Thinking of Remodeling the Kitchen?

Kitchen survey: ‘Storage’ top homeowner priority

NEW YORK – Jan. 16, 2018 – The majority of homeowners in a recent survey prioritized storage over all other functions of their kitchens, according to the 2018 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study of more than 1,700 homeowners.

Storage, at 63 percent, trumped other priority uses for homeowners in the kitchen like easy to work, play and live (38 percent), to entertain (32 percent), or to clean (32 percent).

Homeowners are remodeling kitchens to add more storage and organization, such as with recycling baskets, cookie sheet and tray organizers, revolving corner trays, deep drawer organizers, and pull-out or swing-out trays and shelves.

Countertops are the most common major feature upgraded during a kitchen renovation and most commonly splurged-on item, the Houzz survey finds. Further, engineered quartz has become the most popular countertop material choice (43 percent) overtaking granite (34 percent).

To add more storage and counter space, nearly two in five homeowners surveyed said they're adding kitchen islands.

"Our annual kitchen trends surveys reveal that consumer preferences for products, design and technology vary not only across urban, suburban and rural areas, but also evolve over time," says Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz. "Countertops in particular are having a real moment today as homeowners focus on decluttering surfaces for a sleek and tidy kitchen post-renovation."

The average amount spent on a major kitchen remodel – which includes replacing at least all of the cabinetry and appliances – for a 200-square-foot or greater kitchen is $42,000, according to Houzz. A major remodel of a smaller kitchen averages $25,800.

The Houzz survey also showed the following most popular trends in the kitchen:

Color: White kitchens with white backsplashes, countertops, and wall finishes continue to dominate.
Flooring: Natural hardwood is the most popular, but it's declining as wood-like flooring like engineered wood or laminate rise.
Cabinets: Shaker cabinets are the most popular door styles among those updating cabinets, followed by flat-panel and raised panel.
Source: Houzz

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