Meet the World's Most-Popular Kitchens of 2020
What kitchens were Houzz users dreaming about this year? Take a look at the most-saved kitchen photos globally
Julia Bolotina
28 December 2020
International Associate Editor at Houzz
Great kitchen design is often in the details. Just look at the most-saved kitchen photos of 2020 from 12 countries around the world. You’ll see how calming colour palettes, just-right hidden storage, eye-catching tiles and other clever elements can elevate a kitchen to something stylishly beyond the sum of its parts.
Australia
This home in Brisbane, Queensland, embodies the kind of lifestyle so many Australians aspire to. Its successful mix of classic elements (the black-and-white colour palette and the marble benchtop and splashback) with refined Hamptons style (the pendant lights and details in the joinery) create a solid feel with a light look.
Designed by Lisa Alward of Bella Vie Interiors, the kitchen is perfect for the subtropical climate in the region while, practically speaking, it’s sturdy enough for a growing family.
This home in Brisbane, Queensland, embodies the kind of lifestyle so many Australians aspire to. Its successful mix of classic elements (the black-and-white colour palette and the marble benchtop and splashback) with refined Hamptons style (the pendant lights and details in the joinery) create a solid feel with a light look.
Designed by Lisa Alward of Bella Vie Interiors, the kitchen is perfect for the subtropical climate in the region while, practically speaking, it’s sturdy enough for a growing family.
New Zealand
This Auckland kitchen from Furze Architecture & Design showcases a restrained kind of eclecticism that is so refreshing. Often eclecticism is expressed through a jumble of colours and shapes.
In this more progressive example, the colour palette has been kept a simple white with wood, and various textures have been introduced via the ribbed lighting, the brick facing of the island bench, the chevron flooring and the fantastic view through the glass splashback to the foliage outside. We can see why this fresh, light, friendly kitchen was so appealing to Houzz readers.
Thinking of renovating your kitchen? Find a kitchen designer near you, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
This Auckland kitchen from Furze Architecture & Design showcases a restrained kind of eclecticism that is so refreshing. Often eclecticism is expressed through a jumble of colours and shapes.
In this more progressive example, the colour palette has been kept a simple white with wood, and various textures have been introduced via the ribbed lighting, the brick facing of the island bench, the chevron flooring and the fantastic view through the glass splashback to the foliage outside. We can see why this fresh, light, friendly kitchen was so appealing to Houzz readers.
Thinking of renovating your kitchen? Find a kitchen designer near you, browse images of their work and read reviews from previous clients
Ireland
Green schemes were on our radar when we gave our trend predictions for 2020, and here we see the shade used beautifully in this kitchen in Cork, Ireland.
It was the owner who came up with the colour choice, explains designer Declan Keane of Celtic Interiors. “[The owner] knew herself what she was going for and immediately chose the double Shaker doors that we manufacture,” he said. “She was also confident that our new bottle-green shade was what she wanted.”
The rich green colour is complemented by the earthy tones of the exposed brick wall, and lifted by a bright white quartz benchtop.
Green schemes were on our radar when we gave our trend predictions for 2020, and here we see the shade used beautifully in this kitchen in Cork, Ireland.
It was the owner who came up with the colour choice, explains designer Declan Keane of Celtic Interiors. “[The owner] knew herself what she was going for and immediately chose the double Shaker doors that we manufacture,” he said. “She was also confident that our new bottle-green shade was what she wanted.”
The rich green colour is complemented by the earthy tones of the exposed brick wall, and lifted by a bright white quartz benchtop.
United Kingdom
The key to success in this stunning London kitchen is the balance between opposites. Designer Sarah Mailer says she focused on the “combination of classic and contemporary, the paring of dark and light and the layered, textural mix”.
“To maximise the space and exploit the ceiling height, we installed beautiful, bespoke shaker cabinetry,” she adds.
To bring the whole space to life, Mailer also added some antique brass hardware, which has a lovely weathered patina, as well as three striking pendants over the island.
The key to success in this stunning London kitchen is the balance between opposites. Designer Sarah Mailer says she focused on the “combination of classic and contemporary, the paring of dark and light and the layered, textural mix”.
“To maximise the space and exploit the ceiling height, we installed beautiful, bespoke shaker cabinetry,” she adds.
To bring the whole space to life, Mailer also added some antique brass hardware, which has a lovely weathered patina, as well as three striking pendants over the island.
France
This Parisian kitchen, designed by Stéphanie Michel-Girard of Wom Design, first caught the attention of readers in a story on Houzz. It was the most-saved photo in France since the first lockdown, and has remained one of the most-popular photos since France’s summer. The soft, natural colours get to the heart of this year’s trends, notably in the muted green of the cabinets and in the terrazzo floor.
This Parisian kitchen, designed by Stéphanie Michel-Girard of Wom Design, first caught the attention of readers in a story on Houzz. It was the most-saved photo in France since the first lockdown, and has remained one of the most-popular photos since France’s summer. The soft, natural colours get to the heart of this year’s trends, notably in the muted green of the cabinets and in the terrazzo floor.
Italy
This Roman kitchen from LAKD embodies some of the major trends that Italians look for in kitchens: a mix of clean white fixtures and a warm timber touch, balanced with mix-and-match squared vintage tiles.
This photo was especially loved (and saved!) by Italian homeowners for the kitchen’s connection to the outdoors. Not only does lots of light come in from the window, but there is also a door to the balcony outside. A kitchen full of light with a getaway spot on the terrace is something many are looking for these days: ‘Kitchen with a view’ is one of the most-searched phrases in Italy this year.
This Roman kitchen from LAKD embodies some of the major trends that Italians look for in kitchens: a mix of clean white fixtures and a warm timber touch, balanced with mix-and-match squared vintage tiles.
This photo was especially loved (and saved!) by Italian homeowners for the kitchen’s connection to the outdoors. Not only does lots of light come in from the window, but there is also a door to the balcony outside. A kitchen full of light with a getaway spot on the terrace is something many are looking for these days: ‘Kitchen with a view’ is one of the most-searched phrases in Italy this year.
Spain
The combination of wood and the grey cabinets make for a very elegant kitchen in a flat in the centre of Valencia, designed by OSB Arquitectos. Similarly, the eat-in kitchen opens onto a large terrace to create an expansive space full of natural light.
The island is the main drawcard, and has plenty of storage and a breakfast zone with room for four stools. A large pantry (on the left of the photo) includes cabinets and storage space for appliances. The open wooden shelving embedded in the cupboard provides a warm contrast to the grey tones of the finishes.
The combination of wood and the grey cabinets make for a very elegant kitchen in a flat in the centre of Valencia, designed by OSB Arquitectos. Similarly, the eat-in kitchen opens onto a large terrace to create an expansive space full of natural light.
The island is the main drawcard, and has plenty of storage and a breakfast zone with room for four stools. A large pantry (on the left of the photo) includes cabinets and storage space for appliances. The open wooden shelving embedded in the cupboard provides a warm contrast to the grey tones of the finishes.
Germany
Grey kitchen fronts are also trendy in Germany, while wood in the kitchen is a classic. The team from ASE Wohnkultur brought the stylish colour to this Munich kitchen inside a converted barn. The trim, panels and niche are in solid recycled oak, while the fronts are made of easy-to-maintain, anthracite-coloured Fenix.
The highlight of the 50-square-metre eat-in kitchen is the benchtop design. The experts crafted it from a naturally growing oak trunk on the owners’ property. Along with all kinds of storage space, it made it possible to fulfil the client’s wish to combine modern design, functionality and the charms of an old building.
Grey kitchen fronts are also trendy in Germany, while wood in the kitchen is a classic. The team from ASE Wohnkultur brought the stylish colour to this Munich kitchen inside a converted barn. The trim, panels and niche are in solid recycled oak, while the fronts are made of easy-to-maintain, anthracite-coloured Fenix.
The highlight of the 50-square-metre eat-in kitchen is the benchtop design. The experts crafted it from a naturally growing oak trunk on the owners’ property. Along with all kinds of storage space, it made it possible to fulfil the client’s wish to combine modern design, functionality and the charms of an old building.
Russia
This Moscow kitchen, by Anna Zueva, ranked ninth in the selection of the most-popular Russian kitchens during this year’s lockdown. By the end of 2020, it had risen to first – and this is not surprising.
This kitchen brings together all the trends that are currently in demand among Russian consumers: compelling shades with a touch of grey in combination with natural wood, unusual tiles and clean lines.
Browse more stunning kitchens with touches of turquoise
This Moscow kitchen, by Anna Zueva, ranked ninth in the selection of the most-popular Russian kitchens during this year’s lockdown. By the end of 2020, it had risen to first – and this is not surprising.
This kitchen brings together all the trends that are currently in demand among Russian consumers: compelling shades with a touch of grey in combination with natural wood, unusual tiles and clean lines.
Browse more stunning kitchens with touches of turquoise
India
This kitchen in Hyderabad embodies what Indians are loving in their kitchens right now – pristine surfaces, glossy and reflective finishes and a neutral palette.
“The client wanted a seamless kitchen and a lot of storage space,” says Atreyee Adhikary, founder and head of design of De Panache, a Bangalore-based design firm. The designers have cleverly fused the homeowners’ sophisticated taste with subtle drama, through the contrast between the beige, grey and white. Recessed and under-cabinet lighting heighten the effect.
The splashback is lacquered glass. Doors are re-polishable acrylic polymer, and the benchtop is made of 40-millimetre-thick artificial marble with a bevelled edge.
This kitchen in Hyderabad embodies what Indians are loving in their kitchens right now – pristine surfaces, glossy and reflective finishes and a neutral palette.
“The client wanted a seamless kitchen and a lot of storage space,” says Atreyee Adhikary, founder and head of design of De Panache, a Bangalore-based design firm. The designers have cleverly fused the homeowners’ sophisticated taste with subtle drama, through the contrast between the beige, grey and white. Recessed and under-cabinet lighting heighten the effect.
The splashback is lacquered glass. Doors are re-polishable acrylic polymer, and the benchtop is made of 40-millimetre-thick artificial marble with a bevelled edge.
Japan
“The owner decided to buy a particular piece of walnut furniture for this home. We designed the built-in kitchen storage and the interior of the house to match,” says architect Jun Kato of Jun Kato Architectural Office, who designed this house and kitchen in Niigata, Japan.
The owner loves to cook, and this kitchen offers plenty of storage space for ingredients and cookware. There is a dedicated space for rubbish bins underneath the benchtop to hide them from view of the dining room.
“The owner decided to buy a particular piece of walnut furniture for this home. We designed the built-in kitchen storage and the interior of the house to match,” says architect Jun Kato of Jun Kato Architectural Office, who designed this house and kitchen in Niigata, Japan.
The owner loves to cook, and this kitchen offers plenty of storage space for ingredients and cookware. There is a dedicated space for rubbish bins underneath the benchtop to hide them from view of the dining room.
United States
This kitchen by Melinda Woodruff of M Woodruff Design in Maryland, USA, has many appealing design details. White cabinets and benchtops create a light and airy feel while a grey ceramic splashback adds movement and pattern.
But it’s the hardworking walnut island that really grabs attention. A slim shelf below a 7.6-centimetre quartz benchtop, which resembles white Macaubas quartzite, provides storage space for the homeowners’ laptop and other materials for working from home. Power points at the back of the shelf allow the homeowners to charge devices, while drawers on the end store paper and other supplies.
Your turn
Which of these 12 kitchens is your favourite? Tell us in the Comments below. And if you enjoyed this story, like it, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Curious about how much it may cost to renovate your own kitchen? Read a full price breakdown here in Renovation Education: A Classic White Kitchen With Pretty Extras
This kitchen by Melinda Woodruff of M Woodruff Design in Maryland, USA, has many appealing design details. White cabinets and benchtops create a light and airy feel while a grey ceramic splashback adds movement and pattern.
But it’s the hardworking walnut island that really grabs attention. A slim shelf below a 7.6-centimetre quartz benchtop, which resembles white Macaubas quartzite, provides storage space for the homeowners’ laptop and other materials for working from home. Power points at the back of the shelf allow the homeowners to charge devices, while drawers on the end store paper and other supplies.
Your turn
Which of these 12 kitchens is your favourite? Tell us in the Comments below. And if you enjoyed this story, like it, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
Curious about how much it may cost to renovate your own kitchen? Read a full price breakdown here in Renovation Education: A Classic White Kitchen With Pretty Extras
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