If 2020 has taught us anything, it taught us how to embrace change. Family time has increased exponentially in the past year, and the word home has taken on a whole new meaning. People began living, schooling, and working from home, and soon, everyone realized that their space was either functional or it was not.
This sudden change directly impacted Christino Kitchens and the industry as a whole. Homeowners quickly realized that they needed a redesign and reconstruction to create proper living spaces for these new stay-at-home conditions. It’s the very reason for our number one kitchen trend for 2021.
A new year typically brings the desire to embark on remodeling projects, and one of the best candidates for a remodel is the kitchen.
If you want your kitchen to have a clean look while remaining functional in 2021, you need to explore the best design ideas that have inspired countless homeowners. Today, we’re reviewing the latest kitchen design trends that will help revamp your space.
I surrender; I’m not a designer
In 2020, many homeowners made the investment and hired a professional kitchen designer to create a thoughtful layout. Across the country, goals shifted from renovating houses for resale to making current homes more functional. Homeowners realized that designers have the necessary experience for beautiful and systemic layouts that will suit their specific design needs. Throughout Connecticut, many called on designers to help them create an ideal space during an unsettling time.
Professional designers work with companies that typically carry better quality cabinets and are not your run-of-the-mill products. Adversely, this put a strain on the industry as a whole, and materials and labor can now take a bit longer to obtain. Yet, at Christino Kitchens, we are still moving full-steam ahead.
It’s okay to be “not-so-open”
The trendy open floor plan has turned into a “not-so-open” floor plan during the pandemic. With everyone working and schooling from home, sound travels easily in an open floor plan, and it can make it hard to find a quiet corner. At Christino Kitchens, we usually suggest some separation from the entryway of the house. While it may sound elegant to enter your home and see your dazzling new kitchen, the reality is that guests may be staring at a sink full of dirty dishes. If you’re a busy parent, and you’re not constantly keeping your kitchen neat as a pin, the open floor plan will end up feeling like a bad idea. A good designer will help you to strike the right balance of visibility in and around the kitchen.
Built-in cabinetry is better
Built-in cabinetry can separate work zones in your home, such as designated family workspaces, organized school spots, functional offices with desks, and “zoom rooms.” Built-in cabinetry can maximize storage in small areas, a huge need right now as families jam all of their life into their kitchens. Christino Kitchen’s number one tip to organizing your cabinets is to divide and conquer. If you store your kitchenware correctly, you ultimately create space for more items and, even better, avoid searching for them. Here is one of our photos that highlights precisely what clever cabinetry means.
Warmer colors for spring
If you are looking to create an on-trend kitchen this year, you may want to consider warmer colors. Instead of white on white or cool-toned grays, warmer whites, grays, or “greige” and tans are in. Gold tones in hardware, lighting, and even plumbing fixtures are still on-trend and give your kitchen that beautiful “pop.” Lighter “blonder” wood tones, almost “whitewashed” stained finishes are all the rage. Natural influences are making a comeback this year, and there has never been a better time to bring the outside in with natural materials, elements, and accessories.
It’s always about the kitchen countertops
The big player in countertops this year is quartzite. Quartzite is a beautiful, high-end natural stone that has properties similar to granite. It’s usually lighter in color with a gorgeous marble-like pattern, but without the maintenance of marble. (Quartzite should not be confused with manufactured quartz surfacing, an entirely different product.)
Large kitchen islands
Large islands have always been great for laying out multi-course meals or buffet-style dishes for family and friends. Now that so many people work from home, islands have an additional purpose, they act as a workspace for parents and kids. It’s a great way to multi-task, allowing parents to get some extra work done while preparing dinner.
Islands can also be used for additional dining seating, perfect for holidays or other special occasions. Vintage is also in right now, so adding a classic metal drawer or cabinet to the mix is always appreciated.
Hire a Kitchen Designer
In 2020, many homeowners made the investment and hired a professional kitchen designer to create a thoughtful layout. Across the country, goals shifted from renovating houses for resale to making current homes more functional. Homeowners realized that designers have the necessary experience for beautiful and systemic layouts that will suit their specific design needs. Throughout Connecticut, many called on designers to help them create an ideal space during an unsettling time.
Professional designers work with companies that typically carry better quality cabinets and are not your run-of-the-mill products. Adversely, this put a strain on the industry as a whole, and materials and labor can now take a bit longer to obtain. Yet, at Christino Kitchens, we are still moving full-steam ahead.
Kitchen Inspiration Looking Forward
This year has shifted the way we live and function together in our own homes, but Christino Kitchens is here to help you create a gorgeous kitchen that your whole family will enjoy spending time in for years to come.
Inspired by our 2021 top kitchen trends? Let us help you with our practical and innovative design ideas. Call us today at (860) 430-2661 for a complimentary consultation right here in Connecticut, and we will create a customized 3D layout for your dream kitchen. You’ll be surprised by how we can add clever twists to the heart of your home!