Top 10 Kitchen Remodeling Trends for 2020

By Julie Novak | September 5, 2019

Hard to believe but in the renovation world, it is time to start focusing our attention on 2020. While we do not promote designing your home around the latest fleeting trend, kitchens are a little different—as they guide homeowners to make decisions about their interiors that will last at least a decade or two.

What will a modern kitchen look like in 2020? Will upper cabinets still be around? What type of hardware will be popular? What materials will be worth investing in to carry your kitchen into the future? We think these kitchen trends are definitely worth considering in 2020.

white kitchen with blue accent cabinets

  1. Colorful cabinets

White cabinetry is classic and will likely never go out of style but it’s not the only option. Green will be the kitchen color of 2020. You’ll be seeing many different shades of green in kitchens all over Pinterest and Instagram in the upcoming year. But if green is not your thing, not to worry. Blue cabinets will still be popular in 2020, especially on the lower cabinets. Either color will look great if you complement it with a neutral flooring and backsplash.

  1. Removable wallpaper

Temporary wallpaper may be just what your kitchen needs to add interest. It will provide great texture and color, without requiring a huge time or financial commitment. When trends change, you can switch it out without making a major investment.

  1. A backsplash that climbs the wall

Whether you choose plain white subway tile or create a colorful large-scale mosaic, backsplashes don’t have to go from the counter to the bottom of the wall cabinets anymore. Instead, the backsplash can rise all the way up to the ceiling. This gives the kitchen a cohesive look and creates an eye-catching focal point.

  1. Mixed metal hardware

Hardware is the finishing accessory in a stylish kitchen. The right hardware will update your kitchen and tie all the elements together, so don’t be afraid to mix it up. Pick a couple of metals and use them for the knobs, pulls, and plumbing fixtures. While a cool brushed nickel finish looks fresh and remains timeless, if you want a warm metal, try copper or brass instead. Matte black has a bold, minimalist vibe and grabs attention, as long as you don’t overdo it. If you like the look, try it on your faucet and use different metals on the cabinets.

  1. Induction cooking

Fast, safe, and aesthetically pleasing—there are many reasons to embrace induction cooking. Because induction burners utilize little heat, even cramped kitchens stay cool while cooking, and surfaces remain safe to touch. Plus, conduction stove tops eliminate the need for a large range hood, opening the door to creative design possibilities.

  1. White countertops

Although dark counters provide a sophisticated look, white countertops are here to stay in 2020. Engineered quartz and natural stone are in a dead heat, so you can choose according to your taste. Quartz is easy to maintain and comes in a wide variety of styles that mimic stone. New lifetime sealers make natural stone a viable low-maintenance option. The surface that won’t look new in your 2020 kitchen is a busy, colorful granite. Whichever material you select, go for a more neutral, subdued look.

  1. Glass cabinetry and open shelving

Glass doors and open shelving are coming back in style. It’s all part of the trend toward simplicity and organization. As people are reducing their belongings down to only the essentials, they’re more likely to showcase intentional collections. Glass doors and open shelving also streamline your kitchen cleaning routine and give your kitchen a modern design.

  1. Sustainability

The trend is on designing a sustainable kitchen that will be as comfortable, functional and beautiful now as it will be five, ten and even 20 years from now. Choose a kitchen design that shouldn’t need any significant work or replacements and will be accessible for everyone in your family.

  1. Smart home devices

Smart devices will become a staple in the 2020 kitchen. Your Google Home or Amazon Echo device will read you recipes, order groceries, answer cooking questions, set a timer, and lots more.

  1. Energy efficient lighting, fixtures and appliances

Energy-efficiency is a serious priority in our culture today. Appliances and lighting fixtures that have the Energy Star symbol will ensure they exceed current EPA guidelines for energy efficiency along with plumbing fixtures that have the WaterSense label. Dimmer switches allows you to adjust the wattage and save some energy in the process. Touch-free sink faucets are not only convenient but they minimize water waste with automatic shut off.

Remember, just because it’s trending doesn’t mean it’s not timeless. Most, if not all, of these kitchen trends should stand the test of time.