'There's an Appetite For a Little Soul' – Interior Designer Amber Lewis On the Direction Kitchen Design is Headed in 2027 and Beyond

Trends bring a level of excitement to kitchens, showcasing new and emerging features that add something unexpected to a space. But when you're designing a kitchen you'll be living with for years to come, it pays to look at the bigger picture.

It's less about the individual elements and more about the direction kitchens are heading in – both aesthetically and functionally. And who better to give us a stylish glimpse into the future of kitchen trends than an interior designer renowned for creating beautifully layered and utterly timeless kitchens?

Here, Amber Lewis, Founder of Amber Interiors, shares her predictions for what the most coveted kitchens will look like as we head towards 2027, and how you can create a scheme that effortlessly blends timeless style with personalized design.

No other room has evolved as much as the kitchen in recent years. It's gone from a solely functional cooking space to a more livable room, blending cooking with dining, relaxing, and day-to-day life. Softer textures, warmer finishes, and an emphasis on personalized decor have all become paramount, and it's a design ethos Amber says will continue next year and beyond.

'I'm leaning into a more classic, lived-in kitchen these days – warm, filled with natural light, and designed for actual use,' she explains, a decorating approach that's become the antidote to the 'showroom-perfect' kitchens of past trends. 'We spent so many years chasing that crisp, clean, all-white kitchen, and now there's an appetite for a little soul – patina, texture, and colors that have some depth to them. The kitchen is where your whole life happens, so it makes sense that people want it to feel like them, not like a catalog spread.'

Functionality is still important, so Amber suggests choosing materials that create that lived-in look to strike a balance. While it can be tempting to lean into trending designs, keeping the larger investment pieces classic ensures a timeless space.

'For countertops, I'm loving utilitarian materials that only get better with age: Carrara marble that develops a beautiful patina, soapstone that can withstand everyday use, and butcher block that beautifully shows wear and age. Nothing too precious, just materials that are functional but beautiful,' she describes.

Texture, personality, and playful style come through in the smaller details – and Amber expects more daring kitchen hardware designs to be at the forefront. 'I'm also mixing finishes: polished bright nickel alongside unlacquered brass left to age naturally, plus tiled range hoods and backsplashes that highlight craftsmanship and add texture.'

Much like the countertops, kitchen cabinet ideas are following the warm, natural, textured route, with mushroom hues, taupes, and wood tones prevailing into 2027, creating a timeless base for those playful tile and hardware moments. 'Pair that with cabinetry in warm natural woods and creamy taupe tones, and you've got the kind of kitchen you want to gather in,' Amber advises. 'Traditional, warm, and a little undone in the best way.'

Kitchen designs are becoming more intentional, with a clear focus on sustainable practices – classic styles and quality materials ensure a kitchen lasts for years, both aesthetically and practically, while bolder statements through smaller details bring the fun and personality. It's about striking the right balance, and knowing where to stick to classics and where to take a risk.

'The key is choosing materials and finishes that will age and patina beautifully over time,' she continues. 'Focus on building that strong foundation – quality cabinetry, natural materials, custom details – and then layer in your personality and trendier elements over time as it makes sense. Things like hardware, lighting, paint colors, and styling can be updated easily without a major remodel.'

'The goal is to create a kitchen that feels classic at its core, but has enough character and flexibility to grow with you.'

Shop Amber's Classic Kitchen Style

Amber Lewis's third book, Interiors: Curated Spaces from Start to Finish (Clarkson Potter/Penguin Random House), is available for preorder now at Amazon and will be released on September 29th 2026.

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