The new recipe for an on-trend kitchen? Modern minimalism with customized touches that add personality, charm, and—most importantly—function to the most popular room in your house. Here, the elegant upgrades we can't wait to try.
1. ONE-OF-A-KIND TILE
Bringing in something handcrafted adds intimacy to any space. This kitchen, designed by DISC Interiors, marries modern cabinetry and white walls with old-world tile. “It’s seeing the clash of styles that makes it so unique,” says designer David John Dick.
2. BUILT-IN EVERYTHING
For an of-the-moment look, seek out a suite of built-in appliances that mirror the minimalism of your overall aesthetic, like this latest collection from LG Studio. When appliances are slim, crisp, and unobtrusive, there’s no need to try to hide them.
3. EXPRESSIVE STONE
A bold, natural stone adds instant character to countertops and backsplashes, as seen in this Beverly Hills kitchen by DISC Interiors.
4. BOLD NATURAL WOOD
Resist the urge to start picking out paint colors, and instead create a statement by stripping them away. “What feels fresh and interesting now is to celebrate beautiful, natural wood,” says designer Jessica Helgerson.
5. SMART APPLIANCES
Want to feel like a superhero every time you walk into your kitchen? The next wave of appliances combines style with function, like this Black Stainless Steel InstaView™ Door-In-Door® refrigerator from LG Studio, which allows you to peek inside with two quick knocks on the glass without letting any cold air out. X-ray vision not required.
6. MAKE IT COMFY
The new spin on the keeping room, or a kitchen-adjacent nook, capitalizes on utility and comfort. The trick is to make it as user-friendly as possible. Chad James brought in cozy furniture to create bonus living space and an impromptu home office in this Chicago kitchen.
7. FUNCTIONAL HEIRLOOMS
Breathe new life into your kitchen with something unexpected, like an antique barrister bookcase perched on top of a counter. “It’s a little more special when you see something with a story,” says designer Lauren Liess, who has repurposed heirloom furniture such as kitchen cabinets, islands, and built-in bars. “You get that patina, and it pulls in a sense of age to the place.”
8. SHOW-STOPPING RANGES
Designers are incorporating ranges with wow-factor to create an eye-catching focal point. Depending on your style and what pops in your space, you can achieve this trend by bringing in either an old-world inspired stove or an ultra-modern cooktop, like this one with backlit metal knobs from LG Studio.
9. MIXED METAL
Antique brass, stainless steel, rusted iron — who says you have to pick just one? This kitchen, by Lauren Liess, proves mixing things up can create major impact.
10. CRISP LAYERS
Add a punch of personality to your kitchen by mixing in a few creative elements. Chad James recommends starting with a large anchor (like this eye-catching print) and then pulling in smaller articles off to one side or the other. Just don’t go overboard: “You never want more than three things, or it can start to look like an antique store,” he warns.
