The kitchen is the workhorse of the home, so it should be designed to suit multiple functions. While following trends may feel like a fleeting pursuit, when it comes to kitchen design, they often outlast their time in the spotlight. From millwork to backsplashes, color palettes, and design styles, we asked top designers to weigh in on what trends are most popular on the home front this year.
Read on for the designer-approved kitchen trends for 2020.
Silver-Tipped Light Bulbs
“The fixtures are from Circa Lighting and designed by my friend Eric Cohler, who is also an interior designer. I am not a huge fan of recessed lighting, so these do the job in a functional yet stylish way. The bronze finish matches my counter stools and cabinet hardware. I like silver- or gold-tipped bulbs—they’re easy on the eyes but also add a decorative touch.” —Sheila Bridges of Shelia Bridges Design
Contrasting Countertops
“Contrasting counter materials with cabinetry color adds major drama to a kitchen. White-oak cabinets and dark granite countertops not only differentiate the kitchen area in this open floor plan, they also add a level of sophistication and warmth to the space.” —Allison Babcock of Allison Babcock Design
Cool Colors
“I appreciate the white kitchen trend because I love clean lines and no clutter. For this white kitchen, we wanted to add something special so it didn’t seem so sterile. The beautiful blue in the cabinets adds color without being loud. The bronze light fixture and hardware along with the pops of yellow add warmth to an otherwise cool palette.” —Achille Salvagni of
Achille Salvagni Atelier
Navy Millwork
“We love a classic white kitchen, but lately we’ve seen requests for navy millwork, like what we did in the Goop offices in New York. It blends beautifully with marble and brass.” —Ariel Okin of
Ariel Okin Interiors
Slab Backsplash
“A slab backsplash is so clean, yet it adds the right amount of drama to a kitchen.” —Bailey Austin of
Bailey Austin Design
Colorful Kitchen Tile
“A backsplash is the best place to add a pop of color into a kitchen design without having to do a full kitchen renovation. While white kitchens will always be in style, people seem to be taking more risks with color and design these days.” —Christine Markatos Lowe of
Christine Markatos Design 
Double Islands
“Expanding a kitchen’s function and maintaining traffic flow, double islands in the kitchen are an integral feature. They’re a convenient way to divide the area between meal preparation and serving or gathering. With the addition of dual sinks, cleaning up is a breeze!” —Courtney Hill Fertitta of
Courtney Hill Interiors
Steel Hoods
“We think steel hoods are the new trend of 2020. We are noticing a surge in custom kitchen hoods that steer away from the boring stainless steel or basic painted wood. We’ve been implementing steel and plasterwork into our designs more and more, and we are loving how these are becoming a focal point and conversation piece for our kitchens.” —Janice Barta of
Barta Interiors
Updated Classic Style
“Updated classic design for kitchens, amping up the glamour factor without making you feel oddly out of place having coffee in a bathrobe.” —Jeffry Weisman of
Fisher Weisman
Unexpected Color Pops
“Using color in unexpected places like appliances and hoods. If you love color, it’s a fun way to incorporate it and make a regular appliance feel special and custom.” —Julie Massucco Kleiner and Melissa Warner Rothblum of
Massucco Warner
Gravity-Defying Islands
“Many of our clients who are looking to maximize the sense of clean, open space within apartment kitchens have been drawn to gravity-defying islands. With these unique islands, the functional elements of the kitchen recede to reveal more space and become an extension of the architecture itself. They can also have a chameleon effect, bridging the gap between classic, prewar architecture and more contemporary-feeling spaces.” —Karen Williams of
St. Charles New York
Warm Finishes
“There’s a time and a place for a gray-and-white kitchen, but warm finishes are on the rise. When done well, old-school wood cabinetry can be modern and fresh. I love pairing it with a soft, natural countertop material, like a honed quartzite, and tumbled-stone floors.” —Marie Flanigan of
Marie Flanigan Interiors
Open Shelving for Decor
“There has been a long-running trend of open shelving for dinner and glassware. Now, I like seeing kitchen shelving that holds antique cookware, gilded vintage glasses, and copper pots baring their patina. Blending old-world with modern appliances is so warm and inviting.” —Laura Umansky of
Laura U Interior Design
Sleek Cabinetry
“I’m seeing less and less crown moldings used on the tops of the upper cabinets. Clients are opting for a cleaner look that isn’t too decorative at the top. It also can help with adding more storage space to cabinetry, because then you don’t have to worry about giving an interior shelf to the molding.” —Linda Hayslett of
LH Designs
Dark Countertops
“With natural materials and earth tones taking over, kitchens are following suit. Countertops are going dark, and natural woods like walnut are coming out as big winners.” —Marika Meyer of
Meyer Interiors
Matching the Countertop and Backsplash
“Extending the countertop material up the backsplash allows you to streamline the number of materials in a kitchen and create a clean and contemporary look. It also results in a beautiful background for dinnerware and accessories on open shelving.” —Tina Rich of
Tina Rich Design
