Top Kitchen Features to Have in 2026

In the coming year, we expect the kitchen’s role to expand. It will reflect the rhythms of modern life. The kitchen is no longer just a space for preparing meals. It is now a hub for gathering, creating, relaxing, and connecting. As expectations grow, our designers are meeting the challenge. We are blending sophisticated functions with premium craftsmanship and personal touches.

At Areté, we are dedicated to transforming every kitchen in Chicagoland into a canvas for everyday life. Our designers are ready to help you craft a space that is both timeless in beauty and tailored to your lifestyle.

The Evolving Chicago Kitchen Footprint

As lifestyles shift, so does the kitchen’s footprint. More homeowners are choosing expansive, open-concept kitchens that effortlessly flow into adjacent living areas. Consider removing barriers when remodeling your Chicago kitchen. This simple change can transform the space into a warm, inclusive environment, making every gathering feel more special and celebratory.

It’s designed to help you effortlessly engage with your guests and family. By creating dedicated zones for specific activities, the modern kitchen becomes a personalized space that fosters both efficiency and personal expression.

Dedicated Beverage Stations

Convenience and luxury harmonize in the dedicated beverage zone, now a highly prized element of kitchen design; A staggering 85% of NKBA professionals anticipate this feature will be essential by 2026, a significant insight from the NKBA 2026 Kitchen Trends Report. Whether you dream of an artisanal coffee bar or an inviting cocktail station, these spaces elevate daily rituals and create memorable experiences for you and your guests.

Imagine everything you need perfectly organized in one place: built-in espresso machines, under-counter wine refrigeration, curated storage, and beautifully displayed glassware.

Discreetly integrated in a pantry or fashioned as a bold design statement, beverage stations offer both elegance and practicality, making every morning and evening special.

Pet-Friendly Feeding Stations

Today’s kitchens celebrate every family member—including our beloved pets. We love creating solutions for your furry friends, and with 64% of homeowners prioritizing integrated pet feeding features, it’s clear you do too! Our designers are incorporating thoughtful, pet-friendly elements that add warmth and functionality.

Consider dedicated alcoves with built-in bowls, seamless cabinetry integration, and even pot-filler faucets for effortless refills. These refined stations maintain a beautiful, uncluttered aesthetic, ensuring the entire space resonates with care and attention to detail.

Inviting Eat-In Areas

As formality gives way to comfort and connection, eat-in kitchen spaces are becoming a hallmark of contemporary design. Nearly 60% of homeowners now desire welcoming dining nooks within the kitchen. Gone are the distinct lines between cooking, eating, working, and gathering.

Custom banquettes and cozy breakfast corners invite conversation, laughter, and togetherness. Thoughtfully designed seating, often complete with hidden storage, creates a functional and inviting setting for any occasion, from homework sessions to cherished family meals.

The Dominance of Quartz and Quartzite

Quality surfaces are the unsung heroes of every kitchen. In 2026, quartz and quartzite lead the way, chosen by discerning homeowners and designers alike for their refined appearance and easy maintenance. 78% of industry professionals name quartz as their top pick; its resilience and non-porous finish keep surfaces pristine with minimal effort.

Quartzite, with its graceful veining and exceptional durability, appeals to those who love the look of marble without the worry. As preferences turn toward lighter, matte finishes, these materials provide a sophisticated canvas for both timeless and contemporary designs.

A Lasting Love for Neutral and Earthy Tones

The allure of neutral and earthy palettes remains powerful, as 96% of designers predict these shades will continue to define kitchen aesthetics. Hues of white, gray, beige, and black offer a tranquil, versatile foundation that welcomes bold accessories and evolving tastes.

For a fresh pop of color, nature-inspired greens and blues infuse the space with calm. Complemented by wood accents like white oak and walnut, these palettes evoke warmth, authenticity, and enduring style.

Illuminating the Heart of the Home

Lighting is increasingly becoming a crucial design element that shapes both mood and utility. Homeowners overwhelmingly seek natural light (95%), quality ambient light (93%), and effective task lighting for workspaces (92%), demonstrating a holistic approach to illumination.

Current trends are also showing a strong preference for diverse lighting solutions, including under-cabinet lights (82%), interior cabinet lights (72%), and elegant pendant lights (63%).

These strategic lighting choices not only brighten the area but also create an inviting, highly functional, and exquisitely designed kitchen. For more info on crafting such a space, explore tips on how to design a Chicago kitchen that’s perfect for entertaining.

Sustainable Materials

Sustainability is a cornerstone of modern kitchen design, with homeowners and designers increasingly prioritizing eco-conscious choices. As highlighted in leading industry reports like the NKBA’s annual trends, the focus extends beyond individual elements to a holistic approach to environmental responsibility. We’re seeing a significant rise in the use of materials such as recycled wood, rapidly renewable bamboo, and elegant reclaimed stone for cabinetry, countertops, and flooring.

Beyond these foundational elements, the movement embraces low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) finishes to ensure superior indoor air quality, alongside water-saving fixtures that contribute to resource conservation. Energy-efficient appliances and integrated LED lighting are now standard, seamlessly reducing environmental impact and lowering utility costs. At

Areté, we understand that true sustainability also means investing in durability and timeless design, ensuring your kitchen remains beautiful and functional for years to come. This thoughtful integration of green practices with enduring style results in kitchens that beautifully balance responsibility with exquisite design, perfectly aligning with today’s environmentally-conscious lifestyles.

What’s Next for Your Chicago Kitchen Design?

At Areté, we believe that your kitchen design is a reflection of your story, achievements, and values. With emerging features like beverage zones, pet-friendly spaces, generous eat-in areas, and resilient surfaces, you have the opportunity to create a kitchen that truly serves and inspires your lifestyle.

If you’re considering an upgrade, imagine how these thoughtful innovations could enrich your home and daily rituals. Investing in quality and design means you’re not just building a kitchen. You’re creating a legacy of comfort, togetherness, and beauty for years to come.

Let our Areté team be your guide as you reimagine the possibilities. Call us at 773.683.3033 or contact us to get started today! The kitchen of your dreams is within reach, ready to support the next chapter of your life.