• Slide 1 of 28: We talked to the trend experts to find out which kitchen trends will be big in 2021. With cool new kitchen brands popping up and lots of innovative design ideas and clever twists on old appliance designs on display in kitchen showrooms across the country, there are plenty of on-trend looks and state-of-the-art appliances to pick from. Here, we look at the biggest new looks for kitchens in 2021.

  • Slide 2 of 28: Small space living gives way to even more kitchen innovation. This chic open-plan space conceals the cooking area with chameleon-like skill, allowing the focus to be on entertaining.  Maximising the feeling of spaciousness by uniting cooking, dining and relaxing into one glorious, light-filled room - here an uninviting and small kitchen was demolished in favour of a big living room with the kitchen tucked discreetly at one end.  The layout is flexible so it transitions from a kitchen to a dining room to a living area in an effortless way. The cooking space is as invisible as possible, with door panels looking like decorative wall finishings.  All doors are hidden, with fingerprint sensors that allow them to open and close in a smooth a manner.

  • Slide 3 of 28: Bespoke kitchen specialist Davonport has added a burnished wire mesh cupboard door to its design portfolio. Teamed with diamond-cut brass handles, the look makes for a sophisticated twist on industrial style.  Complete kitchen prices from £35,000, Davonport.

  • Slide 4 of 28: Theres something free-ing about having a kitchen that doesn't feel 'off the shelf'. Even if some elements like cabinetry and appliances need to be standardised, think about adding character with practical elements sourced elsewhere.  This sink area features a rustic shelf to display pottery and a narrow geometric backsplash made of brass sits behind creating an unusual vignette.

  • Slide 5 of 28: Picking two shades on opposite sides of the colour wheel, like pink and green, will achieve bold contrasts. Here the Classic English kitchen by deVOL is painted in a Farrow & Ball green and a custom pink. Prices start from £25,000.

  • Slide 6 of 28: Bright whites contrast with rich timbers and soft curves to lend a modern mid-century flair to contemporary kitchens.  Dark walnut cabinetry works to keep the look simple with smart bespoke detailing. Tall white cabinets and light marble splash-backs and countertops draw the eye up creating an illusion of space, keeping the look fresh and of the moment.

  • Slide 7 of 28: Once considered outdated and frumpy, the sink skirt is back in fashion creating opportunity for texture and pattern, softening kitchen schemes and adding a touch of nostalgia.  The idea is based around replacing the base cabinet doors underneath the sink with pleated curtains, often suspended on a decorative rod. Here is an opportunity for an element that can be updated often - on trend gingham, tactile untreated linen or pale pink stripes amongst bold colours like Beata Heuman.

  • Slide 8 of 28: It's the time of strongly veined marble, the busier the better for unmissable luxury and next-level style. If there's one thing that's storming the style charts and shaking up interiors, it's the return of marble. As an architect Natalia Miyar has a great passion for materiality and uses the finest, high quality materials in her design schemes. She says 'heavily veined marble is making a significant comeback in the design world and has become synonymous with high-end luxury.' A popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, it is also highly sustainable; its durability, classic attributes and ability to withstand passing trends makes it a good investment. Marbles with naturally strong veining add statement value and create a textural contract between other polished surfaces, metals and woods. Within a kitchen, Natalia uses marble to create an elegant bath, an eye-catching sink or a kitchen island.

  • Slide 9 of 28: Out of fashion for a while, wood is now enjoying a bit of a revival. Use subtle-grained ash, paler than oak or walnut, to pick out the warm tones in manmade stone.

  • Slide 10 of 28: Often overlooked as purely an 'accent' color, black walls, cabinetry and work surfaces are having something of a moment. Black becomes liveable, luxe and inviting, with textured woods adding rustic, homely charm.

  • Slide 11 of 28: Throw the rulebook out of the window in favor of unexpected paint-color pairings. Kitchens are rife with color opportunities, from appliances and flooring, to window treatments and cabinets. Start by deciding how much of permanent commitment you are willing to make. One of easiest and least expensive options is to paint a wall, which can be easily updated should you tire of it. Choosing color is such a personal experience – in fact no one knows for sure whether we all even see the myriad shades in the same way. Mark Wilkinson, founder of Mark Wilkinson Furniture, believes that the colors we choose automatically are naturally influenced by current fashions. 'The color in a kitchen – be it on walls or fittings – should last for at least five years, minimum, so try to look beyond immediate trends and choose a color that will keep you feeling good long term,' he advises.

  • Slide 12 of 28: Far from the drama of what you would expect from 'statement' lighting the latest collection of pendants from Original BTC are quietly show-stopping. The Drop series follows the journey of a droplet of water through the air and this bone china light captures the moment when it flattens as it hits the ground.  Designed 20 years ago, it was initially pulled from the range because it proved too technically challenging to make but thanks to new developments, it has finally made a long-awaited appearance. 

  • Slide 13 of 28: With the move towards larger kitchens, in open plan spaces, the kitchen island has become an essential kitchen feature. A pair of island units has become the last work in luxury, an expansive addition for when space is no object.

  • Slide 14 of 28: The latest contemporary designs are all about a multi-tasking, free-flowing design with a paired-back look. Technological advances in push-open and close doors means that it has become possible to dispense with handles in both wall and base cabinets.  If you prefer not to have push-open cupboards, then recessed handles provide the same sleek look and can be lined with contrasting colours and materials to add interest. 'Handleless kitchen cabinets are one of the biggest trends for 2021 for more pared-back, streamlined look. It's all about simplicity and a focus on cabinetry details,' explains Busola Evans, Kitchen and Bathroom Supplement Editor.

  • Slide 15 of 28: Pantry cupboards have been kitchen staples for centuries and, in the last few years, have established themselves as one of the must-have items in modern homes. 'Having a pantry makes perfect sense. All the food goods are in one place and not scattered around in numerous wall cupboards, meaning people can be more organized when doing their food shopping. 'The other great advantage of a larder and its storage capacity is that a kitchen no longer needs to be full of wall cupboards. It frees up entire walls to either be left free or have an attractive piece of artwork in the kitchen which in turn helps it feel less like a kitchen and instead more of a relaxed environment, perfect for open plan living areas,' says Leisha Norman, Designer, Harvey Jones.

  • Slide 16 of 28: 'The trend for clever storage continues to be a key design choice due to the practicality it offers,' says Paul Jenkinson, Founder and Managing Director of British kitchen brand LochAnna Kitchens. 'From bi-fold dressers to tower and corner larders, storage can be both a design and practical trend.  'Storage is, and will continue to be, a big part of the kitchen space. For those with smaller kitchens, the need for clever storage in this space is crucial in terms of efficiently utilizing the room you have.  'In bigger, minimalist kitchens, clever storage allows for clutter to be easily tidied away. Many homeowners are adding more storage solutions into their kitchens as a way of storing their office supplies as they adapt to working from home indefinitely.'

  • Slide 17 of 28: We have recently seen a rise in walnut cabinetry. It's rich, dark color, fine grain and natural warmth are prized by makers for its feeling of instant luxury.

  • Slide 18 of 28: Now that taps are available in a wide choice of colors and finishes, sinks are following, too. Aesthetics have made an impact in wet areas just as they have in furniture and appliance design, with color, shape, size and material heavily influenced by the overall look of the room. 'Sinks have moved up on the scale of importance in kitchen design,' says Joan Fraser, product development and training manager for Smeg. 'Models are introduced to meet customers' demands for a sink which, in addition to being purely functional, also makes a definitive style statement.'

  • Slide 19 of 28: A by-product of metallics in the kitchen comes the demand for well-executed quality materials that don't just look good, but have integrity, too. 'That's why I decided against metallic finishes sprayed onto wood, in favor of real metals that I could work with sensitively to bring out their natural beauty', says Charlie Smallbone.  The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes and Ledbury Studio, Charlie has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years.

  • Slide 20 of 28: As pride in interior styling takes centre stage, we have witnessed an increase in sales of glazed cupboards and opening shelving, following a growing demand for kitchens designed for a 'curated' look.  Thoughtfully designed, these visual spaces are carefully styled with artworks, decorative ceramics, cookery books and other curiosities, to achieve an instant lived in look – adding personality and resulting in a space that feels homely. 'In an age of uncertainty and with busy digital lives, people are increasingly nostalgic for a space to slow down and surround themselves with the comfort and security of tactile items and personal treasures. We are moving away from hiding everything away in cupboards, instead drawing inspiration from displays of china and silverware in glazed cabinets and on shelving, racks and dressers of grand houses – the end result sitting between the maximalist and minimalist styles,' says Merlin Wright, Design Director at British Standard and Plain English.

  • Slide 21 of 28: This isn't so much a new innovation – Fisher & Paykel introduced its first DishDrawer™ 20 years ago. However, as we become more interested in the ergonomics of our kitchens – and more of us suffer back problems – these innovative appliances will become more popular.  Fisher & Paykel's DishDrawer™ and CoolDrawer™ provide an array of functions that make life easier. When placed at bench height, the need to bend down is significantly reduced and there is no longer a need for you to get on your knees to fill the salt, rinse aid or detergent – it is as easy to open as a normal drawer.

  • Slide 22 of 28: Set to define the next decade, zoning will replace open-plan in a phenomenon being referred to as 'broken-plan'. Retaining the spacious feel of an open plan design, the trend employs the use of screens, freestanding furniture, cabinetry and house plants to create distinct zones and nest-like nooks intended for cooking, relaxing and entertaining.

  • Slide 23 of 28: Ancillary spaces – we mean a functional but thoughtfully considered utility, pantry, larder and mud room – provide the perfect space in which to house everyday essentials away from the main kitchen. Ancillary spaces and larder cupboards have become the ultimate status symbol and are fast becoming number one on kitchen wish lists.  'Having a utility room has become a status symbol. Coupled with the current trend for neat and tidy spaces and zealous cleaning, it provides a much-needed dedicated housekeeping area,' says Design Director at British Standard and Plain English, Merlin Wright.

  • Slide 24 of 28: The year 2021 sees the revival of hand-painted kitchens. 'They wear well, age even better and continue to be repairable in ways that a factory-applied laminate cannot match,' says Ledbury Studio, founder Charlie Smallbone. 'From this point of view, hand painting is also more ecologically sound.' One of the most appealing and varied finishes for kitchen cabinetry, paint lends itself to both the classic looks of the traditional kitchen and to crisply modern linear designs.  The advantage is in its almost limitless choice of colors, allowing you free rein to express yourself, whether your home is period or contemporary, country or urban. And you can always re-paint if you want a change or update in the future. 

  • Slide 25 of 28: Our feature on Instagram kitchen trends looked into what was trending on Insta for kitchens. Kitchen islands came out tops, but the next searched term was 'pendant lights'.  More than just a practical addition, kitchen pendant lighting is a decorative feature over worktop spaces, too. 'Lighting is key to any kitchen design scheme,' comments Sarah Davies of Floella Interiors. 'My advice would be to be open to exploring the use of a pendant light in different ways; for example, grouping multiple pendants to add drama to the kitchen.'

  • Slide 26 of 28: Contrast is king when it comes to mixing materials; the trick is to make sure that every material used encourages the others to really sing.  Brass and steel married with marble and dark timbers prove a winning formula in this luxurious and vibrant family kitchen by Ledbury Studio.  'Use a fusion of tactile materials to achieve a confident blending of styles,' advises architect Natalia Miyar. 'Marble, wood and metallics complement each other well with different shades of wood and metal often bringing warmth and contrast to a cold marble surface.  'Using contrasting materials for different worktops within a kitchen naturally creates different zones within a room, not only making a space more practical but aesthetically creates a visually pleasing and harmonious space to live in.'

  • Slide 27 of 28: There are many good reasons why white kitchens are so enduringly popular: white is calm, neat, minimal and light-enhancing – all must-have qualities in a space that's increasingly busy (and sometimes somewhat chaotic).  White is also so easy to change up: 'white cabinets are great for giving you that fresh clean minimal look but are also a great backdrop for layering up color and texture,' adds Sarah.  And, of course, white kitchens are the most likely to please potential buyers, should you decide it's time to move on.

  • Slide 28 of 28: Over 122,000 of us have tagged our floating shelves on Instagram – at our last count. Not only are they practical, but they are the perfect spot to show off your most attractive kitchen accessories, making your kitchen feel more like a living space than a cooking space.

Kitchen trends 2021 – 27 new looks and innovations for cabinets, worktops and more

We talked to the trend experts to find out which kitchen trends will be big in 2021.

With cool new kitchen brands popping up and lots of innovative design ideas and clever twists on old appliance designs on display in kitchen showrooms across the country, there are plenty of on-trend looks and state-of-the-art appliances to pick from.

Here, we look at the biggest new looks for kitchens in 2021.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

1. CONCEALED KITCHENS

Small space living gives way to even more kitchen innovation. This chic open-plan space conceals the cooking area with chameleon-like skill, allowing the focus to be on entertaining.

Maximising the feeling of spaciousness by uniting cooking, dining and relaxing into one glorious, light-filled room - here an uninviting and small kitchen was demolished in favour of a big living room with the kitchen tucked discreetly at one end.

The layout is flexible so it transitions from a kitchen to a dining room to a living area in an effortless way. The cooking space is as invisible as possible, with door panels looking like decorative wall finishings.

All doors are hidden, with fingerprint sensors that allow them to open and close in a smooth a manner.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

2. MESH CABINETRY

Bespoke kitchen specialist Davonport has added a burnished wire mesh cupboard door to its design portfolio. Teamed with diamond-cut brass handles, the look makes for a sophisticated twist on industrial style.

Complete kitchen prices from £35,000, Davonport.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

3. USING MATERIALS IN SURPRISING WAYS

Theres something free-ing about having a kitchen that doesn't feel 'off the shelf'. Even if some elements like cabinetry and appliances need to be standardised, think about adding character with practical elements sourced elsewhere.

This sink area features a rustic shelf to display pottery and a narrow geometric backsplash made of brass sits behind creating an unusual vignette.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

4. BRAVE COLOUR CONTRASTS

Picking two shades on opposite sides of the colour wheel, like pink and green, will achieve bold contrasts. Here the Classic English kitchen by deVOL is painted in a Farrow & Ball green and a custom pink. Prices start from £25,000.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

5. A FRESH TAKE ON MID CENTURY

Bright whites contrast with rich timbers and soft curves to lend a modern mid-century flair to contemporary kitchens.

Dark walnut cabinetry works to keep the look simple with smart bespoke detailing. Tall white cabinets and light marble splash-backs and countertops draw the eye up creating an illusion of space, keeping the look fresh and of the moment.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

6. THE SINK SKIRT REVIVAL

Once considered outdated and frumpy, the sink skirt is back in fashion creating opportunity for texture and pattern, softening kitchen schemes and adding a touch of nostalgia.

The idea is based around replacing the base cabinet doors underneath the sink with pleated curtains, often suspended on a decorative rod. Here is an opportunity for an element that can be updated often - on trend gingham, tactile untreated linen or pale pink stripes amongst bold colours like Beata Heuman.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

7. MARBLE

It's the time of strongly veined marble, the busier the better for unmissable luxury and next-level style. If there's one thing that's storming the style charts and shaking up interiors, it's the return of marble.

As an architect Natalia Miyar has a great passion for materiality and uses the finest, high quality materials in her design schemes. She says 'heavily veined marble is making a significant comeback in the design world and has become synonymous with high-end luxury.' A popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, it is also highly sustainable; its durability, classic attributes and ability to withstand passing trends makes it a good investment.

Marbles with naturally strong veining add statement value and create a textural contract between other polished surfaces, metals and woods. Within a kitchen, Natalia uses marble to create an elegant bath, an eye-catching sink or a kitchen island.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

8. WOOD FINISHES

Out of fashion for a while, wood is now enjoying a bit of a revival. Use subtle-grained ash, paler than oak or walnut, to pick out the warm tones in manmade stone.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

9. DARK DRAMA

Often overlooked as purely an 'accent' color, black walls, cabinetry and work surfaces are having something of a moment. Black becomes liveable, luxe and inviting, with textured woods adding rustic, homely charm.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

10. COLOR POPS

Throw the rulebook out of the window in favor of unexpected paint-color pairings. Kitchens are rife with color opportunities, from appliances and flooring, to window treatments and cabinets.

Start by deciding how much of permanent commitment you are willing to make. One of easiest and least expensive options is to paint a wall, which can be easily updated should you tire of it. Choosing color is such a personal experience – in fact no one knows for sure whether we all even see the myriad shades in the same way.

Mark Wilkinson, founder of Mark Wilkinson Furniture, believes that the colors we choose automatically are naturally influenced by current fashions. 'The color in a kitchen – be it on walls or fittings – should last for at least five years, minimum, so try to look beyond immediate trends and choose a color that will keep you feeling good long term,' he advises.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

11. STATEMENT LIGHTS

Far from the drama of what you would expect from 'statement' lighting the latest collection of pendants from Original BTC are quietly show-stopping. The Drop series follows the journey of a droplet of water through the air and this bone china light captures the moment when it flattens as it hits the ground.

Designed 20 years ago, it was initially pulled from the range because it proved too technically challenging to make but thanks to new developments, it has finally made a long-awaited appearance.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

12. DOUBLE ISLANDS

With the move towards larger kitchens, in open plan spaces, the kitchen island has become an essential kitchen feature. A pair of island units has become the last work in luxury, an expansive addition for when space is no object.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

13. HANDLELESS DESIGN

The latest contemporary designs are all about a multi-tasking, free-flowing design with a paired-back look. Technological advances in push-open and close doors means that it has become possible to dispense with handles in both wall and base cabinets.

If you prefer not to have push-open cupboards, then recessed handles provide the same sleek look and can be lined with contrasting colours and materials to add interest.

'Handleless kitchen cabinets are one of the biggest trends for 2021 for more pared-back, streamlined look. It's all about simplicity and a focus on cabinetry details,' explains Busola Evans, Kitchen and Bathroom Supplement Editor.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

14. PANTRIES

Pantry cupboards have been kitchen staples for centuries and, in the last few years, have established themselves as one of the must-have items in modern homes.

'Having a pantry makes perfect sense. All the food goods are in one place and not scattered around in numerous wall cupboards, meaning people can be more organized when doing their food shopping.

'The other great advantage of a larder and its storage capacity is that a kitchen no longer needs to be full of wall cupboards. It frees up entire walls to either be left free or have an attractive piece of artwork in the kitchen which in turn helps it feel less like a kitchen and instead more of a relaxed environment, perfect for open plan living areas,' says Leisha Norman, Designer, Harvey Jones.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

15. LARDERS FOR SMALL KITCHENS – THAT CAN DOUBLE UP AS HOME OFFICES

'The trend for clever storage continues to be a key design choice due to the practicality it offers,' says Paul Jenkinson, Founder and Managing Director of British kitchen brand LochAnna Kitchens. 'From bi-fold dressers to tower and corner larders, storage can be both a design and practical trend.

'Storage is, and will continue to be, a big part of the kitchen space. For those with smaller kitchens, the need for clever storage in this space is crucial in terms of efficiently utilizing the room you have.

'In bigger, minimalist kitchens, clever storage allows for clutter to be easily tidied away. Many homeowners are adding more storage solutions into their kitchens as a way of storing their office supplies as they adapt to working from home indefinitely.'

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

16. WALNUT CABINETRY

We have recently seen a rise in walnut cabinetry. It's rich, dark color, fine grain and natural warmth are prized by makers for its feeling of instant luxury.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

17. GOLD FINISHES

Now that taps are available in a wide choice of colors and finishes, sinks are following, too. Aesthetics have made an impact in wet areas just as they have in furniture and appliance design, with color, shape, size and material heavily influenced by the overall look of the room.

'Sinks have moved up on the scale of importance in kitchen design,' says Joan Fraser, product development and training manager for Smeg. 'Models are introduced to meet customers' demands for a sink which, in addition to being purely functional, also makes a definitive style statement.'

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

18. MORE METALLICS

A by-product of metallics in the kitchen comes the demand for well-executed quality materials that don't just look good, but have integrity, too. 'That's why I decided against metallic finishes sprayed onto wood, in favor of real metals that I could work with sensitively to bring out their natural beauty', says Charlie Smallbone.

The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes and Ledbury Studio, Charlie has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

19. THE CURATED KITCHEN

As pride in interior styling takes centre stage, we have witnessed an increase in sales of glazed cupboards and opening shelving, following a growing demand for kitchens designed for a 'curated' look.

Thoughtfully designed, these visual spaces are carefully styled with artworks, decorative ceramics, cookery books and other curiosities, to achieve an instant lived in look – adding personality and resulting in a space that feels homely.

'In an age of uncertainty and with busy digital lives, people are increasingly nostalgic for a space to slow down and surround themselves with the comfort and security of tactile items and personal treasures. We are moving away from hiding everything away in cupboards, instead drawing inspiration from displays of china and silverware in glazed cabinets and on shelving, racks and dressers of grand houses – the end result sitting between the maximalist and minimalist styles,' says Merlin Wright, Design Director at British Standard and Plain English.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

20. APPLIANCES IN DRAWERS

This isn't so much a new innovation – Fisher & Paykel introduced its first DishDrawer™ 20 years ago. However, as we become more interested in the ergonomics of our kitchens – and more of us suffer back problems – these innovative appliances will become more popular.

Fisher & Paykel's DishDrawer™ and CoolDrawer™ provide an array of functions that make life easier. When placed at bench height, the need to bend down is significantly reduced and there is no longer a need for you to get on your knees to fill the salt, rinse aid or detergent – it is as easy to open as a normal drawer.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

21. 'BROKEN-PLAN' LIVING

Set to define the next decade, zoning will replace open-plan in a phenomenon being referred to as 'broken-plan'. Retaining the spacious feel of an open plan design, the trend employs the use of screens, freestanding furniture, cabinetry and house plants to create distinct zones and nest-like nooks intended for cooking, relaxing and entertaining.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

22. UTILITY ROOMS AND MUD ROOMS

Ancillary spaces – we mean a functional but thoughtfully considered utility, pantry, larder and mud room – provide the perfect space in which to house everyday essentials away from the main kitchen. Ancillary spaces and larder cupboards have become the ultimate status symbol and are fast becoming number one on kitchen wish lists.

'Having a utility room has become a status symbol. Coupled with the current trend for neat and tidy spaces and zealous cleaning, it provides a much-needed dedicated housekeeping area,' says Design Director at British Standard and Plain English, Merlin Wright.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

23. PAINTED KITCHENS

The year 2021 sees the revival of hand-painted kitchens. 'They wear well, age even better and continue to be repairable in ways that a factory-applied laminate cannot match,' says Ledbury Studio, founder Charlie Smallbone. 'From this point of view, hand painting is also more ecologically sound.'

One of the most appealing and varied finishes for kitchen cabinetry, paint lends itself to both the classic looks of the traditional kitchen and to crisply modern linear designs.

The advantage is in its almost limitless choice of colors, allowing you free rein to express yourself, whether your home is period or contemporary, country or urban. And you can always re-paint if you want a change or update in the future.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

24. PENDANT LIGHTING

Our feature on Instagram kitchen trends looked into what was trending on Insta for kitchens. Kitchen islands came out tops, but the next searched term was 'pendant lights'.

More than just a practical addition, kitchen pendant lighting is a decorative feature over worktop spaces, too.

'Lighting is key to any kitchen design scheme,' comments Sarah Davies of Floella Interiors. 'My advice would be to be open to exploring the use of a pendant light in different ways; for example, grouping multiple pendants to add drama to the kitchen.'

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

25. MIXED MATERIALS

Contrast is king when it comes to mixing materials; the trick is to make sure that every material used encourages the others to really sing.

Brass and steel married with marble and dark timbers prove a winning formula in this luxurious and vibrant family kitchen by Ledbury Studio.

'Use a fusion of tactile materials to achieve a confident blending of styles,' advises architect Natalia Miyar. 'Marble, wood and metallics complement each other well with different shades of wood and metal often bringing warmth and contrast to a cold marble surface.

'Using contrasting materials for different worktops within a kitchen naturally creates different zones within a room, not only making a space more practical but aesthetically creates a visually pleasing and harmonious space to live in.'

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

26. WHITE KITCHENS

There are many good reasons why white kitchens are so enduringly popular: white is calm, neat, minimal and light-enhancing – all must-have qualities in a space that's increasingly busy (and sometimes somewhat chaotic).

White is also so easy to change up: 'white cabinets are great for giving you that fresh clean minimal look but are also a great backdrop for layering up color and texture,' adds Sarah.

And, of course, white kitchens are the most likely to please potential buyers, should you decide it's time to move on.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

27. FLOATING SHELVES

Over 122,000 of us have tagged our floating shelves on Instagram – at our last count. Not only are they practical, but they are the perfect spot to show off your most attractive kitchen accessories, making your kitchen feel more like a living space than a cooking space.

Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article.

28/28 SLIDES