The kitchen is getting a functional makeover, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA) 2027 Kitchen Trends Report.
Fully open spaces are falling out of favor, for a balanced, more practical blend of open and closed spaces, which is changing everything in the kitchen from layout to adjacent living spaces to storage solutions.
This is remarkable, because it reverses the NKBA’s position on kitchen design from only a year ago, which identified open-concept as still in a growth phase.
Defined zones, delineated by partial walls, and operable enclosures are rising in popularity, and boldly, “intentional zoning” is rated here to stay by more than 80% of designers.
Designers named semi-enclosed layouts (46%) and partially concealed kitchens (41%) as up-and-coming features to watch; 64% say open shelving is out, while almost half expect the return of the hardworking back kitchen.
Bill Darcy, global president & CEO of NKBA, says, “While the kitchen has always been the ‘heart of the home,’ that idea has taken on new meaning. From mudrooms and laundry rooms to back pantries and personalized work zones, the report shows that we’ve entered a new era of what the kitchen can do for homeowners—solving real problems, adding home value, and elevating the way we live.”
Although the about-face on open-concept is significant, it’s not entirely surprising, given how pragmatic homeowners are becoming in their design choices. Flexibility between open and closed spaces gives more multifunctional options, especially important as homes scale down in size.
That means empty space, for the sake of sightlines and volume, is being replaced by features such as storage, additional seating, auxiliary prep areas, and flex spaces.
The Kitchen’s Ecosystem Expands
The kitchen is increasingly the hub of a functional ecosystem that supports daily living, including the laundry and mudrooms. In fact, 94% of designers think that mudrooms attached to the kitchen will grow in popularity in the coming years, and many expect that both mudrooms and laundry spaces will grow in size.
Another notable finding from the survey is that, while designers still anticipate kitchens to grow in size, the number is down sharply from last year, with only 52% predicting larger kitchens, compared to 76% a year ago.
For kitchens that are expanding, much of the square footage is allocated to practical, adjacent spaces, such as butler pantries, back kitchens, and concealed storage.
Pantries are in demand and are getting bigger, too. They are evolving beyond storage into multifunctional extensions of the kitchen, with dedicated small-appliance stations and walk-in layouts becoming key design features.
Colors and Materials to Watch
Colorwise, neutrals still win in the kitchen, further reflecting homeowners’ preference for practical design choices, but many homeowners aren’t shy about color in the kitchen either. Warmer hues, like reds and yellows, are gaining traction.
Natural wood cabinetry is popular, with homeowners leaning towards medium and light tones almost equally. Meanwhile, over half of designers predict that kitchen islands will be in a different color than the perimeter cabinetry.
Notably, quartzite has gained significant traction for kitchen countertops since last year, moving past long-time favorite quartz for the most popular choice.
Wellness and Climate Resilience Have Influence
As homeowners begin to more deeply understand the relationship between home design and wellness, new priorities are emerging, especially in the kitchen.
Ventilation, water filtration, touchless faucets, and sound-absorbing materials, for a more peaceful kitchen, are all gaining in popularity.
Meanwhile, client resilience matters too. Designers say to watch for increased interest in leak detection systems, shut-off valves, and backup power.
Other Report Highlights
- Smart tech continues to be in demand in the kitchen, but homeowners are more hesitant with AI. Designers say only 27% of homeowners are choosing AI-integrated ovens.
- Kitchen islands are the most sought-after custom feature. Look for zoned island layouts, integrated tech features, and more storage.
- Lighting is becoming central to kitchen design, for a more dynamic aesthetic, according to designers. Task lighting, like undercabinet lights, recessed lighting, and in-cabinet lighting, will be popular, while pendant lights and chandeliers continue to be in demand.
- Lifestyle features that boost functionality are expected to be on the rise over the next few years, especially beverage stations, pet feeding stations, and eat-in kitchens.
