The importance of the kitchen continues to grow when it comes to homeowners’ design priorities. According to the design professionals surveyed as part of LUXE’s Luxury Living Report, 90% say the kitchen is among their clients’ top two budget priorities. In this digital-exclusive feature, today’s design leaders share the trends they’re witnessing shape the kitchens of luxury homeowners.
The Heart Of The Home
Kitchens have always been a staple of togetherness. Today, it’s become an even more integral spot for relationship building. “More than ever, the kitchen has become the heart of the home—a place where families gather, friends connect and memories are created,” says Caren Rideau, founder of Los Angeles-based Kitchen Design Group. “In my experience, for most homeowners, it is truly the most important room in the house.” Here, Rideau keeps the palette crisp and clean to form a quiet backdrop for family time.
Beyond The Basics
Move over, bland kitchens of yesterday. “We are past the idea that kitchens can only be white,” says kitchen-and-bath designer Matthew Quinn. “Homeowners today want personality-driven design with color, unusual materials, versatile lighting, jewelry-like hardware and an architecturally rich space.” Just take this vibrant gallery-wall adorning the entrance to a classic kitchen as evidence.
Warm + Cozy Is Here To Stay
It’s no surprise that designers are fielding requests for warm tones in the heart of the home. “I’m seeing a lot of natural stained woods mixed with painted finishes, warmer tones like terra cotta, burgundy, and brown stone and tile,” says Imparfait Design Studio founder Rebekah Zaveloff. In the kitchen featured here, a variety of wood stains on the lower cabinetry give the space a decidedly cozy ambience.
Expanding The Kitchen Footprint
Kitchens are not only getting more of the budget, they’re getting more of the square footage, too. “There’s a continuing trend toward making the role of the kitchen number one in the home, meaning open floor plans and larger areas given for the space,” shares designer Mick De Giulio. “Back kitchens, butler’s pantries and walk-in pantries continue to be popular,” he says. At left, clients’ preferences for open-concept kitchens offer De Giulio room to design a mixed-material space with sleek, modern elements. Want to see more? His latest book, Mick De Giulio: Kitchen First, published by Pointed Leaf Press, features an extensive portfolio of the renowned designer’s work from kitchens to product design and more.
Personalization Is A Must
Luxe finishes, character-rich details and unique color choices are shaping the kitchens of 2026 and beyond. “There’s a big push toward metals: molten, liquid and brushed finishes allow for stunning one-of-a-kind pieces,” says Steven Cooper, owner and principal designer of Cooper Pacific. “Across all regions of the U.S., thoughtful color and materiality are driving elements, giving each kitchen its own distinctive personality.” Here, Cooper employed a striking black marble on the countertops and backsplash surrounding the oven to achieve this effect.
