Kitchens constantly change and evolve. Materials and styles that were once everywhere are falling out of favor as we discover new (and sometimes rediscover very old) features and materials that speak to us today. What’s ahead in 2018? Some trends might look a little familiar, but there’s also some surprises and twists in store…

Bare Minimalism

2017 saw a lot of open shelving, and 2018 is going to strip kitchens back even more. We’ll see pared-down spaces that get to the root of what is necessary and essential. They won’t be overly decorated, and cabinets, shelving, hardware, and lighting will be at a minimum. The kitchen above from the D Pages has just a single row of lower cabinets, one long marble shelf, and no pendants or door pulls.

Similarly, this kitchen from DRDH Architects has an all white and wood palette that’s subtle —even the lighting fixtures recede into the background.

Material Blocking

You’ve heard of color blocking, and this is a twist, with kitchens designed in bands, or sections, of different textures and materials. Above, MRTN Architects chose a combination of wood cabinetry, smooth white stone and chunky green tile for the main kitchen wall in this New Zealand home. Each is clearly delineated.

Wit & Delight’s Studio kitchen eschews the typical long backsplash entirely in favor of distinct quadrants: stacked black tile with open shelving topping lower cabinets on the right, and a flat Cambria quartz Brittanicca Matte surface and traditional upper cabinets on the left.

Two Tone Twists

In recent years we’ve seen a lot of kitchens with dark painted cabinets down below, and lighter cabinets up above. In a fresh take on that trend, the kitchen above from Rehabitat Interiors has divided the room in half by color: the tall storage and island on the left is a light grey blue and the cabinetry to the right is all wood — an interesting, yet still cohesive, combination.

For all those who love white kitchens, this is a great way to mix it up, and incorporate another color. We’re seeing lots of islands that don’t match the cabinets, like the one in Emily Henderson’s new home. That green adds a completely different dimension, one that would be sorely missed if the island was white as well.

Wood Cabinets

The return of wood cabinets was almost inevitable, but, instead of the heavy, figured doors of the 1990s, today’s wood cabinets are either very modern, or in basic rustic styles like the one above from Home Studio , which feel authentic and organic —as if they were born there.

The cabinets and island in this kitchen from Carmody Groarke are very simple — and there are no upper cabinets at all — but the texture and tone of the woodwork lends the space a warm glow. Together with the tile floor, the wood cabinets are the perfect choice for this minimal but warm space.

Arcs & Curves

So much of what we see in kitchens is linear, so it’s refreshing to note some different shapes emerging. This is hardly mainstream, but it will be interesting to watch if and how the trend trickles through the market. In the Montreal Kitchen above , the island corners are slightly rounded, echoing the shape of the wall planters above, and softening the overall look of the modern space.

This kitchen space from Bicker Design takes it a bit further with a full curved island. It reads almost modern art deco here, but, in the kitchen in the lead image above, designers Vokes & Peter pair it with traditional Shaker elements for an interesting blend of styles, proving the curve’s versatility.

Modern Paneling

We’ve had our eye on this kitchen cabinet style for awhile, and think its versatile look adds clean architectural interest while still blending in nicely with whatever else is going on. It can read classic, traditional, or modern. Above, Sarah Sherman Samuel just came out with a line of doors with semihandmade , which fit IKEA cabinets.

This minimalist residence in Australia that could be austere but the pastels make it inviting and warm. The subtly lined cabinets pair beautifully with the natural grain of the marble island and backsplash.

Tell us. What do you want to see more of this year?