The majority of homeowners recently surveyed 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 their 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.
Homeowners want to show off their countertops. It’s 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, overtaking granite, 43 percent versus 34 percent, respectively.
To add more storage and counter space, nearly two in five homeowners surveyed said they are 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.