When we talk about trending kitchen styles, we often refer to the year ahead, or even those from the past we wish we could forget. But what about the future? In particular, what will our kitchens look like in the next decade?
In the last couple of years, the way we design and use our kitchens has changed a lot, and they are still constantly evolving. And if we've seen such huge shifts in kitchen trends over one or two years, surely we can only imagine how much they will change in the next 10.
But interior designers have a few ideas about what kitchen ideas will look like over the next decade, from layouts and materials to colors and the way we use them. Here's what they had to say about the kitchen of the future.
7 kitchen designs, styles, and features that will be big in the next 10 years
Whether you have a small kitchen or a sprawling space with a double island layout, every size and style of space can embrace these up-and-coming designs that experts say will be big over the next decade.
1. Much cozier kitchen schemes
There's been a shift towards living kitchens recently, with our schemes becoming more than just cooking spaces. And it seems the lines between kitchen and living are going to blur even more over the next 10 years, as our schemes become more cozy and liveable.
'Much, much more lived-in kitchens will be in – meaning expanding on the kitchen with a breakfast nook to a kitchen with a lounge area,' says Sarah Snouffer, of the Washington, DC-based Third Street Architecture.
'We are seeing clients enjoying larger kitchens, which means seating areas are being incorporated in a more casual way. We are working on a few projects with sofa-style built-in banquettes. As we always note, the party always ends up in the kitchen.'
In many cases, we will be seeing the living room and kitchen really blending into one, with a cozy snug elsewhere for a separate escape, but not a main social space. And a couch in the kitchen will be an expected and beloved layout.
'This ‘kitchen as living space’ will include sofas for lounging and art on the walls, with dining a stone’s throw away for ease and entertaining. Larger kitchen islands for eating breakfast and hosting visitors will predominate, often in elegant marble and porcelain, softened with organic feeling wooden and crafted accessories,' says Rob Whitaker, creative director at Claybrook Studio.
'Living rooms will be reinvented as smaller spaces for late evening TV viewing and special occasions only, or to give kids space to do their own thing away from the main living and kitchen area,' he adds.
A living kitchen is all about blending functionality and comfort. Even if you don't have space for a full sofa, adding a couple of accent chairs, like this mid-century design, can make all the difference.
You want your seating areas to feel inviting and comfortable, so make sure you add throw pillows to your kitchen sofa or banquette. colors and patterns that feel timeless, like this floral design.
If counter seating is the hub of socializing and gathering, make sure you introduce comfortable stools. A design with a back rest and upholstered seat cushions is always best, like this stool made from wood and performance fabric.
2. A deconstructed, '30s aesthetic
Trends and features from bygone eras often make a comeback, especially when it comes to kitchen design. But the next decade is all about bringing back features of the 1930s, an era that has flown under the radar but has plenty of stylish elements to consider.
'A more deconstructed aesthetic that harks back to kitchens of the '30s is only going to get bigger in the next 10 years – kitchens with glazed dividing screens for pantries and store areas, with food and appliances hidden away, leaving the kitchen and diner to become more of a living space day to day, free of clutter,' says Rob.
It's a step away from a fully open-plan kitchen, yet not completely closed off. It's a middle ground that creates zones without impeding the flow of the space. In this kitchen, a divider has been introduced to separate a more functional area and the cozy dining nook.
3. Galley sinks
We've seen different kitchen sink styles prevail over the last few years – take the farmhouse sink, for example, or even the fluted profile. But there's a more functional design that is predicted to prove more popular.
'The galley sink – or work station sink – is going to become more and more popular. We are starting to make these more standard, with cutting board and colander inserts, two faucets, and sinks as large as 6’ long or longer,' says Seth Ballad, of Ballard & Mensua Architecture.
It's a design that really blurs the line between function and aesthetics. 'Prepping near the sink becomes possible, and even serving out of the sink. It is a game changer,' Seth adds.
Work station sinks offer optimum functionality for cooking and food prep. This farmhouse kitchen sink comes with everything you need, including a wooden cutting board and a dish drying rack.
If you don't want to invest in a whole new basin, you can buy the add-ons to create a workstation sink. This hardwood cutting board is a perfect example, which easily slots onto the top of your sink.
Your sink is often a very visual feature in your kitchen, so it's important to choose your faucets carefully. A high-quality, timeless design like this aged brass design is a great choice for both style and function.
4. Unexpected cabinet materials
Personalized interiors are here to stay, and in the next 10 years, expect to see kitchen cabinet ideas taking on more unique forms, from mixed materials to interesting paneling details.
'I think we’ll see more cabinet doors incorporating materials beyond solid wood – particularly glass and other creative inserts. I expect a shift toward textured and reflective finishes like ribbed glass, antique mirror, or even metal mesh. These details add visual interest and depth without overwhelming a space,' says Lauren Carranza of Seasons For Designs.
'When times feel uncertain, people often gravitate toward more traditional design choices that feel familiar and lasting. But decorative inserts offer a nice balance – they bring in something unique and stylish, while still being relatively easy to update or switch out later. It’s a creative, lower-risk way to personalize cabinetry without committing to a full remodel.'
5. More colorful and personalized schemes
The future of kitchen design is set to be focused on unique spaces and personalized schemes. It's less about following in the footsteps of other people and more about designing a space that's bold and speaks to your personality
'Over the next ten years, we’ll see kitchens that get ever more funky and personalized – monotone color palettes are already being overtaken by a broader color range (for example, having the perimeter cabinetry one color, the island another), and I think this will continue to get bolder,' says Ellen Hatton, principal of BVA BarnesVanze Architects.
'I think we’ll see more kitchens that have unique cabinetry pieces that feel more like furniture, with each piece getting a different color, door style, countertop material, or hardware,' she adds.
This approach to designing a kitchen is less about a specific look, rather an ethos and a way of living in our spaces. 'One of the most powerful shifts we’ll see in the next decade is the rise of spaces that reflect the individuality and rhythm of the people who live in them,' says Catherine B. de la Sablonnière, creative director at Ateliers Jacob.
'This shift won’t result in one dominant look, but rather a more eclectic, expressive design landscape where the kitchen feels truly intentional. We’ll see a continued emphasis on natural materials like stone and wood, tones that range from soft neutrals to deeply saturated hues depending on the character of the home, and textures that create nuance and depth, even in quiet, tone-on-tone palettes.'
6. A larder revival
While some designers are predicting the emergence of new kitchen styles in the next 10 years, others are looking back and thinking about the more old-school, traditional kitchen features that will make a comeback.
'I predict we are going to be seeing a lot of larders in the next ten years,' says Ellen. While this traditional kitchen feature might not be a typical American kitchen staple at the moment, it's slowly becoming more prominent in designs.
'This European amenity is winning a spot with American home cooks, as they realize the benefit of having a food storage area that is cooler than room temperature, but warmer than a refrigerator – the perfect spot for fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, or a bottle of wine.'
7. Kitchen floors matching outdoors
When the warmer months arrive, there's nothing we love more than connecting our indoor and outdoor spaces for a seamless connection between the two. And it seems flooring will be a big part of this design ethos.
'Kitchen floors will move seamlessly outdoors onto patios and terraces in the same porcelain material, albeit a thicker 2cm option for outside, to improve visual flow and expand the living space,' says Rob.
'These terraces will also become an additional living zone, an extension of the kitchen for warmer days to host friends and relax, furnished in comfortable seating complementary to the neutral and tactile finishes used indoors.'
The future of kitchen design is all about personalized, lived-in spaces that are less about following trends and more about curating spaces tailored to your lifestyle. As Catherine B. de la Sablonnière says, 'In the next 10 years, kitchen design will be less about following and more about revealing an honest reflection of personality, comfort, and everyday beauty.'
