HOME DESIGN
Functional & Fabulous KITCHEN FORECAST 2021 By Lisa J. Gotto
What do our lives today require of our home’s kitchens? Well, as you would imagine after this past year, quite a lot. Never have we relied so much on the functionality a kitchen provides, and that’s not even a trend, it’s a standard. So when we look toward 2021, think design re-imagined to include lots of space to spread out, areas within to provide increased, perhaps even overlapping utility, and creature comforts that encourage not only comfort-food creation, but enjoyment.
ECLECTIC DESIGN TENDENCIES Wow! Have we ever had this much freedom to create a room that blends fluidity with function, old elements with new, and a look that refuses to be pigeon-holed by one particular design aesthetic? Case in point, traditional crown molding above, a free-standing farmhouse-style island below, extended counter space in the form of a peninsula, and a thoroughly modern dining area with chairs that lend a pop of color. This is the perfect scenario for anyone with eclectic design tendencies who loves to pick and choose from a palette of styles. This is also another great example of how separate work zones can be integrated within one larger space and still look beautifully pulled together. Photo courtesy of Kraftmaid.com.
THE TRADITIONAL UPGRADE
LEARNING … & EARNING FROM HOME This kitchen is conceived to provide for the way we live today with several separate “work zones” designed to work together creating an optimal level of convenience for the family that is learning and earning from home. This type of contemporary design could look cold and institutional, however, thanks to the strategic integration of warm woods throughout the space, it’s homey and inviting. Photo courtesy of Kraftmaid.com. 150
OPEN TO THE OUTDOORS One thing homeowners want more than ever is a dwelling that effortlessly blends indoor with outdoor living. Opening the kitchen to the outdoors has always been popular, but what was once a bonus to have, now seems like more of an essential. From the looks of things, this kitchen is so much more than the room one cooks in. It is also a space to think, to dream, and to create. It does so by doing three things well: it makes the most of surrounding water views, delivers a comfortable seating area for dining or homeschooling, and it invokes the feeling of an ultimate beachy staycation. Its palette of tranquil watercolors just steps from the real water make the transition from one space to the other seamless.
What’s Up? Annapolis | December 2020 | whatsupmag.com
If life right now has you craving a non-fussy, clean and classic look, this kitchen offers elements that traditionalists require, such as raised panel cabinet fronts and a free-standing island with Roman spindle legs. This understated design is kept from looking too stuffy by including some subtle tweaks; note the deviation in the hardwood design under the contrasting island, the translucent finish on the cabinets, and modern flair in the choice of pendant lighting. Functionality is addressed by having that translucent cabinetry turn the corner to create a purposeful home office that doesn’t fight for attention in the space, but serves up convenience and utility for today’s busy working kitchen.
