Houzz study finds bigger kitchens aren’t better

For kitchen remodels, bigger is not necessarily better, but open spaces are in high demand, according to the Fall Houzz Kitchen Remodeling Survey of more than 7,500 Houzz users who are in the midst of, or are planning, a kitchen remodel. Houzz (www.houzz.com), the world’s leading platform for home remodeling and design, found that only a third of those renovating a kitchen are increasing the square footage of their space, while three quarters are opening up their kitchens, typically as part of a great room. Consistent with the open concept approach, three in five respondents are incorporating an island into their new or updated kitchen.

Kitchen style differs by age group, with younger homeowners more likely to describe their future kitchen as contemporary or modern while those over 55 years old favor a traditional look. Additional findings include:

• Countertops are key to transformation: The vast majority (94 percent) of respondents plan to change their countertops. Granite and quartz are the top picks (86 percent), and many people mix and match materials for their island.
• Stainless appliances are still popular: While nearly two thirds of respondents are choosing stainless, many respondents reported combining stainless appliances with appliances integrated into cabinetry for a more subtle look.
• Conservative color schemes dominate: “Soft and neutral” is the most popular color scheme choice (75 percent). A much smaller group are going “bright and colorful” (14 percent) or “bold and dramatic” (11 percent). Kitchen palette and style preferences are clearly linked as color conservatives are more likely to choose traditional style kitchens, while those who choose more daring colors are more likely to create a contemporary or modern kitchen.
• Eco-friendly matters: Nearly half of respondents cite using eco-friendly appliances and materials as important. Those who declared choosing eco-friendly materials and appliances to be “extremely important” are more likely to choose tile flooring, while all other groups favored hardwood.

“People renovating their kitchens have to make thousands of decisions about layout, styles, products, the right kitchen designers and remodelers to hire for their project, and much more,” said Liza Hausman, VP of Community for Houzz. “Houzz provides all the tools homeowners need to make these decisions easier and more fun, and to turn their dreams into reality. We’re pleased to share this data to give people greater confidence in their choices, and to give home professionals greater insights into their clients’ wants and needs.”

Overwhelmingly, survey respondents are renovating to make their kitchens more beautiful and to please themselves (80 percent). Other reasons include making the kitchen more functional (59 percent), upgrading features or appliances (52 percent) and improving organization and storage (48 percent). When asked why they are renovating, people mentioned everything from major life changes to aesthetic issues to natural disasters.