The Sub-Zero, Wolf, Cove design contest revealed some key kitchen trends.

Today’s interior living spaces are designed to bring family and friends together, and the crossroads of activity is often the kitchen – the place that brings everyone together at the start and end of the day.

Kitchen cabinets, countertops, and layout are a more permanent reflection of the home’s design and the lifestyle of those living in it. For this reason, careful forethought must be considered when designing a new kitchen to ensure that it will be admired for years to come.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest trends identified in the latest Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Kitchen Design Contest we predict will continue to dominate the kitchen.

Open-Plan Spaces

Open-concept living is a favorite for many reasons. First, it can make even the smallest galley kitchen feel bigger and brighter. It also makes entertaining a breeze – continuity between the kitchen, living and dining area curates a meaningful space that promotes togetherness whilst maintaining the grandeur of the home.

Comfortable Minimalism

Paring down your cooking space has nothing to do with skimping on style or function. In fact, designing a minimalist kitchen means different things to different people. For some, it is all about having plenty of concealed storage so counters are sparse. Others embrace minimalism as a decor aesthetic punctured by fluid, clean lines and appliances seamlessly integrated into cabinetry.

Customized Function

When designing a kitchen, it’s important to give careful consideration to how the space will be used. Appliances should reflect the way the homeowner lives and entertains. For example, under-counter refrigerators are becoming a popular choice to complement a regular refrigerator for those that like to host, and multifunctional ovens, like the Wolf speed oven, serve as time and space savers for busy families.

Waterfall Islands

Kitchen islands are no longer an afterthought or something small to squeeze into the space. They have become focal points and the hub of the kitchen serving multiple uses, often fitted with various under-counter appliances and providing seating. The kitchen island is meant to create an impact, and its design must make a statement, often achieved with marble and granite.

For more on-trend kitchen inspiration, visit subzero-wolf.com/inspiration/kitchens.