Four Kitchen Trends That Won’t Go Away

A kitchen renovation is a demanding project and a long-term investment, so choosing designs that will stand the test of time will help make the investment worthwhile. Trends aren't supposed to last, but this year has shown timeless solutions that will make you love and enjoy your kitchen space for years to come.

Wood and Organic Forms

Wood has been a leading trend in recent years, and in 2021 its presence is only growing and expanding. Wooden surfaces thrill with their unique character and warm natural feel and bring a sense of tradition into the room. After a long period of glossy surfaces, organic forms and textures have returned to our homes in an all-consuming fashion, covering walls, ceilings, kitchen cabinets, and floors. In combination with bright features, wood creates an inviting atmosphere. This year, wooden kitchen cabinets make a perfect blend when paired with white surfaces, creating a modern yet warm ambiance. We will also see more applications of wooden countertops. Wood is an eternal classic feature and a healthy choice in any space. Wooden countertops fit well with all types of interiors; from classic to utterly minimalistic, they complement and uplift any style. Because wooden surfaces are less resistant than stone surfaces, the area around the sink needs to be kept dry. Also, wooden countertops should not be used as a cutting board, and placing hot dishes directly on them is not recommended.

Mix and Match Colors and Materials New and vintage, classic and modern, contrasting colors and statement tiles, eclectic mixing is coming to the forefront this year. “Be inspired and open-minded; there are no rules to creativity. ” Depending on the boldness you are comfortable with, find your creative expression and your eclectic interpretation. Whether you mix and match boldly or subtly, make sure to surprise and catch the eye of the looker. Satisfy your need for originality with Moroccan tiles backsplash combined with contemporary cabinetry or mixing modern and vintage with neutral tones. Expressing your personality is the goal this year. Another trendy mix for 2021 is kitchen cabinets in contrasting tones. These combinations bring a lot of interest and dynamic to space. Two-tone kitchens make the room less sterile and more inviting, especially if one tone is wood. It is preferable to use the lighter tones on the upper cabinets and the darker tones on the lower cabinets to ground the setting. This year, the butler's pantry is the center of attention. Walk-in larders are getting a more extensive and brighter makeover, to the last detail. Made to ease the kitchen chaos, this modest space must be fully utilized and highly functional. With that said, this year we want to make this area as organized and as attractive as possible. Lighting is a critical factor that will immediately alter the small space. Use sufficient lighting in the pantry to make it bright and comfortable. Replace all bulbs with LED ones in the pantry; they are an excellent choice for both task and accent lighting applications. Attach some LED ribbons under the shelves or cabinets; they make wonderfully atmospheric light and a healthy option for your eyes during the night.

When it comes to space usage in the pantry, consider going vertical. There is so much unused space on the walls, do not waste it. Be creative in finding hidden areas and creating intelligent and unexpected solutions. Above the doors or the fridge are often unused niches that make for valuable storage.

Butler’s Pantry This year, the butler's pantry is the center of attention. Walk-in larders are getting a more extensive and brighter makeover, to the last detail. Made to ease the kitchen chaos, this modest space must be fully utilized and highly functional. With that said, this year we want to make this area as organized and as attractive as possible. Lighting is a critical factor that will immediately alter the small space. Use sufficient lighting in the pantry to make it bright and comfortable. Replace all bulbs with LED ones in the pantry; they are an excellent choice for both task and accent lighting applications. Attach some LED ribbons under the shelves or cabinets; they make wonderfully atmospheric light and a healthy option for your eyes during the night.

When it comes to space usage in the pantry, consider going vertical. There is so much unused space on the walls, do not waste it. Be creative in finding hidden areas and creating intelligent and unexpected solutions. Above the doors or the fridge are often unused niches that make for valuable storage.

Windows as Backsplash

If you have a kitchen aligned with the external wall, there is a high chance you already have a window there. However, kitchen windows can be reimagined, and window backsplash is becoming a significant new trend. Moreover, this trend will likely stick around and gracefully age with your kitchen and the rest of the home. Window backsplash invites the light and outdoors, expands the communication with the exterior, and adds an eye-catching feature to space. Even if there is only a fence on the outside, growing vines will still provide that stunning natural outlook and bring greenery.

The large window along your countertop gives you a feeling of spaciousness and allows the light to flow. Enjoying an excellent view while washing dishes or preparing meals is a massive plus for the kitchen space. Keeping the window backsplash clean is not its downside; it is even simpler than cleaning other backsplash surfaces.

Depending on your needs, there are many kitchen window variations, starting with a simple long backsplash to different sized windows for a unique look, fully operating awning, or pass-through windows that connect the kitchen to the outdoor seating. On the other hand, if you do not have an outdoor eating area, the window backsplash stands out, even more, creating that indoor-outdoor feel.

When considering a redesign of your existing kitchen or bath, there are many places to start. It’s important to define your project, what you need, your budget, and your style. And most importantly, to partner with a company and designs, you can trust to deliver the project of your dreams. At Benchmark Kitchen & Bath, our experienced team is here to help make the process as easy as possible and to give you the confidence to choose products and design elements that fit your style, budget, and project timeline.