Chicago kitchen remodeling trends don’t typically make dramatic shifts from one calendar year to the next. However, this year we've noticed a handful of trends that are shaking things up a bit.

5 Kitchen Design Trends Worth Paying Attention To

Here are five of the more stunning or unique trends worth paying attention to if you’re interested in designing a kitchen remodel that stands out from the rest.

1. Matte Black Finishes

While it’s true that black-and-white kitchens have stood the test of time, the new matte black finish trend is something new. We’ve seen black stainless steel appliances start making an appearance, and now they’re joined by black-matte cabinets making a sultry appearance.

They’re sleek, they’re contemporary and they certainly make a statement. If you go this route, speak with your Chicago kitchen designer about melamine cabinet finishes, which are durable and easier to clean than their painted counterparts.

2. Wood-and-White

The rise in post-modern, contemporary kitchen designs began with a seamless splash – and homeowners realized that while sleek looked great in photos, it was a little to sterile for their tastes in real life. Combine that with U.S. homeowners’ fascination with hygge – a Danish lifestyle and design concept that accentuates warmth and coziness - and it’s no surprise traditional wood motifs are finding their way into the most contemporary of designs.

This means your all-white kitchen could be enhanced with some texturally-rich wood accents – be they barn wood cabinet doors, a butcher-block countertop section or island topper, or an oversized kitchen table constructed from repurposed lumber.

3. Mixed-up Metals

There is still a big push for mixing up the metal finishes in the kitchen. In addition to creating a timeless feel, this also adds more texture, color and dimension in a kitchen space. Plus, the mixing metals approach allows you to get a little outlandish – like installing that beautiful gold kitchen faucet you’ve been eyeballing – without having to continue it everywhere else.

Read, The Trend of Mixing Metals in Chicago Kitchen Designs for some ideas.

4. Industrial-strength countertops

Homeowners are definitely prioritizing low-maintenance kitchen features that have luxury-level aesthetics. That means passing over most natural stone options and embracing the era of manufactured countertops that can take a beating. While concrete is an option, we’re not super-fans as a result of inherent future downfalls (such as the risk of cracks, fissures and repeat sealing since concrete is porous).

However we are huge fans of Cambria or Caesarstone options that have included some industrial-esque patterns in their lines. We also like IceStone countertops, although those require sealing as well.

5. Pendants as statement and space holders

Pendant lights have been perpetual trenders because they’re ideal for illuminating kitchen island spaces. However, bigger and bolder pendants are making an increased appearance in open floor plans because they also act as a visual boundary or space holder in open floor plans.

Again, echoing the interest in industrial-like features and finishes, using old barn-inspired, retro-reproduction, authentic vintage fixtures and industrial pendants are all fun options for geting oversized pendants with personality.

Interested in integrating current kitchen trends that align with your household style and day-to-day kitchen flow? Schedule a design consultation with Kitchens & Baths Unlimited.