8 Exciting New Kitchen Trends for 2021

This past year, we’ve all spent WAY more time in our kitchens than ever before. Our kitchens have become a school classroom, a business office, an after-school activity centre — and of course a place to prepare and eat meals.

I really feel that this central ‘hub of the home’ is ready for a transition! Of course, there is always the practical need to maximize functionality by creating better storage and upgrading our appliances. But there’s much more to consider than that.

First of all, who else is tired of white kitchens? Of subway tiles for backsplashes?  Of dining tables parked in the kitchen?

Who is ready to change things up and add some fun and creativity to their kitchen design? I am!

Let me tell you about eight new trends you’ll see this year in kitchen designs everywhere. Whether you are doing a renovation or building a brand new home, here’s how each can work for you:

1. 1. COLOUR – INSIDE AND OUT

      It’s time to add some life into the one room you spend the most time in. This year, take a bold step and replace your white cabinets with breathtaking custom-coloured ones.

      You can choose ANY colour in a paint fan (or more than one if you wish) for your cabinets. You can also add an element of surprise and paint the inside of your cabinets a different shade than the outside.

      What are your colour dreams? Red? Green? Blue? Black? The sky is the limit so have fun with your selections!

   2. SOPHISTICATED STONE BACKSPLASHES

      The new trend in backsplashes is to run the stone that you put on your counter tops up the walls as well. By showcasing a unique pattern of stone on your walls, you give your kitchen an elegant, connected look and feel.

      Stone backsplashes also make maintenance so simple — and who doesn’t want to spend less time scrubbing?

      

   3. DAZZLINGLY DURABLE COUNTERTOPS

      From quartz to porcelain, the new kitchen materials on the market go beyond beauty. They’re also sturdier, long-lasting and a breeze to maintain.

      The materials are non-porous, too, giving you an extremely food-safe surface. With a wide range of colours and patterns to choose from, you can customize your countertops to perfectly complement your new kitchen cabinets.

   4. WARMER WOOD CABINETS

      More and more often I see clients wanting to incorporate natural wood products into their kitchen cabinets.

      A delightful combination of wood and lacquer offers an interesting aesthetic, whether you’re installing a contemporary high-gloss cabinet or opting for a traditional painted Shaker style.

      Putting a natural wood cabinet under the sink or island area and tying it in with floating wood shelves gives your space a classic yet modern vibe.

      

   5. THE RETURN OF CURVES AND ARCHES

      What was once a ‘dated look’ has come back, so don’t hesitate to create an arched doorway or arch in your kitchen cabinet doors.

      Curved islands and countertops add softness to your space and can make everything flow together seamlessly.

   6. OPEN DESIGNER PANTRIES

      Gone are the days of closed pantry doors hiding a mess inside! Pantries have come a long way and are now being showcased as an extension of the kitchen.

      Full glass doors or no door at all allow you to see all of your neatly organized items on the shelves. If you transfer your food from its original packaging to pretty glass jars and canisters, everything will instantly look more elevated.

      By adding stone onto the walls behind the shelves, you can easily give your pantry a refined appearance.

   7. LOVELY LIGHTING

      There’s no reason to settle for unflattering, recessed ceiling lights. Opt for accent lighting that inspires ambience in the kitchen.

      Don’t be afraid to add under-cabinet lights on the uppers and lowers, or to get creative in the pantry with a beautiful overhead fixture and lighting on the shelves.

      

   8. CABINETS ON DISPLAY

      Display cabinets are really popular right now.  Whether it’s frosted glass cabinet doors or metal grate fronts, I’m seeing more kitchens being installed with display cabinets.

      Another new style is ‘hardware-free’ cabinets and drawers. I love the clean look of these!

 

Whatever your desire is for your new kitchen, now is the time to get these ideas flowing. Remember that you don’t have to do everything on this list to end up with a gorgeous, functional space.

For example, if an entirely new kitchen is not in your 2021 budget, but your cabinets are in good shape and the layout works well, then consider painting the cabinets and installing new countertops and/or backsplash. The transformation will blow you away!

Let’s chat about how you can update your kitchen with the latest kitchen trends of 2021.