If you read this blog even occasionally (though we hope you read and memorize every word, every week), you know that we believe the kitchen is the most important room in virtually any home. While we certainly do grasp our own redundancy in stating it again – we would now like to offer proof of the importance of kitchen design.
(Yes, we’re NOT the only ones!)
We found a recent article at Houzz.com to be particularly interesting. With the title, 34 Trends That Will Define Home Design in 2020, we fully expected the trends to be evenly distributed among popular home spaces. Imagine our surprise then when we discovered that, of the 34 trends – 22 were all about kitchen design! (YES!)
Of course, we were not really surprised by the value placed on kitchen design by the folks at Houzz. After all, the greatest portion of their target audience is homeowners so it makes perfect sense. Second place may surprise you somewhat, however, because they put quite a bit of focus on bathrooms and very little on living rooms.
(If you still doubt the validity of our argument for the importance of kitchens to families, check out the articles here, here, and here.)
Kitchen Design Trends 2020
While space limitations make it impossible for us to share all 22 of the trends that are listed in the Houzz piece, there are a few that seem particularly interesting. Quick clue – look for the Pantone Color of the Year to be a huge influencer.
Three-tone Kitchen Designs
Two-tone kitchen cabinets — meaning the upper cabinets are one color and the lower cabinets another color, or the perimeter cabinets are one color and the island is a different color — dominated kitchens in the past couple of years. So it’s only natural that designers are building on the trend rather than doing away with it.
In a three-tone kitchen, one more color or material is introduced to create an asymmetry in the palette that helps define zones or functions and keeps the eye moving.
Refaced Kitchen Cabinets
Keeping the cabinet boxes while replacing the drawer and door fronts is an affordable way to dramatically update a kitchen, and it’s an option that homeowners will increasingly turn to.
Here, Kitchen Magic, which specializes in cabinet refacing, enhanced mid-tone oak cabinets to create a refreshing kitchen with the same layout as the former kitchen.
Blue Kitchen Cabinets are Trending
Speaking of blue cabinets, interior designer and color expert Jennifer Ott predicts that the color will catch on even more in 2020. “Both black and navy continue to be popular, and I anticipate seeing them used in even larger doses in 2020, such as for all of the kitchen cabinets rather than just the base cabinets or island,” she says.
“To balance out these dramatic darks, I’m seeing equally liberal use of neutral to warm whites, such as wool and bone white. These are whites that have just the slightest touch of warmth to them, which keeps them clean and crisp-looking.”
If you hope to be ready for the hot trend toward kitchen design this year, we strongly suggest you take a look at the Houzz article today.
Looking for more tips on sustainable design trends, designer marketing tips, and product ideas? Get in touch with TD Fall today.
(Bath design images and descriptions courtesy of 
(Kitchen design images and descriptions courtesy of 
Using Glass for Openness and OrganizationIf your clients are hesitant to accept a completely open shelving design for the kitchen, consider using glass-door shelving to keep shelves under control and free of dust.
Find Subtle Ways to Hide Storage SolutionsThis bathroom's storage area features a pink and green color scheme that coordinates with the entire space. The delicate curtains create a whimsical feel while hiding the built-in storage area. Image courtesy of ClosetMaid.
Rethinking Kitchen Storage SpaceWith countertop space at a premium in so many kitchens, offer your clients the chance to rethink their storage solutions. Using deep drawers or pull-out shelving in cabinets will reduce clutter and free up plenty of counter space. Arranging them vertically, as pictured here, allows you to quickly select the right tool for the job. Labels can also help with organizing kitchen storage, though they may not be necessary. (
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Bold cobalt blue: If you love the idea of a dramatic blue for your kitchen island but prefer more of a peek of color, take inspiration from this gorgeous kitchen. The waterfall-edge countertop leaves just the front and backside of the island available for hosting an accent color.An eye-catching blue like this on your client’s kitchen island is going to draw the eye right into it. Make sure the countertop or bar stools are worthy of being part of the focal point of their kitchen.
Dark steel blue: For those looking for a more neutral option, check out this dark grayish-blue color. This color really grounds the island, making it a solid, substantial statement piece in the kitchen. It’s also a nice foil to the warm wood elements in the room.If your client has kids, or they entertain at the island often, a medium-to-dark neutral color like this one is perfect for camouflaging the inevitable scuff marks that will appear at the seating side of the island, especially if the countertop overhang is not very deep.
Navy blue: Navy hues are having a moment in kitchen design, but I’ve been a huge fan of this color for a while because of the drama and elegance it imparts. Black is also popping up on islands, but in some spaces, it can feel too dark, heavy and harsh.Navy plays nicely with white, grays and wood tones but has a bit more life to it than pure black.Where would you, and where have you, chosen to use such stunning shades of blue in your client’s homes? Go ahead, share your own tips and design trends in the comment section below.Looking for more new design trends, marketing tips, and ideas?