7 Kitchen Design Trends That Are Poised to Be Huge in 2018

Open shelving is, of course, nothing new. Whatisnew, however, is keeping your hardworking upper built-ins, but adding a pop of shelving as a high-design focal point. Think: metal ledges floated over a window or a blingy corner unit—like this beautiful feature wall by Marie Flanigan.

When it comes to wood in the kitchen, in-the-nude is in, guys. (We’re talking refined cabinets and countertops where the natural knots and grain really shine through.) Consider this polished wood kitchen by Homepolish designer, Erika Yeaman, your 2018 answer to the fading reclaimed trend.

Natural counters (see: marble, soapstone) have been the premiere kitchen splurge for years now. But for 2018, it'sallabout quartz. The manmade material offers an "indestructible" worktop and the latest fabrications are honestly stunning. Sad to lose the look of natural stone? Pair your practical counters with an organic backsplash—asTharon Andersondid (via Calacatta marble) in this dream kitchen.

When it comes to layout,discretionis the money word for 2018. Think separate chef's kitchens hidden out of view, built-ins dedicated to appliance-hiding and kitchens that don’treallylook like kitchens at all—exhibit A: this sleek and sneaky setup by Aimee Less, director of interior design atRios Clementi Hale Studios.

A natural reaction to the age of casual, open-concept living, built-in banquette situations are in high demand these days. What's new about 'em for 2018? Getting all kinds of creative with their placement. Think: Building seatingdirectly into your prep spaceor creating a cozy, U-shaped breakfast island to float across the kitchen—asAnne Hepferdid above.

In tune with the design movements ofhyggeandWabi Sabi, earthy, heavily-textured tiles (Zellige, anyone?) are the premier backsplash choice of 2018. We love how this artful kitchen byMaggie Cruzmixes warm, old-worldy tiles with sleek, modern elements.