7 Kitchen Design Trends to DIY for 2021

Kitchens are the heart and soul of modern homes, but remodeling them can be a huge undertaking. Apart from design and functionality, you want to ensure your kitchen keeps up with modern trends and doesn’t become outdated in a few years. Fortunately, there are plenty of kitchen design trends for 2021 you can DIY with little cost and effort.

1. Neutral Colors

A new color scheme can completely transform a kitchen. Although grey was the color of choice for the past few years, Greige and beige are the incoming trends. Greige is simply beige plus gray as the addition of gray to beige creates a color that is much richer and works in most color schemes, as it is determined by their ratios into the color mix. Whether it’s changing the hue of the cabinets or the walls, adding a different tone is a great DIY project that won’t break the bank. Of course, white on black is always trending and provides high contrast for a kitchen that really stands out.

2. Cabinet Hardware

Along with a new coat of paint, updating cabinet hardware is an easy DIY project you can finish in a weekend. Depending on the type of hardware, the only tool you need is a good screwdriver and a little bit of patience. Even better, upgrading hardware can really change the way your cabinets function. Options include hydraulic and easy-closing doors that open with the push of a button. If space is an issue, you can install doors that fold out of the way to conserve the most room.

3. Revitalized Sink

Cabinets aren’t the only item in the kitchen that can use a good makeover. Stainless steel has been the preferred choice in kitchen sinks for years, but that is slowly changing. Modern kitchens boast colorful sinks that can add a dash of vibrant colors against a neutral background. Painting the sink—such as with epoxy spray paint— is also a great alternative to replacing the unit. The process of painting the sink varies depending on the surface, but usually requires scouring the surface to promote adhesion.

4. Additional Lighting

Lighting plays an important part in the overall design and function of a kitchen. In today’s world, LEDs offer a plethora of options and functionality without the added cost. From toe kicks to cove and rope lights, you can really get creative about where you place lighting. This includes placing lights under cabinets to illuminate counters or inside cabinet doors to reach places overhead lights don’t always cover. LEDs are also easy to install on your own and last a lot longer than traditional light sources. Further, LEDs will not burn walls or cabinets and can be left on for hours with no trouble.

5. Automation

Updating the fixtures in your kitchen can add a new sense of excitement to the space. For the modern kitchen, automation technology has grown incredibly fast over the past few years. Whether it’s installing a hands-free faucet or purchasing a smart meat thermometer, upgrading your kitchen’s technology can really make life easier. Although some of these automation devices are expensive, they can be installed with little effort and time.

6. Quartz Countertops

When it comes to countertops, more and more homeowners are choosing quartz over granite. Quartz offers a wider range of color striations and is a great option for those looking for more color in the kitchen. This includes a range from beige to tan without the speckled look of granite. Quartz is also more scratch-resistant and durable than its granite counterpart.

7. More Storage

Kitchen storage is a problem for many homeowners. Thankfully, there are DIY upgrades you can install to maximize storage in the smallest of spaces. This includes multi-tiered drawers that provide a second layer of storage over traditional pull-out drawers. Of course, the downsides to upgrading kitchen storage are cost and time.