Some people smoke. Some people shop. But our vice? Spending a downright unholy amount of time looking at kitchen porn. Whether you’re actually looking to renovate in the year ahead or, like us, just love to drool over design, here are the seven hottest trends on the kitchen front.
OPEN-SHELVING ACCENTS
Open shelving is, of course, nothing new. What is new, however, is keeping your hardworking upper built-ins, but adding a pop of shelving as a high-design focal point. Think: metal ledges floated over a window or a blingy corner unit—like this beautiful feature wall by Marie Flanigan.
AU NATUREL WOOD
When it comes to wood in the kitchen, in-the-nude is in, guys. (We’re talking refined cabinets and countertops where the natural knots and grain really shine through.) Consider this polished wood kitchen by Homepolish designer, Erika Yeaman, your 2018 answer to the fading reclaimed trend.
QUARTZ
Natural counters (see: marble, soapstone) have been the premiere kitchen splurge for years now. But for 2018, it’s all about quartz. The manmade material offers an “indestructible” worktop and the latest fabrications are honestly stunning. Sad to lose the look of natural stone? Pair your practical counters with an organic backsplash—as Tharon Anderson did (via Calacatta marble) in this dream kitchen.
CONCEALED KITCHENS
When it comes to layout, discretion is the money word for 2018. Think separate chef’s kitchens hidden out of view, built-ins dedicated to appliance-hiding and kitchens that don’t really look like kitchens at all—exhibit A: this sleek and sneaky setup by Aimee Less, director of interior design at Rios Clementi Hale Studios.
BUILT-IN BANQUETTES
A natural reaction to the age of casual, open-concept living, built-in banquette situations are in high demand these days. What’s new about ’em for 2018? Getting all kinds of creative with their placement. Think: Building seating directly into your prep space or creating a cozy, U-shaped breakfast island to float across the kitchen—as Anne Hepfer did above.
TEXTURAL TILES
In tune with the design movements of hygge and Wabi Sabi, earthy, heavily-textured tiles (Zellige, anyone?) are the premier backsplash choice of 2018. We love how this artful kitchen by Maggie Cruz mixes warm, old-worldy tiles with sleek, modern elements.
FEARLESS COLOR
2017 ushered color into the kitchen with navy mania. And with flamboyant purple as Pantone’s color of year, and earthy green dominating Pinterest search, is it any surprise that the 2018 color forecast is even more brave and saturated? And we’re not just talking paint: As seen in this fresh kitchen by Jana Bek, tile, backsplash, barstools and decorative accents are all opportunities for a festive color punch.
