Whether you’re dreaming of a new kitchen or planning a mini makeover of your existing space, we’ve cooked up a hit list of kitchen trends that are gaining popularity.

Courageous colour
The reign of the all-white minimalist kitchen is finally starting to wane as warmer, bolder colour schemes enjoy their moment in the sun. Think earthy tones of terracotta, mustard and burgundy, or jewel-like hues of inky blue, emerald green and ruby red. Or embrace darker, moodier charcoal greys and matte blacks balanced with wood accents.
If you prefer pale and interesting, opt for murky off-white, soft taupe or muted sage instead of a cool, clinical white, or go for a two-tone arrangement featuring under-bench cabinetry in a rich, saturated colour contrasted with a lighter shade above.
“Clever colour use in a kitchen is wonderful,” says senior designer at JK-W Interior Architecture and Design, Meg Freeman. “We can do this vibrantly or subtly, with beautiful stone, coloured or stained cabinetry, tiles, cool knobs and clever styling.
The kitchen should be a warm and inviting space rather than sterile and cold.”

Upcycling and circular design
Character and personality are making a comeback, not only with bolder use of colour but also in unique, rustic elements that reflect a global movement towards a more circular economy, where items are reused and recycled to minimise waste.
One easy and affordable way to embrace this trend is by upcycling and repurposing pre-loved furniture, cabinetry, modular units, accessories and artworks. Look around your local op shop to see what’s available before purchasing anything brand-new.
Consider having your cabinetry custom-made from salvaged wood in a new kitchen, or to apply this look to your existing mid-century or Scandi-style kitchen, throw in retro furniture and light fixtures in a fun colour accent.

Textured surfaces
From countertops to cabinetry, layering tactile textures like fluted wood, terrazzo and rough-hewn stone adds a dynamic and sensory element to our kitchens.
The allure of natural materials never goes out of style, and our love affair with wood and wood finishes shows no sign of abating. Choose from light maple, warm oak or dark walnut tones to suit the mood of your space and to provide contrast with the colours of your cabinetry and benchtops.
Natural stone countertops are also hot right now – the bolder the veining, the better. As Meg says: “We love using simple, classic materials that have stood the test of time, such as stone, stainless steel, timber veneers, or even a classic tactile knob rather than push-to-open.”

The rise of open shelving
Open shelving is making a comeback, often replacing upper cabinetry to create a feeling of openness and light.
As well as allowing easy access to everyday items, it offers the opportunity to showcase your favourite dishware, glassware and artisanal kitchen tools – adding more layers of interest and personal expression.

The evolution of splashbacks
Another key opportunity for injecting creativity is in your choice of splashback. Tiles remain a winning option but add interest with bold colour choices, handcrafted elements, terrazzo and glass mosaics.
Printed or painted glass, wallpaper behind glass, and aged-look mirrors are other popular splashback options. Look out also for ‘countersplashes’ – where the material used on the benchtop is extended up the wall to form the splashback.
Consider adding illuminated strip lighting along the back too, to showcase your feature splashback (and help you see what you’re cooking, of course).

The conversation island
The kitchen island is evolving from a practical prep area into a multifunctional hub of family life and entertaining. Waterfall islands have given way to open-ended styles with seating on two or more sides, creating a more conversational arrangement than having all your guests lined up along the back of the bar watching you cook.
Make sure you install charging ports for homework and working from home (or maybe tuck a charging station away in a drawer) and, whatever you do, avoid locating your sink in the kitchen island, where your dirty dishes will always be on full display.
Meg says today’s open-plan spatial design means the kitchen is often an extension of the larger living space, so it needs to be visually attractive as well as functional. “The kitchen has been treated as an important social space for a while now,” she says. “We need it to look good if it is on show in the middle of things. We are doing this in many ways, including moving the sink off the island to create more of a kitchen table approach, and using materiality that is cohesive with the rest of the interior design.”

The ‘dirty’ kitchen
No, it’s not an excuse to leave the dishes festering on the bench – dirty kitchens are like a butler’s pantry, but fitted with a sink, dishwasher and fridge. It’s a secret scullery where you can do the messy prep, then close the door while you entertain your friends in the main kitchen, which is now free to operate as more of a gathering space than a workroom.
The fun part is that, because it’s essentially a private place, you can unleash your wildest decorating ideas – paper the walls (and even the ceiling) with a dramatic print, go crazy with colour and surround yourself with your treasured crockery collection.
No room or budget for a walk-in? Meg recommends using pocket door pantries to hide your food prep areas. Keep the outer doors tucked away in the pocket cavities between your cabinetry while you work at an inset bench, then swing them out to close off that entire section of the kitchen when your guests arrive.

The coffee bar
No surprises here. We Kiwis love our coffee, but why would you drag on your leisurewear and hike to a cafe when you can make it at home in the comfort of your pyjamas?
Deck out your coffee station with a gleaming machine and store all the associated paraphernalia close at hand – either tucked away in an appliance garage or displayed loud and proud on open shelving. If you have space, add a smoothie station too, or even a wet bar, complete with sink, ice maker and under-bench wine fridge, all set for mixing summer cocktails. Bonus points if that bar is replicated in your outdoor entertaining area.

The return of the rangehood
If international trends are anything to go by, our extractor fans will soon be coming out from under the overhead cupboards and taking centre stage as a design element, clad in wood, metals, tiles or mixed materials for a custom look.

Hot metals
In keeping with the mood for warmth and elegance, brass, bronze and gold tapware and hardware are on the rise, in matte, satin and brushed finishes. Mix them up with nickel and matte black to create visual interest.

The clever kitchen
As technology becomes more integrated into our everyday lives, our kitchens are evolving into high-tech spaces that make cooking and entertaining easier than ever. Think fridges that can suggest recipes depending on what’s inside, cooktops that adjust heat levels based on the type of food being prepared, and motion-sensor taps.
Connected to your household wifi, today’s smart technology can be operated by voice command or remotely via apps from your phone or tablet, even when you’re not at home. But Meg sounds a warning: “Home automation is not for everyone – it has to be simple to use, to be useful.”

The sustainable kitchen
We’ll be hearing a lot more about biophilic design, an architectural concept about incorporating natural elements into our interiors to foster a sense of calm and wellbeing.
Expect to see more kitchens featuring plants, skylights and large windows that frame views of the garden. Natural materials, botanical wallpapers and organic, curved shapes inspired by nature are also features of these serene kitchen sanctuaries.
But it’s not all about the aesthetics – Meg also ensures the kitchens she designs facilitate a sustainable lifestyle. “Composting and soft plastics are easy to include and save so much from landfill.” Look for energy- and water-efficient appliances too – checking labels for their energy rating and water efficiency is a good place to start.
Meg says the most sustainable kitchen doesn’t need to be replaced anytime soon. “Longevity is key to our design ethos – we would rather prioritise enduring design over momentary trends, and use clever, quality materials that are fit for purpose.”