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Since the work we do falls under custom cabinets, we have the pleasure of working with high-end designers and homeowners. While every Kansas City kitchen and bath project is different, our team does note trends in the latest looks and innovations in these rooms. After all, they are two of the most popular rooms in the house to customize and renovate (or build).

Here are the biggest trends we’re seeing in Kansas City kitchens and baths for 2021:

(You can find more inspiration for custom cabinetry in our portfolio.)

Wood cabinetry

As custom cabinet makers, we’re pointing out that wood, in general, is seeing a resurgence in popularity. Lighter finishes are being most requested, since it plays well with other popular kitchen and bath materials right now (more on materials below). Although, walnut cabinetry is giving lighter woods a run for their money. Walnut has a rich, deep color and fine grain that exudes a sense of luxury.

Handleless cabinet doors and drawers

Contemporary and modern are the directions many homeowners are going today with overall style. Those are associated with clean and sleek, making handleless cabinet doors and drawers on trend. Technological advances in push-open and close doors make going handleless possible. Recessed handles are an option should you want a simplistic look, but the contrast that handles provide.

Marble kitchen and bath countertops

Granite and other countertop materials pushed marble off the popularity charts for a while. Marble is trending for 2021 in kitchens and baths, and the more pronounced veins, the better. Heavily veined marble has a sophisticated air to it, making it synonymous with a luxury look for countertops and back splashes. These veins offer contrast to surfaces, metals and woods popular for 2021.

Marble is a wise investment now and for the future. It’s sustainable, durable and classic, so it stands the test of time.

LEARN MORE: How to Select a Custom Bathroom Vanity You’ll Love Forever

White kitchens and baths

White kitchens and baths have been trending for a few years now, and they continue to be popular for 2021. White makes sense given its clean, calm and neutral aesthetic. Plus, it serves as a perfect background for either going all white with other materials, adding pops of color without a complete room revamp or contrasting with very dark hues.

White cabinetry allows your style and personality to shine, while retaining its appeal to homebuyers when you decide to sell.

Dark contrasts

We’re seeing darker colors used on walls, cabinetry and work surfaces. By dark, we’re talking black and deep, dark greys and blues. When paired with other luxury materials, black becomes sophisticated and welcoming—a far cry from how black was perceived after its heyday in the ‘70s and ‘80s.

Gold finishes

 Speaking of returning from the ‘70s and ‘80s, gold finishes are trending in 2021. From hardware to fixtures, rich golds are everywhere, especially sinks in wet areas. Sinks have become more than a utility area; now they make design statements.

Pops of color

For the last few years, using pops of color on accent walls, cabinets, tile and more. Even manufacturers are offering appliances in bold colors, beyond the usual white, black and stainless steel.

Using pops of color can be tricky, for you in the short term and homebuyers down the road when you sell. Colors are like fashion, cycling in and out of style. Meaning, a bold red might be eye-catching to you now, but will it still be in 2026?

To be on the safe side, use pops of colors for things that can be more easily and affordably updated in the future. It is far less expensive to repaint a wall or switch out hardware than it is to replace countertops, cabinets and appliances. Pops of color are a popular trend, but they are a commitment. Choose yours based on personal preference and use with easily updated items.

A curated kitchen and bath

Kitchens and baths are taking on a curated look, much like spas and museums where cabinets and floating shelves are used to display styled items. Not only does curating your kitchen and bath reflect your personality, also it reveals thoughtful displays of your favorite things, which is quite comforting.

Browse our kitchen portfolio and bath portfolio.

Taking a curated approach is a unique one since it allows you to hide what you choose behind custom cabinetry, yet that same cabinetry can be built with features that showcase other items.

Discuss the latest kitchen and bathroom trends with an award-winning custom cabinetry company

Custom kitchen and bathroom cabinetry is often the foundation for building or renovations. Wood, design, and hardware are just the beginning. When combined with the latest trends in metal, color, fixture and customization options, you have not only a look that’s on trend, but one you’ll love for years to come.

Have an exact look in mind? Need expert design inspiration? Either way, we’re here to make it happen.