Houzz survey reveals what your kitchen will look like in 2018

Planning to renovate? According to a recent study of nearly 3500 renovators, there is a good chance it will start in the kitchen, with many making decluttering their main priority.

The 2018 survey by Houzz Australia Kitchen Trends revealed that the average spend on a kitchen refurbishment was $19,300, making it a serious investment. Especially for those aged over 55, who will splash out significantly more than those under 35 ($20,800 versus $15,300).

With 59 per cent cooking at home every day, it is not surprising that more than half will upsize their kitchens, with six in 10 switching layout, with U-shaped and L-shaped layouts the most in demand (27 per cent each).

“Irrespective of generations, we’re seeing a continued emphasis on the kitchen as a common gathering area, with homeowners looking for ways to make the space more sleek and efficient,” says Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz. “People are not only making kitchens larger and more open, but also choosing alternative layouts, elaborate cabinetry storage and versatile surface materials.”

White continues to lead as the most likely colour for walls (59 per cent), cabinetry (59 per cent), benchtops (32 per cent) and backsplashes (37 per cent). Project: ​WA Country Builders

This year, 95 per cent will invest in a new benchtop, with 34 per cent opting for affordably luxe engineered quartz over laminate or granite.

Island installations are most popular​ for homeowners between the ages of 35 and 54 (50 per cent) versus those under 35 and over 55 (45 and 39 per cent respectively).

That’s not to say built-ins of all varieties are not in demand. Integrated pantries and breakfast bars are still desirable, with built-in islands the top choice for half those surveyed between the ages of 35 and 54.

With 33 per cent reporting they are tired of their existing kitchens, 90 per cent will overhaul their cabinetry, with the most common motivators a desire to make better use of space, improve efficiency, and reduce clutter.

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Cutlery organisers, pull-out bins, deep drawers, and pots and pans storage will be attacked first, with nine in 10 hiring a home professional to install, 59 per cent opting for custom-made, 20 per cent choosing semi-custom cabinets, and just 16 per cent opting for DIY styles.

Among renovating homeowners updating flooring during kitchen projects, stained or unstained hardwood top the list; and engineered quartz is the most popular surface material. Project​: Bask Interiors. Photo: Suzi Appel Photography.

As with last year, 82 per cent will also plan an aesthetic overhaul. Most renovators aged between 35 and 54 will opt for clean contemporary styling, followed by modern (26 per cent), with just 7 per cent choosing more traditional design.

Given contemporary and modern’s new it-status, it’s no surprise the most popular palette is a neutral one, with white the most coveted choice for walls, benches, and splash backs, followed by grey and versatile beige. 

Recessed and pendant are the go-to lighting styles, while on the floor, ceramic and porcelain tiles again take a back seat to wood, with 32 per cent opting for stained or unstained, and 14 per cent choosing engineered.

Nearly three in five homeowners open their kitchen up to nearby rooms. Project: Bower Architecture & Nina Provan, Project Group and Michael Pithie. Photo: Shannon McGrath

Houzz reports among the 85 per cent upgrading appliances this year, with cooktops in high demand and most switching to stainless steel.

Along with the rest of the house, kitchens are set to become smarter, with homeowners upgrading everyday white goods and appliances with high-tech models that include everything from touchscreen displays and wireless controls to built-in apps. Renovators aged over 55 are more likely to choose a colour touchscreen appliance (12 per cent) than younger renovators.

Houzz did an online quantitative survey of registered Houzz users in Australia regarding kitchen renovation projects, fielded between September 18 and September 29, 2017.

The second most popular option, appearing on 16 per cent of walls, 9 per cent of cabinetry, 22 per cent of benchtops and 15 per cent of backsplashes. Project: MG Design Building Pty Ltd

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