By Ashley Zimmermann, Creative Content Director for @designREMODEL

Kitchen remodeling in summer 2021 provides an opportunity for statements. Interesting textures, colors, and custom designs can combine with health-conscious attitudes and sleek tech to create an enticing space where you will want to spend your time. The stereotypical imagery of the dated American kitchen is gone and is being replaced with character-filled transitional designs that retain a sense of heart. Homeowners are not conventional nor one-size-fits-all, so who can expect their kitchens to be?

Textures

KBB Collective projected in February that glass, mixed metals, and are stone knobs and pulls could be expected for 2021. They also projected a taste for “subtle woodgrain species like maple and ash.” Homes & Gardens agrees with the cool-tone woods trend and with the overall mixed textures theme. They say marble, brass, metallics, warm stone, and woods all working together create a luxurious, curated feel: “Contrast is king when it comes to mixing materials; the trick is to make sure that every material used encourages the others to really sing.” 

Color

Two different approaches are being taken in terms of kitchen colors this year: calm, comfortable whites and neutrals; and on the other end of the spectrum, bold, statement colors. Better Homes & Gardens calls warm beige ‘optimistic’ and a “comfort color.” They say people are drawn to colors of this variety in times of upheaval because they are familiar and homey.

Many homeowners and designers feel drawn in the opposite direction, toward bold colors that break all molds. Homes & Gardens reminds us that black can be dramatic and luxe and suggest that the kitchen is a perfect place to play with a pop of color. They even go as far as suggesting “picking two shades on opposite sides of the [color] wheel, like pink and green.” Wow. KBB suggests jewel tones as a fashionable option. 

Backsplashes

A backsplash update project is an opportunity to do something interesting with a primarily functional space. KBB tells us that many homeowners are opting to create a statement wall with tile; if you go this route, you can really do whatever you want. Ceramic is a standard choice (Southern Living says Bedrosian's Cloe tile is a particularly popular right now) but glass and porcelain are other contenders. The shape and size options are endless. Southern Living even suggests the option of one continuous slab of marble or quartzite. (Make sure to the material you choose is heat resistant, however.)

The magic of a tile wall is the texture. Whether you opt for a neutral white or cream color, a blue or green, or decide to do something wilder, the eye will love it because it is interesting and unexpected. 

Storage

Quarantine taught us a lot about ourselves and about our fellow humans; one of these insights is the power of preparedness. Stocking up on essentials was at the top of everyone’s list in March 2020. KBB and Real Simple both say adding more storage space is on most 2021 renovators’ lists. Here is a stat for you: Real Simple says, “In 2020, almost all kitchen renovators (94 percent) made at least some changes to their cabinets. Of the nearly one-third who made partial changes, 28 percent added cabinets.”

Designer Leisha Norman told Homes & Gardens that walk-in pantries are also very on-trend, as many people like this idea as an alternative to more cabinets. 

Touchless

Most people have always cared about hygiene in the kitchen, but the sense of urgency around cleanliness has recently transcended to a level where it can no longer be taken for granted. One solution to the problem of the high-touch surfaces? Make them touchless. BH&G suggests that a touchless (or even voice-activated) faucet is a win-win, as they are hygienic and can help keep your workspace cleaner if you are elbows-deep in dinner prep. BH&G discusses details of their top-rated picks in their 8 Best Touchless Kitchen Faucets article. 

Trending Transitional 

The trends discussed above can all be explained as part of the common transitional interior design style. Transitional kitchens are sophisticated, elegant, and modern; it’s no wonder transitional is the most popular style for kitchens these past few years. Interior designer Loretta Willis told BH&G: “Its clean architectural lines and often neutral finishes speak to an ageless and classic style that borrows the best of traditional and contemporary design.”

References: 

https://www.kbbonline.com/news/blog/2021-kitchen-design-trends-take-a-visit-outside-the-box/ - 2021 Distinctive Kitchen Design Trends

https://www.homesandgardens.com/news/kitchen-trends-202526 - Kitchen trends 2021 – 28 new looks and innovations for cabinets, worktops and more

https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/remodeling/2021-kitchen-trends/ - Top 2021 Kitchen Trends with Long-Lasting Style

https://www.southernliving.com/home/kitchen/kitchen-backsplash-ideas - Five Kitchen Backsplash Ideas for 2021

https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/decorating-kitchen/kitchen-trends-2021 - These Will Be the Top Kitchen Trends of 2021

https://techpp.com/2021/07/08/best-smart-faucets-buying-guide/#1-Touchless-Faucet - Best Smart Faucets You can Buy in 2021: Go Touchless and Smart!

https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/sink/best-touchless-kitchen-faucets/ - The 8 Best Touchless Kitchen Faucets for Germ-Free Cleanup

https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/remodeling/transitional-kitchen-design/ - Transitional Style Is the Most Popular Kitchen Design—Here's How to Ace the Look