We’ve been installing flooring for over thirty years, and have gained just as much experience with cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes over that time. Cabinets, countertops, and backsplashes go through a variety of stylistic changes and 2021 is seeing a lot of trends that are sure to stay in style for years to come.
Are you looking to renovate or upgrade your kitchen or bathroom space? We’ve assembled a reference guide for you to get started. Read through the latest trends and then visit our showroom to get a feel for them in person. From bright cabinets to quartz countertops, these are the trendiest staples that will make any home look fabulous for years to come.
Cabinet Trends
Floor to Ceiling Cabinets
Many people are bucking the trend of having empty space above their cabinets and installing floor-to-ceiling cabinetry to use all the available space in their kitchen. Because of this, people can keep everything in their cabinets, which is perfect for storing appliances, dishes, pots, pans, etc. These cabinets are especially perfect for kitchens with lower ceilings being the height doesn’t break the room into multiple sections, but it can make small kitchens feel overwhelmed.
Slab Doors
Slab cabinet doors are a modern and sleek addition to any kitchen. Featuring flat, frameless fronts (some don’t even have handles/knobs!), they usually come in glossy or wooden finishes. This minimalist trend is perfect to modernize and looks especially great in smaller kitchens and bathrooms.
White
Sleek and modern, white cabinets brighten and open up even the smallest, darkest bathroom. Because of their neutrality, white cabinets allow people to use their existing décor while updating their bathrooms or kitchens. White allows for a lot of design flexibility, meaning they can easily be dressed up for a luxe powder room or dressed down for a chic, French country kitchen.
Open Shelving
Say goodbye to clunky cabinet doors and hello to open shelving units. Attached directly to the wall, these shelves are space-saving and perfect for smaller kitchens or those looking for a more industrial look. These shelves allow homeowners to place their small appliances on full display and can also house small decorative items to create an eclectic mix of décor and functional elements.
Blue
Fun colors are popular right now, but it can be difficult to find something that capitalizes on the trend while still matching with preexisting décor. Luckily, grey-blue is taking the kitchen world by storm, allowing people to bring color into their kitchens that is still neutral enough to match with almost anything. Providing a darker, vibrant contrast, these cabinets create a relaxed, beach house feel that can’t be beat.
Open Frame
Featuring glass panels to exhibit their contents, open frame cabinet doors are a great way to showcase décor without leaving it exposed like open shelving units. Perfect for open, light and bright spaces to enhance a large kitchen or in bathrooms to showcase decorative items. Depending on the hardware and color, these cabinets can take on a more modern look when in white or grey-blue or a traditional appearance if using darker cabinet color.
Green
Both jewel-toned and soft green cabinets are in. Creating a romantic, unique appearance that’s sure to take anyone’s breath away, these cabinets are bound to stay fashionable for years to come. A definite throwback, these cabinets are perfect for open spaces that can benefit from a dramatic touch that showcases the area’s size. Paired with a contrasting backsplash and countertops, every aspect of a kitchen or bathroom is sure to stand out.
Glossy
High-gloss cabinetry is becoming extremely popular for those looking for a sleek look in their kitchen. While it isn’t right for every home, it looks especially great in minimalistic bathrooms and industrial kitchens for a modern appearance. Usually made of acrylic, these cabinets can withstand a lot of wear and tear, and as the popularity of colors increases, many people will see bright, colorful acrylic cabinets become a staple.
Countertop Trends
Quartz
Quartz countertops continue to be a cutting edge trend and there are no signs of its popularity waning any time soon. An engineered stone usually composed of 90% quarts and 10% polyresin (although each manufacturer will have their own formula), quartz provides beautiful slabs that are more immune to the usual hustle and bustle of everyday life. Highly desirable due to its durability, range of colors, non-porous structure (meaning they never need to be resealed and liquids can’t penetrate the surface), appearance, quartz countertops are the perfect option for those looking to remodel their bathroom or kitchen.
Veined Stone
Veined countertops allow those who opt to use these slabs a unique and distinctive appearance. Allowing the stone’s natural veins to shine can provide a kaleidoscope of color that captivates anyone who sets eyes on it. The distinct patterns occur naturally in the rocks the counters are harvested from, but they also can be created in quartz and other engineered stones for those looking for the look in a more durable option. Regardless of what type of stone one chooses, veined countertops will be here to stay for years to come.
Granite
Granite countertops have been one of the most popular countertop materials since the 90s, and they continue to be a go-to for many homeowners today. Every slab is unique (even if it comes from the same mother stone), and remodelers will find a plethora of colors, patterns, and styles they can choose from. People can opt between tiled or slab granite, although slab tends to be more popular, and because it’s the most affordable stone countertop option, many people can fit it within their design budgets. Finally, granite is one of the most durable materials available, and unlike quartz and synthetic countertop materials, is not as susceptible to heat damage.
Contrasting Colors
Bright, bold cabinets shouldn’t be forced to compete with a bright countertop while neutral cabinets paired with neutral counters can feel boring. This year has re-introduced the contrasting countertop, and people are loving the trend. Whether one opts to go for dark, rustic counters and light, neutral cabinets, or a light countertop (just remember that solid white counters are out) with dark cabinets, this trend allows any space to pop! One of the most popular trends right now is to pair black counters with rustic woods and bright décor items to create a harmonious mixture of color that shines.
Backsplash Trends
Full Backsplash
While separate backsplashes as a focal point are still very much ‘in,’ full backsplashes are seeing a rise in popularity due to their streamlined appearance and ease of installation. Instead of ending at the countertops, full backsplashes go all the way up the wall to create a solid stone appearance. Some homeowners are opting to keep the backsplash strictly above the stove area, but many are expanding their backsplashes to cover all the walls in their kitchen up to the cabinets for a beautiful, modern appearance. From granite to quartz, full backsplashes provide a simple, modern look.
Geometric Tiles
While penny and subway tiles have been the norm for the last few years, many people are now opting for geometric tile designs. Durable, stylish, and consistent, geometric tiles provide a beautiful focal point that should perfectly match the countertops they hang above. Because they’re tile, homeowners receive all the benefits that tile provides, including, easy to clean, non-absorbent, alkali and acid resistance, and no sudden response to temperature or humidity changes like other materials. Geometric backsplashes are sure to stay popular, and now is the perfect time to bring the trend into one’s home.
Mosaic
Mosaic backsplashes are perfect for smaller kitchens that need a bright focal point. Featuring beautiful, bright designs that can be anything from country landscape scenes to flowers, mosaic backsplashes truly are works of art. As far as materials, many are playing up on the recycling trend, with many being made from glass shards or even CDs. The best part? As long as one is handy, these backsplashes can be made at home, meaning pieces are only limited by one’s imagination (and crafting skills). Overall, this is one trend that’s sure to stick around for a very long time.
Windows
Some people are opting to do away with the backsplash completely, instead opting for their stove and sinks to be under a window for an open-air feel that’s easy to clean. Because it’s glass, many homeowners are delighted by how easy they are to keep clean and, for those who choose to put them in their kitchens, the ease of opening them if a recipe is burnt (no more smoke detectors going off for an ungodly amount of time). This trend is perfect for smaller kitchens because they open up space (and cut down on how much décor needs to be used!).
Brickwork
Brickwork provides a rustic appearance. Allowing the homeowner to play around with texture and appearance, brickwork comes in a variety of colors ranging from traditional red to blacks and greys. Because brick is so porous, it must be treated with moisture-resistant varnish, but that’s an easy step to have a backsplash that will look beautiful for years to come.
Remodeling a kitchen or bathroom is a lot of work and it can be stressful to think something will be out of date within a few years. Luckily 2021 is hosting a lot of new trends that will be in style for years to come. Mix and match favorites for a complete stylish renovation or opt to update one part of the kitchen or bath to save money while still being on-trend. Either way, any room will benefit from these style trends.
Ready to start your renovation today? Make an appointment to visit our showroom and get your project started today.