Aging kitchens, older kitchen appliances lacking in technological advances, lack of function and environmental efficiencies and personalization in design style, layout and extension to the rest of the home are hearty reasons that are driving kitchen renovation growth over last years kitchen projects by 22 percent, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) with high-end renovations leading the way.

Kitchen projects are the most popular among renovating homeowners although factors such as pent up demand (delays caused by the pandemic), real estate market factors that have caused or even empowered homeowners to accumulate equity and continue investing in their current homes rather than face skyrocketing prices in the housing market, according to the tenth annual Houzz & Home survey.

Kitchens are a gathering space now and must function efficiently with more family members using the space for everyday tasks and responsibilities. We also want to bring personality to this space that was once considered a mere utility space for food prep.

Homeowners are asking for an open concept that suits their lifestyle, a command center that supports their devices as well as conceals them when not in use. Non-porous materials that are easy to clean as well as zones for messy food prep that is separate from entertaining zones in the kitchen, which explains the growing popularity of second kitchen islands.

Kitchen cabinet layouts are also becoming more of a style feature with either no wall cabinets or wall cabinets up to 12 feet high, according to Jennifer Fordham Blanco, kitchen design director for Cantoni. Homeowners are also wanting a clean looking tile, backsplash and countertops while appliances that once were housed in upper cabinets are now being relocated to lower cabinets, attractive open shelving, or a pantry. High-end appliances are getting more streamlined and contemporary in nature, according to Richard Anuszkiewicz, creative director for Monogram. Along with these high-end appliances, we can expect tech updates to add functionality to an appliance. A well organized and efficient kitchen is the end-goal.

Neutral and all-white cabinets will always be a popular choice, according to Blanco, but (and I also agree) we’re also seeing more color in kitchen cabinets; blues, greens, even pops of bright hues and an interest in metal frames, reeded or textured glass cabinetry if you’re desiring a rustic modern look.

Cooktops are moving away from the wall and onto a center island, according to Skyler Stevenson, senior marketing and product manager at Gaggenau. Ventilation is a key decision however, whether you opt for a traditional hood design or an in-counter design. A rule of thumb: the more powerful your burners, the more important proper ventilation choices become.

Last but not least, the workstation kitchen sink that truly makes it a space-saving feature which comes with interchangeable inserts that function as strainers, cutting boards and additional work surfaces.

All in all, choosing a layout and the essential ingredients for your kitchen renovation is what matters the most, and the satisfaction of the end result will not only complement your lifestyle but bring joy to those who utilize the space.

Source: NKBA, Houzz, ASID