Kitchen design trends come and go, but one thing remains constant: a well-designed kitchen can transform how you live in your home.
Recently, Ottawa Citizen, the city’s leading daily newspaper, featured Laurysen interior designer Kristen Weese in a piece highlighting the latest kitchen trends.
In Laura Byrne Paquet’s article, Design Trends: Kitchen Confidential, Kristen shares how modern kitchens are evolving. From clever storage to timeless style, here’s a look at the key trends shaping today’s dream kitchens covered in the article.
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Table of Contents Kitchen Trends
Master the Minimalist Aesthetic
Homeowners are increasingly seeking kitchens that blend functionality with visual interest, “something that flows and isn’t broken up with a bunch of chunky stainless steel appliances, ” says Kristen.
This has fueled the popularity of integrated—or “panel-ready”—kitchen appliances, which match the surrounding cabinetry doors, creating a seamless, minimalist look. Concealing the factory finish of the appliances helps maintain a uniform appearance. Carefully selected light fixtures and furnishings further enhance a modern and refined aesthetic.
Hidden Pantries (in Plain Sight)
For those with ample space and a generous budget, a hideaway pantry or a separate spice kitchen can transform the culinary experience. In the 2024 CHEO Home, The Oasis, the pantry door seemingly disappears into an entire wall of light wood cabinetry doors.
Pantries like these give you more cooking space, plus ample open shelves and storage for small appliances, ingredients and equipment. The best part? They also hide messes from your guests!
Clever Clutter Reduction
If there’s no space or budget for a full hideaway pantry, many other innovative ways exist to maintain clutter-free countertops.
Utensil pull-outs are a handy addition; a narrow but deep drawer like this one can store utensils upright and out of sight.
According to Kristen, she incorporates these into almost every kitchen she designs because they are “quick and easy [to use] when you’re cooking.”
Drawers over Shelves for Storage
When it comes to under-counter storage, drawers are gaining preference over traditional shelving. Kristen explains that drawers are a better use of space because you can see what’s inside “from the top, as opposed to squatting down and looking in your cabinet.”
This enhanced accessibility makes finding what you need in lower cabinets easier without straining or bending. The beauty of deep drawers is that they can also be customized with organization accessories, such as pegs or racks, to store dishes securely.
Maximize Awkward Corners
Kristen shares that traditional Lazy Susans are becoming obsolete because Laurysen customizes cabinets to maximize awkward corner cupboards.
Two popular options she recommends are Magic Corners and the LeMans System. Magic Corners feature shelves attached to the cabinet door that come out upon opening, while a second set of shelves slides sideways into the vacated space.
The LeMans System uses shelves mounted on hinged arms, allowing them to be rotated and swung out of the cupboard for easy access.
Safely Integrating Technology
Appliance garages are a wonderful way to conceal appliances, and now there’s a new trend as well: gadget-charging drawers. These allow homeowners to charge phones, tablets, and other devices out of sight, maintaining a clutter-free environment.
However, Kristen cautions that you must consult with licensed electricians to ensure compliance with local building codes. She notes that here in Ontario, a “dead man switch” is required to cut power to outlets when the drawer is closed.
Pet-Friendly Spaces
Another trending design element? In recent years, homeowners have been requesting pet food dishes that integrate into the base of a kitchen island or cabinet. Some pet lovers are also installing pot fillers above their dog’s water dish.
Small details like this just make sense and can become a surprising focal point in your kitchen!
Kitchen Trends Tailored to You
How do you envision your ideal kitchen? Are you ready to incorporate practical trends like these? Or maybe you’d like to introduce more natural materials, increase your storage, or change your kitchen lighting.
Experienced Laurysen designers are ready to help you transform your vision into reality while avoiding common kitchen design mistakes. Book a free design consultation today and take the first step towards creating the kitchen of your dreams.
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