Guest Post: 2021 Kitchen Trends...Are White Kitchens Still In?
Round of applause for my first guest post! Everyone, meet Krys Montgomery! Krys, meet everyone.
Krys is going to chat with us about kitchen trends for the year. Like me, you probably spent more time in your kitchen this past year than you ever have (thanks COVID!) and so it is time to UPGRADE! Before we jump in, first here is a little bit about Krys:
Krys is a talented interior designer, hostess with the mostess, my good friend, and total master of coastal contemporary design. Her house and her clients’ home are warm, yet still airy and fresh…I don’t know how she does it but that is why she is an interior designer and I am not. Krys has been in the Bizz since 2008 after acquiring a Bachelors of Science in Interior Design from the Art Institute of San Diego and a Masters of Art in Interior Design from San Diego State. After working at an architecture firm for two years she left to practice residential design on her own because she is a boss and that’s what bosses do. She primarily does e-design now for residential and commercial clients alike. If you want to give her a shout out she is accepting select homes for interior design: montgomery.krystle@gmail.com.
Krys, take it away!
One of the main questions I get asked all the time lately is about kitchen trends, specifically what’s the deal with white kitchens? Are they still in, or are they on their way out? Is my white kitchen going to be dated in a few years?
The quick answer is no, white kitchens aren’t going anywhere. White on white is a classic, think a beautiful timeless kitchen in The Hamptons or Martha’s Vineyard. Some of these traditional white kitchen designs are so classic they will forever be in style.
However, many designers and clients are looking for fresh and different ways to mix up the standard white on white kitchen. One of these new designs is the VERY different...off white kitchen ;). Off white and rich putty colors seem to be all the rage right now. Clients and designers are looking more and more to earthy off white tones.
Another departure from the bright white kitchen is kind of a 180 degree turn into the rich saturated tones, such as a deep green or navy. Another trend, that can go hand and hand with the saturated color trend, is the two tone trend. Although the two tone kitchen design is not new, the way in which it is carried out has been updated. Designers are doing island one color and the surrounding cabinets a natural wood grain, or vice versa. It seems as though the return to more natural materials and hues is a big pull this year.
Another couple trends are highly veined countertops, and open shelving. Marble and quartz countertops that have a lot of movement and interest are making a big comeback, replacing the simple marble look or plain white. While open shelving, although also not a new concept, is getting a makeover by completely replacing upper cabinets all together.
So, this year think about natural materials and color tones, different ways to use open shelving, and countertops that make a statement. But, also don’t apologize if you love the all bright white kitchen look, it's a classic. Remember, no matter what you do as far as kitchen renovation, and how timeless you try to make it, there is always going to be some aspect you’re probably going to want to change in 10-20 years and that’s ok, it’s part of the fun!
Thank you, Krys! Can’t wait to dream about my kitchen this weekend!