By Caroline Biggs, Martha Stewart
With every new year comes a fresh batch of kitchen trends—and 2021 is no exception. "Kitchen designs don't change each year, so much as they evolve," notes interior designer Michelle Zacks. "If a client loves modern farmhouse style kitchens, I doubt they'll suddenly want a minimalist one next year—but they may be interested in some new takes on contemporary farmhouse looks, such as two-toned cabinetry and mixed metal lighting." All to say, these trends can be adapted to fit your aesthetic, whatever it may be. And after spending so much time at home in 2020, designers, decorators, and homeowners alike are looking for stylish, yet functional ways to reinvigorate their kitchens more than ever before. Ready to hear which kitchen design and décor trends will be all the rage in 2021? From eye-catching color palettes to antique sinks and more, here's what interior designers say will dominate.
Bold Colors
Whether it's brightly painted cabinets or a flashy backsplash, designers predict that colorful kitchen details will be everywhere in 2021. "I think we will be more adventurous with color in the new year," says Mark Lavender of M. Lavender Interiors. "Clients are requesting more colorful finishes, like green marble countertops, bold blue cabinets, and statement backsplashes to decorate outside of the box and bring a pop of personality into their kitchens."Multifunctional Furniture
If 2020 taught us anything, it's that there is beauty in functionality. "As we continue to work from home, it's become crucial that we make our kitchens more purposeful," says Carneil Griffin of Griffin Direction Interiors. "Investing in multifunctional kitchen furnishings, like a drop leaf island that moonlights as a standing workstation, or an extendable dining table that transforms into a virtual homeschooling nook, will help streamline your life and your space in 2021."Artisanal Elements
As we continue to search for ways to reduce waste and lower our carbon footprints at home, Amelia Strat of Kroesser + Strat predicts that sustainably- and ethically-made kitchenwares will reign supreme in the new year. "I think the entire industry will see a shift away from shiny, new, mass produced details to really focusing on where each element comes from and the impact it has on the environment," she explains. "Quality-made items, such as hand-painted tiles, artisan-crafted hardware, and antique sinks and light fixtures can be reused and in some cases, recycled."Dark Details
While classic, all-white kitchens will always remain popular, Nathelie Macchioni of Hyphen & Co. believes dark and moody kitchens are about to have a major moment. "People are starting to take risks with darker colors, like black, navy blue, and charcoal gray, for cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes," she explains. "The kitchen is one of the most frequently used areas of the home, and we'll be looking for ways to bring depth, dimension, and a hint of drama to the space."Comforting Décor
Kitchens got much more use in 2020, which is why Melissa Warner Rothblum of Massucco Warner says that people are looking for ways make the space feel less utilitarian and more like an extension of the home: "Warm details and finishes, like wood-stained cabinets, mixed metal fixtures, and ambient lighting, make a kitchen feel more cozy and inviting." Additionally, Tiffany Leigh of Tiffany Leigh Design recommends incorporating elements typically reserved for other rooms, such as table lamps and artwork, to make your kitchen feel more cohesive with the rest of your house.By Caroline Biggs, Martha Stewart
