Houzz Australia Study Finds Kitchen Renovations Greatest Nemesis – Clutter

Sydney, Wednesday 7 February ​– Home renovators are cutting the kitchen clutter, according to the 2018 ​Houzz​ Australia Kitchen Trends Study ​of nearly 3,500 Australian homeowners using Houzz who are in the midst of, are planning, or recently completed a kitchen project. The study found that reducing clutter was one of the top drivers among those upgrading cabinets during kitchen renovations (54 percent). Most popular built-in cabinet storage includes cutlery organisers (77 percent), pull-out waste or recycling cabinets (66 percent), deep drawer organisers (58 percent) and pot and pan organisers (40 percent).

Renovating homeowners may be focused on decluttering in order to show off their beautiful new benchtops, which are the most common major feature​ upgraded during kitchen renovations (94 percent), followed by cabinets and faucets (90 percent and 88 percent, respectively). Among

those upgrading their benchtops, engineered quartz the most popular leading surface material (34 percent). It is most often chosen by homeowners between the ages of 35 and 54 (36 percent), as compared with those under 35 and over 55 (34 and 32 percent, respectively).

The Houzz study also found generational differences in kitchen layout and built-in feature preferences. Six in ten of renovating homeowners change the layout​ of their cabinets and appliances during kitchen projects (60 percent). Among these homeowners, U-shaped and L-shaped layouts are the most popular (27 percent each), though homeowners under 35 are more likely to choose an L-shaped layout than older generations (33 versus 28 and 23 percent for those between the ages of 35 and 54 and those older than 55, respectively). Renovating homeowners integrate built-in features like kitchen islands and pantry cabinets (46 and 41 percent, respectively). Island installations are most popular​ for homeowners between the ages of 35 and 54 (50 percent) versus those under 35 and over 55 (45 and 39 percent, respectively).

“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,” said Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz. “People are not only making kitchens larger and more open, but also choosing alternate layouts, elaborate cabinetry storage and versatile surface materials.”

More than half of​ renovating homeowners increase the size​ of their kitchens during renovations (59 percent), with those between the ages of 35 and 54 being the most likely to do so (62 percent versus 61 and 52 percent for those under 35 and over 55, respectively). Nearly three in five homeowners also open their kitchen up to nearby rooms (59 percent) and two in five homeowners open their kitchens to the outdoors (40 percent) taking advantage of space in surrounding areas.

The average spend on a kitchen renovation is $19,300​ though homeowners are averaging $22,600 for large kitchens (10+ sq. metres) and $14,600 for small kitchens (less than 10 sq. metres). Those older than 55 are the most willing to splurge, spending significantly more than those under 35 ($20,800 versus $15,300, on average).

● Style in a Contemporary World:​ Among the 82% of homeowners changing the style of their kitchen during renovations, Contemporary is by far the most popular kitchen style among Australian homeowners (29 percent), followed by modern (26 percent) and traditional (seven percent). Homeowners between the ages of 35 and 54 are the most likely to choose Contemporary (31 percent versus 24 and 30 percent of those under 35 and those under 55, respectively).

● Shades of White and Gray: ​White continues to lead as the most likely colour for walls (59 percent), cabinetry (59 percent), benchtops (32 percent) and backsplashes (37 percent). Gray is the second most popular option, appearing on 16 percent of walls, nine percent of cabinetry, 22 percent of benchtops and 15 percent of backsplashes.

● Hearts Belong to Hardwood​: Among renovating homeowners updating flooring during kitchen projects (66 percent), stained or unstained hardwood top the list (32 percent), and is nearly twice as popular as ceramic or porcelain, the next most utilised material (18 percent).

● A Recipe for Technology:​ Renovating homeowners updating their appliances as part of their kitchen renovation, incorporate technology into their kitchen appliances with colour touchscreen displays, built-in apps with recipes, cooking tips etc. and wireless controls via smartphone or tablet (12, 8 and 6 percent, respectively). Homeowners over 55 are more likely to purchase colour touchscreen appliances (12 percent) than those under 35 and between the ages of 35 and 54 (nine and 11 percent, respectively).

● Pro hiring​: More than nine in 10 renovating homeowners hire a home professional for their kitchen project (91 percent). Kitchen building specialists (61 percent), general contractors (49 percent) and cabinet maker (32%) and kitchen renovator (31%) are the most likely to assist with homeowner renovations. 

You can download the full 2018 Australia Houzz Kitchen Trends Study here