Latest 8 Trends in Kitchen Design
My 2021 motto for kitchens, pretty and practical with a hint of indulgence! The kitchen needs to evoke a sense of comfort, and materials play such an important role in giving a space its sense of soul. As we are all spending more time in our homes, (especially in the UK) the kitchen is working as a place for home schooling, home office, food preparation area and a place of gathering. Having the ability to let these activities all go on simultaneously, without congestion is ideal, which makes zoning essential. Kitchens should support needs more than wants, designed to really fit a more efficient lifestyle whilst still reflecting the owner’s personality and style.
1. Green
The ultimate colour when thinking of nature is green. No wonder it is trending as a popular colour to use in your home. It comes in a variety of tones, from muted sage to vibrant emerald and everything in between. All shades of green are hot for kitchens in 2021. Green can be dramatic and bold, and even work as a neutral backdrop. A way to infuse it in the kitchen is through cabinetry and tile choices. If you are not willing to make a big investment but are still looking to add some green to your kitchen, a simple way is by adding it in decorative accents. Artwork, kitchen towels, and vases are just few examples. The wonderful thing about the colour green is it pairs beautifully with many other colours and materials.
2. Wood
Natural wood tones for cabinets in both light and dark finishes are becoming extremely popular. As we are spending so much time inside, we are longing for our nature connection. Howdens kitchens fo example, has a wide range of options to choose from. In full disclosure, I have a trade account with them, which is very handy.
Wood feels organic and durable and pairs beautifully with both light and darker paint colours. Wood lends a warmth to the whole room and looks especially beautiful paired with stone worktops. Wooden cabinets are built to last and withstand more traffic and use. The use of materials found in nature add warmth and life to a space, the Scandinavian influence is here to stay! You can read more about 5 ways interior design can contribute to your mental well being by clicking here.
3.Natural Light
If you have read any of my past blog posts on light, you are aware I am an advocate of natural light. There is nothing that can replace it. The more sunlight you can get into your space, the better. Adding skylights or bigger windows to your kitchen make it feel more open whilst allowing more quantity of light in along with bringing the outdoors inside. I may sound like a broken record, but it is a known fact that sunshine makes any room more inviting. Also, natural elements are instant mood boosters, making any time spent in the kitchen feel more positive overall.
4. Kitchen Islands
The footprint of a kitchen island is projected to increase in 2021. Yes, storage is still important and more prep space, but more than anything it is all about having more space for home-schooling and spreading out during Zoom meetings. It also makes it more practical for eating-in. After all, a spot to eat in the kitchen makes breakfast and lunch feel different than dinner. If you have the space, a spacious table and seating attached to one end of the island is a functional trend. It is the ultimate hub to everything a family needs.
5. Kitchen Worktops
In the past, white stone worktops were everything. Yes, they are beautiful and bounce light beautifully, but they can be hard to always keep clean. (Especially when you have children running around at home, all the time.)
You will be seeing more dark stone options that offer a beautiful contrast to lighter, brighter coloured cabinets. This is because of the more forgiving nature of a dark worktop colour. The key is zero-maintenance. People do not want to spend their time cleaning and cleaning. A useful tip is to look for a non-porous worktop option, such as tougher, engineered stone surface. (Plus, non-porous surfaces are easier to clean when it comes to bacteria or viruses.)
As we are spending more time in the kitchen, keeping worktops clear and clean seems to be a major priority, after all, clutter feels stressful.
6. Added Artwork
A trend that keeps growing is, displaying artwork in the kitchen. At the end of the day, it is the hub of the home and there is a lot of time being spent in it. Why not enjoy your vintage pieces, impactful art and meaningful keepsakes whilst cooking and working from home? Just remember to please keep them a safe distance from your hob or places prone to spills and splatters.
7. Tiles
Classic rectangular tiles are being replaced by squares, diamonds, hexagons, and all sorts of other shapes. Topps Tiles has a great variety of options and they are always updating their selection. It is the time to make your kitchen fun and cheerful! Size matters, the bigger the better but done tastefully in neutral matt hues. At the end of the day, you want to feel inspired but not grow tired of it.
8. Statement is everything
Instead of blending into the design, as mentioned above, you will see darker finishes and different materials take centre stage in kitchens. From waterfall kitchen island in veiny worktops to gorgeous extractor hoods becoming the eye-catching focal point.
Our kitchens have done so much for us, it is always a good time to return the favour. If you want to say “thank you” to your kitchen with a makeover, look no further. I can provide a series of different packages depending on your needs. Book your free discovery call with me here to discuss your project.