Kitchen trends for 2021

The latest kitchen trends are about convenience and connectivity. Appliances are smarter, with devices that talk to you and one another, including all the latest smart speaker connectivity. Fridges with built-in cameras will send an image of the contents of your fridge to your mobile so that you can plan menus and shopping more effectively, and fridge freezers have zones that will keep fresh produce far longer than old-style fridges.

In kitchen design, streamlining banks of appliances is now the norm, with a steam oven, combination oven and main oven all sitting conveniently side by side. The drive for decluttering and efficiency means that kettles are replaced by boiling water taps (including filtered water options), so the need for small worktop appliances that clutter the space is eliminated. Beautifully designed and planned islands have integrated sous-vide and warming drawers and often a Teppen Yaki for ‘social’ cooking where the cook is at centre of things.

Other kitchen designs and new materials emerging in 2021; a big trend: a move away from uniformity with people looking for more individuality. This can include introducing layers of texture using metallic finishes and highly textured contrasting surfaces; using pops of vivid colour and having kitchen cabinetry designed that looks more like furniture and integrates better in open-plan kitchen spaces.

Further trends include broken-plan designs where the space is physically divided by, for example; changes to floor levels or materials, glass partitions, partial walls, shelving, bookcases, storage or furniture. The idea is that with subtle divisions the sense of space that comes with an open-plan layout can be retained, but that there is space kept away from the hubbub of a busy kitchen.

Glamorous metallic finishes are trending too, including Burnished Copper and Bronze, and Hammered Silver which gives a textured look. Finishes like these are reflective and rich with depth and texture, and used with matt or gloss lacquers, beautiful book-matched veneers or textured finishes, create a layered effect. As they age they acquire a natural patina, which adds to their beauty and richness.

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