2027 Kitchen Remodeling Trends: What Designers Say Is Coming (and What It Means for Your Budget)
Zoned layouts, concealed appliances, quartzite, contrasting islands and leak detection: the 2027 kitchen trends from the NKBA report, explained for Plano homeowners with budget notes.
The NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) released its 2027 kitchen trends report in October 2026, based on a survey of designers. Below are the findings that matter most if you are planning a kitchen in Plano in the next year, and what each one tends to mean for the budget. The percentages are the share of surveyed designers who gave that answer.
1. Open plans give way to defined zones
81% of designers say intentional zoning is here to stay. Semi-enclosed layouts (46%) and partially concealed kitchens (41%) are named as up and coming, and 47% point to back kitchens and dedicated prep spaces. Open shelving is losing ground: 64% say it is on its way out in favor of enclosed storage.
Budget note: Adding a partial wall or a prep zone can involve framing, electrical and sometimes plumbing changes. Layout reconfiguration ranked second among kitchen investments for return at 49%, behind cabinet upgrades at 54%.
2. Kitchens are not getting bigger
52% of designers expect kitchen footprints to grow, down from 76% in last year's report. More of the work is going into how the existing space functions: beverage areas (90% expect them to be popular, up from 85%), pantries that do more than one job (88%) and small-appliance stations (73%).
Budget note: If you stay inside your current footprint, more of your budget can go to cabinets, countertops and lighting instead of construction.
3. Appliances disappear into cabinetry
85% agree cabinetry is being designed to hide appliances. Under-cabinet lighting is expected to be popular by 87% and interior cabinet lighting by 76%.
Budget note: Panel-ready appliances and integrated lighting need to be chosen before cabinets are ordered, so the cabinet maker builds around them.
4. Materials and color
- Quartzite is expected to be popular by 78% of designers, ahead of quartz at 74%.
- Contrasting islands: 54% expect the island to be a different color from the surrounding cabinets.
- Natural wood: 34% expect unfinished natural-material cabinets to be popular, and white oak is the top wood choice at 49%.
- Color: neutrals remain on top at 96%, with greens at 83% and blues at 75%, both slightly down from last year.
Budget note: Natural stone and wood vary in price by slab and species, so ask for the exact material and quantity in writing. See our 2027 cost outlook for how materials prices are moving.
5. Protection and connected features
The report lists climate-resilience features designers expect: leak detection and automatic shut-off valves (65%), backup power (62%) and ventilation and air filtration (53%). Connected features such as phone alerts for a power failure or gas leak (57%) and app-controlled appliances (40%) are also on the list. AI-specific features are not a priority yet: only 27% expect ovens with food recognition to be desired.
Budget note: Leak detection and shut-off valves are small items next to cabinets and counters, and they protect the work you just paid for.
Where to put the money
In the designers' ranking, cabinet upgrades came first among kitchen investments at 54%. If your budget is tight, quality cabinets and a layout that suits how you cook are a safer place to spend than the newest gadget.
For what Plano kitchens cost, see our kitchen remodel cost guide. To talk through your own kitchen, book a free design visit.
