The 9 Kitchen Trends We Can’t Wait to See More of In 2020

It’s a new decade and with this extra fresh start, we wanted to kick off 2020 with what has proven to be THE crowd favorite. You all really like kitchens and good thing because we do too.  There is a certain fantasy that the kitchen holds that makes us want to double-tap, but at the same time they are hard and stressful to design so you want to have one that looks unique and creative, but not dated. It’s where we gather to cook, eat, laugh, create school science projects that will likely explode, etc. So, getting to dream about what your future kitchen could be like is intoxicating.

Now, this year in particular is filled with some very unexpected, very cool trends/ideas that even I am surprised I really like. As with any trend piece we do, these trends are simply here to spark your creativity and let you daydream a little. It’s about new ideas but not negating how much we like classic kitchens, too. So let’s kitchen dream together, shall we? It’s 2020 and the sky is the limit.

1. Unexpected Shapes

Trends are all about the unexpected and different, which is something almost all designers try to implement in their designs. And in 2020 we predict that this must-have unexpected element will be hitting the kitchen in a bigger way than ever. See, for example, the simple but impactful curve in the cabinetry and island in that stunning green kitchen above.

We do understand that taking that leap into “unexpected element land” can be daunting as a kitchen is an expensive space to remodel so risks can seem like a very bad idea. But think of it as a chance to show a little bit of your personality. Take Bri Ussery’s pill-shaped wall cutout. It’s a simple “unexpected” shape that gives her kitchen that wow factor (like I audibly said, “WOW” when I saw this photo).

You can even rethink the shapes of your cabinetry like Dries Otten and Emma Thyssen did with their very modern house-shaped cabinet. While this shape isn’t a style that can easily translate to just anyone’s home, the idea of thinking outside the box when it comes to cabinetry is extremely cool.

Another way to get your unexpected element game on is by playing with your backsplash shape. This marble keyhole backsplash by the very talented Beata Heuman is so good and potentially fairly doable if you are already having a stone custom cut for your kitchen. Why not, right??

Lastly, I want to leave you with this rounded island by And And And Studio. Words can’t describe our love for it because that’s how good it is. Plus, it’s kid and clumsy people friendly since there are no hard edges. So, if you are renovating your kitchen please consider a rounded island because it is the coolest and all of your friends will think so too.

2. Cylinder Hoods

Last year we called “the statement hood” trend and this year, while VERY much a statement, the hoods are more specific. I am talking cylinder hoods. They aren’t brand new to the kitchen design world (Europe and Australia have been on it) but they are making much more noise than ever. I mean they are truly awesome so I am not surprised by this one. But, what I also love about this modern but simple yet grand hood is that there isn’t just one way to install it. You can take this hood off of the wall and over a kitchen island with ease and grace. It literally doesn’t have a bad side.

Another option is to double up with two of these cool beauts. The option to install two is not only a cool choice but handy if the scale doesn’t look right with just one.

I also want to show you that while these are a pretty modern choice of hood, they can still look right at home in a kitchen that sports a lot of rustic woods. This particular hood above somehow at the same time makes a statement while also being visually quite quiet. It’s pretty awesome if you ask us.

3. Tumbled Tile/Stone Done Right

Tiles with faux worn edges get a bad rap because they were overused in “French Mediterranean’ McMansions in the ’80s and ’90s, looking pretty fake and gaudy. But good ones are being made and when designed right, we love it. Granted this is a stone floor and is a much larger scale, but the edges are worn and have that tumbled effect. Emily seriously wanted to use it in the mountain house master bathroom but ended up using slate instead because she didn’t know where to find it.

While Emily couldn’t find the right stone tile for the master bath floor, she did use smaller faux tumbled tiles from Bedrosians for the coffee station backsplash in the mountain house. It just gives that unexpected (bonus) texture that we all love.

As you can see when done right and paired with simple but modern cabinetry it’s beautiful. Buuut maybe not great for bare feet?

4. Wood and Plaster Cabinets

Since we were just talking about a way to add natural texture, let’s keep the good times flowing with our next trend… wood and plaster cabinets. This trend while not new to the kitchen scene has always seemed to be exclusive to magical faraway places like Mallorca or the coasts of Mexico. Well, not anymore because they are popping up in homes all over.

Take Natalie Saunders and Louis Litrenta. They built their dream house in Joshua Tree complete with those beautiful plaster and wood cabinets. It’s the ultimate style for those who love that elevated euro rustic vibe and seeing it in a space like this makes it feel actually doable in a remodel or new build. Also if you haven’t seen Jessica and Mike Kraus’ home remodel go now. They did a beautiful version of this type of kitchen in their Southern California home.

5. The Updated ’80s White and Wood Cabinets

Ok, this little kitchen trend was pretty crazy to me as I have avoided the dated version of this style of cabinetry with all my might. But I have to say that after these modern types of kitchens started showing up more and more on the design interwebs I thought, “Wait, I think I kind of dig them.”

Now I will tell you why. The wood is less lacquered and rounded than it’s out of touch older sibling. It’s sort of nuts that all this style needed was a little less gloss on those lips. Matte is here for the win. I really think this style would look great in a midcentury modern leaning home or a minimalist style home as well. But hey, break the rules and do what you want.

6. Stone Backsplash

This trend might as well have a big EHD Approved stamp on it as we are no stranger to the stone accent. Does Emily’s mountain house fireplace ring a bell?? So when we saw Leanne Ford’s Rock The Block stone-walled kitchen we knew this was about to blow.

We, of course, don’t discount the likelihood that a backsplash like that is probably pretty impossible to clean. But there must be some kind of matte sealant to put on that right? I hope so because it is beautiful and we are pretty sure we will be seeing it a lot in 2020.

7. Warm Toned (ORANGE??) Accented Kitchens

Terracotta or dare we say orange is popping up and we are enjoying this shift into the warm. Not only is it inviting, but you can see that warm depth it brings to this kitchen. Something important to note here is that it still feels modern because of the very modern, simple cabinetry and chic accessories. It’s a team effort if you will.

Don’t worry we still love white kitchens, black kitchens, blue kitchens, light wood kitchens, but there is something seriously good about an almost cherry wood-accented kitchen that says, “delicious meals filled with love are made here”. The trick is to make sure, if you are using wood, to not have the finish be too lacquered. Instead, let it show some that natural texture and knots.

Now “the warmth” can come from anything in your kitchen (as long as it’s a big feature). It doesn’t have to be your cabinetry or wall tiles, it can also be something like your ceiling as the ever talented Sarah Sherman Samuel has in her newly remodeled home. And yes, it is AMAZING. This kitchen is light and modern, with a hint of glam but is perfectly balanced by the warm, almost orange-toned wood on the ceiling.

8. Colorful Window Frames

This is kind of a little secret trend that has been slowing entering our Pinterests and Instagram feeds…The Colorful Window Frame. It’s a fairly easy way to bring in a pop of color without committing to a big dramatic statement. It’s like a “fun hello” instead of a “HEY YOU LOOK AT ME NOW”.

Now, of course, unless you have a closed-off kitchen to the rest of your house, you will likely want to paint all of your window frames so the whole space looks cohesive and just not a random kitchen moment. But hey isn’t it fun??

9. Lamps in Kitchens

Now we have come to the final kitchen trend of 2020 (well for now:)) And this one is for everyone. Yes, I mean the renters, the unable to renovators, the “I just renovated but want a little something else-ers.” I am talking about the kitchen lamp.

I had been seeing these little guys showing up in kitchens but it wasn’t until our wonderful old EHD photographer, Tessa talked about the pros of having a kitchen lamp because she is currently designing her own kitchen and wants one. It was then I was like, “Hey this is totally happening and it’s so easy and cool.”

Emily stands by the fact that stylists have been doing this forever because they add visual interest and add a beautiful soft light when you want the lights low. But now the public is finally appreciating this look on a more mass scale and we like it a lot.

Ok, that’s it for today. 2020 is here and we couldn’t be more excited to see these trends hit hard as well as whatever other awesome trends pop up throughout the year. But now for the moment of truth…What trends do you love? Are there any you can’t deal with and will fight them off with your trusty spatula in hand? Have any of these sparked some ideas for your own potential renovations? Let us know in the comments and stay tuned for more 2020 trend predictions.

Love ya, mean it.