The Biggest 2021 Kitchen Trends, According to Experts

White marble kitchen. — Design: Marie Flanigan Interiors; Photo: Julie Soefer

If the past few months taught us anything, it’s that the kitchen is really the soul (and, yes, the stomach) of any home. Spending the bulk of 2020 inside proved that kitchens are good for much more than just reheating remnants of last night’s takeout order: it’s our go-to restaurant, our friendly neighborhood café, and the perfect backdrop for our sourdough bread Instagrams.

If the past few months taught us anything, it’s that the kitchen is really the soul (and, yes, the stomach) of any home.

Our kitchens have done so much for us that it’s about time we return the favor. If you want to say “thank you” to your kitchen with a makeover, look no further. Several interior designers shared their predictions for the biggest kitchen trends of 2021. Once the new year rolls around, your kitchen will be just as pretty as it is practical.

01 of 07

Elegant Efficiency

“It’s important to set your kitchen up to have clear functioning zones. As we are all home more often, more people are in the kitchen at the same time. Having the ability to let these activities all go on simultaneously without congestion is much more comfortable. Kitchens should support needs more than wants. We do not need massive pantries; you just end top throwing away most of that food. I think people are now seeing what their true consumption is and kitchens will be designed to really fit a more efficient lifestyle.” —Liz Caan, principal of Liz Caan & Co.

02 of 07

Stock Up On Storage

Open shelving kitchen. — Cabinetry: Christopher Peacock; Design: Linherr Hollingsworth; Photo: George Ross

“I am seeing a lot of enclosed kitchen spaces as opposed to larger layouts, but within that space the designs tend to be more open planned with wall shelving and less ‘built in’ looking cabinetry. An eclectic organic feel of mixed textures and materials is very welcoming and bistro like, and this is certainly popular. I predict a resurgence of overhead pot racks as people need quick access to pots and pans—and purchase more of them to accommodate increased cooking frequency. I also see an investment in kitchen surfaces that are set up for usability such as integrated butcher blocks.” —Christopher Peacock, cabinetry designer

03 of 07

Color Me Happy

Kitchen with marble island. — Cortney Bishop Design

“We've seen a lot of colored cabinetry take the spotlight this past year. Every designer and homeowner looked for an outlet to layer in more color throughout their homes, and I think this has the opportunity to develop throughout 2021. But instead of painted finishes, I think we'll start to see more of an evolution into lots of stained wood, from bleached to black. It's an easy way to add character and texture to your kitchen that only seems to get better with time."—Cortney Bishop, principal of Cortney Bishop Design

04 of 07

Well-Appointed Appliances

Sleek kitchen with light cabinets. — Courtesy of Bertazzoni

"We're finding that an interest in color is not going away, and we anticipate that neutral kitchens with a central ‘pop’ of interest will continue to grow in popularity. For example, we love to incorporate Bertazzoni Heritage Series ranges to create a major focal point with colorful yet timeless design. Our go-to is always black, but I've been dying to use their beautiful ivory color in a future project."—Brynn Olson, principal of Brynn Olson Design Group

05 of 07

Au Naturale

Dark moody kitchen. — Design: Woodson & Rummerfield’s House of Design; Photo: Cosentino

"Now more than ever, we look to our homes to evoke a sense of comfort, and materials play such an important role in giving a space its sense of soul. For 2021, I'm envisioning the use of materials found in nature to add warmth and life to a space, whether it's natural stone or wood.” —Ron Woodson, co-founder of Woodson & Rummerfield’s House of Design

06 of 07

Chic and Easy-to-Clean

Black cabinets and white marble countertop. — Design: Young Huh; Photo: Cosentino

“People are investing in non-porous and zero-maintenance materials as an easy-to-clean option for kitchens. And with so many gorgeous new products available, you don’t have to sacrifice on design. I’m loving sweeping and graphic movement in stone, like Dekton’s Khalo. Statement stone is definitely a trend, and now it can be combined with usability.” —Young Huh, interior designer

07 of 07

Marble Marvel

“In 2021, I believe the all-white kitchen will be a thing of the past. Cabinets clad in stained wood, nature-inspired colors, and metal accents will bring richness and warmth that feel reminiscent of a bygone era, yet equally modern. Marbles with dramatic veining will take precedence over more demure slabs of years past.” —Marie Flanigan, principal of Marie Flanigan Interiors

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