The Top Trends Dominating Kitchen and Bath Design

From warm woods to brushed metals, it is all about the details when it comes to your kitchen and bath. Here, the top trends of the moment—plus all the tips and tricks for how to use them.A kitchen in a midcentury modern home is brought into the present while still preserving the spirit of its past.

In the Mix
The kitchen in this midcentury modern home was brought into the present while preserving the spirit of its past. Amanda Reid, founder of Mandarina Interior Design Studio (mandarinastudio.net), suggested a full gut renovation of the space to increase functionality, which included replacing a dated peninsula with a large island and shifting the opening between the kitchen and dining room to allow for an addition of glass doors to the backyard, bringing the outside in. The client wanted a clean, white, contemporary design that didn’t feel sterile or institutional. Reid introduced warmth through mixing metals, and interest and movement within the strong veining of the quartzite counter and backsplash. She created harmony between the eras by introducing a vintage runner and large chandeliers over the island that resemble a fixture from the 1950s.

“The home is an incredible custom build, and every inch of the house was carefully considered and curated,” shares designer Shelley Cekirge of this chic project in Tenafly, N.J.

Timeless Traditional
When it came to renovating a 1930 Georgian estate by noted architect Edwin Clark on the North Shore of Chicago, Nate Berkus Associates (nateberkus.com) partner Lauren Buxbaum Gordon let the home’s history be her inspiration. “The bones of the house really dictated the design direction,” she explains of the project, for which the studio worked with architecture firm Aspect Design Inc. and builder Landmark Luxury Group. “Being an old Georgian, we wanted a kitchen that felt fresh and exciting, but timeless.” Her favorite elements in the fresh new space? “I love the countertop and backsplash details and the unexpected but traditional pendants. The banquette in the corner was our client’s request, and [we] felt it was really successful in helping make this kitchen functional but also unique and inviting.”

Classic vibes plus fresh style make for a truly inviting kitchen from Nate Berkus Associates.

Monochrome Magic
For her home in Miami Beach, a Mediterranean Revival-style house from the 1940s, Taylor Abess of Parlor Interiors (parlorinteriors.com) curated every inch as a storied living space that entices you to linger. The primary bathroom is no exception, with its sophisticated palette of black and white, gilded accents and mix of old meets new. “The goal was to maintain a modern feel while paying homage to the home’s architectural history with subtle nods to the past,” Abess says. Bold flooring from Tabarka Studio in an old-world pattern creates continuity with the rest of the home’s monochrome palette. “Since black and white are neutral,” she says, “they allow each individual piece to stand out without competing against a loud color scheme.”

A banquette covered in Pierre Frey fabric beckons relaxation in Taylor Abess’ primary bath, where many pieces are antiques, including the custom vanities and mirrors from 1stDibs and Chairish. The tub is from Devon&Devon, and the Lee Broom sconces are from The Future Perfect.

Très Chic
“The home is an incredible custom build, and every inch of the house was carefully considered and curated,” shares designer Shelley Cekirge (shelleycekirge.com) of a project in Tenafly, N.J. “For the kitchen, the clients wanted something contemporary but not cold,” she says of the project that spotlights an elegant palette. “Because the kitchen is open to the great room and bar, we wanted to make sure the design owed throughout the space. The wall opposite the kitchen has a stunning Calacatta Gold fireplace that we sourced from Artistic Tile, as well as a double-height, floor-to-ceiling bookcase of cerused white oak and gorgeous slubbed silk wallpaper. We wanted to pick up on those warm tones and continue the Calacatta Gold on the countertops, backsplash and custom range hood. The La Cornue range adds elegance to the cooking area and works beautifully with the dark cabinetry and stone to finish the space.”

Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs created an inviting green kitchen with lots of storage for a family of four in Redondo Beach, Calif.

Going Green
Although her clients initially wanted a blue kitchen, Linda Hayslett of LH.Designs (lhdesigned.com) convinced them to go in a more verdant direction. “I suggested a shade from Benjamin Moore called Bonsai,” she says. “It’s a soothing color that makes a statement, standing out in a mature yet playful way. It strikes the perfect balance—sophisticated enough for adults, but not so formal that tweens would feel out of place.” For balance, Hayslett used warm wood tones, plush tans, soft grays and brass accents. “These complementary colors create a cozy atmosphere, making the green feel like it’s enveloping you. With Bonsai as the dominant color, the other hues add depth and allow it to truly shine as the star of the room.”