November 9, 2025
Hi Reader,
The future of home design is getting personal and colorful, starting with the kitchen.
According to the 2026 Home Trends Report from Zillow, homeowners are increasingly designing with emotion and identity in mind. Spaces are becoming less about following trends and more about expressing who you are—and nowhere is this more evident than in the kitchen. (Yes, we see the irony of a trend being "not following trends".)
Our latest feature, 5 Essential Luxury Kitchen Design Tips from an Iconic Innovator, shares what we learned from True Residential, delving into how today’s most forward-thinking homeowners and designers are redefining what the “luxury kitchen” means. It’s not just about premium finishes—it’s about creating a space that feels like you: warm, social, and inspiring.
Recent marketing research reinforces this shift toward individuality:
• The 2025 U.S. Kitchen Trends Study by Houzz found that personalization and expansion were priorities in roughly a third of major kitchen remodels.
• The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) reported earlier this year that 92% of homeowners view the kitchen as a reflection of their personality, with 71% favoring colorful kitchens that express individuality—compared to just 29% who still prefer classic, all-white designs.
In other words, the era of neutral white kitchens—often chosen when designing with resale in mind—continues to fade.
From a design perspective, this movement aligns with emerging neuroaesthetic principles:
showing how color, light, and texture influence not just how a space looks, but how it makes you feel.
Personality/lifestyle-driven design is also sparking creative layouts beyond the traditional kitchen:
decentralized setups with beverage stations and outdoor kitchens; intimate reading nooks to enjoy coffee or tea; conveniently located wellness stations; and kitchenettes with mini-fridges in master suites and guest rooms.
At the same time, trends like indoor-outdoor living, integrated kitchens, and hospitality-inspired design continue to blur the line between functional and social spaces. The result? Homes that celebrate daily rituals—cooking, gathering, and unwinding—are emphasizing less-formal moments of joy, as much as being able to host large, elegant occasions.
Whether you’re planning a remodel or just exploring fresh ideas, we encourage you to embrace creativity, color, and comfort that resonates, as the heart of your home's essence.
PS: Our previous newsletter can be found here and our archive here. Not a subscriber? Signup here!
We love hearing from our subscribers — if you have any feedback on this newsletter or have any recommendations for other topics to cover, simply reply to this email!
