NKBA Design Competition Deadline Extended! Submit Your Projects by Oct. 28>

Back

NKBA 2027 Kitchen Trends Report

October 2026

NKBA’s 2027 Kitchen Trends Report provides an in-depth look at the future of kitchen design, spotlighting the styles, colors, products, materials, and finishes expected to shape the next three years. Findings are drawn from feedback provided by 830 industry professionals across North America, 67% of whom are NKBA members. Among respondents, 62% were designers, with the remainder representing showroom professionals, dealers, kitchen and bath remodelers, contractors, and architects.

Kitchen design is shifting from simply adding more to making every decision count.

Key Takeaways

The research revealed 10 core themes driving kitchen design:

  • The Great Rebalancing of Space
  • The Purpose-Built Kitchen
  • Humanized & Layered Design
  • The Emotional Kitchen
  • Intentional Simplicity
  • The Connected Home Experience
  • Optimizing the Interior Environment
  • Weathering the Unexpected
  • Redefining Value
  • The ROI Kitchen

Additional Topics Covered

  • Climate Resilience: Examines how climate-related considerations are entering kitchen design, including demand for resilience features, strategies such as leak detection, backup power and improved air quality, and the barriers designers and clients face in adopting these solutions.
  • Size & Spend: Explores how kitchen size and project scope are evolving, including expectations for kitchen footprint, priorities for maximizing functionality within existing space, and the mix of renovation and new-construction projects shaping today’s market.
  • Product-Specific Insights: Detailed outlooks for 12 product categories and design elements: Islands/Pantries, Cabinets, Countertops, Backsplashes, Flooring, Refrigerators, Dishwashers, Cooking Appliances, Venting/Hoods, Sinks, Faucets, and Lighting.

Related Content