4 Ways Kitchens are Changing (and Not Changing) in 2021
New year, new home trends! In 2021, experts predict an increase in remodeling activity1 as well as a rise in consumer demand2 for new homes. Whether they’re planning to renovate or looking to buy, consumers continue to want more space3 — especially in the kitchen.
With the remote work trend continuing4 into the new year and beyond, and people spending more time in their homes, the kitchen has become more multifunctional5 than ever before. However, additional space isn’t the only thing homeowners want.
Here are the new and timeless kitchen trends to look for in 2021, for both remodeling projects and new construction:
Wall-to-Wall Cabinetry: New
Many homeowners have embraced open shelving as a way to create more storage space while also providing easy access to plates, bowls and other necessities. But that trend is giving way to wall-to-wall cabinetry in 2021, according to an article by HGTV Canada. This option allows for even more storage space, and helps keep kitchen clutter out of sight. When it comes to cabinetry, a minimalist, seamless style is preferred by many homeowners. They can continue the streamlined look throughout the kitchen with panel-ready appliances, like the JennAirⓇ Built-In Panel Ready Bottom Mount Refrigerator, which integrates seamlessly with cabinetry.
The All-White Kitchen: Timeless
Modern, all-white kitchens were an extremely popular design choice throughout 2020, and are expected to continue as a favorite into 2021. They are extremely “Instagrammable,” as white kitchens were tagged in nearly 50,000 Instagram posts8 in 2020. However, that doesn’t mean white is the only popular shade. Brown and beige tones9 will be in demand as well to help warm up the space, and can incorporate cabinetry, countertops, flooring and more.
The Multi-Zone Kitchen: New
Traditional kitchens are built with a triangle work zone comprising the sink, refrigerator and range. But according to Houzz, this layout is changing in 202110 to accommodate the various tasks homeowners perform in the space, whether that’s baking, unloading groceries, doing homework or hosting happy hours. With remote work continuing, one kitchen zone could be dedicated to work. For example, a kitchen island with ample countertop space positioned near a coffee nook complete with the JennAir RISE 60cm Built-In Coffee System creates the perfect work from home spot. Kitchen islands11 are also getting larger. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, islands are expected to be sized anywhere from 24-35 square feet to accommodate a variety of kitchen activities.
Connectivity: Timeless
Smart technology continues to increase in popularity, with homeowners expecting connectivity12 in 2021. Kitchens should include several areas for charging electronics as well as appliance-monitoring technology13. With the KitchenAidⓇ SmartOven+ 30” Combination Oven, for example, users can control their oven in or out of the kitchen from their smartphone or choose to run their oven with simple voice commands through a Google Assistant or Alexa-enabled device to set the temperature, start a timer and more. While connectivity is a desired feature among millennials and Generation Z, it’s also expected to play a role in aging in place14 for older generations because of the independence and control it can provide.
For additional details about our appliance offerings, contact a sales rep today. Keep up with other trends and news in your industry by visiting The Trade Channel page.
1 https://www.residentialproductsonline.com/remodeling-activity-increase-through-2021
2 https://www.kiplinger.com/real-estate/buying-a-home/601736/housing-market-will-stay-strong-in-2021
3 https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/cabinets/nkba-2021-kitchen-bath-design-trends-larger-kitchens-new-styles-and-virus-influence
4 https://www.kbbonline.com/news/trends-inspirations/2021-home-design-predictions-houzz/
5 https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/cabinets/nkba-2021-kitchen-bath-design-trends-larger-kitchens-new-styles-and-virus-influence
6 https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/instagram-kitchen-trend-2021-36836117
7 https://www.kbbonline.com/news/trends-inspirations/2021-home-design-predictions-houzz/
8 https://www.kbbonline.com/news/trends-inspirations/2021-home-design-predictions-houzz/
9 https://nkba.org/research/nkba-design-trends-2021/
10 https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/home-trends-2021-houzz#slide-9
11 https://www.residentialproductsonline.com/what-kitchen-trends-can-you-expect-2021
14 https://www.kitchenbathdesign.com/looking-at-whats-hot-and-whats-next/
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PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THIS ARTICLE
JennAir®
RISE™ 24" Built-In Coffee System
KitchenAid®
Smart Oven+ 30" Combination Oven with Powered Attachments