Guess what? The new trend in kitchens isn’t a color.
KBIS Market Report, Day 1
Majestic Director of Sales Josh Smyth shares his thoughts from KBIS.
One question many homebuyers are asking these days is, “what’s the new color palette for kitchens?” Since the kitchen is where homeowners are making major investments, they want to make sure they are choosing wisely. After many years of stainless appliances and white cabinets, buyers are understandably questioning whether it’s time for a change.
What may surprise you is that the newest kitchen trends aren’t about colors. Based on the latest at the 2019 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, what’s next in kitchens is style as much as color.
Clean and sleek is the new standard. White and gray are still dominant colors but instead of traditional or matte finish, think gloss finishes and more contemporary. There’s more emphasis on sharp lines, minimal hardware, and flat-front cabinets, although it doesn’t seem that shaker has completely shaken out. We anticipate some movement to the warmer tones of beige and gold, but it’s not happening as widely or as quickly as we expected.

Countertops and backsplashes play a central role in this trend. There are a wealth of granite and quartz colors and styles that contribute to a clean, modern aesthetic while adding elegance and warmth. A few of our favorites are Caesarstone Rugged Concrete and Silestone Eternal Marfil.
Beyond the styles and colors of solid surfaces trending at the show are the size and dimensions of the surfaces and countertops. Dramatic waterfall treatments on islands and two-level islands with different countertop surfaces are prevalent.
And perhaps the biggest new countertop trend this year is the emergence of 2CM products – in high-end luxury and affordable options. Kitchen designers looking for a sleek profile are opting for thinner, but durable, 2CM tops. This extends from granite and quartz through new products like Dekton.
The clean design pairs well with another kitchen trend – smart technology. From appliances that track your grocery needs to lighting with Bluetooth speakers so that Alexa or Siri are within your beck and call. And if the kitchen is the top gathering place in the home, it’s time to make sure there’s quality entertainment with TVs and sound options built into cabinets.
If you’re one of those people who worry that clean and sleek mean cold and harsh, you’ll be happy to know that there’s also a trend to pull in natural colors and products. From quartz products that resemble concrete or marble to warm wood surfaces on floors, islands, and cabinets, these new trends offer a range of options.