New Year, New You, New Kitchen

Moving into 2026 has all of us at Kitchens By Design itching to see all of the fun ideas our clients have in store for the year! New years bring in new design influences and tastes. With so many opinions about what you should or should not do, we decided to put this blog together to help you figure out what YOU want in your kitchen.

Statement Colors and Textures

Last January we blogged about the major color shifts happening in the kitchen design world. Staying in trend are jewel tones and natural, earthy color pallets. Jewel tones are an excellent way to brighten and enhance your space with minimal effort. Looking to make a statement when you host dinner parties? Dark, royal purples and blues paired with subtle matte metallic hardware is the perfect way to elevate your kitchen. Alternatively, if you are hoping for a homey, welcoming atmosphere, dark browns and warm toned greens - such as sage or pistachio - paired with textured tile or cabinet doors will make you feel perfectly cozy. Either way, bold color choices that appeal to a strong visual element are still center stage with many kitchen renovations.

Individualism is Key

Homeowners have begun to lean more into showing their personalities in design choices, ranging from statement walls to true maximalism. While in previous years kitchen designs have followed the same rules, mixing textures and colors has become a way to break the mold. Showcasing your life's story though items you collected on your travels or choosing complimentary, personalized hues for your floors and walls is certainly something to consider when remodeling.

Incorporating these design choices in your kitchen can mean mixing mesh cabinet doors with dark blue cabinets, or choosing to have a grand island with built-in appliances as a statement piece. At the end of the day, your home should reflect you, not what is popular with the influencers.

Kitchen Zones

Creating specific zones within your kitchen versus a true open concept layout is something else to keep in mind when designing your space this year. Butler's pantries, prep spaces, and kitchen breakfast nooks are staples in this era of design. The key is to create spaces within your kitchen that coordinate with your lifestyle. If you enjoy cooking and hosting, a butler's pantry is perfect for you. You can tidy as you go but if there are last minute adjustments to make, you can maintain a clean kitchen for your guests while you create magic for them in the background. If you do not have the space for a butler's pantry, you can still create a designated prep space. A kitchen island with a built-in sink paired with a walk in pantry is one such example. While open concept is fantastic for keeping your home beautifully lit with natural light, you will be able to use your space more efficiently when you are intentional with how you use it.

Your Kitchen

At Kitchens By Design, we thrive on helping our clients create a space that feels most suited to their needs. There are so many sources of information out there that when you start the dreaming process of a kitchen remodel, it can be difficult to discern exactly where you need to start. The most important thing to keep in mind as you begin your remodel journey is that you are the person who has to love the space the most. Choose items and colors that you like, and we will help you figure out how to put it together. Ultimately: your kitchen, your rules. Come visit us at 2143 Hartford Avenue in Johnston, RI and chat with our designer Adrienne. We look forward to helping you create a space that feels like you.

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