Home Design: Func

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

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. 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

LEARNING … & EARNING FROM HOME

beautifully pulled together. Photo courtesy of Kraftmaid.com.

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.

THE TRADITIONAL UPGRADE

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.

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2021’S TOP TRENDY ADD-INS & ONS

1. DEDICATED COFFEE STATION: Good news about brews. Not being able to get out as much has made us all more clever about making our fave Arabica concoctions at home. And with the addition of a dedicated space in kitchen, it keeps other areas open from the morning rush or the 3 p.m. crush.

2. DENSE COLOR ON WALLS: Paint trends have been going darker on home exteriors for several years and slowly creeping indoors thanks to more adventurous millennials. Indoors, its subtle use as accent walls is being eclipsed but a saturation of color especially happening in the kitchen.

3. FLAIR FOR HARDWARE: Whether planned as part of an entirely new kitchen or used to enhance the look of already existing cabinetry, hardware is the hot customization trend that continues to gain steam in the kitchen design space. It is truly one of the smallest style elements that can make a big difference when it comes to your kitchen’s vibe or personality.