3 min read
Move over, white. Gray, it’s time to take a break. The year 2021 is undoubtedly color’s time to shine. And while this trend is striking a bold tone all over the kitchen space, nowhere is it more obvious than in the cabinetry. If you missed seeing color in the kitchen, now is a great time to think about a remodeling project. Color cabinetry is the biggest trend of the year, with so much potential you can’t lose. Here’s what you need to know.
Why Have Cabinet Colors Become the Latest Kitchen Trend?
It’s not uncommon for design trends, and especially kitchen design trends, to swing widely from one extreme to another. All-white kitchens have been popular for long enough that you would not be surprised to see a change. Of course, going from everything in white to everything in black doesn’t work so well for the kitchen. Black appliances on dark cabinetry was a trend in the early 2000s, so designers moved to different colors instead. Fortunately, this trend is fairly early in development, so there is a lot of flexibility.
How Are Designers Incorporating Color Cabinets into a Kitchen Remodel?
Although the trends for actual colors tend to relate specifically to the year, you will find that the way designers incorporate color follows a certain pattern. Big colors in small quantities, with small colors as the base. For example, if you are looking to install Calacatta marble countertops with those amazing veins of gold running through, you will need cabinetry that coordinates with gold. Navy blue or even black might be the perfect hue to provide a balance against that pale warmth.
Which Color Cabinets Are the Most Popular?
The best colors for your kitchen cabinets depend heavily on how you plan to use them. Some homeowners are incorporating bold colors like bright yellows or blues. In that case, you might not make all of your cabinets that color, to keep your kitchen from looking like it belongs in a preschool. Instead, you might select a surprising shade for the lower cabinets, keeping the upper ones in white or a natural stain. Popular choices include:
- Navy blue
- Blue-greens like sea foam or turquoise
- Colorful oranges and corals
- Dark brown or black
The good news is that you have plenty of options to coordinate with the rest of your home.
What Other Cabinet Styles Are Currently Trending?
If 2021 is the year that color takes center stage in the kitchen, you will see a few trends start to fade into the background. Shaker-style cabinetry has been holding firm for several years. The simple design and clean lines provided a stark contrast from the ornate curves popular in the previous decades.
European cabinets are gradually moving into the lead. This design features a face that is so minimal you almost do not see the pulls, and one cabinet transitions seamlessly into the next. It is usually accompanied by high-end cabinetry that supports heavier weight with a soft close. The best colors may depend on the style you want for the kitchen. For example, pale colors might not look as smooth on solid wood cabinets with a visible grain, unless you are going for a washed-out or weathered theme. Looking for more information on interior design? Click here.
Is This Trend Here to Stay?
Although cabinetry in different colors is definitely rising in prominence in 2021, it is also the culmination of years of adjustments. For years, homebuyers indicated a preference for white. And while white cabinetry, countertops and backsplashes has a certain clean and fresh look, it can also come off sterile or bland. Several years ago, designers started to experiment with shades of gray for cabinets. After all, it coordinated so well with the warm gray tones for walls and flooring that had taken the world by storm. Colors like navy blue are a natural extension of this desire to put something eye-catching back into the kitchen. You may see different colors or temperatures rise and fall within the next few years, but it’s likely that color in general will remain the reigning trend.
Will Natural Wood or White Cabinets Appear Dated?
There are so many colors that are trending right now, it is unlikely that the shade of your cabinetry will make your kitchen look dated. The style of the cabinets is more apt to date your kitchen to an older decade, much in the way that you can date a 70s living room to the presence of shag carpeting.
In short, if you absolutely love cabinets in white or natural wood like cherry or walnut, you don’t have to worry that your kitchen will become obsolete overnight. Natural wood as a color option is also coming back into vogue, particularly in those classic American hues. And fortunately, changing your cabinet colors is one of the simplest upgrades you can make for the kitchen. If you decide that it doesn’t work or you are ready to move on to something else, you may not have to take your kitchen out of commission for months to achieve it.
What Are Other 2021 Kitchen Design Trends?
To complete the package for your kitchen remodel, it’s worth thinking about other design trends that are currently popular. These include:
- Bright or bold designs for backsplashes
- Appliances in colors other than black, white or stainless steel
- Retro color themes
- Metallic elements like brass or gold
Incorporating color cabinets into your kitchen renovation is a great way to add personal style or interest without making the space less functional. The right design can increase your enjoyment, solve problems and increase your home’s resale value.
Want a kitchen in your favorite color? Now’s the time to get it. To find out how a professional design and remodeling team can make color cabinetry a fundamental part of your kitchen remodel, contact us to learn more.
