Today, Houzz released its 2017 U.S. Kitchen Trends Survey, which polled 2,700 Houzz-active homeowners that are in the middle of, are planning, or have recently completed a kitchen renovation project.
The survey revealed that a third (33%) of Houzz users who updated their kitchens report a healthier lifestyle post-renovation, and 41% report they are cooking more meals at home. Three-quarters (76%) of kitchen renovators are cooking five or more meals in their new kitchens per week. Plus, they're eating less takeout (34%), and filling their diets with more nutritious ingredients such as fruits and vegetables (26%).
Age and generational differences came into play when choosing what that new kitchen looks like: The report found that while updated kitchens encouraged a positive lifestyle impact across all age groups, millennial homeowners are more likely to choose a modern or farmhouse-style aesthetic, while boomers are more likely than ever to opt for traditional finishes. Overall, contemporary just slightly surpassed transitional as the most frequently picked kitchen style, with 22% and 19%, respectively (versus 19% and 21% in 2015-16).
Millennials and baby boomers also differed in their built-in feature and color preferences. Pantry cabinets (41%) and islands (40%) remained popular mainstays, though millennial homeowners are more likely to install them. 52% of millennials versus 40% boomers wanted pantry cabinets, and 49% of millennials versus 36% of boomers added islands.
Color-wise, white cabinets and countertops continue to dominate and gain even more popularity, especially among younger homeowners. Gray is the top wall color for all ages, and is up 4% from last year. And, although the majority of homeowners (72%) chose stainless steel appliances this year, 7% opted for trendier, black stainless steel.
For millennials, Gen Xers, and boomers, look and durability were the top factors in choosing materials such as countertops and flooring, though younger homeowners are twice as likely to be driven by countertop cost considerations than older homewoners (42% of millennials versus 24% of Gen Xers, and 19% of baby boomers). Marble counters and wood flooring were two of the top reported materials.
The survey also determined that spending on kitchen renovations continued to increase in 2016, with nearly one in 10 homeowners (9%) spending more than $100K on a completed kitchen renovation. Another 20% spent between $50K and $100K. Custom cabinetry and great rooms remained two of the strongest trends.
Similar to 2015's results, the majority of homeowners (88%) hired professionals to complete their kitchen renovations. Of those professionals, 54% were general contractors and 10% were kitchen remodelers. Design specialists were also in high demand: 14% of homeowners worked with interior designers, and 14% of homeowners hired an architect.
“Houzz research from the past three years shows that only one in six Millennial homeowners and one in twelve older renovators start a kitchen renovation to improve the resale value of their home in preparation for a sale,” said Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz in a release. “With the growing trend of homeowners choosing to stay in their home for the long-term, the return on investment from a kitchen remodel is less tangible, measured in healthier habits and more face-time with family and friends instead of dollars.”
To download the full results of the 2017 U.S. Kitchen Trends survey, follow the link to Houzz.com
