Latest Kitchen Trends Revealed in the Houzz Kitchen Trends Study

Last Updated on June 11, 2018

The results are in for the latest trends in kitchen design as today’s homeowners shed some light on what’s hot, and what’s not – according to the 2017 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study.(A full PDF of the study can be found here.)

If you’re considering a kitchen renovation, we’ve narrowed down some interesting findings to help you decide which latest design trends are right for you, your family, and your lifestyle. Let’s start with one that may surprise you.

New Kitchen = Healthier Lifestyle

Can a new kitchen really help you live a healthier lifestyle? Surprisingly, the answer is yes! One-third of homeowners from the study said renovating their kitchens has set them on a path to a healthier lifestyle. Here’s how:

• Cooking more at home (76% cook 5 or more meals per week) instead of ordering takeout.
• Eating more fruits and vegetables.
• More time is spent with family in a kitchen they actually like being in.
• Eating more sit-down meals.
• Doing more entertaining, which is positive for mental health to complement physical health.

Are you tired of your old, outdated kitchen? You’re not alone. In fact, not being able to stand your old kitchen any longer remains the top trigger for a kitchen renovation.

Top Kitchen Design Styles

Move over “transitional,” because “contemporary” kitchen design has taken over as today’s top style-of-choice among homeowners of all age groups who are updating their kitchens. But that doesn’t mean other styles are falling too far behind. So, what’s age got to do with it? More than you may think. Here are some interesting findings:

• The “traditional” style is nearly twice as popular with baby-boomers (55+).
• Millennials (25-34) prefer modern or farmhouse styles, compared to older homeowners (35+).
• Millennials are more likely to install kitchen islands.

Top Countertop Materials

The “look and feel” (72%) and “durability” (53%) of surfaces ranked as two top reasons as to why homeowners chose certain countertop materials. For third place, “cost” was selected by millennials, while older homeowners chose “ease of cleaning.” Here’s how it all breaks down:

• Marble ranks highest for looks.
• Granite and quartz rank highest for durability.
• Granite is the top choice for countertop upgrades.
• Quartz ranks a close second to granite for countertop upgrades.

Granite and Trend Transformations offer a beautiful selection of both granite and quartz countertops in designs and styles that will add elegance to any home.

Top Colors

White and grey continue to top the color charts for homeowners who are updating their kitchens. In fact, two-in-five (42%) homeowners choose white cabinets and about 20% select white backsplashes. As for kitchen walls, grey is gaining in popularity at 26%. Here’s how it all breaks down:

• Millennials are twice as likely to renovate their kitchens with white countertops and backsplashes paired with grey flooring and walls. Second to white, younger homeowners prefer grey and dark wood cabinets.
• Most baby boomers are choosing white cabinets, with medium tone wood as their second choice. Medium tone wood is usually maple, pine or birch – lighter brown tones.
• Multicolored countertops and backsplashes are gaining popularity with nearly one-third of homeowners who are choosing to switch things up.

Upgraded Features

Everyone loves an upgrade – and the numbers are in to prove it. When it comes to kitchen renovations, the study reveals “bigger is better,” as one-third of homeowners are increasing the size of their kitchens while over half of them are embracing the “open concept” look by extending their kitchen space to other rooms – even to outdoors. In addition to size, upgrading kitchen elements is a major factor in a renovation. Here are some major features at the top of the list:

• Countertops: Topping the list at 95%, countertops are the number one major kitchen feature upgrade.
• Backsplashes: Coming in second place at 90%, backsplashes are “making a splash,” with homeowners opting for a new and exciting backsplash design.
• Sinks: Replacing sinks came in third place at 89%, as savvy homeowners wish to upgrade their sinks to add a touch of character to their kitchens.
• Cabinets: Replacing cabinets stands at 81%, as homeowners see this upgrade as a fresh “face lift” for their kitchens.

Upgrading Storage

Do you ever feel there’s never enough storage, no matter how much space you have? Apparently, you’re not alone. Today’s homeowners are choosing built-in organizers to optimize and upgrade their newly renovated space for keeping what they need, where they need it.

This is what homeowners are saying about installing built-in storage:

• Makes better use of space (76%).
• Makes it easier to find items (56%).
• Reduces clutter (49%).
• Utilizes unreachable spaces (44%).
• Makes cooking/baking easier (14%).
• Reduces bending (13%).

Here are some of the top built-in upgrades:

• Pullout waste or recycling cabinets (64%).
• Cookie sheet/tray organizer (53%).
• Revolving corner trays (Lazy Susans) 48%).
• Pull/swing-out trays/shelves (45%).
• Deep drawer organizers (43%).
• Spice organizer (41%).

If you are tired of your old kitchen, consider Granite and Trend Transformations for your renovation project. We will install new countertops, cabinet doors/drawers and backsplashes in a fraction of the time that a traditional remodel would take. This is accomplished through a revolutionary remodeling process where the new product is installed directly over existing surfaces. Simply call the location nearest you to find out the details on specific services offered in your area. We’ll provide you with a free in-home consultation and complementary all-inclusive quote. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today.

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