The kitchen is one of the most important places in the home, so it is vital to achieve a harmonious design, in order to achieve good storage and allow proper cleaning. But it is not only important to make the kitchen a comfortable and very functional space, but if possible, to make it look modern and updated. That’s why we show you some trends in modern kitchens for 2021.
Before starting with the design and decoration, remember that the first objective of the kitchen is to be functional, practical, that everything is at a safe distance, that can be easily circulated through it, and only from these features, look for it to be modern and contemporary.
Furniture and cabinets in modern kitchens 2021
There is a visible trend in the materials that make up the kitchen cabinets and appliances, and we will show you below.
Texture mix
The combination of a sophisticated selection of colors with high quality materials: wood, concrete, corian, glass, ceramic, stone or metal in different shades, become a recipe for a unique and beautiful kitchen design.
Varying the styles, from the classic to the modern, from the country style to the high-tech modernist, the designers play with the surfaces, matt and bright, dark and light, with and without handles.
Smart storage
On the other hand, well-equipped kitchens with high-tech appliances are increasingly gaining ground. For this reason also, more and more storage systems are chosen, which is important that they are functional and as compact as possible, so as not to detract from space.
Stools
As for furniture, fashion leaves room for us to choose from a wide variety of the most varied proposals, but in the seats one of the most popular is undoubtedly the stools, since they are stylish and take advantage of the space.
Open shelves
Kitchen furniture has always emphasized comfort, and now we are seeing a trend towards open shelving, which undoubtedly is very comfortable because we have everything in sight. Why hide these striking kitchen and crockery accessories with closed doors: these have an interesting design as well.
Now people are willing to show not only their luxury kitchen, but also everything else (of good quality), which is in the kitchen. This trend is growing rapidly.
Metal shelving
We continue with the trend of open shelves, but this year metal shelves are also being incorporated, especially black metal. They can certainly add a lot of style and character to the kitchen.
Modern countertops for kitchen design 2021
Quartz
Quartz is a good material for its durability and its color characteristics. It offers an impressive amount of colors in white, black or gray tones and is increasing its popularity.
Granite
Granite remains at the top of its popularity. It is often cited as the most durable natural material. Hot pots can be placed directly on the countertop, can be cut directly on the surface without damaging it and spills are easily cleaned.
Of marble
Marble is synonymous with luxury and style, and becomes a classic choice for any elegant environment. It is a functional and stable material, offers a lot of colors, responds well to temperature and mechanical damage. You just have to be careful with the spots.
Of metal
Metal is always a modern and fashionable option, mainly for more urban or industrial designs. The latest technologies and innovations offer durability and prevent oxidation.
Of wood
And, of course, for those who prefer a more natural but elegant appearance, wood is always a beautiful and aesthetic choice. Lately, the reclaimed wood countertop becomes a trend: it is sustainable and nature friendly, making it a conscious choice. It is well known that the use of wood, unlike natural stones such as marble and granite, is an environmentally more sustainable resource because wood is renewable.
Black countertops
Once again, we see black countertops in black granite or quartz, in matt or glossy finish. It is not a new trend, but it is very popular and the trend will not expire like this no more. Still in 2021: black countertops (which can have a glossy or matte finish).
2021 Modern kitchen designs
There are several parallel trends in the design of contemporary cuisine for this season. Check out below.
Traditional kitchens
The first trend is oriented towards a traditional artisanal aspect, a natural atmosphere, simple and clean silhouettes, without too much decoration and ornaments. Wood dominates this type of design.
Industrial kitchens
The texture of the black marble is combined with the warm oak surfaces that add a rustic charm to the contemporary composition. The kitchen includes multiple structures that intertwine the glamor of the illuminated glass shelf with the bright aluminum finishes.
The combination of solid dark materials and warm wooden structures (with a vintage touch) is always a successful combination when it comes to modern kitchen designs.
Rustic urban kitchens
They offer a wide variety of combinations of textures and materials and include a dynamic mix of vintage, classic and contemporary design elements. The great variety of artistic combinations offers freedom of expression.
You can have a rustic kitchen in a modern city apartment or an urban design with natural and cozy features.
Modern minimalist kitchens
The minimalist kitchen design is characterized by the lack of luxuries. This does not mean that it is less sophisticated. Emphasize simplicity, but also an elegant simplicity that aims to highlight kitchen furniture, some decorative strengths, colors or materials. Accessories, appliances and utensils should hide behind cabinets and drawers.
On the work surface, only the essentials are left: a food processor, a decorative plate, a small cactus or a succulent. Materials should be highlighted: a concrete floor, a wooden countertop, or whatever material is used.
Neutral and natural colors dotted with color accents (indigo blue, bright red, matt black, dark gray) are preferred to improve the design sophisticatedly.
The minimalist kitchen is reinforced by the lighting that takes place in two ways: incorporated into furniture or hanging walls or lamps.
Kitchens with ultra modern technology
Another dominant trend for several seasons is to use high-tech innovations in materials and surfaces. Large and massive volumes with bright surfaces and simple shapes are created.
Here we can also observe the presence of wooden elements, but in these cases, it is used more as artistic details, not as a predominant material selection. Dark colors and contrast are also used.
Materials and textures in modern kitchens 2021
If you are thinking about materials and textures of modern kitchens, the possibilities are many. Wood, concrete, stone, bamboo, tiles, bricks, wall papers, decorative vinyl, metals, acrylics, are some of the many options you can handle.
Terrazzo
Terrazzo, which dates back to ancient times, is making a great comeback. You’ve probably seen it on the floors of old buildings, which have small glass stones, marble and other embedded materials.
The new porcelain terrazzo looks amazing, and is available in polished and matte finishes. It can be used on the back wall to the countertop, the walls or the floor.
Texture blends
If you have noticed that the materials you want to mix are not compatible, do not be discouraged; nothing is absolutely incompatible, each element can have its perfect place in a kitchen and at the same time complement it with another totally different one, being able to coexist both in the same environment. The mixture of textures enriches, for example, one of the mixtures that is fashionable is that of concrete with wood.
Or marble with wood.
Or acrylics and metals.
Hot and cold metals
This year, in addition to the classic cold metals in silver colors, such as stainless steel, warmer metal tones such as brass, copper or bronze are also incorporated.
Brass, iron, bronze, copper and similar tones are returning, giving kitchens an industrial look.
Brick, stone, wood
Natural tones and materials are being used in all interior design spaces, as well as kitchens. The brick cladding adds a rustic and natural touch, making it an element that will be used a lot. Let’s see the modern kitchens whose walls are broken to expose old natural wood beams, which look fantastic with a wax coating. The new construction will seek to build beams, tabs and grooves in the walls and ceiling: an additional cost yes, but it is worth the finish it gives.
Walls lined with natural wood or stone, or with brick cladding, natural wood cabinets … Everything that comes from the earth is good (within reason, of course!).
Lighting trends in modern kitchens 2021
Among the elements that can be seen most in all proposals, lighting occupies a leading role, either through LED lights, energy saving or common lighting.
Hidden lighting under cabinets has been the predominant trend in kitchens for the past 5 years, however, we are now seeing a return to hanging lamps and lighting fixtures that are masterpieces in themselves.
The trends lean towards rustic or classic metal lamps, of copper and brass. If the kitchen has a monochrome minimalist Scandinavian design, modern lamps are the best, if you have a traditional kitchen with a lot of natural tones, use a more traditional accessory.
Modern faucets and sinks
Stainless steel is leaving a little lake, to give rise to other types of metals such as copper or bronze.
Taps with architectural lines and sensors, for automatic switching on and off, are being used more and more.
The sink is the most functional place in the kitchen, the heart of it. You go there to rinse your salad leaves, fill a pot of water and wash the dishes. And now, it is also being used for food preparation, thanks to the new accessories available.
It is a way to make the most of this area of the kitchen, making it an integrated workspace. Accessories such as a sliding cutting board, multi-level grilles (to maximize space), a strainer that is placed on the edge and a garbage or debris collector with a drain.
2021 color trends in modern kitchens
Often, the kitchen is the heart of the house and marks its style and atmosphere. Especially in modern design houses where the kitchen merges with the dining room and living room, the design style of the whole house is influenced by the kitchen design. That is why the colors, shapes, materials and the range of functionality sets the tone for the rest of the house design.
The color sets the atmosphere of any home, even the simplest design becomes vivid and vibrant when the correct color selection is applied. This is especially true for the kitchen, where you usually spend a lot of time in your life.
Dark tones
There are indications that, for the third consecutive year, dark tones will have a significant presence in the modern color palette.
Some award-winning kitchen designs include at least one dark color as a strong accent. The new thing is the search for contrast and juxtaposition: dark colors are compensated with lighter colors.
Two-tone and warm kitchens in natural tones, such as clay, copper, gold, henna and ginger, are becoming an option for next season. The influence of nature is expected to be one of the trends, from the terracotta colored soil to the dry green tones of the desert.
Blue
Blue is one of the colors that is used again in modern kitchens. Do not feel limited to one type of blue, you can mix them all, the use of calming navy blue, or sky blue, electric and energetic turquoise, they can look great when combined together. Look for blue accessories, cabinets and tiles in these colors.
Look for tiles with interesting patterns, in shades of blue, or splashes of rainbow colors or exotic designs. Keep the rest of the kitchen minimalist.
Neutral
Colors such as white, black, gray and brown as a base are ideal, as they favor a pure and clean aesthetic. The wide spaces in the kitchen also gain an important popularity, so it is always sought to combine colors and elements in order to create a greater sense of space.
Like the Scandinavians: simple, classy and elegant. The trend has been here for a while to stay in 2021. To avoid a cold and unattractive kitchen, add some natural wood accessories, solid marble slabs, glass strips or other wall coverings. This will continue to be a winning trend in 2021.
Red kitchens
Today the spectrum of colors that we can find in the kitchen is very wide; While white and neutral classics can be chosen, modern kitchens also allow the use of strong colors, as well as metallic, gray and black. To add a more vibrant touch, colors like yellow, orange, red, green may be ideal.
For this season, the color options range from natural neutrals, oak, green and carbon (with black accents) to exotic tones, with the orange palette as the key color, as well as dark blue ones.
Green
The olive green is being used a lot, in all its shades, as well as the most throwing tones to the sage.
Lilac and purple
Intense lilacs, approaching purple, are also another of the colors that would be a trend for 2021.
2021 Modern small kitchen designs
In a small kitchen, the goal is to save space. But how to make it practical, pleasant and modern?
1) Create a sense of space. To visually expand a space, nothing better to eliminate all borders. Knocking down a wall to create a kitchen open to the living room makes the whole more friendly. Create a bar that can be used for a quick meal.
2) Play with the colors. In a small room, bright tones provide maximum clarity and a sense of space. The application of a dark color on the back wall adds depth to the room.
3) Choose the right furniture with intelligent storage solutions. The three areas of activity must be respected: washing, cooking and preparation (the cold zone). A table that unfolds along a wall can be used for breakfast, for example.
4) Make the most of the space. All available space must be maximized. The wall of the countertop can be used with shelves and rods with hooks to hang the most used utensils. Shallow wall cabinets can give a sense of space. It is recommended to have at least 70 cm of free space on the countertop for easy cooking.
5) Smart storage furniture. Folding tables, containers integrated in the furniture. The sink can disappear under a sliding plate, providing an extra work surface for preparing meals, for example. Choose devices with small appliances suitable for small kitchens.
6) Compact corner sinks are an ideal solution for small kitchens. Most kitchens do not use the corner for anything other than accumulating things, so this idea is making a triumphant entry into kitchen design.
2021 Modern outdoor kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are rising within trends. The climate is a factor that limits to some extent, but it will not stop this trend, especially in tropical countries.
In humid, cold and windy environments, a sliding glass door works well to avoid the need for constant cleaning of the weather and at the same time allows versatility in its use, both in magnificent or questionable weather conditions. It also protects the materials from inclement weather.
My mom asked me for advice on how to liven up his home’s exterior before holding a celebratory party with her colleagues. I like your suggestion of using every inch of your space with metallic and bright-colored kitchen fixtures for a more vibrant appeal. Maybe it would be best that she consult a kitchen remodeling expert for this plan of hers.