The Kitchen Trends To Know For 2021
Flexible Spaces
“The pandemic has transformed our way of living. Seeing as it’s forced us to spend most of our time at home, with the whole family there at the same time, the need for flexible and adaptable spaces is something which is continuing into 2021. Now more than ever, it’s important to create the ideal layout, with soft transitions between rooms to embrace this new way of living – which often combines cooking, eating, working and entertaining.” – Ann Kristin Johansen, Kitchens By Holloways
A Lived-In Look
“The kitchen is now so important, and we are noticing more people wanting to add vintage pieces, like worn comfy sofas or soft velvet armchairs to make the room feel a little less utilitarian. It's definitely about fewer gadgets and more real-life comforts. That said, a central prep table and a few pieces of beautiful crockery will still help you make the very most of every meal. A few old candlesticks and some pretty vintage cut glass, foliage gathered from a walk or the garden also remind us how important our surroundings are to our wellbeing.” – Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL
Panelled Shaker-Style Cabinets
“Natural, untreated timber panels on shaker-style kitchen cabinets are perfect if you’re going for that ‘country chic’ look. Adding black hardware and crittall will give the space a more edgy, industrial vibe, while raw brass hardware that will patina over time offers a softer, more relaxed vibe.” – Jamie Blake, founder of Blakes London
Curved Islands
“Subtle, curved-end panels on islands – as well as bigger semi-circle barrel-shaped island ends – will become increasingly popular this year. That’s great news for families with young toddlers who regularly run the gauntlet of hurting their heads on squared-off mitred corners. Curves will also be big when it comes to cabinetry – think elegant, semi-circular tops to cupboards and wall units, and even within recessed shelving units, bookcases and larger architectural features. We've also seen glazing transition from timber French doors to bi-fold doors, before moving on to large floor-to-ceiling sliders. I expect we’ll now see more romantic, softer glazing solutions using steel and timber with curved tops.” – Jamie
Country House Colours
“Old-fashioned country house colours are on the up – it fits with the idea of creating a living space, rather than a sleek, modern kitchen. Think moody yellows, rich deep reds and simple dark greens. The look is very English, and we hope a little eccentric – a world away from the stark modernity of the past few years, and more focused on pieces of furniture that feel familiar, timeless and above all, simple and easy to live with.” – Helen
Fluted Timber
“in the past, I’ve designed a lot of fluted glass joinery – it can be a fabulously versatile, tactile feature in so many settings. But for 2021, this fluted trend is moving away from glass and towards timber. Think fine, evenly spaced, undulating curves, creating depth and texture to flat-fronted surfaces. Depending on the way it’s introduced into a scheme, it can deliver a feminine feel with the use of lighter, softer colours, or a masculine feel with the use of darker stains – especially when set against chunkier furniture and thicker, more brutal concrete worktops. This year, fluted and ribbed timber will be a big trend on kitchen islands, and when used for feature cabinets. When done in a light, natural timber finish, it will also add warmth and texture to contemporary flat-fronted kitchens.” – Jamie
Nature’s Colours
“Generally speaking, colourful kitchens are here to stay, because colour stimulates our senses in so many ways. While travel is put on hold, the idea of being stimulated in your own home has found new meaning. Blues and greens are the neutrals of nature, and very easy shades to use in your home – you’ll never get tired of a blue sky or lush green forest, so you won’t get tired of these colours in your kitchen. Equally, a warm yellow adds personality, and promotes feelings of happiness and positivity.” – Ann
Veneers
“Across the board we are seeing a shift towards all things natural. Both in choice of materials, with more timbers in light natural colours, as well as with the use of muted natural colours and rough or polished mortar finishes. With that natural element dominating in 2021, veneers with strong veining will be a big trend, too – in natural colours and also stained finishes. They’re slightly more prone to collecting dust, but worth it for the effect.” – Jamie
Home Bars
“Home bars are an area where people can be a bit more adventurous and playful. Hidden away behind beautiful joinery or as an alternative to a bookcase within a living room, most homes can incorporate one somehow – hence why they're so popular. The trend is to use high-end materials to give it a glam, decadent feel. Materials are key. We're using a lot of high gloss paint finishes in bold colours, luxurious marbles, glass shelving, antique mirrors, brass accents, and mood lighting, with pops of art or ceramics to create bars brimming with personality. Clever lighting can also turn a kitchen cupboard or bookshelf into a sparkling jewel, as the light bounces off the perfectly placed glassware and bottles.” – Jamie
INSPIRATION CREDITS: deVolKitchens.co.uk
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