Houzz Trends Reports

Each year, Houzz publishes a homeowner renovation report based on data for the previous year. In 2017, kitchen renovations were a top priority among homeowners, so we decided to take a look at the research of these Houzz Trends.

When it came to Kitchen Renovations, 95% off the top upgraded features are countertops. 90% backsplash, and 89% sinks. The top built in features included 41% pantry, 40% island, and 23% breakfast bar.

When it comes to features and style, top styles included contemporary, which increased 22%, transitional (still in second but decreased 5%), and traditional, at 13%.

Why a renovation?

There are plenty of reason that homeowners are renovating. According to the report, 43% of homeowners “could no longer stand the old kitchen” and needed a change. 40% “Wanted to do it all along” and finally had the means, and 28% recently purchased a home.

Homeowners also renovated  to promote lifestyle changes. After “Kitchen Updates”, “More family time” included 49% of the lifestyle changes, 41% included “more home cooking”, 40% said  a new kitchen allowed for “more entertaining”.

Millennials

According to the report, “when choosing kitchen materials, millennial homeowners are twice as likely to be driven by cost considerations than homeowners over age 35. Older generations are more likely to consider physical qualities such as stain or heat resistance and comfort.” Cost was the third most important aspect in a series of motivations for choosing a countertop, including “look and feel” coming in first, “durability” in second, “cost” in third, “stain-resistant” in fourth, and “heat resistant” in fifth.

When it comes to Countertops, other trends include white and gray.

“White countertops and backslashes and gray flooring and walls are nearly twice as likely to appear in renovated kitchens of millennial homeowners (25-34) than in those of Baby Boomers (55+). After white cabinetry, younger homeowners favor gray and dark wood, while older homeowners opt for medium wood. Black stainless steel appliances have a surprisingly high penetration across generations.

Young homeowners are more likely than homeowners over 55 to opt for alternative countertop materials, such as wood and soapstone.

Hiring a Pro

The majority of homeowners are hiring professionals for their kitchen renovations, including general contractors (54%) and kitchen remodelers (10%). Design specialists are also in high demand. The overall pro hiring by project year has increased to 88% this year.

Houzz Trends: Overall

Overall, a big renovation suggests big lifestyle changes. A third of homeowners reported that they have a healthier lifestyle after their renovation, from eating more fruits and veggies to preparing more meals at home.

In terms of style, contemporary is the most popular style across all age groups. Millennial homeowners prefer modern or farmhouse kitchens, while baby boomers prefer a traditional style. Millennials also prefer kitchen islands.

Larger kitchens are key. More than one third of renovators have increased the room’s size. 51% of new kitchens are open to other rooms in an open concept plan and 20% are more open to the outdoors.

For this report and more Houzz research, including a US Kitchen Trend Survey, visit https://www.houzz.com/press#houzzResearch 2017.

Soapstone is a durable, heat-resistant, and stain resistant countertop material.
Learn more about soapstone at www.gardenstatesoapstone.com.
Serving NJ – NYC – NY – PA – CT – DE – and MD