February 26, 2021

Fixr.com just published its Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Trends 2021 report. Every year, the home remodeling website surveys top interior designers and industry professionals from all over the country to get their take on what the biggest kitchen and bathroom trends will be for the upcoming year. After a tumultuous 2020 that found people stuck at home more time than usual, many have reconsidered their spaces but most of all their priorities, which could inspire new ways of remodeling kitchens and bathrooms.

Mix-and-Match Metals Lead the Way in Kitchens

For many years, stainless steel has been the number one material for the kitchen. Warmer metal finishes were slowly introduced for a while, and now we are starting to see people turning to different materials mixed within the kitchen. Mix-and-match metals can be applied to light fixtures, faucets and sinks, appliances and even cabinet hardware. This will certainly create an interesting and dynamic combination for the kitchen design.

Quartz and Quartzite Top Choices for Countertops

When it comes to countertops, there’s a wide range of possibilities among color, textures and finishes. It’s always a good idea to keep in mind the durability and practicality of the material chosen, too. According to 45% of the experts, quartz will be the top choice for kitchen countertops in 2021, closely followed by quartzite with 33% of the vote. Both materials are a great option for countertops and will provide you with different benefits. Quartz is highly resistant to stains and scratches while being an easy-to-clean surface that requires almost no maintenance. Quartzite is especially durable and has really interesting colors and unique vein patterns.

An Increased Interest in Easy-to-Clean Surfaces

The past year has changed everyone’s habits, and this has been reflected inside the home in kitchen and bathroom trends. With the extra attention to cleanliness and disinfection, homeowners are looking for easy-to-clean surfaces for both the kitchen and bathroom, say 78% of the exerts. Easy-to-clean surfaces include non-porous materials – those that don’t have microscopic spaces where germs can hide. For faucets and hardware finishes, for example, good options include brass and copper, but also others like chrome, which can be cleaned with bleach without deteriorating. When it comes to countertops, quartz is probably the best option, being naturally antimicrobial. As for flooring and tiled areas, porcelain is a good choice.

Spa Elements Top List of Popular Bathroom Trends

The top trend for the bathrooms in 2021 is all about lowering the stress levels caused by the current situation. Homeowners are transforming their spaces into a spa-like bathroom. They are seeking comfort and ways to pamper themselves when remodeling their spaces. More sophisticated options include soaking tubs, steam or performance showers and even saunas. But the spa look can also be achieved with smaller investments, like some river rocks in the shower floor or vessel sinks in beautiful materials.

Black Accents Will Continue in 2021

Black accents in the bathroom was a very strong trend during the past year, and many wondered if it would continue in 2021. Most experts agreed that this trend will keep being popular, although 34% of them pointed out that it would be combined with other finishes and colors. Black can be incorporated in the bathroom very easily, both as a focal point and also combined with other colors, as it goes well with a wide variety of hues.

Bold Patterns Will Reign for Bathroom Floors and Showers

When asked about the most popular tiles for the bathroom, 43% of interior design experts agreed that the top option will be bold or unusual marble. Sahara Gold and Breccia Oniciata are good examples of these special types of marble. These and other bold types come in different colors, usually with striking veining. As the second and third options, experts chose bold, repeating patterns and ceramic mosaic in unique shapes. Taking a look at their preferences, it seems homeowners who are remodeling this year are ready to make a statement.

Touchless Technology a Sought-After Feature

After regular hand washing became even more essential in our everyday lives, it is not surprising that touchless features, such as touchless faucets and toilets, earned top positions in smart trends, according to experts. Both of these features allow homeowners keep their hands clean without cross-contamination. They work with sensors so that you never get to touch them, which minimizes the depository of germs in high-touch areas.

-Top photo: samiam2007/Adobe Stock