Modern Tacoma kitchen remodel featuring a light wood island with integrated microwave, white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and brass pendant lighting. — *Kitchen Remodel by Massey Remodel + Design |* *Luxe White, Oak & Brass*

There’s something special about a well-designed kitchen. As the heart of the home, it’s where people gather, meals are prepared, and memories are made. In Tacoma, the kitchen can be a place that reflects the spirit of the Pacific Northwest–which is why so many homeowners are choosing to remodel their kitchen to reflect their priorities. From nature-inspired finishes and warm color palettes to smart technology and spaces to gather, today’s trends are as unique and welcoming as the city itself. In this post, we’ll explore what’s popular in local kitchen design—and how you can bring that fresh, Northwest feel into your own space.

#1. Fresh Color Palettes

Gone are the days of Agreeable Gray and stark white minimalism. Remodeled Tacoma kitchens are leaning into warm and natural colors. Gentle whites, soft greens, and natural materials like wood, marble, and stone bring the beauty of the outdoors in and make the kitchen a welcoming and cozy place.

Soft neutrals aren’t for you? Another color trend we’re seeing is dark and moody colors offset with splashes of contrasting white. For example, you could try charcoal or navy cabinets with white marble countertops, or matte black faucets, range hoods, and hardware combined with a light-colored backsplash.

#2. Custom Islands

Often called “the hub of the home,” bespoke kitchen islands are becoming more and more essential to today’s kitchen design. Islands are where life happens–people gather to eat, talk, work on their laptops, and prep food. A modular kitchen island will accommodate different activities with customizable sections:

Built-in seating is a welcome space-saver that is sure to draw loved ones to the kitchen.
Storage, including cabinets and deep drawers, makes the kitchen island earn its keep.
Integrated tech like charging stations supports working from home and kids doing homework.
Food prep areas can include a workstation sink (a large sink designed with built-in tools like cutting boards, colanders, drying racks, and more), a cooktop, or just a large expanse of counter space.

Trending islands are large, customized to the space, versatile, and functional. They often contrast with the countertops and cabinets–a kitchen with neutral cabinets might have a green or navy island, or a kitchen featuring quartz countertops might include a wooden slab island.

#3. Open and Functional Floor Plans

Tacoma residents value connection. When remodeling their kitchens, many homeowners choose to remove walls and open up the space, so the kitchen, dining area, and living area are in one large shared space. This allows family and friends to visit and interact while still doing their own thing when they need to. It also makes for easy entertaining and a feeling of spaciousness.

While the “kitchen work triangle” is still a helpful idea, many people are choosing to arrange their kitchens according to zones instead, which works well with an open plan. Kitchen zones divide the kitchen into specific areas for distinct tasks like food storage, food preparation, clean-up, and even specialized areas like a wet bar, coffee station, or baking area. Designing a kitchen with zones allows for complete customization to the homeowner’s needs and preferences, and allows more than one person to move around the space easily.

#4. Great and Varied Lighting

Full view of a remodeled Tacoma kitchen with custom island, white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and a mix of pendant and sconce lighting. — *Kitchen Remodel featuring Visual Comfort lighting |* *Luxe White, Oak & Brass*

We love Grit City, and we love the sunny days we get in Pierce County (fun fact: we get an average of 139 sunny days a year!). But when the clouds do roll in, nothing makes home feel cozier than a well-lit kitchen. Your kitchen remodeling contractor will tell you that the best way to light a kitchen is by using layered, varied lighting.

Current lighting trends include lights designed to highlight architectural features of the kitchen. Sconces, undercabinet lighting, and recessed lighting are all popular options that have staying power. Color temperature tuning lights are great as well–they allow you to adjust the light to be a warmer or cooler white, making them perfect for any task or activity.

Pendants with personality are in as well–ones that look like art, add character to a space, become the focal point, or tell a story. Look for pendants that have organic lines and shapes that are inspired by nature to bring that trendy and classy biophilic vibe into the space.

#5. Smart Technology, Energy Efficiency

Homeowners in Tacoma want their kitchens to be smart–but not just for the sake of convenience. While today’s smart technology saves time, adds a measure of security, and helps busy people keep all the balls in the air, it also allows Tacoma kitchens to be greener. This trend is not going anywhere, and we’re here for it.

Smart appliances often have energy-saving features. For example, smart dishwashers can sense how big a load is and adjust the water usage accordingly. Some smart refrigerators adjust their cooling similarly, resulting in saved energy.
Smart lights can be set to a timer to turn off when no one is home, and they can also be voice-activated for convenience.
Smart ovens can be programmed to cook specific dishes and can notify you when your food is ready.
Smart refrigerators often have a screen on the front that lets you order food right from the kitchen. They can also take a photo of what’s inside and text it to you–no more forgetting whether or not you need a gallon of milk when you’re at the store.
Smart faucets are touchless and allow you to dispense a specific amount and temperature of water–saving water, energy, and hassle.

Beyond smart technology, other energy-saving kitchen features include Energy Star appliances, LED lighting, induction cooktops, and sustainably-sourced materials for flooring, cabinets, and countertops.

Tacoma Kitchen Remodeling at its Best

The best Tacoma kitchen remodels are thoughtfully designed and skillfully executed. You want a kitchen designer who knows how to take the best of all the design trends out there and tailor them to your specific home. And you want a kitchen contractor who can make these plans a reality with excellence and integrity. Massey Remodel + Design offers an award-winning, unique experience that brings design and execution under one roof, allowing you the benefit of a team that knows how to get the job done right. Contact us today and let’s talk about what your Tacoma kitchen needs to be everything you want it to be.