With so much time spent at home these days—and in the kitchen—why not make it on trend? In his article for Inman, Santiago Arana explores how “the kitchen has become one of the most essential rooms of the home” and points to five high-end designs that will be elevating luxury homes this year. Here we explore these trends and highlight some gorgeous homes on the market that are true trendsetters.
Custom Stone Throughout
From marble to onyx, granite to quartzite, stone brings color, pattern, and a luxurious upgrade to your kitchen. Used on islands, countertops, backsplashes, and floors, stone surfaces are sustainable, durable, and timeless. Howard Elfman’s listing at 529 Bontona Avenue in Fort Lauderdale features imported European marble in its kitchen on the island, countertops, and backsplash behind the stove, coupled with glistening wood cabinetry.
A Blend of the Natural
Mixing natural materials, such as metals and woods, also delivers a lux look. Santiago notes that “contrast is key when it comes to mixing natural materials.” The gorgeous, rustic kitchen at 501 W. Hopkins Avenue in Aspen, listed by Lisa Hatem and Heather Sinclair, masterfully contrasts the warm wood cabinetry, walls, floors, and ceiling with a polished concrete countertop, giving the space an edge.
Latest and Greatest Appliances
With more meals being prepared at home than ever before, kitchens deserve both form and function. Homeowners are going for top-of-the-line appliances to make their kitchen more beautiful and efficient. 1401 Londonderry Place in L.A., listed by Farrah Brittany, Mauricio Umansky, and Eduardo Umansky, boasts integrated Miele appliances that make the sleek, glamorous kitchen fit for a chef.
Gourmet From Home
With extra time at home and hours to pass, people are looking to the kitchen not only for practicality but also for the pleasure of cooking. Santiago sees the trend for speciality appliances on the rise. With “features like a juicing station with high-power electric juicers, custom-built brick ovens for homemade pizza, dessert bars with gelato machines and more,” Santiago comments, homeowners can “whip up delicious gourmet delights from the comfort of their homes.” Listed by Jon Grauman and Mauricio Umansky, 720 N. Alta Drive in Beverly Hills includes a professionally equipped kitchen in addition to an outdoor kitchen and bar.
Next-Level Storage
Homeowners took to organization as they settled into stay-at-home life in 2020, and this trend will continue into 2021. Santiago says that “storage spaces and larger cupboards have become the ultimate status symbol and are fast becoming a top item on high-end kitchen wish lists.” Look out for meticulously arranged pantries and shelves artistically curated with labeled jars. 12730 Hanover Street, Santiago’s Brentwood Park listing, offers abundant kitchen cabinetry, sure to keep things tidy and fresh.
Beauty, comfort, and sophistication—the luxury kitchens of 2021 have it all. We’ll continue to see homeowners elevate their kitchens, adding natural materials, top-of-the-line appliances, and gorgeous organizational systems that transform the hub of the home into a gourmet sanctuary.
