Fall is an exciting season in the world of interiors. Not just because of the beautiful decor that comes into style, but also because it's when we start to really look ahead to the trends that are predicted to dominate the coming year.

Interior designers, naturally, have a true insight of what's to come – working on projects set to be completed a year or more in the future, they have a unique preview of the kitchen trends set to dominate. Which is exactly why we've asked Studio McGee's Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Shea McGee, to share her insights and predictions for 2027.

From the materials that infuse warmth and interest to the features that bring personality with longevity, these are the top 3 kitchen trends the renowned designer says will be big next year, and how you can make these stand-out designs feel timeless and considered in your own space.

1. Warm, Character-Rich Woods

Wooden kitchens have been back at the forefront of designs for the past couple of years, but expect things to get a little warmer in 2027. White oak has dominated recent trends, but Shea predicts richer tones of species like walnut to have more of a moment, adding depth and interest to kitchens of every style and size.

'We're loving the return to warmer wood tones in kitchens – walnut, oak, anything that really lets the grain and natural variation come through. After years of bright, all-white kitchens, people want spaces that feel warmer and more grounded. Like they have a little history to them,' she explains.

'The key to making this feel timeless is not treating wood as a trend. Use it where it can become part of the architecture – cabinetry, an island, or even a furniture-style hutch – and pair it with quieter materials like natural stone and aged metals. Those are combinations that have been beautiful for generations.'

2. Soft Kitchens

Kitchens are getting softer and more lived-in, and this shift is directly impacting how we design and decorate our spaces. Functionality is still a priority, but there's a growing emphasis on cozier, more living room-like features that make you want to spend time in these spaces beyond cooking.

'We're seeing kitchens become less utilitarian and much more integrated with the rest of the home. Instead of every inch being traditional cabinetry, we love to use freestanding pieces, artwork, lamps, open shelving, and furniture-inspired details to give the kitchen more personality,' Shea explains.

'This resonates now because people want their homes to feel collected rather than overly prescribed. To keep it timeless, introduce those details in ways that feel authentic to how you live. A vintage-inspired cabinet for storage, a beautiful piece of art, or a table lamp on the counter can soften hard surfaces without requiring you to commit to a major design statement.'

3. Richer, More Expressive Stone

Creating a timeless space no longer means choosing a kitchen countertop that feels safe and simple. The chicest kitchens dare to go bolder, and trends are shifting toward more expressive stones that add personality and texture.

'Natural stone has always been a favorite of ours, but right now we're especially drawn to stones with more movement, warmth, and variation,' She explains. 'We’re moving away from the idea that every permanent finish needs to be perfectly quiet. People are more comfortable allowing one material to bring character to the room.'

The key to its success is balancing it with the other finishes and materials in the kitchen. 'For longevity, let the stone be the statement and give everything around it some restraint,' she advises. 'Rather than combining several bold finishes, carry one beautiful stone across the countertops and backsplash, then balance it with classic cabinetry and simple hardware. Natural materials have an inherent variation and patina, which is part of why they tend to age so beautifully.'

Shop the Trends

If Shea's predictions are anything to go by, 2027 is gearing up to be the year kitchens continue to evolve into more considered, lived-in rooms. But the cozier, softer details come through enduring materials and decorative details that don't impede function. For more inspiration, tour these Studio McGee kitchens that showcase truly timeless design.

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