The 2022 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study revealed radical shifts in how American homeowners use their kitchens, with the most interesting trend moving away from open-concept kitchens.
Those surveyed were renovating in the midst of the pandemic. Homeowners had their sights set on spacious kitchen islands for work-from-home plus plenty of cabinet organizers to help them contain clutter.
The following are the trends that emerged from this study.
Splurge-Worthy Countertops
Not only was an upgraded kitchen countertop the most popular feature in kitchen remodels—91 percent of homeowners updated the counters—but 35 percent reported that they "splurged" on their countertop choice, or spent more than they originally planned.
While engineered quartz is still the top material for kitchen counters, quartzite - a natural, porous stone (not engineered) - gained popularity.
Kitchen Islands Are Gaining Length and Versatility
Nearly two out of five kitchen islands are more than 7 feet long!
Homeowners are using all that extra space to not only cook and bake, but also to work from home—20 percent report they now work from their kitchen island.
The space below the counter is being used for extra storage, with 78 percent adding cabinets with closed doors.
Shaker-Style Cabinets
In one year from 2021 to 2022, Shaker-style kitchen cabinets became more crave-worthy, with 64 percent of home remodelers now opting for this mainstay of transitional home decor style. Flat-panel cabinets, those second-most desired, now trail way behind in popularity.
Open-Layout Kitchens Lose Ground
Many home décor experts, since the start of the pandemic, have claimed that open concept floor plans are falling out of favor. Over the past two years, work-from-home and remote schooling have made many families wish they had one more wall or door, and just a little more privacy.
The study results reflect that shift, with only 38 percent of homeowners opening up their kitchen to other rooms in 2022, compared to 46 percent in 2020.
Vinyl Flooring Offers Warmth
When it comes to kitchen flooring, hardwood is still the top choice and vinyl is gaining traction, now even more popular than ceramic or porcelain tile. Not only is vinyl water-resistant and affordable, the softer feel underfoot may make it attractive to remodelers that want a comfortable home with a warmer feeling to it.
Specialty Organizing Cabinets Are on the Rise
Specialty cabinet and drawer organizers are becoming increasingly popular in almost every single category. Homeowners are very open to custom solutions to kitchen clutter. Cabinets designed to hold cookie trays and drawers with pull-out waste or recycling bins landed the top spots.
Appliances Go High-Tech
More than one-third of homeowners reported that they added a new kitchen appliance with high-tech features. Number one on the list: appliances with wireless and smartphone controls. Now it’s possible to control the oven temp and cooking time from smartphones – many appreciate not having to get up from the sofa.
Apps are also available that allow shoppers to see inside their home fridge so that when at the grocery store, the essentials needed for purchase are clearly evident.
Photo by Ralph (Ravi) Kayden on Unsplash
