Kitchen Colors and Styles
Here are a few of the most popular kitchen colors and styles and the elements that can be found in each one.
Transitional
Transitional kitchens have a blend of traditional and modern elements. We've identified three styles within this area that are currently trending in the marketplace.
Updated Traditional
This style is for those who prefer a more traditional aesthetic, but the lines are cleaner. The color palette typically includes white, creamy white, gray and greige (a blend of beige and gray).
Modern Farmhouse
This look still remains popular, but it now leans more modern and less rustic and industrial in feel. The color palette is often black and white with touches of wood throughout.
Coastal
You don't have to live by the ocean to incorporate this look into your home. The color scheme is usually in various shades of white and blue with elements of glass, rattan and light wood tones.
Modern
Modern kitchens are in vogue right now. Luxurious woods, such as walnut, are used for cabinets. Matte slab doors, typically found in Europe, have made their way into stateside kitchens. Black, navy, sage and deep green all feature heavily in modern kitchens, along with warm woods and light countertops.
Organic
With sustainability and green initiatives more important than ever, many consumers are leaning toward an organic aesthetic. Recycled materials, matte finishes and warm woods are featured in these kitchens. Think of light and natural colors, such as mushroom and sage green (as shown above). Soft, earthy terra cotta and clay colors are also featured.
Lighting
Lighting is an important part of kitchen design. Not only can a great pendant or chandelier elevate the look of a room, but task lighting also plays an important role for food prep or studying at the island. Here are a few trends and tips for picking the perfect fixture.
Bold Choices
The island is often the focal point of the kitchen, so draw attention to it with a series of colorful pendants or one large statement chandelier. In modern spaces, use sculptural pendants like sputnik or urchin lights. Large rattan pendants bring coastal or tropical vibes. A large glass and metal rectangular chandelier would work well in transitional and modern farmhouse kitchens.
Brass Finishes
Brass is here to stay. The gold finish warms up white kitchens or glows against dark and moody spaces. Consider unlacquered brass for an aged look that will patina over time or a brushed finish for modern kitchens.
Black Matte
It's been said that every room should have a touch of black in it. The kitchen is no exception. Use matte black sconces in modern rooms or a black iron chandelier or pendant for a farmhouse look.
Natural Fibers
For a light and breezy coastal or boho aesthetic, look at natural fibers like wicker, rope or bamboo. Large rattan pendants over an island or sconces with wicker shades work well in coastal or transitionally designed spaces.
Under Cabinet Lighting
This lighting does double duty: It acts as task lighting while also creating a warm, welcoming space. These days, under cabinet lighting is an easy DIY project that you can do in a weekend. Eco-friendly versions can be recharged with a USB cable and hung with magnets or adhesive strips. Battery-powered puck lights include a remote control for added convenience. Or you can run a roll of tape lighting under the toe kick for an unexpected night light.
Cabinetry
Cabinets are the foundation of every kitchen, and the style that's selected can dictate the look of the room. Here are a few styles and trends that we're seeing.
Slabs
Scandinavian kitchens are known for their clean and simple lines, often using slab cabinet doors. This look has made its way across the pond and into modern kitchens. For a minimalist look, pair it with plain knobs or leave the hardware off altogether.
Two-Toned Cabinets
Pinterest and Instagram are flooded with beautiful images of two-toned cabinets. Use a lighter color or white on top and darker colors on the bottom to create visual interest. If you've opted out of upper cabinetry, consider one color for your cabinets and another for the kitchen island.
Wood Tones
Painted cabinetry has dominated the market for years, but natural or stained wood cabinets are being used in modern, natural/eco-friendly and transitional kitchens. Light oak and walnut are two of the most popular options.
Shaker
Shaker is a timeless look that works across various styles, including traditional, transitional and organic kitchens.
Tile Backsplashes
A tile backsplash is an easy way to inject color and personality into your kitchen.
Cement Tile
If you like bold patterns and lots of color, encaustic cement tile is the perfect statement-maker. Use it on a backsplash and cover the range hood or place it on the front of a kitchen island. Genuine encaustic tile requires sealing, so if you like the look without the maintenance, purchase porcelain tile.
Metallic Touches
Do you like a little bling in your home? If so, look for tile with a metallic or glossy finish. Marble subway with a brass accent (as shown above) is a beautiful addition to transitional or modern kitchens.
Subway Tile
White subway tile is a classic, budget-friendly option. But there are endless variations of subway tile in different colors and glazes. To see a variety of fun and colorful subway tile patterns, watch our video.
Slabs
Another popular option is to take the same marble, quartz or stone that's on your countertop and run it up the backsplash for a cohesive look. This will work best in modern or natural/organic kitchens.
Storage and Organization
As we spend more time at home, keeping things neat and organized is more important than ever. Keep your kitchen looking its best and maximize storage capacity with these clever ideas.
Kitchen Islands
- Hide appliances such as dishwashers and microwaves in the island.
- If you're remodeling, add cabinets in the front of your island for plentiful storage.
Pantries
- Use stackers to neatly organize canned goods.
- Label baskets and fill them with like items, such as crackers, lunchbox snacks and cookies.
- Add door-mount racks to hold food, foil and sandwich bags.
- Use Lazy Susans to easily access sauces, oils and condiments.
Drawer Organizers
- Add tiered organizers to easily access spices.
- Organize pots and pans, baking sheets, small appliances, trash cans and more with pull-out baskets.
Floating Shelves and Built-Ins
- Remove upper cabinets and add floating shelves to maintain storage while creating an open feel.
- If you're remodeling, consider built-ins like a sink tip-out drawer, a dining banquette with hidden storage or the wine rack (as shown above) in Jenna Sue Design Co.'s kitchen.
Faucets and Hardware
An easy and cost-effective way to refresh the kitchen is by changing out the faucet and cabinet hardware. Here are a few ideas to help you make the best selections for your kitchen.
Transitional Kitchens
Transitional finishes are usually found in polished or unlacquered brass, polished nickel, and aged bronze. Faucets and hardware often include more detailed and ornate designs.
Modern Kitchens
Modern finishes include brushed brass, polished chrome, polished nickel and matte black. Faucets and hardware tend to have clean and simple lines.
Natural/Organic Kitchens
As we look for ways to keep our homes clean and safe, consider touchless faucets or antimicrobial door and cabinet hardware.
Mixing metals is a popular trend now, but it's a balancing act. When you're mixing, make one metal predominant and use the other as an accent.
The Kitchen Office
Years ago, a built-in desk was a popular design element — and then desks slowly disappeared from the kitchen. Now that we're home a lot more, workspaces are appearing again. If you have an open area in your kitchen or you're considering a remodel, this would be a good time to add a desk and open shelving. If you want the desk to match the rest of your cabinetry, ask a Lowe's kitchen designer about your options.
Smart Appliances
From light bulbs to lawn mowers, smart home technology now covers every facet of the home. And the kitchen is no exception. Smart appliances will make your life easier thanks to a myriad of features. For example, wi-fi-enabled refrigerators can transfer your shopping list from the fridge to your phone. You can start dishwashers remotely and adjust the temperature on a range from an app.
Other Considerations
Here are a few other trends that are emerging in the kitchen.
Accessible Kitchens
If you'd like to make your kitchen more accessible, there are several features to consider, including side-hinged ovens, pull-down storage, lower cabinets with clearance for easy food preparation, pull-down faucets and more.
Herbs
If you love to cook with fresh herbs, add a few pots of oregano, basil, parsley and more to your windowsill. Or you can combine several types of herbs into one hydroponic system.
Natural Elements
Bring nature indoors with rattan lighting, woven bar stools, open wood shelving and wooden accents on range hoods and kitchen islands.
Elevated Kitchen Zones
If you have a corner or unused nook in your kitchen, use it to create a coffee station, bar or even a juice bar. Add shelving for mugs and glasses and even a mini fridge for easy access to milk, fresh fruit or vegetables.