Top Kitchen Trends of 2019

Every year, the top kitchen trends provide homeowners a focus on ways to refresh their spaces. Last year, kitchens were all about everything from cozy banquette-style seating to striking two-toned kitchen cabinetry, so what has dominated cooking spaces in 2019 so far?

For insights, we checked in with some of our go-to designers to find out the kitchen design trends that have reigned supreme. Whether your to-do list includes a full kitchen renovation or a few minimal updates, the following design trends are worth keeping on your radar.

Most Popular Design Styles

  • Farmhouse kitchens have emerged as the most popular style for its cozy atmosphere with a nostalgic flair. Its popular elements are the apron-front sink, rugged wood beams, and large islands that give the space its charm.
  • Transitional kitchens combine contemporary and traditional styles providing charm and edginess. You might see a mix of sharp lines and soft and delicate curves.
  • Contemporary kitchens lend to a minimalistic look. Often, contemporary includes frameless cabinetry with slab front faces and stark, contrasting colors.

Biggest Cabinetry Trends

Wood-colored cabinets are going to be a big trend in 2020 and beyond. Even for those homeowners who still want an all-white-cabinet kitchen, expect to see pops of color in islands, paint colors or wood stain colors. The most popular of these pops-of-colors will be:

  • Shades of blue and green will create inviting gathering spaces
  • Neutral, natural shades give kitchens a sense of calmness and openness
  • Dark jewel tones, like black, navy, and emerald green can enhance a kitchen with a dramatic and luxurious atmosphere

"2019 brought us shades of blue and green, neutral shades, and darker tones like black and navy. Whether the homeowner wants an inviting space or a dramatic, luxurious feel, 2019 was the year for any type of atmosphere."

- Darcie Miller, Interior Designer


Fewer Upper Cabinets + Open Shelving

Less wall cabinetry in the kitchen is one of the biggest trends of 2019. It's not that homeowners have less stuff to store, but rather that they desire less visual clutter and that feeling of openness that a lack of wall cabinets inspires. This means that clever storage solutions for both base and tall cabinets are even more important.

Useful Storage Solutions

One of the foundations of a functional kitchen is kitchen storage. If it is inadequate or ineffective, you will be faced with endless frustrations and challenges. To counter these storage challenges, homeowners are starting to look for better storage solutions within the cabinetry. We are seeing a big trend towards new kitchen storage options throughout the whole kitchen, focused on making daily lives more effortless and making cooking fun.

Beyond just adding deeper drawers, kitchen upgrades can include:

  • Appliance garages for small appliances
  • Drawer dividers for cutlery and utensils
  • Pull-outs for spices, tray dividers, and pots and pans
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Drawers with Unexpected Color

Homeowners go with a custom drawer insert in an unexpected color, stain, or material, different than what's on the cabinet drawer exterior. Wellborn Cabinet offers walnut drawer organizational solutions.

walnut drawer organizer knife block

Top Smart Kitchen Trends

Technology has adapted itself into our daily kitchen routines, and not just in the appliances and devices we use. It's integrated into everything, from faucets to refrigerators to lighting. These elements make up what we call a smart kitchen. Cabinet innovations continue to evolve with hidden handles and LED/interior lighting. In addition, cabinets include vertical-lift doors in wall cabinets and motorized opening and closing with the touch of a button or knee activation.

Wellborn's Ninka Qanto solves the inaccessible space in the corners of kitchens by providing a vertically rising tray for maximum space usage. This innovative solution optimizes use of the storage space in every kitchen corner and the harmonic design is flawless for modern living environments.

Single-Level Multipurpose Islands

Kitchen islands are no longer an afterthought or something small to squeeze into the space. They have become focal points and the hub of the kitchen. One of the changes emerging is the single level larger sizing, serving multiple uses; especially since we are seeing less wall cabinet space in kitchen design. The kitchen island is meant to create an impact, and its design must make a statement.


"Homeowners want large islands, clean lines, and the transitional design style in their kitchens. Inviting kitchens are gaining traction in kitchen design; homeowners want luxurious spaces to relax and gather."

- Darcie Miller, Interior Designer


Kitchens are not for just cooking anymore, they have developed into a multipurpose space for all household needs. The top trends for 2019 reflect this mindset and will likely remain popular for years to come, too. Isn't it time you stopped imagining your dream kitchen and started enjoying it?

Contact a Wellborn dealer nearest you to get started on your kitchen.

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