7 Trends Driving Today’s Kitchen Renovations

Fall is the perfect time for kitchen renovations, and countertop selection is at the heart of this process. Whether it’s the enduring appeal of quartz or the resurgent beauty of natural stones like granite, quartzite and marble, countertops are central to any kitchen remodel. These decisions are often driven by the purpose of the renovation, which reflects the homeowner’s style and needs.

Here are seven trends driving today’s kitchen renovations.

1. Creating a more open layout

The open concept remains a favorite as it offers a more spacious environment, encourages social interactions, creates a sense of togetherness and allows for various activities, from cooking to dining to remote working. Removing walls between the kitchen and living area promotes inclusivity and allows for more flexibility and freedom.

2. Maximizing space efficiency

For people with small kitchens or people who enjoy entertaining, more efficient use of space is essential. “Another trend we’ve discovered is remodeling the kitchen to make better use of the space,” says Scot Nichols, sales manager at Bedrock Quartz. “We often hear from homeowners that their current floor plan is inefficient.”

This trend allows for more functionality and personalization. Homeowners can now redesign their kitchen to make it more efficient and functional. Urban Ladder recommends installing cabinets that reach to the ceiling. Not only does this eliminate hard-to-clean spots above the cabinets, but it also creates more storage space.

No matter how you want to create additional space, countertops adapt seamlessly to these new layouts, offering flexibility whether larger, smaller or repositioned.

3. Designing functional kitchen islands

Kitchen islands are still very popular and are becoming increasingly versatile. They serve multiple purposes, creating cooking areas, dining areas and storage units. They may even include built-in appliances such as microwaves, undercounter refrigerators, and ice makers that enhance their functionality. Combine an island with an open floor concept and you get an inviting gathering place.

When deciding where to place it in your room, make sure to leave a passageway in the kitchen triangle. Madeline Buiano for Martha Stewart says the triangle is the area between the sink, refrigerator, and cooking appliance (like a stove). While it is unavoidable to keep the entire area open, be careful not to completely block it off to make cooking easier.

4. Improving storage solutions

Modern kitchens require innovative storage solutions to address the shortcomings of older designs from the 1970s and 80s, particularly in entry-level homes. However, even the more modest homes of the 1990s and 2000s may be surprisingly inadequate when it comes to kitchen storage space. Pull-out pantries, deep drawers and elegant corner cabinets maximize space and organization and are tailored to the needs of modern families.

5. Introducing bold colors and textures

While neutral tones remain popular, dramatic tones like black quartz or dark-toned granite create a striking, elegant or even moody aesthetic. Bold colors and unique textures are making a comeback. According to Jessica Bennett of Better Homes & Gardens, eye-catching countertops in bold colors like deep blue, forest or emerald green, black and color mixes with wood are becoming focal points of modern kitchen designs.

When it comes to kitchen remodels, color is everything, but don’t forget about variations in texture and finish. Leathered and honed stone surfaces provide a soft, tactile feel and a more subtle appearance compared to polished surfaces. Matte finishes and combining different textures in the kitchen to create contrast and depth are growing trends.

6. Mess things up

From a countertop perspective, look at both the perimeter counters and the island. Do you want both to be made of the same material? “Combining different countertop materials in the same kitchen to create visual interest is another trend on the rise,” says Nichols. Eye-catching backsplashes with intricate patterns or textured tiles add sparkle to the shared kitchen.

7. Minimalist and elegant design

Minimalist designs with clean lines and integrated devices are trending. They focus on creating uncluttered, functional spaces that exude elegance and simplicity. This trend includes handleless cabinets, integrated appliances, and streamlined kitchen islands.

Regardless of the reason for gutting a kitchen and starting over, countertops are one of the most important decisions homeowners need to consider. Experts at Bedrock Quartz believe stone countertops are an excellent choice for any kitchen. Visit one of seven showrooms in Utah to explore our exquisite options firsthand.