Kitchen renovations: What are this year’s trends?

Countertops, appliances and cabinets are what homeowners are most likely to spend more on when renovating their kitchens.

According to the 2018 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, which surveyed nearly 2,000 homeowners about their planned or recently-completed kitchen renovation projects, 42 percent of consumers said countertops are the top splurge. Not surprisingly, countertops are the top fix for 94 percent of renovators, followed by sinks (89 percent), and backsplash (88 percent). Interestingly, on the other end, renovating homeowners are most likely to save on flooring (11 percent), backsplashes (10 percent) and lighting fixtures (10 percent).

Forty-one percent said that the No. 1 reason they decided to renovate their kitchen was because they could “no longer stand the old kitchen,” while 36 percent said it was something they had always planned to do, but they finally have the finances and 28 percent wanted to personalize their new home. Forty percent are opting to increase their kitchen size, and 50 percent are changing the layouts. The L-shape has taken the top spot in popularity, unseating the U-shape.

Open spaces are also popular, with 49 percent opening their kitchen to other interior spaces, usually with no wall separations, and 18 percent opening their kitchen to outdoor spaces, generally via double doors. Most homeowners are looking for easier storage and organization in their kitchen, as well as an easy place to play, work and live. Entertaining in the kitchen is also a priority for many. TV is a necessary feature in 64 percent of updated kitchens, followed by a docking/charging station (52 percent) and a wireless bluetooth speaker (35 percent).

Why DIY and Pinterest may be all the rage, 85 percent of homeowners seek out professionals when renovating their homes, 52 percent used a general contractor and 26 used a kitchen designer.

The majority of renovating homeowners live in the suburbs (59 percent), and are 55 years old or older.

Across the country, Philadelphia had the second-highest remodeling costs, coming in behind San Francisco. In Philadelphia, the average spend for a minor remodel is $28,200, while the average spend for a major remodel was $55,600.