Kitchen Design
The 10 Most Popular Kitchens of Summer 2021
Light wood cabinets, built-in banquettes and islands with special features star in these recent kitchen photos on Houzz
This Trending Now story features the most-saved kitchen photos uploaded to Houzz between June 15 and Sept. 15, 2021.
If this countdown of the most-saved kitchen photos of the summer is any indication, light wood cabinets are having a major design moment. And it’s not hard to see why. Light wood adds warmth to counterbalance popular white and cool metal finishes, creating an inviting atmosphere. But in this list you’ll also find a white kitchen full of special details, a greige kitchen with hardworking storage, plus ideas for islands, built-in banquettes and more.
If this countdown of the most-saved kitchen photos of the summer is any indication, light wood cabinets are having a major design moment. And it’s not hard to see why. Light wood adds warmth to counterbalance popular white and cool metal finishes, creating an inviting atmosphere. But in this list you’ll also find a white kitchen full of special details, a greige kitchen with hardworking storage, plus ideas for islands, built-in banquettes and more.
9. Knotty and Nice
Knotty alder cabinets add a rustic vibe to this Oregon kitchen. The space, designed by Kathleen Donohue of Neil Kelly, also features a sage green island base with a walnut butcher block countertop, concrete-look quartz perimeter counters and a gray Foussana limestone backsplash with a decorative porcelain pattern tile feature above the range.
Another standout feature is the undercounter microwave at the end of the island. “They are the best design innovation since the downdraft range changed the way we designed kitchens,” Donohue says. “The microwave can now be tucked away below the counter and does not have to hang from a wall cabinet or be part of a built-in stacked oven set.”
Knotty alder cabinets add a rustic vibe to this Oregon kitchen. The space, designed by Kathleen Donohue of Neil Kelly, also features a sage green island base with a walnut butcher block countertop, concrete-look quartz perimeter counters and a gray Foussana limestone backsplash with a decorative porcelain pattern tile feature above the range.
Another standout feature is the undercounter microwave at the end of the island. “They are the best design innovation since the downdraft range changed the way we designed kitchens,” Donohue says. “The microwave can now be tucked away below the counter and does not have to hang from a wall cabinet or be part of a built-in stacked oven set.”
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8. Banquette Beauty
This handsome Chicago kitchen features light wood cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling, with decorative molding at the top. Brass details — in the hardware, wall sconces and pendant lights above the island — add an elegant touch.
Another highlight is the L-shaped island with a custom built-in banquette. The bench seating with gray tweed backing, three striped linen chairs and ebony-stained table can accommodate up to six people. With the addition of the two counter stools, this kitchen can comfortably serve breakfast for eight.
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This handsome Chicago kitchen features light wood cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling, with decorative molding at the top. Brass details — in the hardware, wall sconces and pendant lights above the island — add an elegant touch.
Another highlight is the L-shaped island with a custom built-in banquette. The bench seating with gray tweed backing, three striped linen chairs and ebony-stained table can accommodate up to six people. With the addition of the two counter stools, this kitchen can comfortably serve breakfast for eight.
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7. Hardworking Kitchen for a Home Cook
These Los Angeles homeowners wanted a kitchen that prioritized cooking over hanging out. “The owner did not see the kitchen as a gathering place, but more of a working kitchen for one cook,” designer Gina Moffitt of Kiyohara Moffitt says. “Hence, the island was not to have seating.”
What the kitchen does have is a great setup for cooking, with dual ovens, a large gas range, a pair of sinks and plenty of storage, including an island with an end cabinet that holds baking sheets.
Cabinet color: Coastal Fog, Benjamin Moore
These Los Angeles homeowners wanted a kitchen that prioritized cooking over hanging out. “The owner did not see the kitchen as a gathering place, but more of a working kitchen for one cook,” designer Gina Moffitt of Kiyohara Moffitt says. “Hence, the island was not to have seating.”
What the kitchen does have is a great setup for cooking, with dual ovens, a large gas range, a pair of sinks and plenty of storage, including an island with an end cabinet that holds baking sheets.
Cabinet color: Coastal Fog, Benjamin Moore
6. Modern Mountain Style
Designer Alison Roberts of Alison Ann Interiors says her clients wanted their remodeled Utah kitchen to evoke a warm, clean modern mountain style. Toward that end, Roberts added warmth and rusticity with a chunky window frame and cabinets in maple. To create the modern vibe the owners craved, she gave the gray quartz island countertop a waterfall edge and chose industrial metal counter stools.
The backsplash of white rectangular tiles set in a brick pattern with dark grout and the wood-and-metal open shelving help bring the rustic and modern elements together.
Wall paint: Edgecomb Gray, Benjamin Moore
10 Kitchen Island Features Pros Always Recommend
Designer Alison Roberts of Alison Ann Interiors says her clients wanted their remodeled Utah kitchen to evoke a warm, clean modern mountain style. Toward that end, Roberts added warmth and rusticity with a chunky window frame and cabinets in maple. To create the modern vibe the owners craved, she gave the gray quartz island countertop a waterfall edge and chose industrial metal counter stools.
The backsplash of white rectangular tiles set in a brick pattern with dark grout and the wood-and-metal open shelving help bring the rustic and modern elements together.
Wall paint: Edgecomb Gray, Benjamin Moore
10 Kitchen Island Features Pros Always Recommend
5. Skylight Highlight
When a San Francisco couple wanted to transform their dark and dated kitchen into a bright, modern space for entertaining, they reached out to John Lum of John Lum Architecture.
The couple and Lum collected Houzz photos for inspiration, and the result is a bold kitchen with white oak floors, a mix of light wood and black cabinets, white quartz countertops and a backsplash with a 3D effect. To keep the space feeling airy and bright, Lum had a skylight installed over the island.
He also transformed the old family room alcove into a cozy eat-in area with a built-in banquette. “We decided the kitchen would serve as the main hangout and entertainment center,” Lum says.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
When a San Francisco couple wanted to transform their dark and dated kitchen into a bright, modern space for entertaining, they reached out to John Lum of John Lum Architecture.
The couple and Lum collected Houzz photos for inspiration, and the result is a bold kitchen with white oak floors, a mix of light wood and black cabinets, white quartz countertops and a backsplash with a 3D effect. To keep the space feeling airy and bright, Lum had a skylight installed over the island.
He also transformed the old family room alcove into a cozy eat-in area with a built-in banquette. “We decided the kitchen would serve as the main hangout and entertainment center,” Lum says.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
4. Conversation Starter
This Colorado kitchen features a large island with seating on two sides that encourages family and friends to hang out and strike up a conversation. The island also has a small fridge that gives kids and guests easy access to drinks away from the main kitchen work area.
The mix of wood-look melamine cabinets and matte black upper cabinets is another nod to a space used by kids. “Matte black fingerprints easily, so it’s best to use this in high-up areas or spaces that don’t get as much use,” designer Mary Jean Cipro of Thomas Sattler Homes says.
This Colorado kitchen features a large island with seating on two sides that encourages family and friends to hang out and strike up a conversation. The island also has a small fridge that gives kids and guests easy access to drinks away from the main kitchen work area.
The mix of wood-look melamine cabinets and matte black upper cabinets is another nod to a space used by kids. “Matte black fingerprints easily, so it’s best to use this in high-up areas or spaces that don’t get as much use,” designer Mary Jean Cipro of Thomas Sattler Homes says.
3. Integrated Dining Room
Turning their kitchen into a space that could double as an informal dining room was a top priority for these California homeowners. Designer Laura Brophy of Laura Brophy Interiors accommodated their request by adding a custom two-tiered island made of marble-look quartz.
“The large, split-level island is definitely the coolest feature,” Brophy says. “It includes an informal dining area for six people. This extra counter space is also great for entertaining, additional prep space when needed and so much more. It not only looks cool, but it’s also super functional.”
Other highlights include the rift-sawn white oak cabinets on the left side of the room and the custom refrigerator panels and drawers on the right side painted in Whisper White by Dunn-Edwards.
Turning their kitchen into a space that could double as an informal dining room was a top priority for these California homeowners. Designer Laura Brophy of Laura Brophy Interiors accommodated their request by adding a custom two-tiered island made of marble-look quartz.
“The large, split-level island is definitely the coolest feature,” Brophy says. “It includes an informal dining area for six people. This extra counter space is also great for entertaining, additional prep space when needed and so much more. It not only looks cool, but it’s also super functional.”
Other highlights include the rift-sawn white oak cabinets on the left side of the room and the custom refrigerator panels and drawers on the right side painted in Whisper White by Dunn-Edwards.
2. Morning Coffee Superstar
Designer Amy Klosterman of AB Design Elements was tasked with remodeling this Arizona kitchen in a style that complemented the rest of the home, which was originally designed by Taliesin-trained architect Bing Hu.
The contemporary space features light wood cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling, slate floors and leathered White Macaubas quartzite countertops.
Another notable detail is the walnut slab that extends from a waterfall edge countertop. “This is a perfect place for the two homeowners to enjoy morning coffee and to watch the TV on the opposite wall that is integrated into the cabinetry,” Klosterman says.
Designer Amy Klosterman of AB Design Elements was tasked with remodeling this Arizona kitchen in a style that complemented the rest of the home, which was originally designed by Taliesin-trained architect Bing Hu.
The contemporary space features light wood cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling, slate floors and leathered White Macaubas quartzite countertops.
Another notable detail is the walnut slab that extends from a waterfall edge countertop. “This is a perfect place for the two homeowners to enjoy morning coffee and to watch the TV on the opposite wall that is integrated into the cabinetry,” Klosterman says.
1. Stylish in Seattle
The most-saved kitchen photo of the summer is of a stylish Seattle space by Kirsten Sessions of H2 View that mixes beautiful materials without taking away from the breathtaking scenery outside.
The space is anchored by flat-panel-front cabinets made of Aspen oak with a vertical grain and adorned with low-profile black hardware. “Minimalistic hardware lets the cabinets stand out as the feature design element,” Sessions says.
Opaque glass cabinets help break up the wood, while slabs on the island end match the backsplash for cohesion.
Sessions uses Houzz Pro software to keep track of client leads and communications.
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The most-saved kitchen photo of the summer is of a stylish Seattle space by Kirsten Sessions of H2 View that mixes beautiful materials without taking away from the breathtaking scenery outside.
The space is anchored by flat-panel-front cabinets made of Aspen oak with a vertical grain and adorned with low-profile black hardware. “Minimalistic hardware lets the cabinets stand out as the feature design element,” Sessions says.
Opaque glass cabinets help break up the wood, while slabs on the island end match the backsplash for cohesion.
Sessions uses Houzz Pro software to keep track of client leads and communications.
More on Houzz
See other design ideas trending now
Browse photos
Find a professional
Shop for products
Designer Christi Petty of Chairma Design Group says this Texas homeowner wanted a kitchen makeover that reflected his interests. “A lover of the sea, Chris-Craft boats and the English countryside, he asked for an English seaside feel with bespoke cabinets, earthy textures and an abundance of millwork,” says Petty, whose client found her through Houzz.
The result is a white-and-wood space that features lots of charming details, including a tongue-and-groove ceiling with cypress beams, white cabinets with antique brass cup pulls and knobs, a hand-cut zellige tile backsplash and a custom island with open display shelving backed with beadboard.
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