Walking the fine line between current trends and lasting style can be tricky, especially since interior fashions seem to go out of style as quickly as they come into it. So, should you embrace current design trends that might date by the time you’ve finished decorating, or play it safe and end up with a room that doesn’t inspire you?

Luckily, there are plenty of kitchen trends out there that will allow you to strike the right balance between trendy and timeless. Click or scroll to explore our favourite kitchen ideas...

A durable, practical and effective choice for homeowners, inframe kitchens are designed with added strength in mind. Instead of the cabinet frontals being fixed to the front of the carcass, they instead sit within a frame.

This makes the units strong and highly practical, especially for busy households with inquisitive children. This route doesn't mean you have to miss out on stylish models, either. Most good quality kitchen companies will offer inframe options.

Featured kitchen available from LochAnna Kitchens.

Sure, you can buy a standard sink with a basic tap, but why stick to the norm when you could invest in a smart sink? From models with antibacterial surfaces to wider-than-standard styles and even double sinks with a built-in colander and chopping board, there's an option for everyone.

It’s all about creating the ultimate workstation, to get all the jobs done easily and efficiently. You can even add a special water-saving tap or one that provides boiling, hot, cool and filtered water. 

Featured sink available from Grohe.

Back in the day, flagstone floors were the height of sophistication and while they did, for a time, fall out of favour, this traditional style is now back for good.

Flagstones are usually made from a sandstone composed of feldspar and quartz, but these days you can get your hands on different options, from porcelain to limestone. These tiles will look great with colourful kitchens and are hardwearing and timeless.

Featured floor tiles available from Porcelain Superstore.

The appliances we have on display in our kitchens can really make or break the space. Aside from aesthetics, the right equipment can make our day-to-day lives much easier. So, is it time for an oven upgrade?

Steam ovens in particular are a great choice, thanks to their ability to cook super-nutritious, healthy meals, while also avoiding drying food out. As well as steam, you can buy ovens with finger-touch and swipe controls for extra convenience. 

Feaured kitchen available from Olive & Barr.

When it comes to kitchens, clean edges will always be in, but curves and organic shapes can add softness and intrigue to a kitchen.

From seating areas with rounded edges to curved islands and scalloped tiles, this is an enduring trend that's sure to add some personality and wow factor to your kitchen.

Featured kitchen available from The Main Company.

Upper cabinetry opens up any kitchen and looks ultra-stylish, but it isn't always practical. That's why blending open and closed storage solutions provides homeowners with the best of both worlds.

You can still keep all those unsightly items hidden away, while displaying storage jars and carefully curated crockery collections to enhance your space.

Featured storage units available from Higham Furniture.

White kitchens are classic and will never go out of style; they’re sleek, hygienic and make any kitchen feel spacious. However, they can sometimes feel a little underwhelming.

That is, unless you pair your white kitchen with characterful details, such as natural wood accents, colourful tiles, statement lighting or bold window dressings.

Featured blind from Hillarys.

Green kitchens are ultra-pretty, so why not take the style one step further by drawing in some biophilic design? 

This essentially means bringing in elements from nature into your interior. From tiled splashbacks to wallpapers and even blinds, there are numerous ways to add nature-inspired prints to your cooking space.

Featured wallpaper available from Divine Savages.

Stained wood panels can look extremely stylish in a kitchen. The tactile surface of the timber adds texture, it's sustainable and, by opting for a simple wash instead of block colour, you enhance the natural grain of the wood, adding depth to your kitchen.

We love this retro-inspired kitchen with mustard accents, greenery and shimmering copper splashback.

Featured kitchen made by Wood Works Brighton.

There's nothing more annoying than trying to clean the dust from the top of your kitchen cabinets. But with floor-to-ceiling units, you'll never need to worry about that again.

Not only does full-height cabinetry look sleek and smart, but it also maximises space, taking otherwise redundant wall space and turning it into vital storage. Hide away appliances, create a pantry or simply use these cupboards to organise your kitchen essentials.

Featured kitchen available from Higham Furniture.

Blues, greens and greys are always very much on-trend, but rich and punchy reds often get overlooked. This bold auburn kitchen is paired with metallic brassware and glistening white stone to dazzling effect.

Warm-toned kitchens aren't just vibrant, they look elegant, refined and ultra-stylish.

Featured kitchen available from LochAnna Kitchens.

Green has been having a bit of a moment in our homes and the trend isn't showing signs of disappearing. While some shades will come and go, deeper greens will stand the test of time.

Forest green is a lush, rich hue and works particularly well in kitchens with a vintage edge, while softer sage-like hues – as seen here  are ultra-contemporary. Mint is also a gorgeous option.

Featured kitchen available from Olive & Barr.

Thanks to the popularity of open-plan living, kitchen-diners remain a firm favourite when it comes to kitchen layouts. The practical design creates a functional space that's ideal for cooking, eating and socialising.

And, as it's usually a large, light-filled room, it's a beautiful blank canvas to create the kitchen scheme of your dreams. 

Featured kitchen available from Naked Kitchens.

Whether you call it mushroom, fawn or simply beige, this gorgeous neutral could well overtake grey in the kitchen, as the hottest pared-back shade. It's hard to go wrong with this colour. Pair with fresh white for a classic look or add black accents for a modern and chic feel.

Featured blind available from Blinds 2go.

You will never regret installing plenty of plug sockets in your kitchen. Not only will you need outlets for everyday appliances, such as toasters and kettles, but you’ll also need extra sockets for lesser-used items, like blenders.

For non-kitchen-based gadgets, such as smartphone and tablet chargers, USB power sockets make useful additions at the end of units or on walls.

Featured brass socket available from Plank Hardware.

Storage never goes out of fashion. And when it comes to kitchens, you can't go wrong with added organisational features.

From pan drawers with plate inserts to keep your crockery safely stowed away, to tiered cupboard storage so you can see your cans and condiments at the back, it's safe to say you can't have too much storage.

Featured organisers available from Umbra.

Whether you have a large open-plan kitchen or a small compact galley, integrated appliances are a godsend when it comes to creating a streamlined look.

There are few downsides and many benefits to integration, including aesthetics. After all, do you really want to be looking at that stark white fridge-freezer from across the room, when it could be hidden behind some flash new cabinetry?

Featured kitchen available from Higham Furniture.

Peninsula kitchen layouts work well in smaller spaces. They are a stylish and practical alternative to kitchen islands, when space is tight, with the unit attached to a wall instead of standing in the middle of the kitchen.

Not only do they act as a room divider, without compromising on light levels, but they also create an excellent additional seating solution for more relaxed occasions, like breakfast or study time. 

Featured kitchen available from Lifestyle Kitchens.

As we become more concerned about the health of both ourselves and the planet, kitchens that prioritise our wellbeing are in demand.

Wellness kitchen designs include a social vibe, good natural light, inspiring colours and lots of greenery. They also incorporate plenty of sustainable and eco functions and features, such as composting, kitchen garden stations and natural materials. 

Featured pre-loved kitchen doors available from Rehome.

Matt cabinetry is on-trend in both modern and traditional kitchen schemes and looks ultra-chic when combined with contemporary dark tones.

The matt finish absorbs light instead of reflecting it on the surface, so it's easier to keep clean than gloss surfaces. The muted finish adds a tactile texture that is extremely inviting, too.

Featured kitchen cabinets available from B&Q.

As open-plan living takes a turn, kitchens are set to see a new divide. Sliding barn doors, Japandi-style screens and freestanding furniture create an ambiguous divide between rooms.

The new layouts add intimate zones for cooking, entertaining and relaxing, but hold on to the spacious and open feel.

Featured kitchen available from Naked Kitchens.

Want a little variation in your kitchen? Two-tone cabinetry is a stylish way of breaking up block colour, especially if you are tapping into the dark kitchen trend.

Balance dramatic fitted units with a kitchen island painted in a complementary pastel shade, or break up a run of coloured cabinetry with a natural wood in the same range, to add personality to your space. 

Featured kitchen available from Higham Furniture.

If a kitchen cabinet colour change is too permanent, highlighting just one element with a contrasting tone can look fresh and striking.

Perfect for renters, inject the colour juxtaposition with vivid small appliances, light fixtures or bar stools that can be updated easily.

Featured kitchen available from Olive & Barr.

Looking to give your kitchen a bespoke look? We think it's time for a touch of fixture embellishment! Leather handles are a creative natural accent that adds visual interest to super matt cupboards.

What's more, real leather changes colour and form with use, so the more use the handles get, the better they look. You could also opt for hardware in a contrasting colour or a quirky shape.

Vinyl flooring has come a long way since the 1970s. Thanks to technology, it's now possible to achieve attractive and affordable results that are easy to install and maintain.

A geometric floor pattern can inject fun into a contemporary kitchen, while faux wood styles can add a timeless finish, without breaking the bank.

Featured oak-inspired vinyl available from Quick-Step.

Statement flooring is a Victorian trend that has come full circle. It makes a beautiful yet subtle feature and can set the tone of a whole house, especially one originally built in that era.

It is also a striking way to zone out an open-plan kitchen.

Featured flooring available from Porcelain Superstore.

Handleless kitchen cabinets have been a popular choice with high-gloss styles for a while. And now the streamlined look is being incorporated into every aspect of a kitchen, to make contemporary schemes appear even more seamless.

Crisp, linear edges that flow into one another maximise space and ooze minimalist style. It's a win-win!

Featured kitchen available from Naked Kitchens.

Brick-shaped metro tiles have been the most popular kitchen tile choice for at least a decade. Originally used in London Underground and New York Subway stations at the turn of the 20th century (hence the name), the versatile kitchen staple fits into most spaces, so requires very little cutting. They can also be fashioned into many laying patterns, such as herringbone.

There are simply dozens of colourways and finishes to choose from, too, and these days different grout colours have aso given them a bit of a makeover.

Featured tiles available from Tile Mountain.

A pantry cupboard is every amateur chef’s dream. While they fell out of favour for many years outside of traditional kitchens, they have made a big comeback and it’s easy to see why.

A well-designed larder means you always know exactly where everything is, so no more rummaging around at the back of cupboards for your lesser-used spices.

Featured larder available from The Cotswold Company.

If you have room, two islands are better than one. Double islands create an abundance of space for entertaining and cooking with ease.

In large kitchens, a pair of islands look impressive and are the current go-to layout option in luxury kitchen design.

Featured design available from Searle & Taylor Kitchens.

While it's tempting to go for a standard cabinet from a kitchen supplier, you may not always get a shade you love, as colourways are often limited.

Whether you're looking for a must-have navy or a sage green from your favourite paint supplier, the best way to ensure you get a colour you love for years to come is to opt for bespoke painted cabinetry. Of course, if your budget is tight, you can buy ready-to-paint cabinetry to do it yourself. Best of all, you can give them a refresh when you fancy a change!

Featured accessories available from Yester Home.

Want to add warmth to a cool-coloured kitchen? You can’t beat brass. While it's not quite as unusual as copper or rose gold, it’s a lot less likely to date and sits comfortably alongside cooler metallic finishes, such as stainless steel and chrome. 

Featured kitchen available from Willis & Stone.

As long as the kitchen island remains a lasting trend, so will its best friend: pendant lighting. The suspending fixtures not only highlight the unit below but are a statement in their own right.

Ranging from simple metal diner styles to designer pieces, you can create any desirable lighting look you like.

Featured lighting available from Arteriors.

Glass-fronted cupboards in clear or frosted finishes can break up lengths of cabinetry with texture, or exhibit a crockery collection.

Tie the reflective additions into the scheme with luxe pendant lights, for a refined and coherent kitchen scheme.

Featured cabinets available from Higham Furniture.

The hexagon-shaped Lily Pad tile has been an Instagram sensation for a while now. The simple, three-lined design offers a pattern and layout that has no boundaries and offers the perfect mix of modern and traditional styles.

Originally made from cement, they were an expensive kitchen wall tile choice, however, demand has led to a cheaper porcelain alternative being produced in a spectrum of on-trend colours. 

Featured tiles available from Ca' Pietra.

Once consigned to the insides of cabinets and walls, plywood is now coming to the fore in kitchens. It may be best known for its durability and practicality, but it is a stunning material in its own right, with unique wood grain patterns and characterful striated edges.

It also makes a fantastic affordable alternative to solid wood cabinetry.

Featured plywood kitchen doors available from The Life of Ply.

Concrete is the material of choice for contemporary kitchens and it’s a trend that’s here to stay. You can use it on your floors and walls, or cast into basins and shelving.

If solid concrete is too pricey or heavy for your kitchen, try micro-concrete, which can be painted in a strong, thin layer onto other surfaces, such as wood and plaster. There are also plenty of look-alike alternatives out there, like imitation concrete floor tiles.

Featured cabinet paint available from YesColours.

Having everything out on show has become increasingly common in modern kitchens. Losing chunky wall cabinets creates a feeling of openness, but it’s also very practical, putting all your kitchenware within easy reach, without even having to open a cupboard.

When you feel it’s time for a change, simply switch out your crockery and your kitchen gets an instant new look. Lighting can also be installed below or above the shelving, for added impact.

Featured shelf light available from Novy.

We've seen a flurry of pinks on the kitchen scene in the last few years and the trend is showing no sign of disappearing.

The hue is warm, fun and delicate. Pink may seem an unusual choice for the kitchen, but blended with warm wood or other playful pastels, it allows you to create a fun and feminine space. Earthy shades of pink also evoke a real sense of calm. 

Featured tiles available from Walls and Floors.

As more of us are becoming eco-aware, it seems we are reflecting this trend in our homes with more raw and organic decorating ideas. Natural wood in ash, oak or pine finishes are proving popular again; and it's a look that will last.

Exposing the natural grain shows off its craftsmanship and creates a comforting sustainable vibe.

Featured kitchen available from Wood Works Brighton.

We've seen kitchens with open shelving and cabinetry but what about no upper cabinets at all?

There are pros and cons to this look. Kitchens with bare walls, or just one or two shelves, maximise space and feel light and airy but, of course, you are compromising on cupboard space. Personally, we love this look!

Featured kitchenware available from Nkuku.

The industrial trend combines the look of a professional kitchen with quirky, factory-inspired touches.

However, the current industrial trend is softer, with an almost Scandi touch. Think calming hues, tactile surfaces, unvarnished wood and metallic accents; it's a keeper!

Featured kitchen available from Neolith.

You may have heard of living walls, which are vertical growing spaces for plants, and now you should look out for 'living kitchens'.

With our growing interest in healthier foods, designers are looking for new ways of bringing the 'farm-to-table' concept into our homes. Try a digital grower, add herbs to your windowsill or hang up some from the ceiling.

Remember when butler sinks were all the rage? Statement sinks are still popular but designers are thinking outside the box to create more ingenious focal points, like additional trough sinks, contemporary apron-front and even polished glass kitchen sinks. 

Featured sink available from Grohe.

Crittall-style doors are popping up everywhere, as they are undoubtedly visually stylish and instantly give a room an edgy, industrial stance and yet they seem to suit all schemes.

They not only look suitably chic but they are built to last with steel multi-frames, so in our opinion are well worth the investment. They also make great room dividers in open-plan living areas. 

Featured design available from LochAnna Kitchens.

Waterfall-style islands show off statement worktops and create a visually appealing effect, as the worktop edges appear to flow over the side of the surface and down to the floor.

It's easy to achieve, giving a seamless finish and elegant look.

Featured kitchen available from Simon Taylor Furniture.

Black adds drama to any room and can look particularly striking in a kitchen. It’s effortlessly smart and classic – think of the little black dress or a tuxedo. Plus, far from being depressing, it creates a cosy, cosseting feel, particularly if you use it on your walls as well as your cabinets.

What’s more, it’s a highly practical colour for a kitchen – scuffs and splashes will be virtually invisible.

Featured tiles available from Walls and Floors.

Bored of pale grey but not quite brave enough for black? Then you need the new favourite shade: charcoal.

The bold colour still gives off the atmosphere of style and luxury, but with a softer tone, especially when teamed with a contrasting kitchen island.

Featuring flooring and tiles available from Tile Mountain.

Warm metallics, such as gold, copper and brass, can inject a little luxury into our kitchens. From taps and door handles to cutlery and towel rails, you can quickly add metallic finishes to your kitchen.

For those who prefer an understated functionality, a kitchen with large stainless steel elements will always look professional. Durable and easy to clean, it gives schemes that superior gleam no other material will and especially looks the part in industrial-style kitchens. 

Featured copper tiles available from Hyperion Tiles.

Looking to squeeze in a dining space? American-style booths are taking kitchen-diners to the next level. It's a great way to make your kitchen look relaxed and seamlessly blends an eating space into a scheme.

Super space-saving, they are usually right-angled or circular and, let's face it, downright cool. Other popular options include window seating or one fitted banquette bench with a freestanding table.

Featured kitchen designed by Second Nature.

With kitchens getting smaller it's important to be able to adapt how we live. Often more affordable, freestanding cabinets and manoeuvrable islands are practical and ideal for freedom and versatility, plus if it's on wheels then moving it around will be even easier.

Featured freestanding larder available from Oak Furnitureland.

From powder to navy, blue-coloured kitchens remain popular for their sophisticated looks. The shade works equally well painted on classic Shaker units or contemporary gloss finishes. Team with light marble or pale wood worktops for a crisp and elegant look that is bound to last. 

If you’re bored of grey but shy away from anything too showy, powder blue might be the perfect colour for you. Its muted tones have a welcoming feel that contrasts beautifully with natural wood and brick, making it a staple in many country-style kitchens, but it's surprisingly versatile. 

Featured units available from GoodHome brought to you by B&Q.

As home technology develops at an astonishing rate, we're constantly looking for ways to make life faster and easier and, as it's the heart of the home, the kitchen is no exception.

More and more gadgets are being incorporated into our kitchens, including integrated speakers, Dash buttons for super quick product replenishment, retractable and ceiling-mounted extractors and even invisible hobs that blend in with the surrounding worktop.

Featured ceiling extractor available from Novy.

Marble has been a mainstay in our kitchens for several years and it isn’t going anywhere. It offers an easy-to-live-with luxe that no other material can quite match.

White and grey marbles, such as Carrara, will always look classic but if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous you could try black, pink or even green varieties. 

Featured kitchen available from Olive & Barr.

No country kitchen is complete without a range cooker, but you don’t have to stick to traditional colours.
Choosing a vibrant oven in anything from duck egg blue to tangerine orange will create a striking focal point in your kitchen, without compromising on classic style.

Featured range stove available from Everhot.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not give it a dedicated preparation space? A breakfast station is perfect for busy work days when you need everything conveniently close to hand, but also adds an indulgent touch to lazy weekend brunches.

The best part? All you need to do when you’ve finished is shut the cupboard door, leaving the kitchen looking spotlessly tidy. 

Shaker-style kitchens are perennially popular. The simple elegance of the panelled cabinets means they work in practically any scheme.

To give them a 21st-century update, team them with contemporary accessories, such as stainless steel, or go for a bold colour.

Featured kitchen available from Searle & Taylor Kitchens.

If you prefer to keep your kitchenware out of sight, you’ll need somewhere stylish to store it. A run of handleless units is the ideal choice for the more minimally inclined, as it blends unobtrusively with the rest of the kitchen while providing maximum storage space.

For an even more minimal look, go for cupboards in the same colour as your walls.

Featured design available from Naked Kitchens.

An island unit claims the number one slot on most kitchen renovators’ wish lists.

They’re hugely practical in terms of function and storage and are a great way to divide the preparation area from the eating and sitting areas in a kitchen-diner. 

Featured design available from LochAnna Kitchens.

This look is all about contrast. Rough, textured finishes, such as reclaimed wood, are given a glamorous makeover by placing them alongside luxe materials such as marble and metallics.

A sturdy, reclaimed wood will stand the test of time in terms of durability and style, but won't break the bank.

Featured accessories available from The Interiors Yard.

Perhaps a follow-on from the popular metro tiles, mermaid or fish scale tiles are splashing into our kitchens with strong visual impact.

Echo the marine theme by choosing a coastal decorating palette of blues, greys and sea greens. 

Featured tiles available from Porcelain Superstore.

Patterned tiles aren’t just for splashbacks. Used on the floor, they can elevate a simple kitchen into something special. Tiles are easy to replace and there are lots of affordable options out there.

If you get bored with your current design, you can give your kitchen a makeover by replacing the tiles. A quick and affordable revamp.

Freestanding kitchens don’t have to be traditional or unattractive, as this modern scheme shows.

Ideal for those who like to switch things up from time to time, freestanding kitchen units allow you to move items, replace others and generally redesign your space whenever you see fit.

Featured cabinetry available from Wood Works Brighton.

The speckled pattern of terrazzo is not running away for a while yet. The stylish marble chips are moving out from under our feet to make impressive feature tile splashbacks and even worktops, that will enhance your kitchen design and colour scheme with a bold twist. 

Featured units and worktop by Wood Works Brighton.

It goes without saying that tiles will always be a stylish and practical choice for kitchens, but a wow-factor wallpaper could add the ultimate design statement to the heart of your home.

Whether you go for a bold print, a solid colour or a striking pattern, remember to opt for non-woven paper and ensure you have good ventilation, to keep the new paper in good condition.

Featured wallpaper available from Divine Savages.

Loved this? Check out more kitchen design ideas and tricks