The definition of a trend is: “the general direction in which something is developing or changing.” Although we typically don’t follow “trends” because they can be fleeting, there are some kitchen elements that have staying power. More importantly, we design kitchens that feel fresh and timeless, often on the cutting edge of design that shapes the trend. We’ve been incorporating open shelving, color, and different materials in our projects for years. Now the industry is catching up.

1.    Color, color, color! 

White kitchens will never entirely disappear, but homeowners embraced color in a big way in 2021. The trend will continue with paint-grade cabinetry, using an assortment of hues from moss green to midnight blue. High gloss paint and lacquer cabinets will continue to be popular, too. Finally, woods like walnut, oak, and maple will prevail. Black kitchens are hot, too. Mixing white with wood or painted cabinetry will play a big role in kitchen design. Grays will be seen less. 

2.    Open shelving +  evolving cabinetry styles

The past five years have seen more open shelving in kitchens, and fewer upper cabinets. Glass in upper cabinets have always been popular, but now there are other cabinet fronts like upgraded chicken wire, rattan and cane, metal mesh, and mirrored glass. 

3.    The rise of Dekton

In the 1980s, granite countertops were the thing. Marble countertops have been around for centuries, but they are expensive and high-maintenance. Soapstone also gained in popularity. Then along came quartz countertops from Israel with Cesarstone. Other brands like Cambria, Silestone and solid surfaces like Corian gained in popularity. In 2003, larger format surfaces were created such as Neolith. Dekton is a porcelain version of Neolith. While it’s taken more than decade to gain traction, more and more kitchens are featuring Dekton on islands, backsplashes, and perimeter counters. It’s more modern and easy to miter. We recently used it on a large kitchen island in a Belmont renovation.

4.    New appliances

From Jetsons-like refrigerators that talk – or understand when you talk to it – to appliance touchscreens, and hoods that automatically sense heat and smoke, the kitchen has embraced technology. Downdraft ventilation is nothing new but definitely improved over the years. Gaggenau’s Vario 400 automatically senses what power is needed to clear the air. For tighter spaces, manufacturers are coming up with high-end suites of appliances, like the one from Miele with a 24” bottom-freezer refrigerator, 18” dishwasher, and 24” gas range. Perfect for an urban condo kitchen.

Induction is hot, too! It cooks like gas and it’s safe (to the touch). 

5.    Hardworking sinks

These sinks feature built-in pieces like cutting boards, built-in colanders and grates. Stainless steel sinks gave way to porcelain farmhouse and apron front sinks. Now the trend is for workstation sinks from makers like Kohler, Franke, Karran, and The Galley®. These sinks feature built-in pieces like cutting boards, built-in colanders and grates. 

The Karran has a quartz version that comes in multiple colors, in both top-mount and undermount styles.