Kitchens Are Trending Toward Simpler Designs

The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s 2027 Kitchen Trends Report highlights a shift away from fully open floorplans and a growing demand for mudrooms, beverage areas, and pet feeding stations.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association on Nov. 11 released its 2027 Kitchen Trends Report, which revealed that kitchen are trending toward more simple and purpose-built spaces. The report includes feedback from remodelers, designers, architects, manufacturers, and other industry professionals.

Top trends identified in the report include:

Essential spaces are being rebalanced

Kitchens are being designed to support changing lifestyles and flexible living. Fully open floor plans are becoming less popular as design preferences shift to defined kitchen zones, with expanded pantries, cabinetry, and back kitchens supporting more organized spaces. Flexible transitions between open and enclosed spaces allow kitchens to adapt to changing household needs.

Attached mudrooms, beverage areas are hot

An attached mudroom was the design elements that 94% of respondents said they expect to be most popular over the next three years. Other top items include dedicated beverage areas (cited by 90% of respondents), pet feeding stations (64%), and eat-in kitchens (63%). Having a secure area where deliveries could be left was cited by only 37% as a top trend, surprising considering how many people regularly shop for groceries online and have dinner delivered.

Remodeling is influencing timeless design

As more homeowners choose to remodel rather than move, lasting quality and long-term value are taking priority over short-lived trends. Timeless design provides a foundation, while investments in layout improvements, cabinetry, countertops and appliances allow homeowners to balance functionality, durability, and personal expression.


 

From mudrooms and back pantries to personalized work zones, homeowners are reimagining what their kitchens can do to help make everyday life easier, healthier and more enjoyable. The kitchen remains the heart of the home, but it’s also becoming the starting point for a more connected, thoughtfully designed home.” —Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA.


 

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