Kitchen design is shifting fast, and the next wave favors ease, warmth, and everyday life. A new report maps what owners want as spaces grow and shape the whole home. Surfaces, colors, storage, and layout now work together, not apart. The star is a countertop choice that blends beauty with low care. Designers, contractors, and makers read the same signals. The look is streamlined, yet welcoming. The feel is practical, yet polished. Here is what will define the year ahead.
How The New countertop Direction Sets the Kitchen’s Tone
Home kitchens are continually growing, and their influence reaches into each space next to them. There was over 600 designers, contractors, and manufacturers in the report. Buyers want durability, low maintenance, and affordability because it forecasts the next three years.
Within that frame, surfaces drive the plan. The countertop anchors the palette and coordinates cabinets, backsplash, and floor. Lighter tones lead, as matte or honed finishes cut glare while darker doors add crisp contrast.
Low care beats constant upkeep, so materials with real stain and scratch resistance win hearts. Shiny is out as matte expands to sinks, faucets, and lighting. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, plus panel-ready appliances, builds a calm, integrated room.
Transitional Style Leads While Neutrals Quietly Take Over
Transitional style remains the national favorite because it blends classic form with modern clarity. 72% of respondents said it was their first choice. Mediterranean, farmhouse, and cottage are much lower than contemporary minimalism, which comes in second at 60%.
Color talk is loud, yet neutrals win the vote. A resounding 96% anticipate that black, white, gray, and brown will predominate. Warm, adaptable, and forgiving, these colors encourage resale when tastes change.
When non-neutral color appears, green leads at 86 percent, with blue close at 78 percent. People place these notes on backsplashes, wallpaper, islands, or decor. The countertop often stays light and quiet, so accents can change without another pricey install.
Why Quartz Rises As the Go-To countertop Surface
Function beats fuss, and that explains the leader. According to 78 percent of respondents, quartz ranks first for kitchen tops. It delivers a stone look with little maintenance, while quartzite, the natural metamorphic rock, places second.
Granite keeps falling, with only 43 percent expecting major use. The pattern often feels busy beside today’s calmer cabinets and floors. Marble scores 26 percent because the surface etches and scratches easily during normal tasks.
Design details follow suit across materials. Lighter tops with darker cabinets feel fresh, and matte or honed finishes avoid glare. Homeowners split on islands: 56 percent want contrast, while 44 percent prefer a match, yet the countertop sets the rhythm.
Cabinets, Backsplashes, And Floors Favor Seamless Simplicity
Cabinet choices underscore the move to natural warmth. Half of respondents predict white oak will lead for the next three years. Walnut ranks second at 28 percent as darker tones gain favor, while slab doors outpace Shaker.
Backsplashes still favor tile, with 70 percent selecting ceramic or porcelain for durability. Quartz and quartzite backsplashes follow closely at 64 and 61 percent. Many extend the stone up the wall to cut grout lines and create a sleek plane.
Floors echo the same goals as they reduce seams and care time. Engineered wood trends higher at 78 percent, compared with 59 percent for traditional hardwood. Lighter, warm neutrals prevail, and the countertop color often bridges nearby surfaces for easy harmony.
Lifestyle Zones Turn Kitchens Into True Daily Hubs
Function expands beyond cooking as owners add purpose-built corners. Beverage areas top the list, with 85 percent expecting coffee stations or small bar nooks. Nearby mudrooms ease traffic and keep coats, bags, and shoes in order.
Pet feeding stations appear more often, which keeps bowls tidy and paths clear. Eat-in seating returns, though layouts feel lighter than heavy benches. Study spots or compact home offices fit homework and remote work within view.
The room becomes a social stage again where friends can linger easily. Layered lighting blends task, accent, and ambient while hidden outlets control clutter. Durable surfaces resist heat and spills, and the countertop serves as the quiet anchor for change.
A Timely Shift Toward Ease, Warmth, And Daily Life
Taken together, the signals are clear: design is getting simpler, warmer, and kinder to busy schedules. Quartz and quartzite lead surfaces, while wood tones, matte finishes, and larger planks bring calm order. Friendly zones help mornings, work, and pets flow without fuss. As the year unfolds, a smart countertop choice connects the look, supports color shifts, and sustains daily life.