The NKBA’s 2027 Kitchen Trends Report highlights a shift toward more functional kitchen designs. Open-concept layouts are no longer dominant, as homeowners increasingly favor a mix of open and enclosed areas. This change impacts everything from floor plans to nearby living spaces and storage arrangements, marking a reversal from last year’s trend where open designs were still growing.
The NKBA has reversed its stance on kitchen design from just a year ago, when it considered open-concept layouts to still be growing in popularity. Now, defined areas separated by partial walls and movable partitions are gaining traction, with 80% of designers believing that ‘intentional zoning’ is a lasting trend.
Designers highlight semi-enclosed layouts (46%) and partially hidden kitchens (41%) as emerging trends to watch. Meanwhile, 64% think open shelving is outdated, and nearly half anticipate a comeback for the functional back kitchen.
The Kitchen’s New Role
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 improving the way we live.”
The shift away from fully open designs is notable but not unexpected, as homeowners increasingly prioritize practicality. The ability to switch between open and closed spaces offers more versatility, which is particularly valuable as homes become smaller.
Empty spaces created for visual flow and openness are being replaced by functional elements like storage, extra seating, additional prep areas, and adaptable spaces.
The Kitchen’s Ecosystem Expands
Kitchens are now central to a practical ecosystem supporting daily life, including laundry and mudrooms. A significant 94% of designers predict that kitchen-attached mudrooms will become more popular, with many expecting both mudrooms and laundry areas to expand 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.
In kitchens that are expanding, additional space is often dedicated to practical adjacent areas like butler pantries, back kitchens, and hidden storage solutions.
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Design Trends
Pantries are increasingly popular and larger, transforming from simple storage spaces into multifunctional kitchen extensions with small-appliance areas and walk-in designs.
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 toward 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.
Quartzite has gained significant traction for kitchen countertops since last year, moving past long-time favorite quartz for the most popular choice.
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.
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.
