In a quest to create the “super kitchen”, which is taking on an increasingly multipurpose role, homeowners are incorporating features and functions traditionally associated with other rooms of the home.
The 2016 UK Houzz Kitchen Trends Survey has found that 69% used the kitchen space for eating and dining. Nearly half (48%) did their entertaining there and 44% used it for socialising.
There was growing popularity in the “super kitchen” as nearly two-thirds of homeowners spent more than three hours a day in their kitchen (60%). Of these, 32% said they used their kitchen space for working in.
Open living spaces were still ever popular, with 54% of homeowners renovating their kitchens to open out into other living areas. Nearly half (49%) of updated kitchens were also more open to the outdoors following upgrades.
“The modern ‘super kitchen’ supports family, friends and work and does it in style,” said Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz. “Our findings show that homeowners expect kitchen renovations to go far beyond improving flow, storage or aesthetics. The ‘super kitchen’ has literally become a living room, family room and dining room, with finishes, layouts and décor that challenge us to define where the kitchen ends and the rest of the home begins.”
Practicality was also high on their renovation list, with 58% saying they wanted a kitchen where it was easy to store and find things in. This includes adding islands (42%), pantry cabinets (40%) and walk-in pantries (12%).
Longevity was also a key factor in renovations, with homeowners choosing products that last and designs that stand the test of time. Classic finishes like white cabinets (33%) in flat-panel (50%) or shaker (37%) styles remained popular. Households were also investing in stainless steel appliances (54%) and engineered quartz or granite worktops (23%).
- Houzz will be presenting these results in detail on March 6 at the kbbreview Retail & Design Conference during the KBB Birmingham exhibition. For details see www.kbbreview.com/conference