Kitchen Trend Report: Make it Your Own!

Everyone is guilty – home centers, builders, house flippers, DIY shows, and even the design community at large. They thought they had it figured out – how to make something new and cool and appeal to everyone. But in home improvement, there’s no such thing as mass appeal. And the biggest mass appeal push in recent memory is the “modern farmhouse style.”

The popularization of this style has left us with a decade of cold gray spaces. When the trend took off in 2014, I was intrigued by the combination of the two words – the phrase is an oxymoron. Farmhouses are warm inviting spaces, layered with history and keepsakes and the function is obvious. While modern design is minimal, sleek and monochromatic, and function is hidden for the sake of style.  Unfortunately, over time, the modern farmhouse became an ongoing theme that was mass produced inexpensively and homes that once had real wood floors, humble kitchens and ornate decorative trim were stripped down to spaces that felt stark and cold. 

Fast forward to 2026, and we are seeing an exciting evolution in the world of kitchen design and it seems the days of the bright white kitchen with subway tile and black knobs are finally drifting into the background.  We have seen a resurgence of clients who want more character and authenticity. A timeless kitchen space is the goal, and we are finding inspiration from kitchens of the past and adapting them to a modern standard. 

We encourage you to consider a space that feels functional – according to how YOU work and entertain and of course stylish – with good design decisions that relate not only the character of your home, but are reflective of your personality. There are many ways to infuse all of this into your kitchen, but here is a short list of things to consider for your kitchen design journey.

Hoods 

One of the ways to make your kitchen pop is a wood hood for ventilation rather than a metal appliance hood. A slightly over-scaled hood that matches the character of your design anchors the room and gives the classic illusion of hearth cooking, a time when people cooked over open flame and families gathered in the kitchen during cold months to feel warm. Hoods are an opportunity to bring in accents with color, wood, shape and dimension.

Counters 

A practical white quartz with subtle contrasting veins will always have its place, however, we always encourage movement and texture. Consider darker stone to ground the room or color variations that connect the colors in your tile, cabinetry and flooring. Quartzite and marbles are leading the way as inspiration, but don’t worry if these options are out of budget – man-made quartz is following the trends and providing more options that emulate their pricey counterparts.

Backsplash

Backsplash is one of the areas in a kitchen that can showcase style and color. Stone has become a very popular choice for its durability and smooth cleanable surface, but it can also be very expensive. You can expect your countertop costs to nearly double if you choose to use countertop material as backsplash. Veiny stones traveling up the walls and sometimes cladding hood boxes can be a very cool dramatic look and is a great choice for both modern and traditional kitchens. Subway tile is still a popular choice but consider opting for color or a pattern layout that breaks away from the standard running bond (brick-like) pattern used with the farmhouse style. Large graphic patterns typically seen in cement tiles still shine but some patterns have been overused, and you must be very careful with how much you’re using and where you’re putting it. Smaller square tiles and glazed ceramic tiles with vintage designs are trending and many brands offer custom color combinations that allow for that personal touch.

Lighting

When renovating the kitchen, the proper spacing and location of overhead lighting is crucial. Most assume they must select lighter cabinets because their kitchen lacks light, but properly spaced recessed lighting on dimmers gives you the control to select the type of illumination you want in your room. It also opens you up to the possibility of a moodier cabinet color or stain that you may have avoided because you thought the room was too dark. Under-cabinet lighting is also important because it’s both functional and ambient (easier on the eyes). But when it comes to infusing style, lighting is an ornamental touch that can elevate the design of your kitchen. An elegant pendant over the sink or colorful sconce over wood shelves can steal the show. If you prefer an eclectic look, curating different style fixtures throughout the space is the way to go.

Cabinetry

So, now that we put the cool white shaker into timeout, let’s talk about cabinetry! Stop making design decisions based on what you think may improve resale value, especially if you plan on being in your home for any length of time (the famous 5-year mentality). A well-designed timeless kitchen is always beloved by potential buyers. When it comes to cabinetry selection, door style is typically the first stop. The door style you select is indicative of the overall look you want and a good designer can use this information to guide you through the rest of the project. I love when a kitchen has a bit of everything: open shelves, glass doors, and a mix of both wood and painted cabinets. Natural and stained wood cabinetry for the kitchen as a whole or as an accent introduces an organic element that feels rich and elevates the space, while color cabinetry is a great form of expression and energy.  If you’re someone who prefers neutrals, there are still so many ways to infuse color without being daring and bold. But if bold color is your vibe, go for it! Because if you love what you choose, the space will manifest the joy and energy you bring to it. 

There is so much more to consider when crafting your dream kitchen, but these key items can anchor the overall style you’re looking to achieve. Once you’ve locked in on the major features of the room, the decor, furniture, and fixture selections become much easier. The kitchen is arguably the most important room in your home. It’s where you’ll prepare your favorite meals and spend time with your favorite people and it should always be a direct reflection of your personality. Don’t spend time putting sterile white boxes in your kitchen because you think that’s what a future buyer will prefer. I promise you, they won’t.