Kitchen design trends may not change as quickly as fashion trends, but they certainly do evolve over time. Items like cabinetry and countertops are expensive to replace and durable enough to last for many years. Even if you live in a newer home, it can feel like fast-moving trends are leaving your kitchen behind! No worries – if renovating your entire kitchen is out of reach, there are plenty of affordable fixes and DIY projects to keep your kitchen design on point (Photo credit). Check out our list of the latest, easy-to-do kitchen trends:

The Statement Backsplash:

The full-height backsplash trend has been with us for a while now, and it’s showing no sign of slowing down. The bold, Moroccan-tile looks of the past several years are still going strong. However, kitchens are trending towards a warmer vibe, so you’ll see more weathered finishes and earthy colors showing up in backsplash designs.

Source: TileBar

If a full-height tile backsplash is beyond your budget, there’s a new tile trend to consider. Sometimes called a mini-backsplash, this is an idea that goes back centuries. This little trick adds accent tiles to protect just the stove or sink area, while adding a splash of color or pattern:

Source: TileBar

With all of the amazing products available today, you don’t have to hire a professional tile setter to have an awesome, affordable wall of pattern and texture. Peel and stick tiles have come a long way! Check out this Insta-worthy fish scale tile in aqua:

Source: Wayfair

Faux-tile stickers are another inexpensive DIY option. They’re easy to apply and look surprisingly good – the most convincing designs include the rustic imperfections of real antique tile:

Source: Wall Pops

Both the peel and stick tile and tile stickers are removable too, so you can still have a custom backsplash even if you’re renting!

Dark & Moody Cabinet Colors:

Deep colors like navy, dark green and black have been trending for a while – we love the contrast of a dark island color against white cabinets and light-colored walls. Paint is one of the easiest ways to update a kitchen. There are plenty of online tutorials on how to paint cabinets for a professional finish; but even if you have to hire help, paint is an affordable makeover. Dark colors dominate the newest statement kitchens; check out the drama that happens when you paint an entire wall of cabinets in a deep, rich shade:

Source: Tile Bar

This dark blue bar area is a whole mood in itself, with brass accents, penny round tile, and a rustic wood wine rack:

Source: Dana Tucker

White Kitchens Are Warming Up:

All-white kitchens will probably never go out of style – they’re timeless, practical and always feel fresh and clean. Our love affair with Carrara marble and white Shaker cabinets has created many elegant, timeless kitchens. But white kitchens can feel a bit stark and cold, so the latest trend is to use decorative accents to add warmth and a little rustic charm. Glazed terracotta, natural wood tones, and copper accents (check out Cora fruit basket) add a bit of Italian farmhouse character to classic white cabinets. 

Source: Tile Bar

In this modern kitchen, wood cabinets in the island were chosen to break up the cold stainless steel and quartz surfaces with a warm, tactile finish:

Source: Ruggable

Green & Blue Kitchens:

After nearly two years of turning to the outdoors to escape the quarantine bubble, we all have an increased appreciation of nature. The trend towards more color in the kitchen has folks bringing nature-inspired colors indoors, especially blues and greens. Soft, medium green is the perfect calming color to brighten up tired wood cabinets:

Source: Marble Systems

Even a sleek contemporary kitchen can be completely transformed by a rustic green tile. The variation in shades of green and brown, combined with a herringbone pattern, add depth and texture.

The full-height backsplash in blue makes gives this kitchen a splash of color and character, while the triangle tile pattern is solidly modern:

Source: Tile Bar

In keeping with the warm white kitchen trend, the classic white Shaker-style cabinets feature wood trim on the stove hood, and a light oak island anchors the space. Bold brass lighting and plumbing fixtures complete this stylish kitchen update.

Nature-Inspired Kitchen Design:

Plants have been taking over indoors for a while now, outgrowing the windowsills and creeping along open shelving. The plant trend shows no sign of slowing down – adding some plants to your kitchen might be the easiest DIY project of all! If you don’t have a sunny windowsill for herbs, there are plenty of house plants that thrive in low light. Plants will immediately give your kitchen a cozy, lived-in vibe:

Source: Justina Blakeney

Our current obsession with plants (and all things nature-related) is showing up in the very latest tile designs too. Imagine a full-height backsplash covered in jungle flowers or tropical leaves, complemented by moody dark green cabinetry. Or make a bold statement in a white kitchen with this incredible tile design of Monstera leaves:

Source: Tile Bar

If tropical tiles aren’t in the budget, wallpaper is an affordable alternative to create the same look. Today’s wallpapers are durable; many have a washable vinyl surface, and you can protect splash zones behind the sink and stove with clear plexiglass. If you’re just a little bit crafty, peel and stick wall coverings are easy to apply. Combine dark and moody colors with tropical leaves for an on-trend, DIY kitchen makeover. You can do it in a weekend with this peel and stick wallpaper by designer Crystal Walen:

Source: Spoonflower

If you’re ready to tackle your kitchen’s design, incorporating the latest trends is a great way to add value to your home. Warm up those white cabinets! Create a serious mood with rich jewel tones, or trade your farmhouse neutrals for leafy green style. There’s no real right or wrong when it comes to personal style. Have fun exploring the ideas that resonate with you, and you’ll love your new kitchen for years to come.