The Ultimate Memphis Kitchen Remodeling Guide: Trends from Downtown to East Memphis
Discover the latest kitchen design innovations sweeping Memphis—and how to tailor them for neighborhoods from Downtown to Cordova.
Why Kitchen Remodeling Matters in Memphis
In a city known for its rich music heritage and soulful cuisine, the kitchen serves as both the heart of the home and the stage for unforgettable gatherings. Whether you live in a historic bungalow in Midtown, a modern loft Downtown, or a charming ranch style home in East Memphis, a well-designed kitchen adds comfort, style, and resale value in the competitive Memphis market.
1. Open-Concept Layouts with Southern Flair
Trend Overview: Tear down non-structural walls to merge kitchen, dining, and living spaces—perfect for hosting friends in Cooper-Young or Germantown.
Memphis Twist: Incorporate reclaimed barn-wood beams or accent with local art as a nod to the city’s rustic-meets-refined aesthetic.
Quick Tip: Add a large waterfall-edge island clad in quartzite for an organic centerpiece that anchors your open plan.
2. Bold Cabinet Colors & Two-Tone Finishes
Trend Overview: Move beyond plain whites; explore deep naval blues, forest greens, or creamy whites. Two-tone palettes (e.g., island in a rich hue, perimeter cabinets in crisp white or cream) are especially popular.
Neighborhood Notes: In Germantown and Collierville suburbs, homeowners lean toward muted sage or dove gray for a softer feel, while Downtown lofts embrace matte black or jewel-tone navy for maximum drama.
Quick Tip: Pair darker lower cabinets with light, glossy subway tile backsplashes to maintain brightness.
3. Mixed-Material Countertops & Backsplashes
Trend Overview: Combine quartz, concrete, and natural stone surfaces in the same kitchen. Think a honed marble island paired with a quartz perimeter or a textured backsplash.
Memphis Touch: If you really want to be Memphis proud, find a local artist to paint a mural as part of your backsplash.
Quick Tip: Use a contrasting grout color for your backsplash to make patterned tiles pop, especially in Memphis homes with larger footprints.
4. Smart Appliances & Integrated Tech
Trend Overview: From Wi-Fi–enabled ovens to built-in wireless charging pads, technology elevates convenience. Smart refrigerators can suggest recipes based on your inventory and even display family calendars.
Local Appeal: In Cordova and Bartlett family homes, consider adding a secondary under-counter freezer or beverage fridge for weekend parties—ideal for the social gatherings that are part of the Memphis lifestyle.
Quick Tip: Conceal high-tech small appliances in a custom appliance garage to maintain a seamless, tailored look.
5. Statement Lighting & Layered Illumination
Trend Overview: Bold pendants, linear LED fixtures, and under-cabinet lighting work together to create depth and highlight key work zones.
Memphis Style: Choose fixtures in antique brass or brushed bronze to echo the warmth of Overton Square’s vintage charm or the sleek art-deco vibe of South Main.
Quick Tip: Dimmable switches allow you to transition from bright task lighting during meal prep to soft ambient glow for cozy evenings.
6. Functional Pantry Solutions
Trend Overview: Walk-in pantries and hidden pull-out storage maximize organization—think adjustable shelving, appliance garages, and built-in wine racks.
Neighborhood Notes: Suburban Germantown and Collierville homes often feature larger pantries; in tighter Downtown or Midtown spaces, a cabinet-height pantry with slide-out drawers can deliver the same utility.
Quick Tip: Incorporate open-air shelving for everyday dishes and reserve closed cabinets for bulk storage to balance form and function.
7. Flooring That Bridges Style & Durability
Trend Overview: Wide-plank hardwood, large-format porcelain, and luxury vinyl tile in warm wood or stone looks dominate. Durable finishes protect against spills and heavy foot traffic.
Local Insight: In iconic Midtown Craftsman bungalows, match new floors to existing oak tones. In newer East Memphis builds, consider light gray honed porcelain for a contemporary edge.
Quick Tip: Lay flooring diagonally or in a herringbone pattern to visually expand narrow kitchens.
8. Personal Touches & Local Artistry
Trend Overview: Handcrafted elements—like copper range hoods, artisanal tile murals, or custom ironwork—turn your kitchen into a one-of-a-kind space.
Memphis Highlight: Commission local makers for a custom range hood or choose tile that reflects Memphis’ heritage.
Quick Tip: Feature a gallery-wall of prints from Memphis artists above open shelving or in breakfast nooks to celebrate your city pride.
Bringing It All Together: Your Memphis Remodel Roadmap
Define Your Style: Tour local showrooms in East Memphis, Bartlett and Cordova to gather inspiration and sample materials.
Set a Realistic Budget: Allocate roughly 12–20% of your home’s value to a mid-range kitchen remodel in Memphis’s current market.
Choose Local Experts: Partner with contractors experienced in kitchen remodeling in Memphis (Like A Final Touch) to navigate permits, supplier networks, and community design preferences.
Plan for Resale: If you’re in Bartlett or Cordova and planning to sell, focus on neutral palettes with high-impact accents that appeal to a broad range of buyers.
Ready to Transform Your Memphis Kitchen?
From the vibrant pulse of Downtown to the leafy streets of East Memphis, A Final Touch delivers kitchen remodels that balance trend-forward design with local character. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s craft the ultimate Memphis kitchen that’s as soulful and welcoming as the city itself.