Builders and housing market experts know that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. 

With more people working and learning from home, many are taking the time to upgrade or restyle their kitchens. But how can you be sure that your investment will maintain its value over time? 

Your best bet is to invest in timeless designs and high-end materials instead of trends that may fade in a few years. Things like stainless steel appliances and fixtures never go out of style. The same goes for granite and quartz surfaces, they stand up to the test of time. In fact, quartz has been surging in popularity for years and is taking over granite.

Photo by Eleanor Linda Design & Photography.

Here are 4 kitchen trends that are going away and will be considered passé in 2021. 

1. A desk space in the kitchen was all the rage for about a decade because much of family life does revolve around the kitchen. Now with so much working and learning from home there is a real temptation to work at the kitchen counter. The problem is that a kitchen desk just ends up stacked with papers and clutter that you do not want to see in your dream kitchen. Avoid this dated trend and instead invest in creating a household home office/learning center. 

2. Tile countertops recently made a brief resurgence in more minimalist designs. They are less expensive than granite and other solid natural countertop surfaces. But regardless of tile size and design, it is a maintenance headache because they can chip and break easily. It is also difficult to keep them clean where the grout lines get full of crumbs. 

3. Minimal backsplashes are out. Splatters do not have aim.  Therefore, the top where the backsplash ends inevitably ends up stained.  Go for installing ceramic subway tile, or a colored glass backsplash that goes all the way from the counter to the cabinets. Or for a really high-end finish, add a solid countertop material for the backsplash. These designs are much easier to keep clean and are aesthetically more pleasing.

4. Bright appliances have been a popular style trend and were being used as a way to break up the old standard stainless steel that’s been a staple for years. But turquoise stoves and mint refrigerators are destined to be dated very quickly. Invest in stainless steel which is timeless.

How does your kitchen stack up? 
HERE IS THE LIST OF TIMELESS VS TRENDY

Timeless

• Stainless steel appliances
• Inside counter storage
• Traditional doors
• Granite and quartz countertops

Trendy

• Bright colored appliances
• Pot racks
• Barn Doors
• Marble, tile, wood