KITCHEN DESIGN TRENDS 2021
The kitchen has become everyone’s favourite room since the start of COVID-19 lockdowns globally. From kids to “yiayia’s”, everyone’s been experimenting and bringing their recipe’s to another level. Perhaps you found that your kitchen is no longer up to speed to meet the new demand. Equipment may not work as it should, things are never stored where you need them or are cluttering your workspace. And perhaps you have been thinking about rebuilding your kitchen and now is the time to do it. Here you will find a few ideas of what’s trending in kitchen design for 2021 going forward.
Let’s face it, kitchen renovations, whether being built from scratch, demolished and rebuilt, or getting a weekend facelift, are always a huge commitment. They are not just a larger financial investment but one that needs to be well planned and executed.
1. TWO-TONE KITCHENS
Take surfaces, floors, splash-backs to dark colours playing with accents of dark grey and black tones. This can be offset with an island feature or furniture in white, wood, brick or even a pop of colour for a more dramatic effect. Dark colours make a room truly inviting and create a feeling of luxury and sophistication.
2. POP OF COLOUR
From the more subtle earthy tones to retro primary and secondary colours such as red, orange, blue, yellow. When using stronger and bolder colours, we suggest to do this with products that are easier “exchangeable”. The problem with strong colour is often coupled with the “I’m-fed-up”-effect. Add colour through not so expensive electrical appliances, furniture that you can recover, pillows, vases, cookware and tableware. We people usually feel more comfortable in earthy tones with highlights of colour.
3. METALLIC FINISHES
Gold, Rosé-Gold, Brass, you name it! Faucets, lamps, extractor fans, door knobs, frames or even the entire kitchen cabinetry. Although only seen in rare occasions, this can have a wonderful effect if done properly especially in combination with rustic wood.
4. SMART & GREEN & SOFT STREAM
Smart kitchens are an evolving aspect of design and technology is becoming a must-have in new kitchen designs or refurbishments. But not just technology, also energy-saving appliances.
For a soft stream style, mix materials in a new, artful way. Combine round shapes and flowing lines with natural stone in soft sand and pebble tones that give an overall soft and comfortable experience. This turns hard materials into a soft appearance! Add an accent colours in pastel pink, mint or lilac. The organic look of the space will go hand in hand with a high-tech performance, such as a sink that disappears under the kitchen worktop. Touch displays and integrated, invisible hobs are becoming trendier by the minute. Dare to design out-of-the-box and give your kitchen the new look of 2021!
5. AN EXTRACTOR HOOD AS A PIECE OF FURNITURE
Whether a wall-mounted extractor, built-in or an island version, extractors are no longer just a necessity for every kitchen but are being turned into a piece of furniture that moulds in with the design. Take a look at WAVE | Fashion.For.Kitchen, for example, whose extractor fans are “refined enough to blend in with the interior whilst still being noticeable enough to be a true eye catcher”. Customisable to every detail and even combinable with lighting.
6. DRAMATIC STATEMENT LIGHTING
Use of spotlights and down lights are still key in kitchen designs but statement pendants are being used to address the aesthetic more and more; bringing the living room style into the kitchen. The delicate non-intrusive designs of the WAVE | Fashion.For.Kitchen collection delivers just that; Ambient lighting with a dramatic effect. The lights can be dressed with leather, any imaginable colour and are even available with metallic finishes. Another clear trend is to combine the extractor fan with light whereby the extractor fan even looks like a pendant light, chandelier even.
7. A STYLISH WINE FRIDGE
With the kitchen moving towards to a living room design as a key area of communication, a wine fridge integrated in the kitchen is a next big step for 2021. Whether free-standing or built-in, Eurocave, offers one of the best range of wine fridges and accessories. A wine fridge can even be built into the kitchen island. If you’re going for the larger version then this can built-in next to the normal fridge or can become a highlight in the room between kitchen and living room. Choose a version with a glass door to show off your collection, creating a welcoming and warm atmosphere; whether you’re alone or with friends.
8. FAUCET FASHION
Small changes can have a huge impact. Trending now are kitchen faucets that go beyond functional — from contemporary, colour-blocked designs to unusual metallics to art-inspired-pieces — that can change the look and flow of your kitchen without much effort. It’s the small details that will make a kitchen stand out, elevating an interior.
9. NATURE-INSPIRED ENVIRONMENTS
In 2021 our bond with nature will become stronger yet and visible in interior design trends, inspired by nature’s raw materials and integrated in our kitchens. Materials such as stone, wood and bringing green indoors will elevate our connection with nature and concern for sustainability.
If you have a passion for gardening, you could consider bringing a living wall into your kitchen to grow your own herbs. The power in green is remarkable and has such a positive powerful effect on our mind & soul, it is inspiring and provokes creativity. Preserved plants and moss are another major trend for those who prefer no-maintenance-walls and elements. Design possibilities are endless from lush green backsplashes to entire wall murals. If you have no space indoors, add a green wall outside the kitchen window.
Bark panels and cork are other natural, sustainable products that we’ll be seeing a lot more of.
10. DINING ISLANDS
It’s simple: there is nothing more sociable than being able to cook and dine with friends.
Islands and breakfast bars provide a great spot for casual dining as well as workspace and storage. In 2021 we’ll be seeing the kitchen island featuring an extension island dining area. This means additional storage space and integrated dining experience. Cooking, entertaining, socialising are becoming the new fun thing to do and what better way is there than to do so with built-in island seating?
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
Designers’ focus through 2021 will be integrating technology and sustainability with biophilic design and merging the living room ambience with the kitchen.
KONTOR 202 is not just a purveyor of strong and beautiful brands but we are also here to assist you with interior design trends. Whilst we are by no means interior designers ourselves, unfortunately, we do have a strong sense of design and are sure great home decorators. When it comes to greening up your interiors, we are definitely your go-to-partners.
Picture credits: WAVE | Fashion.For.Kitchen, Eurocave, Pinterest, Dekker Zevenhuizen, Homes & Gardens, Ideal Homes, Interior Zine, Trend Book, Gencork.
