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  • Upcoming kitchen designs for 2027

    Upcoming kitchen designs for 2027

    It’s official: kitchen designs are going warmer in 2027. From darker wooden cabinetry to warm natural elements, next year is expected to move further away from sterile gray tones and sleek, refined interiors. Homeowners want spaces that emphasize warmth, functionality and personalization.

    Pantry and larder storage will remain a priority in 2027, but the inside will receive the same detail that the outside does. Storage does not have to mean clutter; efficient but aesthetic displays and shelves will take center stage in cabinetry next year. Designers and manufacturers are expecting more emphasis on storage that responds to the way clients cook, with smaller internal drawers sitting behind larger drawer fronts for a simple exterior.

    Built-in seating has become more prominent in kitchens throughout 2026, but it is expected to become one of the most desirable features in 2027. Built-in seating at kitchen dining tables encourages socialization and makes the space feel less cluttered, since the seating is against a wall rather than in the center of a room.

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  • New York and Connecticut luxury markets surged in Q3

    New York and Connecticut luxury markets surged in Q3

    According to the Houlihan Lawrence Q3 2026 Luxury Market Report, the luxury housing market in New York and Connecticut showed strong activity in the third quarter. Continued buyer demand and strong results across key markets demonstrated strong momentum.

    New York’s luxury market performed exceedingly well in Q3: Westchester County, at the $2 million-and-above level, recorded increases in both home sales and prices. Homes moved quickly, with average days on market continuing to decline. In Putnam and Dutchess Counties, prices continued to rise in the $1 million-and-above market, despite declining transaction activity and longer days on market.

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  • NKBA Kitchen Trends Report: Functional features, wellness design and cool neutrals dominate
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    NKBA Kitchen Trends Report: Functional features, wellness design and cool neutrals dominate

    What’s next for kitchen design? The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) released its Kitchen Trends Report, giving insight into the shifts we’re likely to witness in 2027.

    One of the major takeaways from the report is that kitchen layouts are shifting: moving away from fully open-concept spaces and towards more dedicated prep spaces such as a scullery. A slight majority of designers (52%) predict kitchens will become a larger foodprint inside the home in the next three years.

    The respondents noted that the kitchen is becoming a utility space for homeowners, with a focus on lifestyle and functional design. Popular integrations on the rise include dedicated beverage stations (90%), mudrooms and flex spaces (94%), pet feeding stations (63%) and smart appliance stations (73%).

    As for color palettes, experts responded that cool neutrals are here to stay, with greens (83%) and blues (75%) the top color choices. Moving toward material selection, quartzite is king, with 78% of designers naming it the most popular countertop choice.

    Smart home integrations are less focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), but responsive to wellness and climate demands.

    Only 27% of designers see an upward trend of ovens with food-recognition AI and 24% expect AI that learns and adjusts to cooking preferences. However, designers noticed an increased priority for leak detection systems and automatic shut-off valves (65%), backup power solutions (62%) and pointing to ventilation and air filtration systems (53%).

    “For the past several years, we’ve seen the kitchen expand in size. The 2027 Kitchen Trend Report reveals that this evolution is continuing, with the kitchen extending into more areas of the home,” said Bill Darcy, Global President & CEO of NKBA. “While the kitchen has always been the ‘heart of the home,’ that idea has taken on new meaning. From mudrooms and laundry rooms to back pantries and personalized work zones, the report shows that we’ve entered a new era of what the kitchen can do for homeowners – solving real problems, adding home value and elevating the way we live.”

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  • Hispanic homebuyers’ growing role in market

    Hispanic homebuyers’ growing role in market

    Hispanic homebuyers are playing a growing role in today’s housing market. According to the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, in 2025, Hispanic households reached 10.2 million, accounting for all net growth in U.S. homeownership.

    According to a report from the National Association of REALTORS, Hispanic Americans are still the fastest-growing demographic of homebuyers in the nation. States such as Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico and Texas have high concentrations of Hispanic populations. The homeownership rate reflects that, demonstrating high rates among this demographic of buyers.

    In terms of business, as Hispanic homeownership continues to grow, builders, architects, designers and other industry professionals who understand the questions these buyers are asking and focus on building connections will be better positioned.

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