2021: The Year of the Gourmet Kitchen

Turns out all that sourdough bread baking during the start of the pandemic inspired homeowners to take their kitchens up a notch.

Gourmet kitchens are one of the top 10 home trends¹ for 2021, according to Zillow. In fact, 41% of people² value a well-equipped kitchen more now than they did pre-pandemic. When it’s safe to gather in large groups again, people will be eager to show off their freshly acquired culinary skills in their brand new or updated kitchen space.

But … what exactly constitutes a gourmet kitchen in 2021? Here are four elements to include in your next luxury build or remodel:

Integrated Appliances

While stainless steel appliances are still highly sought after among buyers, integrated appliances³ that blend seamlessly with cabinetry are growing in popularity, and are especially favored in luxury spaces because of  their sleek, polished aesthetic. JennAir^Ⓡ 30” Built-In Refrigerator and Freezer Columns, for example, come with a panel-ready finish and offer concealed details that blend effortlessly into their surroundings. Consumers are even extending their kitchen backsplash⁴ up to their range hood to create visual continuity.

Additional Storage

Never underestimate the value of storage because your customers certainly aren’t. Kitchen storage is the top home renovation of 2021, according to Realtor.com⁵, and when it comes to storage space, bigger is indeed better. Larger kitchen islands, for instance, mean added storage and more countertop space for prepping dinner or taking Zoom calls. Bigger kitchen cabinets are also an attractive luxury kitchen feature, with 57% of homeowners⁶ opting for Shaker-style cabinets. Neutral colors are still all the rage, with 41% of homeowners⁷ preferring white cabinet doors complemented by other shades of gray, beige and white throughout the kitchen.

A Professional-Style Range

Even as more restaurants expand their indoor seating across the country as coronavirus restrictions ease up, the cooking at home⁸ trend isn’t expected to go away. Virtual cooking classes⁹ led by famous chefs and restaurants are also taking hold, which means consumers want the ability to produce these restaurant-quality meals from their kitchens. In order to do that, they need a professional style range¹⁰ that gives them all the tools they need, whether that’s steaming, grilling, baking or sauteing. The seamlessly designed JennAir^Ⓡ RISE™ 48" Dual-Fuel Professional-Style Range is a perfect fit for a luxury kitchen. Two stacked, symmetrical flames offer complete control over heat levels, whether consumers are high-heat searing or slowly simmering to make their culinary dreams a reality.

Double the Amenities

Convenience is one important aspect of gourmet kitchens that shouldn’t be overlooked, which is why many luxury spaces contain two of certain features. For example, a sink on the kitchen island can make food prep easier, while another sink next to the dishwasher can help streamline cleanup. A double oven, like the KitchenAid^Ⓡ Smart Oven+ 30" Double Oven with Powered Attachments maximizes efficiency when cooking for large groups, and allows for grilling, stone cooking and steaming.