European Kitchen Design Trends to Know for 2019

It would be a mistake to boil down an entire continent to one singular design scheme, and yet, there are certain elements that seem to unite European style we keep coming back to. Old-school (and we mean circa-1800) architecture coupled with bright, contemporary elements makes for a juxtaposition that’s both fresh and nostalgic.

The kitchen, in particular, is a great example of this. Generally the heart of most European homes—honestly, we’d spend all our time in the kitchen as well if it produced fresh tortellini—the kitchen is never an afterthought. And if you’re getting tired of the whitewashed kitchen trend that seems to still be monopolizing the U.S. market, looking abroad for inspiration is a great idea.

To determine the European kitchen trends slated to be everywhere this year, we turned to the experts. Laura Calimano, product designer and trend analyst for Spain-based kitchen surface manufacturer Cosentino, and Valentina Bertazzoni, head of style and brand for Italian kitchen appliance brand Bertazzoni, are at the forefront of European design. On recent trips to their factories in Almeria and Parma, respectively, we got an inside peek at the styles about to hit it big in 2019.

If the kitchen is on your renovation to-do list for the new year, here are some borrowed-from-Europe trends to know.

Matte Finishes

“In Europe, matte is king,” says Calimano. Worktops, cabinets, countertops… leave the glossy finish behind in 2018 and opt instead for this cooler, more modern look. According to Bertazzoni, matte black, in particular, seems to be enjoying significant popularity: “The color is a neutral, but it offers a bolder design statement—it has more personality. Designers like it because it’s chic; it’s fashionable,” she explains.

The black kitchen trend is one we started seeing more of toward the end of last year, and it looks like it’s about to take off. Think beyond just appliances, and try incorporating the finish in your cabinets or even backsplashes. Black hardware (like your faucet or cabinet pulls) is a lower-lift way to design with the trend. Just be careful to take light into account. “One consideration when adding a lot of dark elements into the kitchen, though, is the amount of light the space receives,” cautions Bertazzoni. “Assess both the natural light as well as the overhead lighting.”

Natural Materials

Natural is in. Raw materials, like concrete, wood, and iron, add an industrial-meets-rustic touch that just looks so stunningly chic. For Calimano, the specific look to aim for is anything embodying the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi. “It is a movement that invites homeowners to surround themselves with elements that encourage meditation, serenity, and calmness,” she says. “Wabi-Sabi pays homage to the beauty of organic imperfections, the elements that age with a special charm over the years, craftsmanship, and naturalness of the most authentic materials.”

Merlin Wright is the design director of British bespoke kitchen manufacturer Plain English. He champions using natural materials for a practical reason, as well as an aesthetic one: “We want our cupboards to age well and last indefinitely, unlike plastics and sprayed finishes, which can deteriorate quickly and are hard to repair.” Whether it’s new countertops (try Cosentino’s Fossil variety from its Dekton Natural Collection) or even just adding wooden open shelving for some wall interest, we’re all for this easy-to-style trend.

Bright Colors

Not to contradict the first two trends, this doesn’t mean painting every surface in your kitchen a bright orange. Instead, Europeans have an affinity for bringing pops of color into their homes in more manageable ways, like with appliances. “In Europe, homeowners are typically bolder in their use of bright colors,” explains Bertazzoni, though she clarifies that U.S. consumers are beginning to show more interest in saturated accents too. “These pops of color give a real personality and sense of the homeowner’s individuality to the space.”

Feeling bold? Bertazzoni’s 4 Brass Burner Range in bright yellow from the Professional Series will make an instant statement piece for even the tiniest of kitchens. Though if you aren’t willing to take the plunge yet, try smaller appliances (like a toaster or blender) or even artwork to get your fix of vibrant color.

Mix and Match

How do these more daring trends play out in real life when set against the architectural features of an older kitchen, you might ask? Easy: Europeans embrace the eclectic juxtaposition and are all about mixing and matching the styles.

“There’s a movement toward concrete-inspired materials with pops of bold colors, like red and green. More minimalistic cabinets with a contrasting countertop. Neutral walls with pops of copper and teal,” says Calimano. Great news for indecisive decorators: You really can have it all. In 2019, adopt a more carefree approach to design and allow yourself to try styles that might be a little unconventional.

Dark Wood

What’s old is new again, and while people might be steered toward a lighter decor scheme here in the U.S.—especially anyone in search of that breezy California cool aesthetic—Europe is all about darker woods. “One of the reasons darker woods became less popular is that they can make the space feel heavier,” says Bertazzoni.

Now, the style feels fresh. Try open shelving instead of closed cabinetry; Bertazzoni says this balances out the darker tone and makes the kitchen feel larger. Or incorporate the antique style in a contemporary manner. Sleek cabinets and minimalist silhouettes contrast the heavier shade.

Worktables

In lieu of a kitchen island, try a worktable. “Unlike a fixed island, they have distinct legs and visible space below them, so they create a much lighter feel to a room—especially smaller ones—than cupboards, which are fitted to the floor,” says Wright. If you’re renting, you, in particular, might be interested in this temporary, storage-adding solution. Worktables are also a more budget-friendly way to update your kitchen; we love the Brooklyn Kitchen Cart ($279) from Pottery Barn.

See more kitchen renovation ideas: How to Create a Custom Kitchen, According to an Interior Designer This “Dated” Kitchen Trend Is Back Every Kitchen We Saw in 2018 That Made Us Want to Redecorate