The kitchen has long been the heart of the home, but in 2026, homebuyers will expect it to be smarter, more functional and more sustainable than ever. Real estate experts agree that the kitchens of 2026 should combine technology, luxury and livability.
Here are nine amenities that homebuyers will be looking for this year.
1. Kitchen Islands Serving as Multifunctional Hubs
Kitchen islands have evolved far beyond their role as mere prep space. Omer Reiner, licensed Realtor and president of FL Cash Home Buyers, LLC, said today’s buyers are drawn to more versatile islands that also serve as gathering spots.
Larger islands “allow for casual eating and zones to allow multiple people to help with baking and cooking,” Reiner said. They’ve also become a natural spot for “conversation and connection” and even double as remote-work or homework stations while family members cook or clean up.
Finding a kitchen that can accommodate a bigger, more functional island has become a top priority for buyers seeking flexibility and flow.
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2. Smart Appliances and Connected Functionality
Technology is also reshaping kitchens and consumer demands. “Homebuyers are increasingly looking towards kitchens that feature smart kitchen appliances that provide benefits of convenience and efficiency,” said Fred Loguidice, founder of Sell My House Fast St Louis.
Gerard Liguori, co-founder and broker at Premier Estate Properties, agreed, adding that Wi-Fi-enabled refrigerators, induction cooktops, voice-activated faucets and integrated lighting systems are gaining attention. “Buyers appreciate convenience without clutter — smart features that simplify life but blend discreetly into luxury design.” This kind of kitchen connectivity, he noted, boosts both livability and resale value.
3. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Environmental awareness is shaping more kitchen choices too. “Increasing numbers of homebuyers today are becoming eco-friendly,” Loguidice said, pointing to sustainable materials like bamboo and recyclable plastics.
Liguori agreed, adding that “energy-efficient appliances, sustainable materials and improved ventilation are now seen as indicators of quality and long-term value.” In luxury markets, sustainability adds “both prestige and buyer confidence,” he noted.
4. Open Layouts and Seamless Flow
The open-concept kitchen appears here to stay in 2026. Loguidice said buyers continue to look for “a kitchen that blends well with the living and dining space to offer a spacious living experience.”
Liguori called the open, social layout “exceptionally important.” Buyers want kitchens that “flow into dining and outdoor areas, anchored by large, multifunctional islands.” He described today’s kitchen as “the true heart of the home, designed equally for cooking, entertaining and connection.”
5. Luxurious Materials and Personalized Finishes
While tariffs and inflation might put luxury materials out of reach for many, those with the funds to purchase them will be leaning into high-end countertops of either quartz or marble, stainless steel and custom cabinets, Loguidice said.
He added that buyers are also seeking “something a little more unique, a little more personalized” than the ubiquitous granite countertops of past years.
Natural stone, mixed metals and custom cabinetry signal quality and individuality that will likely appeal to buyers in 2026.
6. Cost-Effective Kitchens
Even modest upgrades can have a big impact on value. Loguidice advised homeowners to focus on “functionality, sustainability, as well as aesthetics.” Inexpensive improvements like touchless faucets, upgraded lighting and eco-friendly materials “help make a positive impact on the overall kitchen look.”
He noted that sellers should expect buyers in 2026 to favor “open kitchen areas, high-end kitchen fixtures, as well as greater kitchen efficiency.” Those updates, he said, can help homes “sell faster or at a higher price.”
7. No More Minimalism
After years of sleek, minimalist kitchens, warmth and personality are making a comeback for 2026, Liguori said. “Buyers favor color, texture and mixed materials, like white oak, quartzite and brushed metals over sterile uniformity.”
He added that “warm wood tones, natural stone surfaces and two-tone cabinetry dominate. Forest greens, navy and soft neutrals are trending, while full-slab backsplashes and mixed-metal accents elevate texture.” Matte finishes and organic materials will be more coveted.
8. Functionality
While style and sustainability matter, buyers ultimately prioritize practical design. “Today’s buyers want all three, but functionality leads the way,” Liguori said. “Smart layouts, storage and multiuse zones are essential, while style and sustainability follow closely behind.” The best kitchens, he emphasized, “combine these elements seamlessly in a timeless, efficient design.”
9. Turnkey Kitchens
Finally, move-in-ready kitchens remain top performers in any market. “Turnkey kitchens with updated layouts, premium materials and timeless color palettes consistently drive faster sales,” Liguori said. Features like “oversized islands, walk-in pantries and professional-grade appliances are top value drivers.”
For sellers on a budget, Liguori recommended “high-impact, low-cost improvements: repaint cabinets in modern tones, upgrade lighting, refresh hardware and stage organized storage zones.” Adding “a few smart or eco-friendly touches” and keeping “the palette warm, inviting and timeless” can maximize returns.
By 2026, homebuyers will expect kitchens that blend smart technology, sustainability and human connection, designed for real life as much as resale value.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Real Estate Experts: 9 Kitchen Amenities Homebuyers Will Want in 2026
