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Now that we are just beyond the first half of the year, we thought a little mid-year kitchen trend check-up was in order. In case you missed our big kitchen trend prediction post back in January, you can check that one out here. I still feel very strongly about those predictions but adding in a few more, now that we are halfway through month eight, also sounds pretty freaking fun. So whether you are renovating, just dreaming, or simply a design lover, here are four more kitchen trends we’ve seen pop up on our feeds in a big way recently.

Hinges Are NOT Hiding Anymore

This one came straight from the top! Emily Henderson herself asked if we had noticed that exposed hinges were coming back. I’m going to be 100% honest that sweet little detail hadn’t popped out at me until I went back through our saved folders (we have access to Emily’s too and I LOVE looking through it). She is 100% right. If you look at the majority of newly renovated kitchens from the past handful of years you aren’t going to see exposed hinges. That’s even in traditional-style kitchens. And I get it. If you have a ton of cabinets, all of those hinges may add an unnecessary amount of visual chaos. But given we are in the era of kitchen drawers being used in the lowers for things like plates, which traditionally were put in cabinets, maybe a handful of exposed hinges could simply add some charm? Let’s check it out.

Here are two traditional-style kitchens (swipe to the fourth photo on the right Instagram post for a better view) that totally embraced exposed hinges. Peep that even the dishwasher in the right kitchen has them on the bottom. It’s sweet, nostalgic, and really hones in on the charm of a traditional style.

But maybe you just want to dabble in the exposed hinge game so choosing to only expose them on a more stand-alone counter piece is a great option. Wanna know what’s extra special about this kitchen? The owner of the company that made Emily’s INCREDIBLE white oak kitchen cabinets, Unique Kitchens and Baths, is the owner of this stunning kitchen.

Here are two more traditional-style kitchens that are very playful in terms of color and have exposed hinges. I like that the ones in the left kitchen are a little modern but work equally as well as the classic ones in the right kitchen. Mix it up!

I really just wanted to add in this kitchen by Kit Kemp Design Studio because it was so joyful and not the kind of kitchen you see every day (just a perk that it had exposed hinges too:)).

Then these two kitchens are just examples that you have options when it comes to exposed hinge styles! You can go for an extra sweet cottage look like the ones on the left or go for a very simple tiny hinge like the modern brass ones on the right.

I think this is a great trend (or a throwback style to years before) that you can easily include in your cabinet design. Or if you already have exposed hinges maybe this will inspire you to refresh yours! Only if you’ve been wanting to though. I need to soak mine to get the decades of paint off of them:)

Kitchen Cabinets Have Gone Curvy

This was one that I brought up because when I saw these two photos independent of each other I thought, “Something is happening here.” I LOVE seeing these curved cabinets in spaces that lean a little more traditional. We’ve seen them in the modern kitchen world but when you add in details like those cabinet cubbies in the blue kitchen, my traditional kitchen heart is SMITTEN.

These rounded edges are also great for an island. But let’s be clear that this isn’t the pill-shaped islands we’ve seen over the past few years. Those are great too. Instead, think of these curves as softened right angles. Like taking a pair of scissors and gently rounding the corners of a piece of paper.

I know that ultimately this is an expensive detail that most people won’t be able to do (me included) but man do I love to look at it and think it’s so inspiring!

Stovetop Backsplashes Are Really Taking Shape

This is another trend that isn’t new to the kitchen design scene but has been popping up more than usual. I completely love this choice and am so happy to see it revving up. Plus as you can see between these two photos, you can find the right shape for any style!

I don’t know how much extra it costs to choose a more detailed shape if you are already having your countertop stone fabricated but I really think it’s worth looking into. If it’s within your budget, it’s a slam dunk in making your space feel that much more special and custom to you. Even this simple little marble arch behind this stovetop is so sweet and adds a ton more personality to the kitchen.

With this example, I wanted to show that it doesn’t matter the style of your kitchen. Whether it’s modern, traditional, eclectic, etc, there’s a shape that will work for you!

Zelliege Is Back In The Spotlight

I had to slack Caitlin, “Do you feel like Zellige is having a kitchen resurgence or never really went anywhere? I can’t tell why it’s popping out to me right now” to which she responded, “I feel like I didn’t really clock it in many kitchens over the last few years?” Curious, right? I think a part of it is that the tiles are exclusively the 4×4 square size and are being used in ways that feel a bit more fresh. That’s what it feels like at least. Ha. Come see what I’m talking about.

What a fun application! Just a little side island moment that adds another layer of texture. I love this detail even if it was designed for a showhouse. Actually, I think that these tiles being used in a showhouse only proves that they are very much on trend:)

Now, I’m pretty obsessed when tiles are used to accentuate an accent wall. It’s a large yet quiet statement that again makes this kitchen feel so intentionally designed. They took what could have been a simple white wall and gave it life with those textured square tiles. 100/10.

I’m sure most of us get a little overwhelmed at the idea of a colorful kitchen (just me?). But if you take a color, put it on a simple square tile that’s handmade (thus perfectly imperfect) then all of a sudden it looks and feels more approachable. I love that in this kitchen they decided to go tonal with the tiles and cabinets thus dialing down the contrast and visual intensity. Your eye knows where to go and can take in all of the special moments.

Well, there you go! These are trends we honestly love and see no reason why they won’t be sticking around. What do you think? Any others that you’ve clocked? Let’s chat!

Love you, mean it.