10 Kitchen Unit Design Ideas For 2021

When you’re redoing your kitchen, don’t underestimate the importance of great kitchen unit design. If properly organised and planned, they can seriously improve your time in the kitchen. If they’re messy and badly designed, they can be the bane of your existence. One of the best things, though, is that kitchen units are fairly easy to fix or update. And they’re a way of bringing some life and personality into your space. If you’re tackling a full kitchen renovation, or are simply looking to give the room a quick update, you’ll want to know about these top 10 kitchen unit design ideas for 2021. It’s time to make your life a little easier…

Kitchen unit design ideas 2021

1). Quirky cabinet inserts

While plain kitchen units can be classic and timeless, they can also start to feel a bit dull. Add something unusual to your cabinets with quirky mesh inserts. Popular options at the moment are steel or wire inserts in a textured geometric design. A huge plus is that they’re easy to install and can be replaced without spending too much money if you start to tire of the look. They offer just enough coverage to hide messy parts of the cupboards, but you can still see through them to find what you’re looking for. We love these modern blue cabinets with gold stainless steel inserts – on-trend and elegant.

Image by addicted2decorating.com

ALSO SEE: How To Add Value To Your Kitchen: Top 8 Tips

2). Island cabinets

Free up some shelf space in your kitchen by customising the island to include cabinets and drawers. If there’s going to be a large piece of furniture in your kitchen, you might as well make it work for you. Custom build the island with cupboards, drawers and open display units so that you can make the most of the structure. It’ll help keep surfaces clear and create a unique decor element in the kitchen.

Image by @thowleykitchens on Pinterest

3). Get higher

This is a great way of incorporating extra storage in your kitchen. As long as you remember your step stool, there’s no reason you can’t make the most of the higher spaces – even if they’re reserved for occasionally-used items like food processors or sandwich makers. Make sure built-in cabinets reach right to the ceiling, and snake extra cabinets around the room where you can – above the fridge, for example. There’s no such thing as too much storage in the kitchen.

Image by @homedepot on Pinterest

ALSO SEE: Top 7 Advantages Of Built-In Cupboards: From Custom To Clutter-Free

4). Faux cabinets

Some kitchen necessities have to be there, but they aren’t all that aesthetically pleasing. If you want to hide your dishwasher or dustbin, consider creating a false cabinet front under the counter so that the kitchen unit design is uninterrupted. You won’t break up the line of custom-designed cabinets and you’ll keep the less desirable appliances out of sight. As long as you know where everything is, why compromise on streamlined aesthetics?

Image by @theinspiredroom on Pinterest

5). Pastel paintwork

A great way to add a touch of colour to your kitchen is with custom-painted cabinet units. It’s an easy way to refresh the space and keep up with whatever colour trends you love at the time. For something subtle that helps create a light, airy kitchen, go for pastel shades of green, pale blue or yellow. Especially if you’re going to be painting all the cabinets. If you just want to add a pop of colour to a few units, you can get away with stronger shades. We love this sage green kitchen design, complete with glass-fronted display cabinets and open shelves. A clever and softly colourful look.

Image by thewilddecoelis.com

ALSO SEE: 7 Common Renovation Mistakes – And How To Avoid Them

6). Open-front units

Tired of opening every kitchen unit door before you find the thing you’re looking for? A design trend for 2021 is to skip cupboard doors entirely and leave cabinets open for all to see. Not only will it make your life easier when you’re cooking, but you’ll be able to display lovely cookware and tableware. It does, however, mean that you need to keep your cabinets tidy at all times. If that seems a bit much for you, dedicate a few cabinets in your kitchen for open-fronts – and hide the mess somewhere else.

Image by countryliving.com

7). Cubbies instead of shelves

For something a little unusual, go for floating cubbies in the same shade as the kitchen wall. It’s a unique alternative to open cabinets or floating shelves, and you can have fun with shapes and stacking. These cubbies provide useful storage space and are a creative way to display special kitchenware. The best thing about this design trend? It’s easy enough to install yourself and can become a fun DIY project. Great in an otherwise plain kitchen.

Image by @danslelakehouse on Pinterest

ALSO SEE: 9 Easy Ways To Make Your Kitchen More Functional

8). Metallic kitchen units

Want to add a touch of luxe to your kitchen? Nothing makes a statement quite like metallic interiors. Inject a pop of colour with brushed gold metallic kitchen cabinets for instant glamour. For a more understated look, select a few cabinets to bring your metallic look to life, and leave the rest of the units in a classic colour like white. Neutral accents like rattan, jute and wood keep the space from becoming too flashy. And add a lush indoor plant for natural softness.

Image by @vogueaustralia on Pinterest

9). Mixed natural cabinets

Natural materials are extremely popular at the moment, as designers and homeowners become more environmentally conscious and aware. In your next kitchen remodel, why not make the most of this trend by incorporating multiple natural materials in your kitchen unit? Mix things up with a combination of wood and stone cabinets, and add colour with ceramic tiles or cookware. Incorporate natural elements wherever you think they’ll work, but make sure the colours tone. Stick to shades of beige or blush for an organic, stylish look.

Image by @housebeautiful on Pinterest

ALSO SEE: 6 Kitchen Design Trends Making It Big In 2021

10). Frosted-glass kitchen units

These units work best in small kitchens where you want to give the impression of light and space. Plus, they’re extremely elegant. Rather than clear glass – that’s a bit too easy to see through – opt for frosted-glass fronts so that the possible mess inside is hidden. Downlights help increase visibility and create a warm, modern look. We love these frosted-glass kitchen units made even sleeker with stainless steel hardware. Keep cupboards neutral for optimum class.

Image by @marthastewart on Instagram

See something here you like? We specialise in built-in cupboards, display cabinets and kitchen renovations so we’d happily help you create a similar look in your own home. Please contact us to find out more about our interior design services.