic cookware, these health-conscious picks combine elevated design with hardworking performance to instantly upgrade any home kitchen.'

Every home is unique, but these timeless finds are the perfect start to a more considered and stylized kitchen.

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Joanna’s washable Sinclair Rug, a collaboration between Magnolia Home and rug maker extraordinaire Loloi, arrives in a 2' x 5' runner perfectly sized to cushion the dishwashing area underfoot, currently on sale for just $41. A patinated mix of earthy clay and smoky tobacco tones lends a serenely sophisticated, storied feel to this neglected real estate.

This kitchen-friendly, power-loomed design can handle the occasional olive oil spill, but it’s equally game for other splash zones, like the laundry room, or decidedly less glamorous, high-traffic spots like the boot room and entryway. An “anywhere” accessory, if you like.

Still, the point remains: it’s an unseasonably elegant design for square footage you never thought to decorate. Like wearing your best fur coat over a workout set to a 7 a.m. class, there's something about putting the precious alongside the decidedly not that makes any vignette so much chicer.

So this fall, I’m asking: what would Nancy or Joanna do? Certainly not suffer through the chilly tile. I’m making my kitchen living-room-level cozy, with the looks to prove it.

More Kitchen Runner Rugs

They add underfoot comfort during meal prep, take the chill off icy-cold floors, and turn an unsuspecting spot into an opportunity for charm. Here are a few more kitchen runner rugs I’m loving this fall.

Rugs belong in kitchens, too. But that’s hardly the only way to warm up a cook space this season. Our recent Cozy Kitchen Issue is dedicated to the small, seasonal switch-ups that make the heart of the home that much more inviting.

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This Los Angeles home proves its a balance easily achieved when you know where to stick to classic kitchen ideas and where to introduce more seasonal details. The smaller proportions meant a more considered approach to decorating was required, but every detail has been executed to balance functional needs with a more collected style.

From the transitional color scheme to the artfully curated displays, here's how the designers took this kitchen from awkward and outdated to the coziest room in the home without changing the footprint. The secret? Using inherited pieces the homeowners alreay had.

Introduce a Soft Color That Feels In-Season Throughout the Year

A kitchen that transitions beautifully between seasons always feels more elevated, and that adaptability relies on thoughtful color choices. A bright yellow looks beautiful in summer, but can easily feel jarring in the winter, while a rusty orange thrives in fall yet feels out of place come spring.

To ensure the chosen kitchen color shone through each season, Alex Azat, Founder of Plaster & Patina, looked to the surrounding landscape for inspiration. 'The walls are painted Farrow & Ball's French Gray, which is a moody neutral tone that leans green. We wanted to bring the outdoors in while choosing a color that felt grounded and earthy. The cream ceiling felt right because it lightened the space and made it feel brighter and fresher.'

This soft tone is incredibly transitional, bringing a very soft moodiness in fall and winter, yet reverting to a bright, inviting tone when natural light filters in during spring and summer. It also pairs with several materials and finishes, so decorative pieces can be edited throughout the year to reflect the season.

Play With a Mix of Storage Styles For a More Lived-In Kitchen

Creating a lived-in kitchen goes beyond decor. It's about the furniture and layout of your entire design, but in a smaller kitchen with no space for lots of freestanding furniture and sofa-style seating, choosing a mix of storage styles instantly creates a more layered look without compromising on function.

It's an approach used throughout this design, from the classic closed cabinets and drawers around the perimeter of the room to the glazed counter cabinets and open shelving on the walls. 'The mixture gives the space depth and a layered feel, allowing for ample space to style and make the room feel comfortable and textured,' Alex explains.

This design takes it a step further, not only mixing the kitchen storage for a lived-in look, but also choosing specific styles and materials that make the kitchen feel larger and brighter. 'With the space being small (only 194 sq ft!), the reflection of the glass also helped to create a bright and interesting atmosphere.'

Introduce Creative Cabinetry Ends

The depth of kitchen cabinets and the space on either side of a room's entry don't always align. It was an obstacle in this design, where the perimeter cabinetry protruded into a doorway to the adjoining breakfast room. But instead of stopping the storage awkwardly short, Alex chose a more decorative approach.

'The kitchen actually has a flat wall leading to a breakfast room, which only left us a few inches after the casing. We were forced to get creative with how to end our cabinetry to take full advantage of the space and avoid cutting the cabinetry short,' she explains.

Creating a curve from the front of the cabinets to the wall makes the whole design feel more intentional and considered while creating space for open shelving. Plus, the curves instantly soften the kitchen corner and create a more elegant flow between spaces.

Maximize a Galley Kitchen With a Custom Island

A standard island often doesn't fit a galley kitchen – and squeezing one in where there isn't space is one of the biggest kitchen layout mistakes you can make. But to give this kitchen the centerpiece it deserved, Alex chose to go custom, creating a kitchen island that's rich in tone and perfectly proportionate in size.

'I truly loved designing this island; it will go down as one of my favorites to date! It is extremely thin, at about 15" in depth, so I wanted to make it small but mighty. I wanted to add a unique flair and really bring attention to it, rather than allowing it to become an afterthought. I wanted it to feel prominent, important, and add to the room's intrigue,' she explains.

The design of the island was about more than simply creating an additional prep space that actually fit the kitchen – it was about introducing craftsmanship, too, with subtle details that feel almost vintage in style. 'My favorite part is the legs,' Alex adds. 'I feel it looks a bit like it's wearing heeled shoes, and I am obsessed with them! Bless our clients for letting us have fun with this detail!'

Bring in Personality with Collected Decor

The personalized feel of this kitchen comes from the collected decor, a mix of art pieces and aesthetic kitchenware that feels curated rather than cluttered. 'Our clients had a great collection of pewter and dishware from their grandparents that they didn't know how to display, so this gave them the perfect opportunity,' Alex recalls. Open shelving played an important role, allowing pieces to be seen without taking over work surfaces.

'To make this kitchen feel more inviting and less stuffy, we felt it was important to have open shelves displaying items that were effortlessly placed and imperfectly mismatched. This technique helps to make a formal space feel more approachable. We love styling opportunities in all our kitchens. When we design a new kitchen space, it is always very important to us to add soul and intriguing older elements. We want the space to feel like it has lived some life, even if it is new!'

Quick Tips

• Choose kitchen colors that adapt to every season
• Mix and match storage styles for a more inviting, room-like kitchen
• Take time to consider how you end your cabinetry around doorways and entry points
• Consider a custom island to create a proportionate design
• Let collected decor bring personality to your space

It's easy to get caught up in the appeal of a huge kitchen, but sometimes, the smaller schemes have the biggest impact, bringing charm, personality, and character in smaller, more thoughtful doses. By designing around the existing footprint, Alex has created the perfect balance of function and collected style. It's inviting and comforting through every season, proving that a kitchen that feels perfectly cozy in fall can still feel bright and inviting during the brighter summer months.

Shop the Look

At Homes & Gardens, we believe a kitchen should work as beautifully as it looks. That’s the philosophy behind Dream Kitchens, our new series exploring the world’s most inspiring cook spaces. From clever layouts to the 'it' materials of 2026, we’re uncovering the design lessons tucked inside every home. Join us for an intimate look at the spaces that define modern living – and find the blueprints for your next big project.

The lived-in, room-like approach continues to dominate kitchen trends of the year ahead, with an ever-growing emphasis on comfort and personalized style. But now more than ever, there's a growing focus on ensuring kitchen ideas maintain that balance of cozy style and functional design.

2027 kitchen trends are less focused on restraint and obsessing over what is considered most timeless or adds resale value, and the emphasis is purely on creating a kitchen you actually enjoy spending time in. If that sounds like an ethos you can get behind, here are the 9 best kitchen trends for 2027 worth having on your radar.

9 Kitchen Trends To Know For 2027

Kitchen trends are always an interesting place to find new and exciting ideas. And while we never suggest basing your entire design on trending features, there are always a few elements that help you to create a space that blends functionality with a more personalized design – something that's grown in importance.

'I think there’s a little bit of fatigue around kitchens that feel too perfect or too similar to one another. For years, we’ve seen beautifully executed kitchens that checked many of the same boxes: white cabinetry, marble-look surfaces, matching hardware, large islands, and very clean lines,' says interior designer Jennifer Davis.

'Now people are craving personality. Clients want their homes to tell a story and to feel like their home rather than something they’ve seen repeatedly online.' And these 9 stylish trends are exactly the inspiration you've been looking for.

1. Kitchens That Feel More Like Rooms

There's been a clear shift from kitchens being purely functional rooms to something more lived-in and used. They're becoming livable rooms, complete with cozy seating, personalized decor, and an emphasis on comfort, even in the main cooking space. And it's a trend that's really coming to fruition in 2027.

'I think we'll continue to see kitchens move away from feeling overly functional or "kitchen-y" and toward feeling like another beautifully designed room in the home,' says Kailee Blalock, Co-Founder of House of Hive Design Co. It's not a trend that shows up singularly, but in several small details that create a more room-like feel.

'That means more furniture-like cabinetry, freestanding pieces, artwork, rugs, lamps, upholstered seating, and pieces you might traditionally expect to see in a living or dining room. The kitchen still needs to function incredibly well, but it doesn't need to look purely utilitarian.'

2. Architectural Curves That Soften Designs

There's no denying that kitchens are getting softer in design, and curves have become an important detail to bring a more organic finish. 'Curved profiles bring softness and movement to a kitchen, balancing the hard surfaces and straight lines typically found in the space. Whether introduced through a rounded island, softened countertop edge, curved cabinetry or an arched range hood, they can make a kitchen feel more inviting and visually fluid,' says Jackie Armour of JMA Interior Design.

This trend's success and longevity lie in an intentional approach. A kitchen filled with curves begins to feel contrived, but occasional rounded elements feel soft and elevated. 'I'm more interested in subtle applications: rounded cabinet corners, sculptural range hoods, and softer transitions between materials,' Kailee explains. 'Kitchens naturally have so many hard lines, so introducing a few curved elements can make the entire space feel softer without becoming overly trendy.'

3. Blending Polished Nickel and Aged Brass Hardware

We've lived in an era of warm metals, and while these classic finishes aren't going anywhere, 2027 kitchen trends are reintroducing the joy of mixed metals. Warm metals are getting darker, and cool ones will feature more considered textures, rather than the flat, shiny designs of the past.

'Warmer, darker metals like oil-rubbed bronze, aged brass, antiqued finishes, and darker metals bring so much depth to a kitchen. I think we’ll continue moving away from relying on one perfectly matched metal throughout a space. Mixing metals thoughtfully makes a kitchen feel more layered and collected,' says Jennifer. We've seen mixed metals in kitchen trends before, but the approach now has certainly changed. Now, mixing should feel collected, rather than perfectly coordinated.

'The idea that every metal finish in a kitchen needs to match is going away,' Kailee agrees. 'I love polished nickel plumbing paired with aged brass hardware, or stainless appliances alongside something warmer and more patinated. When every finish matches perfectly, a room can start to feel like everything was selected at the same time. Mixing metals thoughtfully adds another layer and can make a kitchen feel like it evolved.'

4. Contrasting Pantry Colors That Become the Kitchen's Confidence Zone

It's time to stop hiding your pantry – whether it's a dedicated cabinet or a walk-in design, 2027 is the year these spaces become a playful design moment. Your pantry is key to the functionality of your kitchen, but it can be just as impactful as a visual element if you get the design right.

This could be contrasting doors in unexpected colors, a moody color-drenched interior, or a cabinet lined with a beautiful pattern, whether it's wallpaper or tiles. Treat it as an opportunity to experiment with new hues and bring a new layer of interest to your kitchen. It doesn't have to be a bold contrast, either. In a neutral kitchen, a dark wood cabinet or a darker neutral can add extra warmth to the palette.

5. Plate Racks and Other 'Old-World' Details

The desire for a more lived-in, collected kitchen has led to the revival of traditional kitchen features – the sort of pieces that make a space feel more open and custom. They're most prevalent in open storage options, with plate racks at the helm – much like the eclectic neutral kitchen by Basic Projects we recently toured, where a custom cabinet topped with a classic plate rack instantly became the focal point.

'We’re seeing plate racks everywhere again, and I love them,' says Maggie Vollrath of Provision Studios. 'They’re such a simple way to bring charm and character into cabinetry while still being completely functional. There’s also something really lovely about having the dishes and pieces you use every day become part of the room rather than hiding everything away.'

For Jennifer, who describes them as 'old-world details,' this particular kitchen trend goes beyond a singular feature. 'Plate racks, countertop cabinets, open shelving used intentionally, skirted sinks, reeded or fluted glass, traditional hardware, and beautifully detailed range hoods are all ways we’re bringing charm and history back into kitchens,' she explains. 'I love the idea of a kitchen feeling as though it has evolved with the house rather than being installed all at once.'

6. A Shift Away From Symmetry

The first thing most people think about when designing a kitchen is symmetry – cabinets sitting at equal intervals on each side of the kitchen, the range perfectly centered, and lighting expertly aligned. But something about these overly perfected proportions feels less appealing in current trends – 2027 is about embracing asymmetry and more individuality.

'Kitchens have been very symmetrical for a long time. I think we’re becoming more comfortable breaking that symmetry when it creates a more interesting room. A beautiful cabinet on one side of a range might be balanced by artwork, shelving, or a window on the other rather than another identical cabinet,' Jennifer explains. It's a practical trend, too – you're no longer restricted by perfectly matching features, so you can introduce the storage and elements you actually need.

7. Natural Materials That Thrive on Imperfections

There are so many beautiful natural materials you can bring into your kitchen, from wooden cabinetry to stone countertops. But the idea that they have to be perfect is finally waning, making room for the natural imperfections to be seen and enjoyed. They're the sort of details that bring texture, interest, and unique style to your design.

'I think we'll see an even greater appreciation for materials that have natural variation, texture, and patina. Stone with movement, handmade tile, unlacquered metals, aged wood, and plaster all bring imperfections that make a kitchen feel more personal. We're moving away from the idea that everything needs to look perfectly uniform and becoming more comfortable with materials that age, change, and develop character over time,' explains Kailee.

Expect the variety of natural materials used in kitchen designs to broaden, too. 'We’ll always love natural stone, but I think designers and homeowners are beginning to look beyond the expected,' Jennifer adds. 'Concrete, plaster, handmade tile, unlacquered and oil-rubbed metals, natural woods, and materials with visible texture and variation will become increasingly important. There’s an appreciation for materials that develop character over time rather than looking perfect forever.'

8. A More Decorative Take On Backsplash Designs

In recent years, slightly more pared-back kitchen backsplash designs have been favored, from the ever-stylish countersplash to seamless one-tone tiles that create a classic base for other features to stand out. But in 2027, more decorative, design-focused backsplashes are in the spotlight, whether it's thoughtful patterns or elegant sidesplash details.

'We’re moving away from the standard backsplash application and thinking much more intentionally about its shape and detailing. With stone, rather than a simple four-inch backsplash, we’re designing taller backsplashes with shaped edges, curves, and more decorative profiles that feel almost architectural,' Maggie explains.

Texture will be just as spotlighted, tapping into the emerging trends for organic natural materials and unique designs. 'We’re also seeing more interest in hand-painted tile, murals, and patterns,' she continues. 'It’s becoming an opportunity to add a detail that feels specific to the home rather than simply finishing the space between the countertop and cabinetry.'

9. Unexpected Countertop Materials

Expect kitchen countertops to become statements in their own right. In the past, subtler materials have been favored for a timeless look, but people are starting to realise a bolder choice is key to a more personalized design. It's not just about creating a focal point either – it also adds movement and texture to a hardworking surface.

'I think stone is going to become less of a background material and more of a defining element in the room. We're seeing more interest in slabs with dramatic veining, unusual coloration, fossils, and natural movement rather than trying to find the most uniform piece possible,' says Kailee.

But this trend doesn't end with natural stone. Expect to see more unexpected materials at the heart of kitchens, too. 'Natural stone countertops will never go out of style, but 2027 will usher in a season of variety when it comes to this surface that we've never seen before. Think unique tile, unexpected metals like copper or zinc, and boldly colored lavastone,' adds interior designer Bethany Adams.

Shop the Trends

With just a couple of these kitchen trends, you can transform your cooking space into the heart of your home, complete with unique details, textured details, and an emphasis on treating this room as more than just a practical zone.

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Described by the brand as a 'cozy and nostalgic' paint, Farrow & Ball's Pigeon offers the perfect middle ground between lighter coastal tones and more neutral shades. And it's a kitchen color that should be on everybody's sample list this year. It taps into the desire for more lived-in, inviting spaces that feel more like a room than a functional space. Here's why designers love the color and how to introduce it to your own design.

If you look for the common denominator in many of this year's biggest kitchen color trends, it all comes back to a connection to nature. Earthy palettes that bring depth and interest to a design without straying from timeless principles remain key, and it's an ethos that Farrow & Ball's Pigeon taps into seamlessly.

'Pigeon is a soft, earthy neutral with green, blue, and gray undertones that brings warmth to a space without making the room too dark. It's also a very calming color yet adds depth and interest – the rich pigment means that it subtly changes color throughout the day,' says Fiona Parke of Johnston Parke Interiors.

'Pigeon is a wonderfully versatile color for a kitchen,' adds Emma Sims Hilditch, Founder and Creative Director of Sims Hilditch. 'It has a softness to it that makes a space feel welcoming and relaxed, while the gray undertones give it a timeless quality. It works particularly well in kitchens because it feels understated rather than overly colorful and can sit comfortably alongside both traditional and contemporary elements.'

The versatility makes it more appealing. So often, paint shades fall into specific style categories, but a chameleon color like Pigeon grows and evolves with your style, and broadens the opportunities for interesting application and color pairings. 'We often use it with School House White, and it pairs very well with antique brass hardware and lighting and natural wood and limestone flooring,' says Fiona.

Paired with white, such as School House White or Off-White, it brings a lighter, crisper feel, while richer wood tones alongside it feel more organic. And then there are the moodier colors, like Picture Gallery Red and Green Smoke, which bring a more alluring quality that feels warm and inviting, yet still filled with depth.

'Pigeon works beautifully with warm whites, soft creams and earthy neutrals, as well as natural greens and muted blues,' Emma adds. 'For finishes, I would pair it with natural stone countertops, aged brass or bronze hardware, and timber. These materials bring out the warmth in the color and help create a kitchen that feels layered and lived-in.'

And its versatility doesn't stop at style; it extends to where you use it. It's the sort of color that looks just as beautiful drenched across the entire kitchen as it does on the cabinetry alone or an accent island. It depends on the atmosphere you want to create, something classic and subtle or confident and moody.

'I particularly like using Pigeon on cabinetry, where its muted quality adds depth without overwhelming the room. It works beautifully across a whole run of cabinetry or can be used on an island to create a subtle focal point. In a country kitchen, pairing it with natural timber, stone and aged finishes helps to add warmth and character,' says Emma.

Using Pigeon as a statement color is a popular approach among designers, adding a charming contrast to more neutral schemes. 'We love using it as a statement, and letting it have its moment. We used it on lower cabinets and a range hood in a recent project, and it shone,' says Taylor Bates of Elliott Tate Design. 'We love using walnut and other earth tones with it. It creates a harmonious palette that promotes calm.'

But just because it makes a striking statement through smaller accents doesn't mean it can't be just as impactful when used in larger ways. Used as a wall color, it creates a warm, cozy base that instantly makes your kitchen feel more room-like. 'We tend to use the color on the walls, with a lighter color on the cabinetry,' says Fiona, who also notes Pigeon's appeal in smaller spaces, like pantries. 'It is also a very practical color for utilities and bootrooms, particularly in country projects.'

Shop Pigeon-Inspired Kitchen Buys

Whether you want your kitchen to feel bright and modern or moody and traditional, Farrow & Ball's Pigeon brings a beautiful warmth and character to kitchens of every style. Consider where you apply it and the colors you pair it with – it's the sort of color that reads differently depending on the finishes it sits next to.

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There's something really comforting about these kitchen colors – they trigger memories of childhood holidays and Sundays at your grandparents' house. And while many of the colors synonymous with the decade are making a comeback, it's in a slightly more refined way.

The colors returning are those that feel playful, yet still really timeless – they're inspired by the '60s, but brought back a bit more tastefully. And according to designers, these are the revived colors worth having on your radar.

The '60s Kitchen Colors Returning in 2027

When we talk about '60s colors making a comeback, we don't mean replicating designs of the past. It's about taking inspiration from the palettes and evolving them to feel current and sophisticated in kitchens today. Here's how designers are making them work for a characterful yet still timeless scheme.

1. Muted Mustard Yellows

There's no denying that yellow kitchens have well and truly made a comeback this year. From a Mediterranean-inspired deVOL kitchen to Studio Mac's butter yellow kitchen by the sea, these soft, pale shades have become some of the most popular. But the '60s favored a muddier, richer yellow shade – and mustard kitchens are set to return.

'I think muted mustard yellows are definitely coming back. They have that unmistakable 1960s quality, a little bit playful but can feel surprisingly sophisticated when used in the right way. I love yellows that have a little depth and warmth to them rather than anything too bright or primary,' says interior designer Laura Stephens.

'Mustard is one of those colors I’ve always had a soft spot for because it has such an immediate warmth to it. We instinctively associate it with the late 1960s, but the way it is returning now feels much more sophisticated,' agrees Lesley Taylor, interior designer and Founder at Baked Tiles. 'Rather than the very obvious retro yellows of the period, I’m seeing people drawn to softer, earthier versions, from ochre and saffron to tobacco and honey. They still have that same confidence, but they’re much easier to live with.'

There are so many ways to introduce mustard yellow into a kitchen, but Lesley recommends a more confident approach. 'Tiles are probably my favorite way to introduce it because you’re not just adding color, you’re adding surface too. I’d always choose something with a little movement in the glaze rather than a completely flat finish. Those small variations between tiles are what make a wall feel interesting close up, and they stop a strong color from feeling too solid or one-dimensional.'

'I’m a big fan of using it on the cabinetry, particularly when it is balanced with natural timber and another warm, contrasting color,' Laura adds. 'I think that combination is what stops the color from feeling too retro – you can take the confidence and optimism of a 1960s palette, but mix it with warm woods and more earthy tones to create something that feels very relevant now.'

2. Lacquer Reds

Over the years, kitchen finishes, especially paint colors, have become very matte. It makes sense – these paint formulas are made with durability in mind, something you need in a kitchen. But the '60s championed the playful finish of glossier surfaces, which has perhaps inspired the return of lacquer reds.

'Glossy, lacquered reds are having a moment again. It has that wonderful optimism and confidence of the 1960s, but can feel surprisingly timeless when used in the right way. We used a rich gloss red for the pantry in our Somerset Country House project and on the main kitchen island, which gives what could otherwise be a very functional space a real sense of joy,' says interior designer Octavia Dickinson.

'Red is particularly good at bringing warmth to a kitchen, and I like that it can be both incredibly traditional and wonderfully modern. The key to a red kitchen is choosing a red with a little warmth and using it alongside materials that have age and texture, so it doesn't become too obviously retro. I would use it on something that can really embrace the color – a pantry, island, dresser, or run of cabinetry – rather than being frightened of it and using it only as an accent.'

3. Deep Olive

Recent kitchen color trends have shifted toward earthier kitchen colors, bringing a timeless quality without relying on plain white or overly bold hues. And olive green kitchens in particular are having a moment, balancing classic style with a more unique approach.

'Deep olive is a color with strong roots in 1960s interiors, and we’re seeing an interest in these deeper, earthy greens. It doesn’t dominate the room and sits well alongside natural materials and softer, chalkier tones. There is also something timeless about an earthy green, which allows it to sit comfortably in both traditional and contemporary interiors,' explains Carly Allison of Fired Earth.

This shade's beauty lies in its versatility; it pairs well with other colors and finishes, so you can drench a kitchen or use it as a secondary color. 'Using deep olive across cabinetry and walls creates an enveloping look, particularly when balanced with lighter colored tiles. For a more pared-back approach, use it on an island or solely on kitchen cabinetry,' she suggests.

4. Pale Pink

Pink, in the right not-too-sweet, not-too-bright shade, can feel elegant and chic in a kitchen. Rather than the bold Barbie pinks of past trends, designers are drawing inspiration from the '60s with softer, more muted shades, and pairing them with unexpected hues for a more mature balance.

'Pink is having a real moment again, and I am a massive fan! It’s such a fun and versatile color, with so many shades to play around with. It has a lovely way of bringing energy and personality into a room and making it feel playful and joyful,' says Sarah Brown, Founder and Creative Director of Sarah Brown Interiors.

'I have always been a fan of pink, and used it in my own kitchen at home, but contrasted it with a strong burgundy to stop it feeling too saccharine or girly. The burgundy adds depth to the pink, creating a unique and unexpected mix. It’s not necessarily the first color pairing you’d think of, but it brings so much character to a kitchen.'

5. Moody Oxblood

If brighter, lacquer reds aren't your style, another red kitchen shade that was incredibly popular in the '60s is making a striking comeback. It's one of those moody colors that adds instant richness to a kitchen, but it can also act as a dark neutral in the right space.

'Oxblood is a deep, dark red with rich brown and subtle purple undertones. Unlike burgundy, it has a more alluring depth to it. There’s a mystery to it that’s really appealing to live with,' says interior designer Brittny Button. 'There’s a luxurious livability to this shade. It’s grounding and energizing at the same time.'

Painting your cabinets dark red with a lighter wall feels classic, but you can be more confident with this shade, too. 'If you want a more enveloping effect, painting the walls and cabinetry in the same color can work well. The finish is also important; for example, our Plant-Based Matt or Eggshell will give you a smooth, durable finish ideal for a high-traffic area like this,' adds paint expert Dominic Myland.

6. Dark Wood Tones

Wooden kitchens have been back in style for a while now, but the tones are getting deeper this year, much like the styles that were popular in the '60s. These richer tones bring depth and interest to kitchens, and a stronger material contrast than the white oaks that have been everywhere recently.

'Deep wood tones, which soared in the '60s, are back on the scene as of last year and are starting to take the lead! Homeowners and designers are looking for that connection to the natural world. Think chocolate browns like mahogany and walnut, which were particularly popular in that era,' explains Shae Wilder of BlueStar.

There are several ways to bring dark wood tones into your kitchen, cabinetry being the most obvious, but you can also clad the walls, bring it in through flooring, or take an altogether more daring approach, as Shae explains. 'The '60s also loved color-drenching, which we still see today. Colorful kitchen cabinets and wood-drenched spaces have been popular again for some years now, just in different colors and tones.''

7. Soft Greens

The elevated return of dark olive covers the deeper shades of green, but a lighter hue from the '60s feels very much back in style. Think of it as a more sophisticated, heritage green that takes the best of the avocado era and brings a more up-to-date and timeless feel to kitchens of every style and size.

'We're continuing to see clients gravitate towards green. In the '60s, the colors were avocado and olive, used with real abandon. Today, we're seeing deeper, more sophisticated greens that carry the same warmth and optimism, but a bit more refined for modern living,' says Paul Kropp of Bakes & Kropp.

'A few years ago, people wanted their homes to feel joyful and bold, and color became a way to express that. That desire hasn't gone away, but it has matured. Our clients still want personality; they just want it measured, and green fits that moment perfectly. It brings in warmth and a connection to nature without overpowering a room, and it pairs easily with wood, stone, and metal. It feels expressive and grounded at the same time.'

Shop the Look

The return of these retro colors proves that kitchens are becoming more personalized and evolved, balancing timeless style with playful design. 'I don't think a kitchen needs to look deliberately '60s,' says Octavia. 'It's much more interesting to take one element of that era and interpret it in a way that feels personal and timeless.'

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That combination of high visibility and hard use is what makes choosing a kitchen backsplash trickier than simply falling for the perfect tile. Material and finish determine how well it stands up to life, while size, color, pattern, and grout can completely alter its visual impact. How it meets the rest of the kitchen matters just as much.

‘Even a high-end backsplash can look bad if it hasn’t been properly planned around windows, open shelves, cabinet edges or range hoods. There’s nothing more annoying than walking into your kitchen every morning and seeing backsplash that sticks out or overlaps awkwardly – what an eyesore!’ says Nancy Vu, Co-founder of M&S Construction Group.

This guide is designed to take some of the guesswork out of it. We’ll work through the decisions in logical order, from choosing the right material and working out how much wall to cover to getting the color, layout and finishing details right. We’ll also flag the practical issues worth knowing before you buy, so that by the time installation starts, the difficult decisions have already been made – and your new backsplash looks as dreamy IRL as it did on paper.

1. Start with How Your Kitchen Works

Before looking at stone slabs or tile samples, consider what happens against the walls of your kitchen. A backsplash behind a sink that sees constant washing-up has a different job from one on a wall occupied mainly by a coffee station. Likewise, the surface immediately behind a frequently used range has to cope with grease, food splashes, and heat in a way that an empty stretch above a side counter may not.

Identify the Hardest-Working Areas

Map the sink, range, or cooktop and the principal food-preparation area first. These are generally the places where ease of cleaning and appropriate material performance should take precedence over decorative considerations.

How you cook also makes a difference, especially if you’re into high-heat searing and spicy sauces, and generally use all the stove burners at once. A family kitchen may also benefit from surfaces that tolerate frequent wiping and don't show up every water mark or splash. In a kitchen used more for entertaining, or just very careful chefs, you may be willing to trade a little more maintenance for a delicate or characterful finish.

‘The first thing I identify is which parts of the backsplash will work hardest. The surface directly behind a busy range or sink may need to meet quite different practical requirements from a quieter section of wall,’ says Swati Goorha, Founder and Principal Designer at Swati Goorha Designs. ‘In those high-use areas, I prioritize materials that are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture and everyday splashes while still considering how the material works with the overall kitchen design.’

Decide How Much Maintenance Feels Realistic

This is worth answering before falling for a particular material or backsplash trend. Would occasional resealing bother you (and would you reliably do it)? Are you happy to wipe polished metal frequently? Will smudgy grout joints be something you can happily ignore or something you immediately want to attack with a toothbrush?

Natural stone can be entirely practical in a kitchen, for example, but some stones and finishes require more considered care than glazed porcelain. Stainless steel is famously functional, but fingerprints and fine scratches are inevitable, and they’re not always pretty. Handmade tile may disguise the odd splash beautifully, but its irregularities make it a very different proposition cleaning-wise from a completely smooth slab. There is no universally 'best' backsplash material; you just need to ascertain which backsplash will work best for your household.

Consider the Rest of the Room

An open-plan kitchen places the backsplash in view from living and dining spaces, so its visual presence may deserve more consideration than in an enclosed kitchen where it is only seen close up. Think about the wider sightlines, too: flooring, furniture, lighting, and wall colors will all sit in the same field of view, and a backsplash that looks subtle at arm’s length can feel much busier from across the room.

Scale matters for the same reason. A backsplash covering one modest wall can afford to be more dynamic than a material wrapping several walls or running to the ceiling. If the kitchen already has a strong countertop, statement cabinetry, or patterned flooring, a quieter backsplash may give the eye somewhere to rest; in a simpler scheme, it can take on more of the decorative work.

2. Choose Your Backsplash Material

Backsplash material is probably the most consequential decision because it influences not only appearance but also joints, cleaning, heat tolerance, installation, and cost. A useful way to compare options is to think beyond whether a material is 'durable' and ask where it is durable. A surface may cope brilliantly with water but need greater consideration around heat, acidic cooking ingredients, or abrasive cleaning products.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile remains one of the easiest backsplash materials to specify because it is available in an enormous range of sizes, colors, glazes, and prices. Glazed ceramic is generally easy to wipe clean and performs well in normal splash areas. Individual tiles can also be replaced if one becomes damaged, assuming you have retained spares.

Ceramic is generally easier for an installer to cut than porcelain, which can make elaborate layouts and numerous outlet cuts less laborious. Always check the manufacturer's intended application, bearing in mind that 'ceramic' describes a large family of products rather than one identical performance level.

The grout-factor is the main downside of tiling. Small formats can create a large number of grout joints, and those joints are going to get grubby in time, even if you are careful to seal them. You can improve matters by choosing a colored grout – or at least avoiding pristine white – and be prepared to scrub with a specialist grout cleaner should things get really dire.

Porcelain

Porcelain is technically a type of ceramic tile, but it is denser and defined in US standards by water absorption of 0.5% or less. That very low absorption makes it an appealing backsplash option, particularly where easy cleaning and resistance to moisture are priorities. Modern porcelain tile is available in XL slabs that are impressively thin, which helps with installation and minimizing those pesky grout lines.

Porcelain can also convincingly replicate marble, limestone, concrete, metal and other surfaces, making it useful if you want the appearance of a more maintenance-sensitive material without pandering to specialist care requirements. The trade-off arrives at installation: dense porcelain is generally harder to cut than ordinary ceramic tile, which matters if the backsplash contains several outlets, windows or complicated edges. But, with the right tools, it’s perfectly doable.

Natural Stone

Marble, limestone, travertine, granite, quartzite, onyx, and other natural stones can create a backsplash with a depth and variation that manufactured surfaces struggle to duplicate. They do not, however, all behave in the same way.

Calcareous stones such as marble and limestone can be etched by acids. The Natural Stone Institute specifically cautions that lemon, vinegar, and other acidic cleaners may dull or etch these materials. Most natural stones require an impregnating sealer, which increases stain resistance but does not make the stone stain-proof. This is particularly relevant in a kitchen, where tomato, citrus, vinegar, wine and oil are frequently splashed.

‘Homeowners need to understand that some natural stones are more work than others. Marble and limestone are softer and require more care but are totally worth it,’ says Harmony Weihs, Designer and Owner of Design Harmony. ‘Quartzite is a natural stone I love using as it’s very durable and beautiful and requires minimal to no care. Although nothing is guaranteed “timeless”, if you want a more classic look, it’s worth sticking with neutrals and subtler veining.’

A polished slab will also behave differently visually and practically from tumbled tile or heavily textured stone. ‘Finish makes a huge difference, especially when choosing darker stone; the darker the stone, the more dramatic the sheen is, especially when polished. In most cases I prefer a honed stone over polished as it’s more casual,’ adds Harmony. Ask your stone supplier about the specific stone, finish, and proposed location, rather than relying on generic advice for 'natural stone'.

Engineered Quartz

Engineered quartz is fairly non-porous, easy to clean, and requires no sealing, making it a practical choice around both sinks and cooking areas. It’s not quite as stainproof as porcelain, but spills such as oil or curry paste will only leave a mark if they are left to fester. Good quality engineered quartz is suitable for use behind most cooktops and ranges, but always check the guidance for the surface you are specifying, as heat resistance can vary between brands, particularly with gas burners.

Sintered and Ultra-Compact Surfaces

Products in this broad category use mineral-based materials manufactured under high pressure and/or heat to create dense, low-porosity slabs. Like engineered quartz, their particular formulations vary, so use manufacturer data rather than assuming all sintered products have identical performance.

Dekton, for instance, is marketed for wall cladding and is highly resistant to stains, scratches, and heat, although its manufacturer still provides specific guidance concerning direct flames and installation around intense heat sources. As it’s available in XL slabs, the material can be a very practical way to continue a kitchen countertop vertically while reducing the number of joints.

Glass

Glass splashbacks are made from sheets of toughened or tempered glass. It can be painted in virtually any color, printed with a pattern, silvered or mirrored, given an antiqued finish, or kept clear to simply protect painted walls from splashes. Low-iron glass is particularly useful over wallpaper because it has less of the greenish tint found in standard clear glass.

As well as being easy to clean, glass has very few joints and no grout lines, which makes it a good choice for a sleek, low-maintenance finish. For safety, always use toughened glass around cooking areas and check any heat-clearance guidance for the product and appliance you are using. Accurate templating matters too, as holes and cut-outs for outlets, switches, or corners have to be made before the glass is toughened. With clear or translucent glass, the wall and fixings behind it also need to be neat, as they may show through.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is particularly at home around stove tops and ranges because it is nonporous, heat tolerant, and able to cope with plenty of splashes and spills, which explains its long association with professional kitchens. A steel sheet can be fabricated around outlets and other fittings with relatively few joints. On larger areas, sections can also be welded together and the seams ground and refinished for a hygienic, seamless appearance.

The downside is keeping steel looking pristine. Fingerprints, water marks, and greasy smears show readily, especially on highly polished steel, while brushed finishes are generally more forgiving. A tiny amount of stainless-steel conditioning or mineral oil buffed over the clean surface can help reduce fingerprints and restore shine.

Other Metals

Copper, brass, zinc and bronze sheets can bring warmth and depth, but their appearance rarely remains completely static. Often called ‘living finishes’, they naturally oxidize or develop a patina; acids, salts and cleaning chemicals can affect that process. Protective coatings may preserve a particular finish but introduce their own care requirements. Ask whether the sample represents how the metal looks new or after use, and whether a lacquer or other treatment is responsible for that appearance.

Brick

Original exposed brick can give a kitchen enormous character, but an attractive old wall and a practical cooking backsplash are not automatically the same thing. Brick and mortar are relatively porous, and deep joints and rough surfaces provide plenty of places for grease and food to settle. Sealing may improve cleanability but can alter the color or sheen, so test the finish first. Brick-look porcelain or brick slips offer a similar visual rhythm with much simpler maintenance if the practical demands of the location are high.

Wood and Wood-Look Surfaces

With the exception of a paneled kitchen backsplash finished in scrubbable paint, timber isn’t a good backsplash choice, particularly close to a range, where heat, moisture and grease can make it impractical. But if you want the warmth of timber in those hot/wet zones, wood-effect sintered stone or large-format porcelain can give you a similar look in a surface that is far better suited to a backsplash. The latest designs reproduce grain and knots surprisingly convincingly, while offering the heat, moisture and stain resistance you’d expect from a hard surface. Large slabs also mean fewer joints, so the effect can feel more like timber panelling than tiled wood-look strips.

Whichever material you choose, these three questions can help rule out the wrong option fast:

1) Can it tolerate the proposed heat and moisture?

2) How is it cleaned?

3) Who can install it – you/your builder or a specialist?

3. How Much Backsplash Do You Need?

Once the material is broadly decided, establish how much wall you actually want it to cover. Where and how you end a backsplash isn't merely an aesthetic choice. More coverage means more material, more labor, and potentially more complicated cuts, but it can also create more protected, and thus lower maintenance, walls.

‘The backsplash stopping point should be considered as part of the kitchen elevation rather than left until installation,’ says Swati Goorha. ‘Windows, range hoods, cabinets and open shelves can all provide natural alignment points. Choosing one of those architectural lines avoids awkward areas where the backsplash seems to randomly stop.’

A Low Backsplash

A traditional low backsplash – often around 4 inches high – provides a modest barrier immediately above the countertop. It uses relatively little material and can be useful where the wall above is intended to remain painted, paneled, or otherwise visually light. It also works particularly well when formed from the countertop material itself. Its limitation is obvious: anything splashed higher than the upstand reaches the wall finish, so it is less protective around sinks and vigorous cooking areas.

Countertop to Upper Cabinets

Filling the entire space between countertop and wall cabinets is probably the most straightforward approach because the cabinetry gives the backsplash a natural top line. Measure each section individually. The distance may not be identical throughout the kitchen, particularly beneath range hoods, around windows, or where cabinet heights change. This coverage also avoids an arbitrary horizontal termination in the middle of the wall.

Behind the Range Only

Concentrating a backsplash behind the range can be a useful way to introduce a more expensive or decorative material without committing to it throughout the kitchen. But treat it as part of the whole elevation. If the backsplash stops exactly at the appliance edges, does that width make sense with the hood above? Would aligning with surrounding cabinets create a better proportion? What happens at the countertop? Ideally, the answer needs to be drawn out on paper (or on screen), not decided by the installer standing in front of the wall.

Full Height or to the Ceiling

Where upper cabinetry is limited, extending the backsplash to the ceiling can give the wall a much stronger architectural finish. Slab materials can work particularly well because the surface remains relatively continuous; tile creates a more obvious field of pattern and grout. Cost becomes important here. Taking a premium stone or handmade tile from counter to ceiling can multiply both the material quantity and labor, so calculate square footage before becoming emotionally committed to the sample.

Around Windows

A kitchen window creates several possible stopping points: your backsplash can finish beneath the sill, wrap into the reveal, continue around the opening or cover the entire wall surrounding it. The cleanest choice will depend on the relationship between window trim, countertop and nearby cabinetry. If tile has to finish against traditional projecting trim, work out whether it dies neatly into the casing or requires a visible edge profile. If the window has a minimal reveal with no substantial trim, wrapping the backsplash inward can create a much more integrated look and a neat shelf.

Open Shelves and Walls Without Uppers

Open kitchen shelving gives you a little more flexibility than wall cabinetry. You can stop the backsplash neatly at the underside of the shelf, just as you would beneath a cabinet, or continue it behind the shelving to make more of the wall. It might run to the ceiling, align with another architectural feature, or stop at a deliberately chosen height.

If there’s nothing else on the wall and you don’t want to take the backsplash all the way to the ceiling, designers often suggest stopping it around a third of the distance from the countertop to the ceiling. This gives it enough height to feel intentional without letting it dominate the wall.

Wrapping Corners

When a backsplash turns onto an adjacent wall, decide where the secondary run ends. Stopping after a random tile or at the end of the countertop can look awkward if nearby cabinetry tells a different story. Aligning with a cabinet edge, window, architectural return, or another clear vertical line generally makes the decision look intentional.

4. Choose the Right Tile Size, Shape and Layout

Once coverage is determined, tile size can be judged against the actual dimensions of the area, rather than against a sample board in a showroom. A 2-by-8-inch tile, for instance, behaves very differently across a narrow 18-inch backsplash zone than over an entire wall to the ceiling.

Small Vs Large Format

Small tile introduces more joints, more rhythm, and often more texture. It can also adapt readily around corners, irregular walls, and complicated details because individual pieces are relatively easy to manipulate.

The trade-off is grout. A mosaic may contain many times more joint length than a 12-by-24-inch tile over the same area. Larger tiles produce fewer joints and can make a backsplash read as a broader surface rather than a pattern of individual units. They are not necessarily simpler to install, however. A large-format tile crossing several outlets may require awkward cuts, and flatter walls become increasingly important as tile dimensions increase.

Look At the Cuts Before Choosing the Tile

‘My first priority is to lay out my tiles after determining the measurements of my cabinets. Laying out my tiles at the start helps me to avoid buying the wrong amount of tiles for my project. Also, it ensures that I do not end up with small odd-shaped tiles that are less than an inch in size,’ explains Mike Belk, Founder of BELK Tile.

To try and minimize awkward cuts, measure the distance from countertop to upper cabinet and divide it by the proposed tile dimension, including the grout joints. Will you get two full tiles and an unattractive thin strip? Can the layout be centered to balance the cuts? Would rotating the tile solve the problem? Then do the same horizontally at windows, corners, and the range.

Vertical Vs Horizontal

Rectangular tiles laid horizontally emphasize the width of the backsplash, while the same format turned vertically accentuates height. That doesn't mean horizontal automatically makes a small kitchen look wider or vertical makes it taller; surrounding cabinet lines and grout contrast have a significant influence. But orientation changes the direction in which the eye reads the pattern. Vertical layouts can also work particularly well where the distance between counter and wall cabinets accommodates the tile module neatly.

Stacked Vs Running Bond

A straight stack aligns the joints to produce a regular grid. With narrow rectangular tiles, it can feel graphic and ordered. Running bond offsets each row. The degree of offset matters, particularly with long rectangular tiles that may have some natural bowing from manufacture. Tile manufacturers may recommend specific offsets and grout widths for particular products, so don't assume every long tile should automatically be laid in a 50% brick bond.

Herringbone and More Complex Patterns

Herringbone, chevron, and other directional patterns introduce more cuts, particularly around the perimeter and obstacles. That means the installation cost may be considerably more than for exactly the same tile laid in a straightforward stack. Wastage is also likely to increase. Think about where the pattern begins and where the focal point lies. Centering herringbone behind a range, for example, may matter more than achieving identical cuts at two distant corners.

Handmade and Irregular Tile

Uneven edges and variable surfaces are part of the appeal of handmade tile like zellige and bejmat, but they also mean joint widths and alignment will not look mechanically perfect. That variation can disguise small imperfections and create a beautifully lively surface. It can equally drive someone who wants laser-straight grout joints slightly insane. If this is you, stick to rectified tile that’s precision-cut by machine. Judge your choice on the installed effect (many tile showrooms will have large tile display boards), not one particularly perfect sample tile.

Slab Vs Tile

A slab-style backsplash shifts the design emphasis away from tile pattern and toward the movement or color of the material itself. It can minimize grout, but seams and cut-outs become much more significant. Where veining is prominent, discuss how slabs will be templated and where joins will fall.

5. Grout – What, Why and Where You Need It

Grout isn’t just there to frame the tiles, it fills the joints between them, protects vulnerable tile edges and stops dirt and moisture from collecting in the gaps. Traditional cement-based grout is naturally porous, however, which is why pale shades can be such a magnet for cooking splashes and stains. Sealing can help, or you can choose a more stain-resistant epoxy or high-performance grout in hardworking areas.

Matching or Contrasting Grout

‘It never ceases to amaze us how many clients overlook grout, making it the last decision after choosing tiles. We always emphasize that high-contrast grout makes each tile and line stand out, while matching grout gives a softer, calmer feel,’ says Nancy Vu. Matching grout can also help disguise uneven tile if your walls aren’t dead flat, as well as any imperfect moments if you’re DIY tiling!

Once you’ve settled on color, think about joint width. Narrow joints mean less grout and can create a crisper look, but the tile itself should determine how tight you can realistically go. Handmade and rustic tiles generally need more generous joints to accommodate variations in size and shape, while rectified tiles – mechanically finished to more precise dimensions – can usually be laid closer together.

‘In most cases, I will suggest that you use a very close joint of 1/16 inch for a contemporary look or 1/8 inch for natural/handmade tiles,’ adds Mike Belk.

Grout Types

Traditional cement-based grout is the most familiar and usually the most affordable, but it can be porous and prone to staining, so some products benefit from sealing. It’s still a perfectly good choice for many backsplashes, particularly away from the messiest cooking zones, and an easy DIY option.

Epoxy grout costs more and can be trickier to work with (it dries very quickly), but it absorbs very little moisture and is highly resistant to grease, stains and household chemicals. There are also ready-to-use and newer high-performance grouts that sit somewhere in between, offering improved stain resistance and often no need for sealing, without some of the installation faff of epoxy. Whichever type you choose, check the manufacturer’s advice on joint width, sealing and cleaning rather than assuming all grout needs the same treatment.

And grout can be renewed. If it starts looking tired or stained, it can usually be removed and replaced without redoing the whole backsplash.

Grout Color Matching

Grout can look surprisingly different once it’s installed. Water content, application, lighting, tile color and even site conditions can all affect the finished shade, so color cards and online swatches are only a rough guide. If getting the tone exactly right matters, test it with your chosen tile on a sample board or order a real grout sample chip before committing.

6. How Should the Backsplash Work with Countertops and Cabinetry?

The backsplash occupies the visual space where the two largest kitchen finishes – cabinets and countertops – meet, so it rarely makes sense to select it independently. ‘I never choose a backsplash in isolation. I like to view the sample vertically against the actual countertop and cabinetry finishes because that is how the materials will relate to one another in the finished kitchen,’ says Kanika Bakshi Khurana, Principal Interior Designer and Founder of Kanika Design. There are three main choices: match, complement or contrast.

Match

Using the same slab material on the kitchen countertop and backsplash creates the strongest continuity. This can be particularly effective with veined stone, porcelain, or another large-format surface because the eye reads both planes as part of one composition. It also avoids introducing another color, pattern or texture into the scheme.

If the slab contains strong veining, ask the fabricator whether the backsplash can be cut so the movement relates to the countertop. Exact vein matching isn't always possible or desirable, but completely unrelated sections can look messy.

Complement

Complementing isn’t the same as exact matching. It simply means the surfaces have something in common: an undertone, material character, color family or degree of visual movement. ‘Viewing backsplash samples in the space makes undertones much easier to identify,’ adds Kanika. ‘If the countertop has strong movement or veining, I will often let that lead and choose a backsplash that supports it rather than competes with it.’

A creamy limestone-look tile might pick up warmer areas in a quartzite counter, for example, while a soft green ceramic can echo the cabinetry without matching it exactly. Pay particular attention to undertones: two whites that look interchangeable online can reveal very different blue, gray, pink or yellow notes side by side. View physical samples together in the room, and prop the backsplash sample upright rather than laying everything flat, as light hits vertical and horizontal surfaces differently.

Contrast

Contrast gives the backsplash an independent role. This might mean pale tile above dark cabinets, deeply colored stone against warm timber or a highly textural backsplash with a relatively plain countertop.

The key is to decide which surface should lead. If the countertop already has strong veining or movement, a tonal handmade tile can add depth without introducing another competing pattern. With a simpler countertop, you have more freedom to use the backsplash for color, pattern or texture. The greater the contrast, the more useful it is to keep one element visually calmer than the other.

7. Color, Pattern and Texture

Once the material and its relationship with the rest of the kitchen are established, choosing color, pattern, and texture becomes much easier because you have some context. The aim isn’t necessarily to make the backsplash disappear, but to work out how much visual work it needs to do.

Start with the Fixed Colors

Cabinetry, flooring and countertops are generally larger and more expensive elements than the backsplash, so use those as your starting point. Look for colors already present in the room that you can pick up or develop rather than introducing something completely unrelated. A subtle vein in the countertop, the undertone of painted cabinetry or even a tone in the flooring, window treatments or artwork can all provide a useful lead.

Think about intensity as well as hue. A saturated color used on a small backsplash can feel like a neat hit of contrast; spread the same shade across a full wall and up to the ceiling and it starts to overpower.

Pattern or Plain?

Pattern can come from more than a printed motif. Tile shape, layout and grout all contribute, so a plain rectangular tile in herringbone or a simple square with contrasting grout may already be doing plenty. Natural stone and stone-look backsplash designs can also introduce plenty of pattern through veining – a heavily figured slab can feel just as busy as a boldly patterned tile.

‘The more visual information a kitchen already contains, the more selective I become with the backsplash. It doesn't necessarily need to be plain, but every material should have a clear role,’ says Kanika. ‘If the countertop, cabinetry or flooring is already making a strong statement, I usually want the backsplash to provide balance and give the eye somewhere to rest rather than introduce another competing focal point.’

Texture or Smooth?

Texture can add depth without adding another color or obvious pattern. Rippled glazes, handmade edges, and three-dimensional surfaces catch light differently throughout the day and can make even a single-color backsplash feel much richer. Judge texture at wall scale rather than from one tile, though; something that looks subtle in your hand can feel far more animated across several square feet. And factor in cleaning. Flat glazed surfaces are generally quickest to wipe down, while deeply textured tiles give grease and dust more ridges and recesses to settle into.

8. Lighting and Reflection

Backsplash materials are unusually affected by lighting because they sit vertically, often beneath cabinetry and close to task lighting. A sample viewed flat under showroom lights can therefore look surprisingly different once it is on your wall.

First test your choice in daylight. Daylight changes throughout the day, so compass direction is useful context rather than a color-selection rule. North-facing kitchens tend to receive cooler, more consistent light; south-facing rooms often get stronger, warmer light, while east- and west-facing spaces can change dramatically between morning and evening. Buildings, trees, overhangs and glazing will alter things further.

The most reliable test is the simplest: prop the actual sample vertically where the backsplash will sit and look at it morning, midday and evening. If the kitchen isn’t installed yet, place the countertop sample beneath it too. Upper cabinets also cast shade, so check any material that will extend from a darker area beneath cabinetry into a more exposed section of wall.

Check the Artificial Light

Under-cabinet lighting can change both the color and character of a backsplash after dark. Warm lamps tend to emphasize creams, pinks, browns and golds, while cooler light can bring blue and gray tones forward; strongly colored cabinetry may also bounce color onto a pale surface.

‘Under-cabinet lighting should always be tested with the backsplash material before finalizing, because light skimming down a wall exaggerates everything, from textures and tile edges to grout joints. A handmade ceramic or zellige tile that comes across as subtle in daylight becomes very animated in the evening. That’s not necessarily a problem, but it should be a decision, not a surprise,’ explains Shelly Yoder, Project Designer,Next Stage Design + Build. Ideally, choose the backsplash and lighting together rather than treating them as completely separate decisions.

Consider the Finish

Gloss tile, polished stone, glass and mirror can bounce light around and add depth but remember that reflective finishes show more than light: they also pick up whatever is opposite them. A garden may introduce a green cast, brickwork can warm the color, and dark cabinetry or pendant lights may appear in the surface itself.

They can also show glare, water spots and surface imperfections more readily. Highly polished sheet materials may make an uneven wall more obvious, while smaller-format tile can disguise minor variations in the surface behind. Honed stone and matte tile diffuse light rather than creating clear reflections, which can make them appear softer and more consistent under strong lighting.

9. Think About the Details

This is where an otherwise simple backsplash can become technically busy. Before ordering material, mark every outlet, switch, window, hood, shelf, light, and plumbing fitting on the elevation. The more patterned or large-format the surface, the more important that planning becomes.

Plan the Interruptions

Outlets and switches can cut awkwardly through tile layouts, mosaics and veined slabs, so coordinate their positions as early as possible. If the electrical plan is still flexible, ask whether outlets can be aligned more neatly, tucked beneath upper cabinets using an approved system or positioned where cuts fall naturally. Electrical codes always take priority, of course. Cover plates matter too: standard white plastic will be far more noticeable against dark stone than pale ceramic.

‘Outlets and switches should be coordinated as early as possible, ideally while the backsplash is being designed rather than after the tile has been selected,’ says Seth Ballard, Founder & Principal Architect, Ballard & Mensua Architecture. ‘Early in my career, I learned this lesson the hard way: an outlet placed in the middle of an otherwise beautiful tile pattern can completely disrupt the design. Whenever possible, we move outlets to a less visually intrusive location, such as directly beneath the wall cabinets, so the backsplash can read as a cohesive composition.’

The same applies to sconces, pot fillers and wall-mounted faucets. Mark their centerlines against the planned tile or veining so they don’t land awkwardly on a grout joint or key piece of pattern.

Coordinate What Sits on the Wall

Decide early whether the backsplash will stop at, run behind or continue around a range hood, and check the appliance manufacturer’s heat and clearance requirements before finalizing the detail. Also look at how the range or cooktop meets the wall: gaps and ledges can trap food and make cleaning harder.

Shelves and wall-mounted fittings may need structural backing, while faucets and pot fillers can require waterproofing and plumbing behind the finished surface. Cable routes for sconces and integrated lighting should be sorted before the wall is tiled, too.

Plan the Edges

Work out exactly how the backsplash finishes around windows, corners and adjoining materials. A smooth connection where the backsplash edge is hidden underneath a windowsill or wall cabinet is the dream. Unavoidable exposed edges need a bit more thought. Some tile ranges offer bullnose or matching border trims; metal tile profiles give a crisp finish, while stone and slab can often be fabricated with finished edges.

Recessed niches need particular thought because they introduce extra corners and edges. Small-format tile or mosaic usually handles this geometry more easily than very large tile or slab, which may need more fabrication. Whatever happens, don’t leave these junctions until installation and hope the installer can make a raw edge disappear.

10. Maintenance and Cleaning

By this point you should already know how your chosen material needs to be cleaned. The bigger question is whether that level of care feels realistic for your kitchen. A backsplash that needs little more than routine wiping is a different commitment from one that may need sealing, specialist cleaning products or more attention to grout and textured surfaces.

Be Realistic About Upkeep

Find out what the material needs beyond everyday cleaning before you buy. Does it require sealing, and if so, how often? Are there cleaners you need to avoid? Will grout need periodic attention? Ask the supplier for care instructions for the exact product rather than relying on generic advice for ‘stone’ or ‘tile’. And don’t confuse sealed with stain-proof or nonporous with indestructible. Treatments can make a surface easier to live with, but they don’t remove the need to look after it.

Match the Maintenance to the Location

Maintenance also depends on where the backsplash sits and how hard that part of the kitchen works. ‘Low maintenance and no maintenance are not the same thing, and the distinction matters most directly behind a range. I always ask clients what’s going on at each section of the wall, because a natural stone or zellige tile that’s perfectly easy to live with on a quiet run can be genuinely demanding behind a high-output cooktop,’ explains Shelly Yoder. ‘Grease can penetrate unsealed stone and collect in the texture of handmade tile in ways that a smooth porcelain simply won’t. The material choice should follow the location, not the other way around.’

Plan for Repairs

Think about repairability as well as cleaning. Individual tiles and grout can usually be dealt with locally, while damage to a large slab or sheet may be more difficult to disguise or replace. If you’re using tile, keep a small quantity after installation. Glaze, color and dimensions can vary between production batches, and the exact design may disappear from the range altogether. A few spare tiles tucked away now can save a lot of hunting later.

11. Cost and Budget

Backsplash budgets can be deceptive. Because the area involved is relatively small, a premium material may be more achievable than expected, while a seemingly inexpensive option can climb quickly once installation is factored in. Always get an installed quote before ruling anything in or out. ‘Price per square foot only tells part of the story because the material itself is often not the biggest line item once fabrication, specialty installation, and wall prep are factored in,’ explains Cathleen Gruver, Founder of Gruver Cooley.

‘Large-format stone slabs, book-matched marble, or intricate mosaic patterns all require more skilled labor and longer installation timelines, which adds up quickly. Grout lines, edge profiles, and whether the wall needs leveling or waterproofing beforehand are all costs that tend to catch homeowners off guard when they're comparing materials early in the process.’

As a broad benchmark, HomeAdvisor’s 2026 US data puts a typical professionally installed backsplash at around $480 to $1,500, with an average close to $1,000, although material, layout, preparation and removal can push that figure considerably higher.

Factor In Installation Complexity

Herringbone, mosaics, borders and mixed tile sizes all require more setting out and cutting than a straightforward stacked layout. The wall itself can also complicate matters: outlets, windows, corners and short returns add labor even when the total square footage is modest. With slab and other large-format materials, much of that cost shifts into templating and fabrication. Every outlet, switch and fixture becomes a cut-out, while seams, edge finishing and vein matching may require additional work.

Spend Strategically

If the budget won’t stretch to a premium material everywhere, use it where it will have the most visual or practical impact. A striking stone might be reserved for the range wall, with a simpler surface elsewhere, or money could go toward better grout, edge detailing or wall preparation to elevate an inexpensive choice.

Simplifying the installation is another way to save. A modest tile in a straightforward layout may cost less overall than an inexpensive tile laid in an intricate pattern with lots of cutting.

12. Installation: What to Know Before You Commit

You don’t need to know how to install a backsplash yourself, but it helps to understand what needs sorting before work begins. Good installation starts well before the first tile or slab goes on the wall, particularly with large-format, handmade or patterned materials.

Get the Wall and Measurements Right

The finished backsplash will only be as good as the surface behind it. Walls need to be sound, stable and sufficiently flat for the chosen material; large-format tile and slab are especially unforgiving of bumps and dips. If an old backsplash is being removed, allow for the possibility that the wall will need repairing or leveling before anything new goes up.

For slab and other made-to-measure surfaces, wait until the relevant fixed elements are confirmed before final templating. Likewise, order enough tile for cuts, wastage and any natural variation. Handmade tile and stone may need extra material so the installer can blend color and pattern across the wall rather than simply working through one box at a time.

Agree the Layout Before Anything Is Fixed

Setting out determines where full tiles, grout lines and cuts will fall, so don’t leave it entirely until installation morning. Ask where the pattern will start, how it will relate to the main focal area and what sort of cuts will be left at corners, windows and cabinetry.

This matters most with directional layouts such as herringbone, decorative or handmade tiles, mosaics and large formats, where a small shift in the starting point can noticeably change the finished result.

‘Any professional tile installer knows how to locate the precise middle of your focal point before applying any adhesive. The precision in planning will ensure that you have symmetrical cut tiles on both sides of your wall,’ says Mike Belk.

The adhesive, grout and fixing system also need to suit the actual tile and substrate. Glass, stone, porcelain and ceramic are not automatically installed in the same way, and pale or translucent materials can sometimes reveal what is behind them.

Use the Right Installer

A simple ceramic tile backsplash on a sound wall may be within the scope of a confident DIYer, but large porcelain panels, slab stone, glass sheets and intricate layouts require very different tools and experience.

‘An experienced installer can often make even a modest material look custom and high-end. The wrong installer can make even an expensive backsplash look cheap,’ say Nancy Vu. ‘That’s why we always suggest that homeowners ask installers, “Where will you start the layout, and where will the cut pieces go?” A good installer should be able to explain this clearly before any work begins.’

Finally, ask how long the installation needs to cure before cleaning, sealing or exposing it to regular kitchen use. Adhesives, grout and sealants all have their own timings, and looking dry isn’t necessarily the same as being ready.

A backsplash may be a relatively small part of the kitchen, but you look at it every single day, so it’s worth choosing one that makes your heart sing. Get the practical bits right first, then let color, pattern and texture do the fun part. For more inspiration, our guide to kitchen backsplash ideas is packed with ways to make this busy bit of wall look brilliant.

The Homes & Gardens Library is your definitive guide to timeless design wisdom. From choosing the perfect sofa to mastering the fundamentals of layout, each piece in the series draws on expert insight to guide you through the key principles of interior design. Thoughtfully curated yet easy to digest, it’s the essential reference for anyone looking to create a home that is beautiful, practical, and enduring

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Whether you source antiques or buy new, copper is renowned for the beautiful patina it gains over time, adding lived-in charm to any space, as we recently saw in this moody Greek revival kitchen by Sean Anderson, which mixes the elegance of copper with more industrial blackened metals.

It's also a key material of some of the chicest fall collections of 2026, including McGee & Co.'s fall kitchen edit, filled with a range of copper tones, Nickey Kehoe's regularly sold-out kitchenware ranging from pans to tea kettles, and deVOL's aged copper sinks which are becoming a coveted kitchen feature in the most stylish homes. And we can't forget to mention Magnolia's copper kitchen designs, which blend aged metallic finishes with rustic wood for timeless pieces that feel like future heirlooms.

It's also one of the easiest ways to refresh your kitchen for fall, replacing white stoneware and stainless steel pieces with richer copper tones. It feels chic, yet effortlessly rooted in heritage. To make the transition even easier, we've curated an edit of the best pieces to add to your collection, from elegant tableware to timeless cooking essentials.

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It's an example of how to create a wooden kitchen that feels inherently timeless yet still full of depth and interest. From the fluted details to the custom pieces and playful flooring, each element has been carefully chosen to balance a design that honors the architecture with those more personality-led details.

But this space didn't start quite so characterful as the new design. Here's exactly how the designer took this kitchen from an unfortunate past remodel to an integral part of the home's architecture, and the design details that make it so successful. You'd never know most of the historic charm was reintroduced later.

Let Architecture Inspire the Kitchen Design

Architectural details, or lack thereof, immediately indicate that a kitchen is a later extension, making it feel detached from the rest of the home. In this project, the original 1928 character of the rest of the home needed to be reintroduced to the cooking space, and echoing those original details from elsewhere in the house offered the most sympathetic solution.

'We wanted to reintroduce darker wood tones and a rich color scheme, mirroring the original windows from the front of the house in the kitchen to maintain a cohesive and charming exterior. The clients are also extremely passionate cooks, so it was incredibly important to craft a space that integrated period details, but also included functionality for contemporary living,' explains Ginger Curtis of Urbanology Designs.

'The right windows were an imperative part of the design for this kitchen and the overall aesthetic, which pulled from warm, modern European interiors, and had a massive role in our decision to introduce arched windows into the space. We wanted light to flood the space, but also to frame the garden views just outside of them, to strengthen the connection between architecture and landscape.'

Pair White Oak and Marble for a Timeless Look

Choosing classic materials is a tasteful way to create a timeless design, but that doesn't mean your kitchen needs to be boring. Wood cabinets were chosen in this design, paired with a statement marble that instantly brings the whole room to life. It's bold and beautiful without becoming too themed or out of place in the architecture.

'We used rift-cut white oak for the cabinetry because it grounded the room in an organic warmth, but it was also such a complement to the Calacutta Viola marble. That marble had incredible, rich veining and became a focal point for the kitchen since we wrapped it around the range wall cabinetry as a continuous architectural gesture,' Ginger explains, adding that the marble countertops were a crucial detail, which is why she chose to continue it into the kitchen backsplash.

'This was such a beautiful, bold, and high-movement slab of marble, so it deserved to be treated differently rather than in a traditional sense. We wanted the marble to physically feel like architecture versus just a finish. When you wrap something bold and rich like a piece of marble in a way that’s unexpected, it stops reading as a backsplash, but like an element of the room. It brings character in a simple and different way, and it accentuates the impact of its veining.'

Choose Patterned Flooring to Add Interest to the Design

When you choose classic materials for the main elements of a kitchen, a patterned floor adds depth, interest, and a more layered feel to the design. In this design, the simpler kitchen cabinetry is beautifully complemented by checkerboard flooring, but rather than the traditional black and white tiles, Ginger opted for colors in tone with the rest of the space, balancing authentic and playful design.

'Checkerboard has deep roots in period architecture, especially kitchens, so it was a design choice made to honor the integrity and history of the home. However, checkerboard becomes a lot more interesting when you use colors and palettes that are softer and not as traditional,' she notes. 'That’s exactly how we treated it for this project. From a visual standpoint, almost everything in the space is organic and irregular, so we needed something geometric that holds its own against the kitchen’s tall ceilings and timber beams. '

Add Interest and Texture with Thoughtful Cabinet Details

Long runs of cabinetry can read a little bit flat in a kitchen, but Ginger avoided such monotony by introducing beautiful architectural details and texture throughout the design, starting with the wall cabinets. 'Fluted detailing is one of our favorite architectural moments in a space. It instantly elevates and warrants a closer look, but it also brings movement to a space like a kitchen, which is typically full of flat, high-gloss or matte surfaces,' she explains.

'When you pair this architectural moment with the light that comes through the arched windows, it creates shadows and a sense of depth, which ultimately distributes softness and texture. It also provides scale and proportion because it draws the eye upward, creating balance. Fluting has roots in classical architecture as well, so it carries a sense of history and craft into the kitchen with modern accents.'

Elevate an Island with Architectural Silhouettes

The history of the home lends itself to a kitchen island that feels less built-in and bulky, so Ginger introduced legs that create a more freestanding look and reference the more traditional style. Not only does it add a new layer of interest to the island, but it also ties back to the wall cabinets for a more cohesive design.

'The leg design on the island is subtle, but it has an important role because it bridges structural weight with architectural lightness. We wanted to mirror the vertical grain language of the fluted details on the upper cabinets, as well as the beamed ceiling, so the island didn’t read as a separate object in the room. Rather, it matches the same architectural vocabulary, but has a beautiful contrast with the rounded feet that give it a more casual, yet delicate feel,' she continues.

The custom counter stools were an important element of the overriding island design, a detail Ginger describes as having 'an almost whimsical feel to them. They play a sculptural role in the space and tie the rounded aspects of the room together. We wanted to pay homage to the home’s heritage, and these stools nod to the hand-crafted quality we pride ourselves on, but that’s hard to find nowadays. They are modern accents built from an old craft, which is exactly why they fit so well in this space.'

Introduce Kitchen Lighting That Softens the Room

While many people choose simple, low-hanging island pendants, they aren't always the best design for every scheme. Kitchen lighting needs to illuminate the room, but the fixtures should also suit the architecture and add a softer detail. It's the reason round designs were introduced here, both on the ceiling and walls.

'We wanted lights with a soft, glowing quality to them, unlike glass or metal, so the light diffused unevenly and more organically. Lighting is one of the most important decisions you can make as a designer because it can change the entire feel of the space,' Ginger explains.

'For this kitchen, we wanted the lighting to feel like it belonged to the space and home, but we also wanted it to hold warmth rather than just cast it. The kitchen has many straight, structural lines, and while there are rounded, curved shapes throughout, we wanted the lighting to balance those curves and connect them across various eye levels.'

Quick Tips

• Reference your home's architecture throughout the kitchen for a cohesive design
• Embrace classic materials for an enduring scheme
• Have fun with the flooring – pattern here goes a long way
• Look for areas of your design that can be elevated with thoughtful details, whether it's curves or fluting
• Think about the impact lighting has on your kitchen beyond illumination

Timeless style is always a priority when designing a kitchen meant to last, but that doesn't mean you have to miss out on the smaller details that make a scheme feel unique and characterful. This design proves that a few small elements can instantly elevate the design, from the fluted cabinet details to the custom stools that instantly add a new layer of interest.

But this design also proves that historic charm and architectural features are never truly lost. 'At the end of the day, the arched windows play such a pivotal role in the kitchen’s overall feel and look,' Ginger concludes. 'We purposefully chose materials and architectural details that moved, changed, and evolved as sunlight passed over them, so that the kitchen felt different in the morning than it did in the evening. For clients who spend an incredible amount of time in their kitchen, it was important to make it beautiful.'

Shop the Look

At Homes & Gardens, we believe a kitchen should work as beautifully as it looks. That’s the philosophy behind Dream Kitchens, our new series exploring the world’s most inspiring cook spaces. From clever layouts to the 'it' materials of 2026, we’re uncovering the design lessons tucked inside every home. Join us for an intimate look at the spaces that define modern living – and find the blueprints for your next big project.

According to designers, a dinette is the small kitchen solution that offers a comfortable place to sit without the need for lots of floor space. These compact zones often fit in awkward alcoves you don't know what to do with, creating kitchen seating that feels instantly cozy and inviting.

And they're surprisingly easy to introduce to your kitchen without a full renovation. Whether you're designing a compact seating space from scratch or upgrading a not-so-comfortable set-up, here's why designers champion these bijou designs and how you can add one to your own space.

While there are a lot of inspiring design ideas surrounding kitchen seating, many rely on plenty of space or certain architectural features. But a dinette ticks all of the tiny space requirements that other designs don't quite fit. 'They work particularly well in smaller spaces because they make use of areas that might otherwise be underused,' says interior designer Suzie Mc Adam. 'A built-in bench or compact table can often provide more seating than a conventional dining arrangement, while still keeping the room feeling open and connected.'

It's the way they fit into awkward corners that makes them such a unique option. 'Having seating fitted into a corner is a good way to make use of a small space. It feels cleaner and less cluttered than having lots of chairs,' Saskia Howard of Howark Design adds. 'They create a more intimate, relaxed place to gather within the kitchen and bring a sense of softness to what can otherwise be quite a functional space.'

Because kitchen dinettes are specifically designed to fit into a smaller space, all of the usual challenges you face in a compact room have already been thought of and worked around. 'In a smaller kitchen, a seating area can be designed around the space rather than forcing the room to accommodate a standard-size island,' explains Kati Finneran of Mountain Ave Interiors.

'A small table, banquette, or settee can tuck into an otherwise underused area while still giving you a comfortable place to gather. They create a sense of intimacy that you don’t always get with an island, where everyone tends to sit in a row. A small table or banquette lets people face one another and creates an opportunity to bring softer, more comfortable elements into the kitchen. It gives you a place to linger over coffee, share a meal, or simply sit and talk.'

It's not just about space-saving design and accommodating compact proportions. It's easy for a small kitchen to lack a more inviting, lived-in feel when every inch of space is for function. A dinette creates breathing space – an open corner that signals the room is more than just a cooking zone.

'What I love about small seating areas in kitchens is that they make the room feel more sociable and less purely functional,' Suzie agrees. 'Kitchens are often where people naturally gather, so having a small nook creates a softer, more relaxed place to sit, have coffee, read, chat, or keep someone company while someone is prepping.'

But perhaps one of the most overlooked factors in kitchen seating designs is household size. In homes with only one or two people, a huge dining area just isn't needed, and a smaller dinette offers a more space-appropriate design for the actual needs of the homeowner.

'Not everyone does large-scale entertaining, or lives as part of a large family. Where this is the case, it’s nicer to be able to have cozy, intimate seating, rather than sit at a large table that just isn’t necessary. It’s better to lean into the way you actually live,' says Saskia.

They fundamentally change the way the entire kitchen feels without taking up a large footprint or compromising the everyday functional needs. 'For me, the appeal is really that these little spaces can completely change how a kitchen is used,' Suzie concludes. 'They encourage people to linger and create different atmospheres within one room.'

Create a Kitchen Dinette

A dinette is the ultimate feature for small kitchens to bring a more lived-in, cozy feel as we head towards fall. For more small space ideas, check out this year's biggest small kitchen trends.

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So how can you choose a kitchen color scheme that balances timeless style, personalized design, and actually looks good in your home? For interior designer Amber Lewis, the process is simpler than you might think.

Here's her tried-and-tested method for choosing the right kitchen colors every time, where to draw inspiration, and how to create a cohesive look, whatever your design style. Honestly, her advice has just made choosing the right kitchen color so much easier.

With so many paint colors on offer, even narrowing the options down to a shortlist can seem overwhelming. It gets even harder when you're choosing something that feels timeless yet still brings character and personality to your design. The list of requirements is getting longer, and knowing where to start feels infinitely harder.

But for Amber, finding the right kitchen color always begins with the inspiration. 'I always start outside; the landscape and architecture of the home inform the direction before I ever open a paint deck,' she explains. This is where timelessness comes in: nature never dates, nor does architecture, and choosing a color that fits your home's age and history will help to narrow the ideal palette.

'Moving inside, I think about how the different elements of the room – architectural details, materials, and layout – interact and influence each other. I want the space as a whole, and each individual element, to feel connected without feeling overly coordinated or themed,' she continues.

'I’m always trying to strike that balance, and the color palette plays a huge role in achieving it. When each surface is having a conversation with the next, instead of simply sharing the space, a color choice feels intentional rather than accidental.'

One of the most important elements of the kitchen color selection process is sampling paint colors in your space and moving them around the room to see how they look in different light levels – that's how you find the best colors to paint your kitchen depending on its orientation. But for Amber, a specific sample type is crucial for accuracy.

'Get real samples – not paint chips, but actual painted boards – and live with them in the space at different times of day,' she advises. 'Undertone is everything; a white can read yellow, blue, or green depending on the light, and you won't know until you actually watch it change from morning to evening.'

And while white kitchens are popular, especially for a scheme that ages well, it's not the only option for a timeless design. Stronger colors have a place in classic style – especially if you take Amber's advice on where to find inspiration. And there are a few colors she often returns to.

'I love French sage greens, inky blue-blacks, and creamy warm whites,' she notes. 'I’m also not mad at a bold pop of color when it makes sense; I’ve been known to go for soft blue-greens and rich browns, too. I will always vote for color palettes that have a bit of personality and character but won’t lose their depth as trends come and go.'

The process doesn't end here, however. Once you've created a shortlist of paints that read beautifully in your kitchen, make sure they sit cohesively alongside the other finishes and materials you want to bring into the room, like countertops, hardware, and tiles.

'Layer your samples the way you'll actually live with them – a cut of your countertop stone next to your cabinet color, and that pair alongside your kitchen flooring sample,' she suggests. 'Step back and get a good look. There is technically no wrong combination as long as it feels cohesive to you, but I will say: pick one hero material (usually your stone) and let everything else support it rather than compete with it.'

If you want more kitchen design advice from Amber, find out what she has to say about decorating your kitchen for fall and the future of kitchen design, or pick up a copy of her brand-new book, Interiors: Curated Spaces from Start to Finish (Clarkson Potter/Penguin Random House), available to purchase now on Amazon.

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Simple and practical, their organic tones and natural grains create a beautiful focal point. Propped up on your countertops, layered with platters, or used as the base to an island vignette, these kitchenware essentials have become beloved far beyond their practical qualities.

Using them as display pieces keeps them within easy reach when you need them, perfectly balancing aesthetics and function. But not just any cutting board will do – the right piece depends on your kitchen. A warm neutral scheme benefits from dark wood boards, a Scandi space requires something lighter in tone, and a country abode calls for more rustic finishes.

You'll also need to think about how you use your cutting boards, too. Do you prefer a handled design for easy moveability, or does a board with ridges for drainage align more with your cooking style? Whatever type of cutting board you're drawn to, we've curated an edit of the most stylish and characterful pieces to shop.

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But the success of your pantry ideas hinges on a seamless design. It has to include the right amount and style of storage for the items you want to live there, while also feeling thoughtfully designed alongside your kitchen. So before you get carried away with decor and pretty baskets, make sure you know how to design a pantry that effortlessly balances style and function.

However, if your pantry is ready to be drenched in color, filled with thoughtful storage solutions, and embellished with charming decorative details, look no further. We've curated a comprehensive edit of ideas, inspiration, and trends to create a pantry you'll be finding excuses to use.

The Latest Pantry Trends

As with any room, there are a few pantry trends worth having on your radar to inspire something fun and unexpected. They are always very tied to kitchen trends, whether it's the materials and colors proving popular or the pantry being merged with other uses (like a bantry, for example) to maximize space. Of all the trending pantry designs, these are the ones we think are worth knowing.

Walk-In Pantry Designs

For a lot of people, a pantry comes in the form of a large cabinet designed for specific food and appliance storage. But walk-in pantry ideas have become all the more desirable, offering more space and a room-like feel separate from the main kitchen.

But as well as adding more storage than a single cabinet, they also open up design opportunities. Less visible from the kitchen, you can get creative with bolder decorating styles, whether it's an unexpected color scheme or a playful pattern.

In this layered Federal home, a walk-in pantry has become a stylish destination, complete with yellow cabinetry, floral wallpaper, and elegant yellow shelves to match the built-in storage. It instantly becomes a confidence zone, yet still feels highly functional, even making space for an extra sink.

Under-Stairs Pantries and Clever Use of Underutilized Nooks

If you want to create a pantry without intruding on the main kitchen, this year's trends are making the most of those underutilized nooks around your space. It could be an awkward alcove you don't know what to do with, or that understairs cupboard that's become a chaotic dumping ground.

In fact, under-stairs pantry ideas are becoming far more creative and actually quite luxurious, with thoughtful storage that works with sloping ceilings and materials that soften these darker corners. The design team at Ledbury Studio transformed this under-stairs cupboard into a charming walk-in pantry using soft yellow hues and staggered shelves to make the most of empty walls.

Butler's Pantries

Some of the most exciting pantry trends this year look back to more traditional interpretations, and one of the most prevalent is the revival of the butler's pantry. Traditionally, these rooms had everything a butler needed to perform their duties, from ingredients to silverware storage.

Although they might not be designed for butlers today, the ethos of a room that holds everything you need for a well-planned meal remains the same. 'A butler’s pantry is one of those spaces that can be both hardworking and beautiful,' says interior designer Lauren Deloach.

'It creates a natural transition between the kitchen and the more formal areas of the home, providing additional storage and preparation space while allowing entertaining to happen effortlessly behind the scenes. I wanted the utility of this space to feel secondary to its beauty. Ultimately, it should serve the way a family lives while still contributing to the character and story of the home.'

Back Kitchens For Harder-Working Zones

If you want your pantry to work harder, then a back kitchen might be a better fit. These secondary rooms pack in all the storage of a traditional pantry, but also act as the main kitchen's overflow, often featuring a second sink, additional appliances, and the hub of kitchen cleaning. It's a pantry-style room that's continuing to dominate trends, for good reason.

'I think the appeal of a back kitchen is that it gives you room for all the behind-the-scenes work while keeping the main kitchen beautiful and welcoming for guests. A traditional pantry primarily provides storage, while a back kitchen takes that function further with countertop space for prep, a sink, and sometimes additional appliances,' explains Kelsey McGregor, Founder & Principal Designer of Kelsey Leigh Design Co.

'You have somewhere to tuck away the mess of entertaining and keep everything you need within reach,' she continues. 'It’s something I love about the “unkitchen” approach – allowing the main kitchen to feel like a thoughtfully designed room where people want to gather.'

The Blended Bantry

If you stay in the know about design trends, you've probably seen the bantry cropping up this year. Defined as the merging of a pantry with a home bar, it makes this room feel more usable, taking it from a storage space to a room that becomes an integral part of hosting.

'In this project, the homeowners wanted to make this space really stand on its own, selecting a beautiful, moody green backdrop and statement marble with an integrated sink,' explains interior designer Katy Anderson, noting that the decor was key to the immersive feel of the room.

'They chose a textured wallpaper and glam lighting, in addition to the ribbed glass cabinets for their glassware for the bar. Designing this space right off the kitchen allowed them to keep the clutter away and tucked out of sight. The bar/pantry is fancy enough for guests at night and still functional enough for the family during the daytime. They just love it!'

Breakfast Stations

In kitchens with a pantry cabinet rather than a walk-in design, trends are encouraging you to design storage with a more functional purpose. For some, it might be a coffee station, but for others, especially in family kitchens, a breakfast station integrated into a pantry is proving a valuable choice. Everything you need for morning rituals is in one place and can be closed away for the rest of the day.

'A dedicated station brings a sense of ritual to everyday living, while keeping the practicalities beautifully contained,' explains interior designer Rebecca Hughes, explaining that there are both functional and aesthetic benefits to 'combining integrated appliances and generous storage with open shelving for the pieces you want to display. It’s both wonderfully functional and a lovely little moment of luxury within the home.'

Introducing Warm Tones and Natural Materials

Since reappearing in the trends last year, wooden kitchen ideas have once again become a go-to choice for cooking spaces, adding warmth and organic charm. But it applies to pantries, too – especially pantry cabinets within a main kitchen. It pairs beautifully alongside almost any color scheme and adds a warm, slightly rustic charm.

It's about tactility – in this chic olive green townhouse kitchen, painted cabinetry fills the room, with a small section of wood and glazed cabinetry to create a pantry. The kitchen feels more layered and textured without feeling cluttered or one-tone. It also zones the pantry nicely, giving it its own sense of identity.

Embracing Bold, Dramatic Colors

Color trends this year are moving away from stark whites towards far darker, richer color schemes. And a pantry is one of those spaces that can handle a more dramatic color, like the oxblood tiles drenched throughout this design.

'We tiled the walls and ceiling in oxblood ceramic tiles, reflecting the reclaimed pendant, with a studded walnut countertop and copper sink. The space below is concealed by a cafe curtain in a check reminiscent of traditional tablecloths,' explains interior designer Isabella Worsley.

Pantry Styles

There are several pantry styles to choose from, depending on the overall look of your kitchen and wider home. This is an area where you want to stick to the same design style as your kitchen for a sense of continuity. So, whether you kitchen leans modern or traditional, luxury or more rustic, these are the key pantry styles to consider.

Modern Design

A modern kitchen requires a pantry in the same style, but that doesn't mean your design has to be white or void of personality. While a modern pantry may feel more sleek in style, there are still plenty of ways to introduce unique design details.

This pantry by Butler Armsden Architects shows how a thoughtful use of materials can create the most sculptural design. Using wooden slats, dividing walls have been crafted, zoning the pantry without completely cutting it off from the main kitchen. Simple open shelving holding everyday essentials sticks to the minimalist theme.

Traditional Style

Traditional style covers a vast, varied range of designs, but they all share a more collected feel. Nothing is too perfect, and storage isn't all hidden behind closed doors. Instead, walls are usually filled with rows of shelves, with hardware and countertops in more classic materials, like marble and aged brass.

The pink pantry cabinets here contrast the beige kitchen, but the small preview into the more vibrant space feels curated and playful. The traditional brass hardware and marble countertops tie it into the main kitchen while retaining its own identity. It proves these smaller spaces are the perfect place to experiment with bolder designs while still feeling inherently traditional.

Shaker Pantry Cabinets

One of the most popular kitchen cabinet styles, Shaker doors work just as timelessly in a pantry. Of course, there is less of it, but using the lower half of the pantry for closed storage is a great way to create space for those items you use less regularly, as well as less aesthetically pleasing storage.

A Shaker pantry is also a great choice if you have chosen a Shaker kitchen – the flow between spaces feels more intentional and connected. That doesn't mean your pantry can't have its own identity, though. In this design, the kitchen cabinetry is continued into the pantry with a lighter green tone for contrast, making this small nook feel more inviting.

Farmhouse and Rustic Styles

Farmhouse kitchens – or freestanding kitchens – are the perfect place for an in-kitchen pantry, since you can easily house a vast amount of storage in a freestanding unit. 'A freestanding pantry adds character, softening the uniformity of fitted cabinetry,' says Fred Horlock, design director at Neptune.

'It breaks up rigid lines and creates visual interest, resulting in a kitchen that feels inviting and sophisticated. It also contributes to functionality, providing your kitchen with additional storage or workspace, making it a practical and versatile choice.'

For most people, a freestanding pantry integrated into the kitchen makes the most sense, functionally and stylistically, so choosing a timeless design that feels cohesive with your kitchen scheme is a must.

Luxury Pantry Designs

If your pantry is in plain view, why not embrace a more luxurious design? In the same way that marble kitchens feel elevated and timeless, it has the same impact on your pantry, too. It's also a great way to try new materials that may have been out of budget for the main kitchen.

This pantry is a perfect example, framed by glass walls and doors in full view from multiple areas of the room. Drenching the walls and floors in marble creates a chic focal point and makes the pantry feel like anything but a utilitarian space. The gold accents around the door and cabinet edges add a glamorous finish, too.

Pantry Color Ideas

Color is where you can start to have a bit of fun with your pantry design. Keep it the same as your kitchen color in a lighter or darker shade for a subtle transition, or use your pantry color to bring an unexpected hue, tapping into the trend for bold or moody designs. Here are a few pantry colors interior designers say work beautifully in these spaces.

Keep it Timeless with a Light and Neutral Scheme

A neutral pantry is among the most popular, instantly brightening a windowless space and making it easy to find ingredients and accessories stored within it. That doesn't mean sticking to stark whites, however. In this design, a mig-gray beige hue has been drenched across the cabinets, shelving, and paneled walls for a seamless finish with minimal visual divides.

'This pantry is the entertainer’s dream, beautifully blending form and function. Inset cabinets in Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth, paired with natural soapstone, create a timeless backdrop for its impressive storage: wine fridge, fridge drawers, liquor and small appliance storage, plus dedicated space for barware, serving pieces, and table settings,' explains Sarah Brady, Founder and Principal Designer of Salt Design Co.

'A polished nickel wall-mounted faucet and a classic library ladder add both charm and utility, making even the highest shelves accessible. Thoughtfully designed to handle the demands of frequent entertaining, it feels every bit as sophisticated as the rest of the kitchen.'

Add Drama with Draker Hues

The penchant for moody colors lends itself perfectly to a pantry. Burgundy, navy blue, and even rich browns appeal, bringing depth to a space that can easily feel a little boring. It's especially effective in pantries connected to a neutral kitchen, creating a charming jewel box moment. In this design, deep brown was the perfect tone to drench across the cabinetry.

'We chose an earthy bronze paint color for the cabinetry to complement the natural walnut accents and echo the surrounding mountain landscape. I love how the painted and stained finishes used throughout this home play off each other and give a warm, layered feel,' explains interior designer Alex Adamson.

Uplift a Practical Space with Yellow

The renewed love of yellow kitchens is spreading to smaller spaces, creating a bold, colorful haven without the same commitment as a full kitchen. They become functional rooms that radiate joy, rather than a simple white box.

'Yellow is a favorite color because it is cheerful and it brightens up dark spaces,' says Andrew Petherick of Guild Anderson, noting yellow's light-enhancing benefits. 'Most country house larders and pantries are located on the north side of the house, often without a window, so yellow can add a sunny tone to a space with no sunshine'

Create Moody Elegance with Deep Red Hues

Homeowners are no longer afraid of moody color palettes, and while it might sound counterintuitive to paint a smaller room dark, it's actually one of the most impactful choices you can make. And of all the deep, rich colors that feel elevated and stylish right now, dark reds are topping the list.

From elegant burgundies to richer oxblood hues, these colors are far more versatile than you might expect. This luxurious pantry by Kelsey Leigh Design Co. makes a compelling case for drenching a pantry in dark red, pairing the color with black countertops and brass details for a classic feel. The blue and white striped sink skirt adds an unexpected contrast, too.

Stay Classic with Blue

A walk-in pantry extends from the kitchen, so choosing a color palette that complements the main room creates a seamless cohesion between zones. That doesn't mean matching the colors – your pantry is a great place to add a bolder hue (like blue), especially in neutral schemes.

The pantry in this new-build home in Utah is a chic example of how to get it right. Classic blue cabinets paired with white walls give the space a quiet elegance, while the brass hardware and dark countertops add depth and contrast.

The right colors and finishes are the easiest way to make your pantry look more expensive and elevated without taking the shine from your main kitchen. It's about complementing, not competing.

Go Green For Earthy Charm

There's an enduring appeal to green kitchens due to the influence of earthier palettes, and the same applies to a pantry. Painting your pantry in a warm shade of green, whether it's deep and moody or light and airy, will always lead to a timeless and inviting storage space, as shown in this pantry by Susannah Holmberg Studios.

'Our clients wanted a design that highlighted black, white, and green, but also requested an earthier, natural aesthetic,' says interior designer Susannah Holmberg, who used a mix of paint and stain to bring renewed texture to the design.

'We chose to relegate the green to smaller areas where it could offer a saturated pop, while allowing earthier neutrals to command the rest of the spaces. We chose to stain, rather than paint, the cabinets because we wanted the subtle pattern of the wood grain and the sheer matte texture that staining affords.'

Use Wood Tones For Understated Elegance

A wooden kitchen brings a classic, organic quality to a home, so a pantry filled with this natural material will always be in style. Pairing seamlessly with countertop materials, hardware finishes, and almost any kitchen color, it's the kind of pantry scheme that will evolve with you. Here, wooden cabinetry and shelving sit alongside black countertops for a more understated look.

'This pantry is a study in thoughtful organization and enduring warmth,' explains Laura Tays, Founder and Principal Designer of Minnesota-based Tays & Co. Design Studios. 'The white oak tongue-and-groove paneling, paired with matching open shelves, frames the space in natural grain, while black granite countertops lend a rich, tactile counterpoint.'

Pantry Shelving and Storage Ideas

Choosing colors and decor might be the exciting part of the design process, but your pantry storage is one of the most important factors to get right. Consider which storage types will work best for your space and how you use it, then start to think about how you will organize your pantry for maximum function.

Make Sure All is Accessible with Open Shelving

There's a reason pantry shelving ideas are so popular – they make the space feel open and ensure easy access to regularly used ingredients. Unlike kitchen shelving that needs to be kept minimal to avoid a cluttered look, a pantry prioritizes function, so having more open storage ensures everything is easy to find and grab, without rummaging through deep cabinetry.

Shelving is also more flexible than cabinetry. You can add or remove shelves as and when you need, and you can also introduce adjustable shelving to accommodate taller canisters or appliances. These small details are what take your pantry from pretty to a hard-working addition to your kitchen storage.

Maximize Depth with Drawers and Pull-Out Storage

Shelving doesn't really work so well below waist height, so introducing some closed storage is always useful. But basic cabinetry doesn't make the most of the available space, and often leads to forgotten ingredients and accessories hidden away at the back.

Instead, opt for drawers where possible to really maximize deep storage. They can be easily organized and labeled for ease of use, and various-sized drawers can be introduced depending on the items you need to store in them. You could even create appliance drawers to keep countertops tidy.

Create Organized Storage with Canisters and Baskets

How you store and display your pantry storage will directly impact how organized and easy to use your pantry feels. Regular store packaging can look incredibly messy and often isn't designed to store produce well. Instead, decant dried ingredients into glass canisters, place cans on tiered stands (this set of 2 Wooden Tiered Stands is a great option), and put extras in baskets so they are easy to find but not on display.

Glass designs work particularly well because you can clearly see the contents and how much of each item you have left. Amazon has plenty of options, including a set of 6 ComSaf Glass Pantry Storage Containers in varying sizes, a selection of sets of Square Glass Storage Jars with Bamboo Lids, and a more traditional-style set of 2 Large Glass Jars with Airtight Acacia Lids.

Pantry Door and Access Ideas

It's easy to overlook the design of your pantry door ideas, but it's one element you will always see from your kitchen. Plus, it's the route of access between the two spaces, so ensuring it looks elevated and functions optimally is really important.

Pocket Doors

Pocket doors are a great option for a pantry, whether it's a walk-in space or a freestanding design. Being able to slide the doors open and hide them away makes it really easy to access your pantry without constantly opening, closing, or having to navigate around doors.

The most unique thing about pocket doors on a pantry is that they completely disappear, so nothing is blocked behind an open door, and you can create a more seamless transition between the pantry and kitchen. It means you can close the pantry door or create the illusion of an open-plan layout.

Crittall-Style Pantry Doors

Crittall-style doors are a great option if you want to see into your pantry from the kitchen, but still want some visual interest that you can't achieve with glass alone. With the black framing creating a square pattern, suddenly the doors become a more layered feature.

In this deVOL kitchen and pantry in a historic home, glazed doors let plenty of light to filter in from the kitchen, while clear glazing keeps the two spaces connected. Gold handles echo the finish used throughout the main cooking space, creating that sense of cohesion without entirely matching.

Glazed Doors

For a more traditional look, wooden doors with partial glazing balance the best of both worlds, closing the pantry while still allowing light and some visual access to the storage. And in this kitchen, pink-painted pantry doors add an unexpected design feature.

'The kitchen in this project was part of a large living space, and so we wanted to keep the kitchen units themselves to a minimum, to avoid it looking too utilitarian. The creation of a pantry that was connected to the kitchen, but separated by glazed doors allowed us to give this space unique character,' explains Isabella Worsley.

Pantry Lighting Ideas

Approach your pantry lighting similarly to how you would your kitchen lighting. The best designs start with the functional fixtures that properly illuminate the room, while softer lighting comes second to add warmth and a decorative detail.

Balance Practical and Pretty Lighting

A pantry is only functional if you can actually see the whole space and find the storage you are looking for. Ceiling and pendant lights are often the most effective here, creating overhead light that covers the entire pantry. In an under-stairs pantry, wall lights often work best to avoid sloping ceilings.

Think about task lighting, too. Under-shelf LED strips are hugely impactful, ensuring there is adequate lighting reaching each shelf, which can easily become shadowed under ceiling light alone. Opt for these Dimmable LED Strip Lights for discreet lighting, or this 2 Pack Rechargeable Motion Sensor Light for a wireless alternative, both from Amazon.

And finally, don't forget to think about warmer accent lighting that makes your pantry feel more inviting. In pantries with counter space, introducing a small lamp instantly brings a more lived-in feel and a new light source that's more useful than you might think. Cordless options are favorable so that you aren't using valuable outlets – this Gold Cordless Lamp from Amazon is perfect for smaller spaces, or for a bolder pop of color, try the Addison Ross Bobbin LED Lamp from Anthropologie.

Pantry Styling Ideas

A pantry might be dedicated to storage, but that doesn't mean you can't get creative with a bit of styling. Whether it's making your everyday staples look more aesthetic or mixing functional details with something more decorative, here are a few ways to make your pantry feel more personalized.

Look To Decorative Storage, Like Baskets

So you've decanted all of your ingredients into glass jars, but where do you store the overflow stock and canned goods? Storage baskets are the most stylish option, specifically woven designs like this Woven Rattan Pantry Storage Basket for an organic texture, or these Metal Stackable Wire Pantry Baskets for a more contemporary look, both from Target. And this pantry proves how functional a stylish solution can be.

'Storage abounds: pull-out drawers glide smoothly to reveal layers of dry goods, while decorative boxes conceal clutter with refined discretion. Integrated produce bins die into the shelving – perfect for onions and potatoes – combining freshness with practicality. This pantry flawlessly balances visible order and hidden utility, for a harmony of functional artistry we were going for,' says Laura Tays.

Mix Practical Storage with Display Pieces

Once you've organized your storage, add decorative pieces to give your pantry a more stylized look, whether it's a stack of recipe books, a decorative plate, or even collected kitchen artwork. Fill higher shelves with visual pieces, as they are less useful for everyday storage.

In this pantry designed by Lauren Gilberthorpe Interiors, the wooden open shelving is expertly curated, with glass canisters holding dried goods styled with drinkware and a range of recipe books. This mix of practical food storage and more aesthetic decor pieces creates a more lived-in look that instantly makes the pantry feel more inviting.

Give Pantry Countertops a Lift with Decorative Details

Much like your kitchen countertops, your pantry surfaces can always benefit from a decorative lift. It's important that you don't create a cluttered look that leaves your counters filled and unusable, so choose pieces that strike a balance.

Try displaying your favorite wooden cutting boards (this scalloped design from Lulu and Georgia is a charming choice) along the walls, leaning art on shelves, or hanging a few dried herbs on a pot rack. Choose a pot rack that ties into the rest of your design. If you've used brass throughout, stick to the same finish, such as this Metal Pot Rack from McGee & Co.

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It's a kitchen trend that designers say is key to creating the more lived-in, custom feel so many homeowners desire from their spaces. And the most successful designs are subtle and intentional, bringing in curved details where it really matters.

Here's why kitchen curves are transcending trends to become a more integral part of our schemes, the different ways to introduce them, and a few designer-approved spaces that get the look right.

The Appeal of Curves in Kitchens

If you take a look at the most dominant design features in kitchens this year, they all point to softer spaces that feel lived-in and more room-like. Curved details fit this perfectly, adding softness without sacrificing functionality. Curves offer that balance in a way many other features cannot.

'Kitchens have cabinetry, countertops, appliances, islands, and millwork all competing within a very linear framework, so introducing a curved element can immediately make the room feel more considered and less rigid,' explains Kailee Blalock, Co-Founder of House of Hive Design Co.

'I also think curves are a beautiful way to add architectural interest without needing to make a huge statement. It could be a curved plaster hood, the end of an island, a bullnose countertop edge, an arched opening, or a subtle radius on the cabinetry. Sometimes that one detail is enough to make the entire kitchen feel more custom and intentional.'

But beyond the warmth and organic feel they add to kitchens, there's also a nod to bygone eras. For interior designer David Nastasi, the look offers a subtle throwback to the '70s, an era that evokes different emotions depending on the generation you ask.

'We have a generation who are now mature and building homes, who do not remember the '70s with negative associations. They grew up with white walls and square edges. For someone my age (52) or older, there has been shock and horror over the colors and shapes from that period,' he explains, noting the fresher approach now being used. 'Some young designers and clients are intrigued by the novelty or nostalgia of it, never having lived with it.'

Historic inspiration is prevalent in this trend, whether it's the vintage flair of the 1970s or architecture that came long before. It's how you know you've hit on a design detail with longevity – if it's in designs of centuries past and still feels stylish, it's a timeless detail to bring into your own space.

'Curves have had a place in design since the 12th century, and for good reason. If you’ve ever strolled the streets in Florence, Barcelona, or many other European cities, you find curves in just about every direction you look,' says interior designer Alexa Kingery. 'I think over the past few years, there has been a steep rise in the popularity of historical and traditional design. People are craving comfort, warmth, and nostalgia.'

It's easy to get caught up in the aesthetic appeal, but curved kitchen features offer practical benefits, too. 'Soft geometry can help improve the flow of a kitchen, particularly around islands and other work surfaces, by alleviating potential pinch points and making thoroughfares feel more accessible and inviting,' adds Tom Wicksteed of 202 Design.

It's also about connecting the kitchen to the rest of the home through architectural detail. 'Curves can help connect the kitchen more naturally to the wider architecture of the home. We’re seeing a move towards softer architectural forms more generally, with arches and curved details being used to bring warmth and character to interiors,' Tom adds.

How to Add Curves To a Kitchen

Adding curves to kitchens requires a refined approach. It's easy to get carried away, but too many curves can start to feel contrived and themed, conjuring those not-so-fond memories of kitchens gone by. The most successful designs practice subtlety, introducing curves in small but meaningful ways.

'They should be used sparingly,' David agrees. 'They are an interior element for enhancing a space or particular situation. People tend to become excited by new trends and then overuse the design element, devaluing it.'

'I wouldn't add a curve to a kitchen simply because curves are having a moment. It should feel like part of the language of the home,' Kailee explains. 'When it's done well, you shouldn't necessarily look at it and think, that's the curved kitchen trend. It should just feel like it belongs there.'

1. Arched and Curved Doorways

Arches have been integrated into homes for some time now, whether it's hallways, bath nooks, or even front door designs. Softly curved to add elegance to a simple entry point, it works just as beautifully in kitchens, especially in open-plan schemes.

In this design by Alexa Kingery Interiors, curved doorways feature through an arched passage in the kitchen that differentiates a pass-through to another room from a doorway into a pantry, while the opening between the living room and kitchen is defined by an ogee-inspired detail, with subtle curves that add character.

2. Rounded Kitchen Island Edges

One of the most popular and impactful ways to introduce curves to a kitchen is through the island. The entire countertop can be oval in shape, or subtly curving the corners instantly makes an island feel more architectural.

'Curved profiles create a sense of flow and movement, especially in open-plan layouts. To introduce curves, you could opt for rounded island edges,' suggests interior designer Cynthia Ferguson, who adds that 'curves are fabulous to soften the hardscape of a kitchen, but make sure you are adding curves because you love them, not because it is a trend.'

Because an island is such an integral part of the kitchen, adding curves here feels intentional. 'Softening the corner of an island or peninsula creates a much nicer flow when you're moving through the room,' Kailee agrees. 'Ultimately, I love when a kitchen starts to feel less like a wall of cabinetry and more like a thoughtfully designed room with pieces that have their own shape and presence.'

3. Range Hoods That Gently Curve

Following the theme of kitchen curves in architectural details, your range hood is another way to bring in a more organic silhouette without feeling overdone. It elevates a functional detail, creating a soft yet striking focal point, and because it's built into your design, it feels integrated into the infrastructure.

'A range hood with a rounded profile is a great way to bring curves into the kitchen,' says Heather French of French & French Interiors, who explains that in the right home, taking those curves further can help to enhance the period details.

'If you're renovating, consider architectural details like a cove ceiling or an arched opening coming into the kitchen. And get creative with your curves! It doesn't have to be a simple arch. We love bringing in an ogee detail because it adds a bit of old-world character.'

4. Kitchen Storage with Arched Details

Your kitchen cabinet ideas often go overlooked, but they're actually one of the most impactful ways to add curves for a more custom look. As well as door moldings and paneling, curves can be introduced through the shape of the cabinets or shelving, as shown in this small but clever New York kitchen.

'They can be used in cabinetry, an 18th-century arched-topped cabinet, or an arch in a kitchen bookcase,' says David, who designed this kitchen with curved details to add a softer finish. 'However, don't keep repeating the element – one round window might be interesting – round windows peppered all over the place are nauseating.'

5. Furniture and Kitchen Accessories

Adding curves through more permanent architectural kitchen features happens during the design phase or renovation. But if you want to soften an existing kitchen, curves can show up in smaller elements like furniture, lighting, and decor.

'You can also introduce curves through pieces that aren't permanent. A round or oval dining table, sculptural chairs, lighting with a softer silhouette, or even artwork can accomplish the same thing without committing to custom millwork,' Kailee suggests.

An island accented by counter stools with arched backrests, a dining nook with a curved banquette, or even sculptural wall lights add a softer detail to the kitchen. Avoid going overboard – a couple of curved details will feel far more intentional than a room filled with them.

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