8 Ways to Adapt Your Kitchen Designs for 2021

With the kitchen being the hardest working room of the home, it may come as no surprise homeowners are looking for more ways to maximize their space and enhance their kitchen’s abilities. Realtor.com spoke to top designers across the country to identify some of the hottest 2021 kitchen trends. For starters, kitchen islands are getting a makeover. This multifunctional feature will only increase in size as more homeowners opt to work, study, and spend leisure time here—in addition to cooking, of course. And to meet the demand for more privacy and separation of work spaces, expect more niches to appear.

3. A revival of wood finishes

It may be 2021, but there's a revival of natural wood happening that pays homage to vintage kitchens of the 1970s.

"For years, homeowners have been ripping out old wood paneling, but with a rise in affordable synthetic or engineered wood alternatives, the possibilities of adding wood are now endless," says Georgina Borneman-Street, CEO and principal designer at Cobalt Blue 1802 in Los Angeles. "It's a nice mix of retro meets modern." 

Look for upgraded wood veneer paneling with subtle or light grain finish to add that natural element in the kitchen. 

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