In the 2022 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, some results came as no surprise: white kitchen cabinets and stainless steel appliances are still the go-to choices. But some of the trends uncovered in this study reflect radical shifts in how we use our kitchens—including the decline of open-concept kitchens. Houzz surveyed more than 2,300 U.S. homeowners who had either completed a kitchen remodel over the past 12 months or were planning to start one within the next three months at the end of July 2021. Renovating in the midst of the pandemic, these homeowners had their sights set on spacious kitchen islands for work-from-home and plenty of cabinet organizers to help them contain the clutter. Here’s what the study revealed about some of the top kitchen remodeling trends of 2022.
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.
Although engineered quartz is still the top material for kitchen counters (42 percent), it fell nine points since 2021 (51 percent). Quartzite, which is natural, porous stone (not engineered stone like quartz), has gained 2 percentage points in 2022.
Kitchen Islands Are Getting Longer
In fact, according to the Houzz survey participants, nearly two out of five kitchen islands are more than 7 feet long (whoa!). Homeowners are using all that extra space to not only cook and bake, but also 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
From 2021 to 2022, Shaker-style kitchen cabinets jumped 8 points, with 64 percent of home remodelers now opting for this mainstay of transitional home decor style. The second-most popular style, flat-panel cabinets, trails way behind with 17 percent.
Open-Layout Kitchens Lose Ground
As many home decor experts have been predicting since the start of the pandemic, 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 Becomes More Popular
When it comes to kitchen flooring, hardwood is still the top choice (25 percent), but vinyl is gaining traction, soaring from 14 percent in 2020 to 23 percent in 2022. Vinyl is now even more popular than ceramic or porcelain tile (19 percent). Not only is vinyl water-resistant and affordable, but the softer feel underfoot may make it attractive to remodelers that want a comfortable home.
Specialty Organizing Cabinets Are on the Rise
Specialty cabinet and drawer organizers are becoming increasingly popular in almost every single category as homeowners search for custom solutions to kitchen clutter. Cabinets designed to hold cookie trays (51 percent) and drawers with pull-out waste or recycling bins (63 percent) 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 (26 percent). Now you can control the oven temp and cooking time from your phone, without getting up from the sofa. Or use an app to see inside your fridge the next time you’re at the grocery store and can’t remember if you need to buy milk.
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