Pre-pandemic life might slowly be returning, but with most of 2020 cooped up inside, homeowners realized the importance of living amid an uplifting setting that accommodates all their desires and versatile needs. In 2021 alone, some $68.6 billion is expected to be spent on residential remodeling. As the heart of the home, the kitchen has taken on an even more pivotal role during the pandemic. Here, Seattle area-based Andreina Tinoco, head of design at Form Kitchens, weighs in on the room’s evolution.

Blurring Boundaries

Work-from-home stations are fast becoming a staple in kitchens. Space permitting, this may mean a dedicated desk space within (or adjacent to) the kitchen, with comfortable seating for one or two people. Many clients are also rethinking the function of an island or peninsula in their kitchen, with additional work-from-home space in mind. As such, a lower counter height is more appropriate (rather than bar height), as are counter stools with a back (rather than backless bar stools).With this new work-from-home setup comes a need to power up all our devices. Sockets in the sides or along the back of an island are a must if you are to avoid trip hazards around the kitchen.

 A New Focus on Health and Wellbeing

Understated, cozy, and comfortable spaces can help us feel better about ourselves and the world around us. Although gray remains one of the favorite colors in kitchen design, there has been a clear shift to softer and warmer grays. Warmer still, taupe and off white are also popular. Most of the kitchens we design have an element of a wood effect, from lighter oak to darker and deeper walnut.

More Storage Space

Spacious pantries and wide drawers, as well as wall-to-wall and floor-to-ceiling storage solutions, have never been more popular.

There is clearly a drive to more curated and less messy homes, inspired by ideals of minimalist living. Stuff everywhere can be tiring to look at and dangerous to navigate around. For those who don’t already have two ovens, two sinks, two dishwashers or an extra freezer, now may be the time to consider an upgrade.

A version of this article was originally published by KBB.