There's no question that 2020 significantly changed the relationship we have with our living spaces. But nowhere is this more evident than in the kitchen. Our kitchens have never worked harder. They have become the most multifunctional room, doubling up as home offices, living rooms, dining rooms, and school. It makes sense that kitchen design trends for 2021 are focused on improving comfort, function, and resale value. If your kitchen feels a little stale, you might want to consider an upgrade. From smart tech to eye-catching color palettes, here are the kitchen trends our agents expect to see in 2021.

• Smart Kitchens
  Smart tech has entered the kitchen in full force. For convenience, many homeowners are having technology integrated into every appliance and feature, from the faucets to the lighting to the refrigerator. You can jump on the bandwagon with one-touch or motion sense-equipped faucets, a fridge that alerts you when items are running low, or a gadget that tells you which eggs are going bad. And don't forget smart lighting that allows you to control the lights from your phone.
  
  
• High-End Appliances
  Instead of choosing cheaper alternatives, more people are investing in high-end kitchen appliances. With newfound love for cooking and baking, many are replacing their basic appliances with high-end or restaurant-style versions. If you're willing to spend more on quality appliances, your best bet is to start with items that you use frequently, like the stove or the fridge.
  
  
• Statement Backsplashes
  Designers and homeowners aren't playing it safe anymore, especially when it comes to kitchen surfaces. People are choosing backsplashes that resonate with them. They're moving on to large slabs and tiles with different patterns and textures. Backsplashes are also rising to the ceiling. The design choices are endless; it just takes the right color and patterns to have a unique statement feature and set off your space.

• Two-Toned Kitchen Designs
  Forget matchy-matchy; the trend of combining two colors in the kitchen is set to soar in 2021. Homeowners are swapping safe palettes of white and black for vibrant colors and patterns. Typically, a two-toned kitchen design involves playing with a darker color and a lighter shade for the cabinets to add an interesting twist to your aesthetic.

• Broken-Plan Living
  Open-concept kitchens have revolutionized the way we entertain. But after months of working from home, in many cases with a partner, kids, and pets sharing the same space, the open-plan is being replaced by zoning in a phenomenon called "broken-plan." This involves the use of screens, cabinetry houseplants, and freestanding furniture to create distinct zones while retaining the spacious feel of an open kitchen. 
  
  
• Effective Storage Solutions
  As we stocked up on extra groceries, household supplies, and small kitchen appliances, ample kitchen storage became an absolute necessity. This will continue in 2021 and involves the use of appliance garages for small appliances, pull-outs, drawer dividers, roll-out trays, tray dividers, and wastebasket cabinets. Larger pantries, second freezers, and using storage space in other rooms are all trending.
  
  
• Double Islands
  With an increased focus on function and order, the kitchen island has become an integral feature in our kitchens. The implementation of double kitchen islands has become the ultimate in luxury for kitchens with enough space. One of the island units can be designated for cooking and cleaning and the other one for working and doing homework.

An upgraded kitchen can add a lot of value to your home and please potential buyers looking at Bakersfield homes for sale. If you're planning to sell your home, contact us and one of our agents will help you decide what updates you need to focus your efforts on.