Remember when everyone wanted to knock down their kitchen walls? Open-plan living was all the rage, and having the kitchen, dining room, and living room flow into one enormous space seemed to be everyone's dream.

Well, we might be putting a few of those walls back up. At least, that's one of the predictions for 2027, when kitchen design is expected to become a little more practical and considerably more personal.

Recently, the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) surveyed 830 professionals about the kitchens they expect to see in the next few years. While natural materials and warm colors remain popular, some of the biggest changes have more to do with how we use our kitchens than how they look.

Here are five 2027 kitchen trends to keep an eye on.

We're Putting the Kitchen Walls Back Up

For years, open-plan kitchens have been a favorite for homeowners, especially those who enjoy entertaining. But, there's something to be said for keeping the cooking mess out of sight when friends arrive.

The NKBA's latest findings suggest that designers are moving more toward defined spaces. Partial walls and movable partitions are becoming increasingly popular. In fact, 81% of surveyed professionals believe intentional zoning is here to stay.

That doesn't necessarily mean returning to completely separate kitchens. Instead, we may see more thoughtful divisions between cooking and living areas, giving each space a little more privacy.

The Toaster Is Going Into Hiding

If you've ever wondered how those beautiful kitchens in decorating magazines manage to have such spotless countertops, there's one possible answer: everything is hidden away.

According to the NKBA, 85% of the surveyed professionals agree that cabinets are increasingly being designed to hide appliances and other functional elements. Coffee machines are being tucked behind cabinet doors, microwaves are being concealed in dedicated compartments, and everyday appliances are being stored in spacious pantries.

Open shelving may also be losing some of its popularity, with 64% of respondents agreeing that enclosed storage is taking over. So, if you’re tired of looking at a crowded countertop, this could be a welcome development.

Coffee Colors Are Coming to the Kitchen

White kitchens aren't disappearing, but designers are finding more inspiration in warmer colors. An interesting trend is the so-called cortado kitchen, named after the espresso drink made with steamed milk. The style combines creamy shades with deeper coffee-colored cabinetry, often incorporating wood and natural stone.

We're also seeing interest in colors inspired by the spice cabinet, including honey-colored yellows and rich berry tones. And there's no reason to replace perfectly good cabinets to experiment with these kitchen ideas.

A fresh coat of paint, colorful accessories, or a different backsplash can bring some warmth to the kitchen without committing to a complete renovation.

Kitchen Lighting Is Getting More Attention

We've all stood beneath a bright kitchen light late in the evening and wished the room were a little more inviting. Designers are thinking about that, too. The NKBA found that 84% of people expect kitchens to incorporate layers of lighting, rather than relying entirely on overhead fixtures.

Under-cabinet lighting is particularly popular these days, while wall sconces and decorative pendants are also attracting attention.

And the practical benefits are easy to appreciate. Bright lighting helps when we're preparing dinner, while softer lighting can make the kitchen more welcoming when the cooking is done. If you’re exploring kitchen renovation ideas, lighting might be one of the easier places to begin.

Our Kitchens Are Becoming More Personal

This might be the best part. Kitchens are being designed around the people who actually use them. Dedicated coffee stations are growing in popularity, while pantries are becoming more useful spaces for food prep and storage. Even pet-feeding stations are appearing in the predictions.

And, despite all the excitement surrounding artificial intelligence, kitchen technology may be developing more cautiously than expected. Only 27% of surveyed professionals anticipate a strong interest in ovens with integrated AI. It seems we're still more interested in having somewhere convenient to make our morning coffee than asking the oven to think for us.

Choose a Kitchen Trend That Works for You

The nicest thing about these kitchen trends for 2027 is that many of them are rooted in everyday practicality. We might appreciate having fewer appliances cluttering our countertops or better lighting when we're preparing dinner.

While some changes require major renovations, many of them are surprisingly simple. And, anyway, our kitchens don’t have to be the newest or most fashionable ones. They just have to be the ones where we enjoy spending our time, whether we're making breakfast on a quiet Sunday or cooking dinner for a houseful of friends.

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