Good design is universal. And you’ll find plenty of evidence – and inspiration – in the most-saved kitchen photos of 2021 from 10 countries around the world, presented here in alphabetical order. See how dramatic colour palettes, hardworking storage and an elegant mix of finishes and materials can create a stylish, high-functioning space that defies boundaries.
First Avenue Homes
1. Australia
This Melbourne, Victoria, kitchen built by First Avenue Homes is a study in contrasts that integrates key material and decorating trends in a classic, timeless way.
The veining in the smooth Portsea Grey marble and the rounded end of the four-metre-long island bench contrasts against the dark, textural linear cladding on the island bench and range hood. Repeated straight lines in the pendant light and open shelving play off against – and highlight – the arched window into the wine cabinet and oversize round pantry handles.
We’ve been seeing an increase in dark palettes used in Australian kitchens, and this space shows how to successfully balance those colours with light features to create a lasting style.
User
2. France
This kitchen illustrates an approach to laying out a cooking space that is currently popular in France. Relocating a kitchen to a hallway can sometimes better optimise available square metres.
During the renovation of this flat in Paris, interior architect Amélie Colombet of Inhale removed a wall between the living room and a hallway. She then created a new open and bright, single-wall kitchen in the former hallway. The former kitchen became a comfortable new bathroom.
The light timber cabinets, pale earthy colour palette and hexagonal floor tiles create a natural style that’s also trending in France right now.
3. Germany
Matt green cupboards set a soothing and inviting tone in this German kitchen, which was designed by the Deml joinery firm in Aschau, Bavaria. Oak flooring and a raised bar area and bench bring warmth to the space, while a natural-stone benchtop adds a spot of cool grey.
Does your kitchen need updating? Find kitchen designers near you, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
Amusing Interior
4. India
These homeowners wanted a crisply designed, spacious kitchen, but a shaft between the former kitchen and an adjacent room had left them with only a tiny space to work with. Delhi designer Rohit Chaudhary of Amusing Interior kept the column as a partitioning wall but combined the two spaces to create a more expansive kitchen.
Open shelves and glass cabinets help the space feel light and bright. The cabinets are made of HDHMR (high-density, high moisture resistance) boards, while the benchtops are Kalinga stone, a locally manufactured engineered marble. The hardware throughout is from Hettich.
Liadesign
5. Italy
This kitchen by Liadesign was part of the renovation of a 60-square-metre apartment. The aim was to make the most of the available space, incorporating a gym zone and a movie area. The kitchen was designed to contribute warmth and a jolt of energy to the decor.
The space juxtaposes the home’s antique timber flooring with industrial flair and black cabinets. A fiery red fridge spices things up. Judging from the most-saved photos on Houzz Italy, many in the country are loving black kitchens, especially when mixed with warm wood details, as shown here.
R-studio 一級建築士事務所
6. Japan
The stylish pairing of grey and black has become popular in Japanese kitchens, as exemplified in this kitchen by R-Studio. A matt finish for the colour palette keeps the chic kitchen-diner from feeling too cold. The light cream colour of the dining table also adds a warm touch and a wash of softness. Ceramic subway tiles from Hirata Tile and brass pendant lights from Futagami add character.
SINCHUGOVA DESIGN STUDIO
7. Russia
Houzz Russia commenters say they particularly like the grey-and-timber scheme in this kitchen by Sinchugova Design Studio.
People also love the timber frame around the splashback and upper cabinets, which draws attention and makes the adjacent white flat-panel cabinets virtually disappear.
Browse more contemporary kitchens here
Iago Blanco
8. Spain
For this Madrid flat, architect Iago Blanco created a soothing and impressive style on a tight, €8,000 budget. A glass partition helps keep cooking smells and noise out of the nearby living area, while maintaining visual openness between the spaces.
Shere Kitchens
9. United Kingdom
We’ve been witnessing a rising interest in natural colour palettes and biophilic design in the UK in recent years. And this lovely design by Shere Kitchens showcases that trend beautifully.
The sage-green colour of the island unit references the outside world, while natural materials such as the timber display shelf, rustic vase and woven homewares bring in elements of organic texture. Plenty of natural light from bi-fold doors at the other end of the room make this scheme feel bright and fresh, while the floor-to-ceiling bespoke cupboards keep clutter out of sight.
Ariel Bleich Design
10. United States
The most-popular US kitchen of 2021 mixes colours and materials to create a style that looks collected over time. To keep the eye moving, designer Ariel Bleich of Austin, Texas, balanced raw wooden ceiling beams and other timber details with glass-front cabinets, textured taupe-coloured splashback tiles and a bank of blue cabinetry. A creamy shade of white on the rest of the cabinets, walls and trims adds warmth throughout.
Your turn
Which of these 10 kitchens is your favourite? Tell us in the Comments below. And remember to like this story, save the images you love to an ideabook for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
We’ve now seen the most-loved kitchens of 2021, but do you know what’s ahead in the kitchen-design space? Find out here with this story: What’s In a Smart Kitchen (and What Can We Expect Next)?
