Dark and moody spaces

2020 cemented the navy kitchen as one of the most popular trends in interior design, and this year we are seeing homeowners run further with this mood. No longer confined to cabinetry – or even to navy blue for that matter – we love seeing walls, ceilings and even appliances in the kitchen in deep tones of blue, green, black and aubergine.

Here, navy blue walls are paired with rich wooden worktops, industrial open shelving and leather soft furnishings for a dark and masculine design. The gold detailing, classic metro tiles and pendant lighting help balance the small space out so that it does not feel totally overwhelming.

2. Metallic finishes

Classic chrome appears to be a thing of the past when it comes to fixtures and fittings in our kitchens. Many thought coppers and rose-gold finishes were a fleeting trend, but from what we’ve seen of people’s homes is that metallics aren’t going anywhere. Burnished golds and unlacquered brass finishes are growing in popularity, and more and more brands are designing cabinet door handles, plug sockets, and light fixtures in an array of on-trend metallic tones.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match here – in fact combining stainless steel, brass tones and gold finishes altogether can help to create an eclectic look in your kitchen that will last for years to come.

3. Bold pops of colour

Are you brave enough to be bold with colour? If committing to a brightly painted kitchen sounds too daunting, then picking out one statement piece might be the best way of introducing colour into your interiors.

Popular appliance brands like Smeg, Bosch, Liebherr, and Swan all have a wide range of colourful refrigerators that won’t break the bank and offer you far more choice beyond the ordinary white or stainless-steel designs. But if you’re looking for something even smaller, try adding pops of colour through your accessories, such as toasters, kettles, and tea towels. That way you can change the palette as and when you please.

4. Contemporary plywood cabinets

Whether you’re a fan of Scandinavian design or more rustic industrial styles, plywood kitchen cabinets prove popular thanks to their versatility and modern appearance. Quality Birch plywood has a whole host of eco-credentials, and although pricier than MDF it is a far more cost-effective wood than solid or veneer oak.

Plywood kitchen cabinets can be left bare for a natural look, painted in any shade you like or stained to offer the best of both worlds – a touch of colour while still allowing the wood effect to shine through like in this stylish Bristol kitchen.

5. Bright and airy extensions

By no means a quick weekend job, extensions still deserve a place in our top trends for 2021. We’ve all spent far more time than ever anticipated at home, so it comes as no surprise that kitchen extensions are rapidly rising in popularity.

Able to add more space and opportunity for natural light to flood through your interiors, a well-planned kitchen extension also has the possibility of changing the dynamics of your family life. Open-plan designs, for example, help to create a more sociable space the whole family can spend quality time together without being on each other’s toes. Better yet, a kitchen extension is bound to add value to your property.