Houzz data shows that 41% of homeowners are remodelling kitchens that are 16 to 30 years old. With nearly 9,000 people responding to Houzz’s most recent kitchen survey – 85% had completed or worked on their kitchen project in 2015 and the rest planned to start in early 2016 – that means their choices of layout, materials, storage and special features offer insights into trends you’ll no doubt see in kitchens for years to come.
mo+ architekten
A focus on good-quality basics
Don’t expect Jetsons-style whizz-bang gadgetry anytime soon. Other than a few high-tech appliances, homeowners aren’t looking to impress NASA with their kitchens. Apart from TVs and iPads, the majority of homeowners in almost every country we surveyed aren’t interested in many high-tech features. ‘Programming ovens from iPhones is not something people are doing, and most don’t care about a refrigerator that will send a message to your phone to say it needs to be defrosted,’ says Ken Burghardt, owner of Domicile San Francisco. Instead, they’re focusing on materials and features that provide basic function and classic style.
The local climate and size of the space dictate a lot about how a kitchen will look. But so do cultural influences. For example, step into a kitchen in Spain and you’re more likely to see a built-in coffee station and walk-in wine cellar than in other countries we surveyed. Nearly a quarter of Spanish homeowners plan to add a built-in coffee or tea station, while almost 10% plan to add a wine cellar.
But for the most part, kitchens from all the countries we surveyed are a lot alike. Homeowners almost everywhere seem to want white cabinets, pullout rubbish and recycling bins, more pantry storage and new worktops, appliances, cabinets – new everything, really.
Don’t expect Jetsons-style whizz-bang gadgetry anytime soon. Other than a few high-tech appliances, homeowners aren’t looking to impress NASA with their kitchens. Apart from TVs and iPads, the majority of homeowners in almost every country we surveyed aren’t interested in many high-tech features. ‘Programming ovens from iPhones is not something people are doing, and most don’t care about a refrigerator that will send a message to your phone to say it needs to be defrosted,’ says Ken Burghardt, owner of Domicile San Francisco. Instead, they’re focusing on materials and features that provide basic function and classic style.
The local climate and size of the space dictate a lot about how a kitchen will look. But so do cultural influences. For example, step into a kitchen in Spain and you’re more likely to see a built-in coffee station and walk-in wine cellar than in other countries we surveyed. Nearly a quarter of Spanish homeowners plan to add a built-in coffee or tea station, while almost 10% plan to add a wine cellar.
But for the most part, kitchens from all the countries we surveyed are a lot alike. Homeowners almost everywhere seem to want white cabinets, pullout rubbish and recycling bins, more pantry storage and new worktops, appliances, cabinets – new everything, really.
Design Squared Ltd
Give me a ‘U’
The basic layout of the cabinets and appliances dictates what kind of experience you’ll have working in a kitchen. It’s a matter of preference, and often depends on the layout you start with and how much time and money you’re willing to spend to change it.
In the US, Canada, UK and Germany, U-shaped kitchens (like the one shown here) are the most popular, according to the survey. In the UK, designer Conrad Hendrick of LWK Kitchens says history plays a role in kitchen layouts. ‘Unless you are willing to remodel, then your home’s existing architecture will often dictate what your layout will be,’ he says. ‘And with Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture still imprinted on many modern homes, it follows that these styles naturally influence kitchen design, and in many modern cases lean towards a U-shaped kitchen layout.’
Aside from the historical influence, Hendrick says people desire the U-shaped layout because it provides a generous work surface and storage capacity. ‘They are also highly efficient and simple to use, because of the limited number of steps required when moving between different areas of the kitchen,’ he says.
See all the U-shaped kitchens on Houzz here.
The basic layout of the cabinets and appliances dictates what kind of experience you’ll have working in a kitchen. It’s a matter of preference, and often depends on the layout you start with and how much time and money you’re willing to spend to change it.
In the US, Canada, UK and Germany, U-shaped kitchens (like the one shown here) are the most popular, according to the survey. In the UK, designer Conrad Hendrick of LWK Kitchens says history plays a role in kitchen layouts. ‘Unless you are willing to remodel, then your home’s existing architecture will often dictate what your layout will be,’ he says. ‘And with Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture still imprinted on many modern homes, it follows that these styles naturally influence kitchen design, and in many modern cases lean towards a U-shaped kitchen layout.’
Aside from the historical influence, Hendrick says people desire the U-shaped layout because it provides a generous work surface and storage capacity. ‘They are also highly efficient and simple to use, because of the limited number of steps required when moving between different areas of the kitchen,’ he says.
See all the U-shaped kitchens on Houzz here.
Инна Величко
Lots love an ‘L’
L-shaped layouts reign supreme in every other country except Denmark, where nearly a third of homeowners want a galley kitchen.
In Russia, where the majority of homeowners choose an L-shaped layout (like the one shown here), interior designer Andrey Maksimov-Pavlychev says a legacy of small-space mentality and nostalgia has a lot to do with the preference, and is likely to continue into the future.
‘Our people traditionally lived in tiny apartments, so they obviously did their best to make the kitchen occupy less space,’ he says. ‘These layouts allow us to fit all the appliances you need in a very small space. Even when people move to bigger apartments, memories make them choose the angular configurations when they could afford an island kitchen or any other kind.’
L-shaped layouts reign supreme in every other country except Denmark, where nearly a third of homeowners want a galley kitchen.
In Russia, where the majority of homeowners choose an L-shaped layout (like the one shown here), interior designer Andrey Maksimov-Pavlychev says a legacy of small-space mentality and nostalgia has a lot to do with the preference, and is likely to continue into the future.
‘Our people traditionally lived in tiny apartments, so they obviously did their best to make the kitchen occupy less space,’ he says. ‘These layouts allow us to fit all the appliances you need in a very small space. Even when people move to bigger apartments, memories make them choose the angular configurations when they could afford an island kitchen or any other kind.’
キッチンハウス
New interpretations
Although Japan was not part of the survey, which was conducted online from October to November 2015, we spoke to Toshiyuki Imai, manager of Japanese kitchen design firm Kitchen House’s Tokyo showroom. Imai says one of the most popular layouts in Japan is somewhat like an open galley style, in which the kitchen worktop and dining table are linked seamlessly together.
‘This is efficient, because it makes it easy to deliver meals from the kitchen to the dining area, and it’s still possible to change the layout of the dining table according to the number of guests you’re entertaining,’ Imai says.
Designers are responding to this with new interpretations of the traditional Japanese kitchen. Kitchen House recently launched the combination kitchen island and dining element seen here in collaboration with architect Kengo Kuma. According to Imai, it combines modern design and technology with ‘primitive materials, such as glued laminated bamboo board, a black iron frame and cast aluminium’.
Although Japan was not part of the survey, which was conducted online from October to November 2015, we spoke to Toshiyuki Imai, manager of Japanese kitchen design firm Kitchen House’s Tokyo showroom. Imai says one of the most popular layouts in Japan is somewhat like an open galley style, in which the kitchen worktop and dining table are linked seamlessly together.
‘This is efficient, because it makes it easy to deliver meals from the kitchen to the dining area, and it’s still possible to change the layout of the dining table according to the number of guests you’re entertaining,’ Imai says.
Designers are responding to this with new interpretations of the traditional Japanese kitchen. Kitchen House recently launched the combination kitchen island and dining element seen here in collaboration with architect Kengo Kuma. According to Imai, it combines modern design and technology with ‘primitive materials, such as glued laminated bamboo board, a black iron frame and cast aluminium’.
Omicron Granite & Tile
The rise of porcelain and engineered quartz
New worktops are the number one feature most homeowners want in their kitchen. While granite remains popular for its look, other materials are catching the attention of homeowners.
George Lisac, owner of Kerrock Countertops in California, is seeing a big rise in requests for engineered quartz. ‘Even more than granite,’ he says. Engineered quartz is 97% crushed quartz mixed with 3% resin to create a nonporous material that doesn’t need to be sealed like granite. It was the most popular worktop material in the US after granite, and the number one choice in Canada, Ireland, Spain and Australia.
Uncover thousands of kitchens with quartz worktops.
But not everyone embraces the material. Burghardt, owner of Domicile San Francisco, says he’s been ripping out and replacing the engineered quartz worktops he installed years ago. ‘People are not happy with them,’ he says. ‘People also universally seem disappointed with the matt finishes that are prevalent in our market. They show a lot of fingerprints and look dirty, as opposed to the polished surfaces.’
Instead, Neolith, a porcelain material from Spain, shown here mimicking Calacatta marble, has been taking over his clients’ kitchens lately. ‘You can’t scratch it, burn it or stain it,’ he says.
New worktops are the number one feature most homeowners want in their kitchen. While granite remains popular for its look, other materials are catching the attention of homeowners.
George Lisac, owner of Kerrock Countertops in California, is seeing a big rise in requests for engineered quartz. ‘Even more than granite,’ he says. Engineered quartz is 97% crushed quartz mixed with 3% resin to create a nonporous material that doesn’t need to be sealed like granite. It was the most popular worktop material in the US after granite, and the number one choice in Canada, Ireland, Spain and Australia.
Uncover thousands of kitchens with quartz worktops.
But not everyone embraces the material. Burghardt, owner of Domicile San Francisco, says he’s been ripping out and replacing the engineered quartz worktops he installed years ago. ‘People are not happy with them,’ he says. ‘People also universally seem disappointed with the matt finishes that are prevalent in our market. They show a lot of fingerprints and look dirty, as opposed to the polished surfaces.’
Instead, Neolith, a porcelain material from Spain, shown here mimicking Calacatta marble, has been taking over his clients’ kitchens lately. ‘You can’t scratch it, burn it or stain it,’ he says.
NEOLITH by TheSize
To demonstrate in his showroom, Burghardt says he scrapes the surface of Neolith with a screwdriver until it throws sparks. ‘No scratching,’ he says. Then he takes a flame-thrower to it. ‘We will brown the top of a crème brûlée, then aim the flame at the worktop and hold it there. No cracking or discolouration. Pour on Zinfandel, hot chilli oil and blueberry and nothing happens. And no, I do not have stock in the company.’
Read expert advice on choosing the perfect worktop
Read expert advice on choosing the perfect worktop
キッチンハウス
In Japan, artificial stone seems to be moving out of the way for materials such as ceramic. ‘Our hottest one for next year is durable ceramic panel [shown here], originally developed as an exterior material,’ says Imai of Kitchen House.
Stainless steel is also a popular worktop material for the Japanese. In an informal Houzz Japan poll, stainless steel was the number one chosen material for kitchen worktops. ‘People tend to choose it not only because of its durability and heat resistance, but in order to give a cool and sharp image to the space,’ Imai says.
Stainless steel is also a popular worktop material for the Japanese. In an informal Houzz Japan poll, stainless steel was the number one chosen material for kitchen worktops. ‘People tend to choose it not only because of its durability and heat resistance, but in order to give a cool and sharp image to the space,’ Imai says.
ROM architecture studio
Luxurious extras
Once they’ve taken care of the kitchen basics – cabinets, worktops, taps and plumbing fixtures, sinks, lighting, appliances and wall colour – many people turn their attention to special features, if the budget allows, that can make life more convenient and enjoyable. In the kitchens of tomorrow, expect to see extra pantry storage, islands and breakfast bars. But, depending on which country you’re in, expect a few surprises, too.
A recent Houzz discussion about kitchen remodelling desires sheds light on a few sought-after features. Induction hobs, charging stations for electronics, retractable power points, kickboard vacuum systems, built-in pet-feeding stations, ovens with side-opening doors, as shown here, and drawers instead of shelves in the base cabinets came up frequently.
But there were also calls for a few nontraditional kitchen features. ‘A sexy man that will do dishes, cook and take out trash,’ commented US Houzz user Brandi Nash Hicks.
Meanwhile, US homeowner Sarah Haubert had an inventive idea. For her recently built bespoke home, she mounted the motor for the range extractor hood outside. ‘So I can be cooking with the fan on high and it’s amazingly quiet,’ she says. ‘This has seriously been one of my favourite things we did in this house.’
Once they’ve taken care of the kitchen basics – cabinets, worktops, taps and plumbing fixtures, sinks, lighting, appliances and wall colour – many people turn their attention to special features, if the budget allows, that can make life more convenient and enjoyable. In the kitchens of tomorrow, expect to see extra pantry storage, islands and breakfast bars. But, depending on which country you’re in, expect a few surprises, too.
A recent Houzz discussion about kitchen remodelling desires sheds light on a few sought-after features. Induction hobs, charging stations for electronics, retractable power points, kickboard vacuum systems, built-in pet-feeding stations, ovens with side-opening doors, as shown here, and drawers instead of shelves in the base cabinets came up frequently.
But there were also calls for a few nontraditional kitchen features. ‘A sexy man that will do dishes, cook and take out trash,’ commented US Houzz user Brandi Nash Hicks.
Meanwhile, US homeowner Sarah Haubert had an inventive idea. For her recently built bespoke home, she mounted the motor for the range extractor hood outside. ‘So I can be cooking with the fan on high and it’s amazingly quiet,’ she says. ‘This has seriously been one of my favourite things we did in this house.’
VelezCarrascoArquitecto
Efficient extractor fans
In many countries, homeowners are paying special attention to extractor fans, which have improved in strength and appearance over the years, according to Spanish architect Oskar Velez. ‘Good parties always end in the kitchen,’ he says. ‘Some people are worried about the smell of food, but nowadays there are very effective and well-designed extractors, even ones embedded into the ceiling, so food smell should not be a problem unless your diet is based on fried food.’ Velez designed the home shown here, which has a recessed extractor.
In the market for an extractor fan? Check out this expert advice
In many countries, homeowners are paying special attention to extractor fans, which have improved in strength and appearance over the years, according to Spanish architect Oskar Velez. ‘Good parties always end in the kitchen,’ he says. ‘Some people are worried about the smell of food, but nowadays there are very effective and well-designed extractors, even ones embedded into the ceiling, so food smell should not be a problem unless your diet is based on fried food.’ Velez designed the home shown here, which has a recessed extractor.
In the market for an extractor fan? Check out this expert advice
BMLMedia.ie
Cosy wood-burning stoves
Walk into a kitchen in Sweden, the UK or Ireland and you might find a crackling wood-burning stove, like the one shown in this kitchen in Dublin.
‘In the midst of ever-increasing energy bills, people in the UK and Ireland are often turning to wood-burning stoves, as they are cheaper to run than gas or electric,’ says London designer Conrad Hendrick of LWK Kitchens. ‘Some types of wood-burning stove are also eligible for the UK government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Made from cast iron, wood-burning stoves retain their heat for longer, which is important for those long winter nights.
‘But coupled with their functionality and energy-saving qualities, wood-burning stoves are also popular as a visually impressive feature within the kitchen or living room. They create a stylish and appealing look, within the midst of a warm and welcoming atmosphere.’
Read professional advice on choosing and installing a wood-burning stove
Walk into a kitchen in Sweden, the UK or Ireland and you might find a crackling wood-burning stove, like the one shown in this kitchen in Dublin.
‘In the midst of ever-increasing energy bills, people in the UK and Ireland are often turning to wood-burning stoves, as they are cheaper to run than gas or electric,’ says London designer Conrad Hendrick of LWK Kitchens. ‘Some types of wood-burning stove are also eligible for the UK government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI). Made from cast iron, wood-burning stoves retain their heat for longer, which is important for those long winter nights.
‘But coupled with their functionality and energy-saving qualities, wood-burning stoves are also popular as a visually impressive feature within the kitchen or living room. They create a stylish and appealing look, within the midst of a warm and welcoming atmosphere.’
Read professional advice on choosing and installing a wood-burning stove
Frederikke Aagaard Design Studio
Neutral is supreme – but here comes green
White dominates homeowners’ colour choices for things such as cabinets, walls and even splashbacks. But it’s not entirely because people are colour-shy: pale neutrals serve a practical purpose, too.
‘We need the white colours to reflect any sunlight that comes through the windows during those long, dark winters,’ says Allan Torp, a lifestyle expert for Bungalow5 in Copenhagen, Denmark. ‘In general, the weather is not great, so any reflection of light is important. It keeps the kitchen looking bright and clean, and doesn’t induce a heavy feeling when those sunshine days are over.’
White dominates homeowners’ colour choices for things such as cabinets, walls and even splashbacks. But it’s not entirely because people are colour-shy: pale neutrals serve a practical purpose, too.
‘We need the white colours to reflect any sunlight that comes through the windows during those long, dark winters,’ says Allan Torp, a lifestyle expert for Bungalow5 in Copenhagen, Denmark. ‘In general, the weather is not great, so any reflection of light is important. It keeps the kitchen looking bright and clean, and doesn’t induce a heavy feeling when those sunshine days are over.’
Sarah Stacey Interior Design
Neutral colours define US and Canadian kitchens, too, where white cabinets and beige and grey walls are preferred, according to the survey. But green, such as the minty shade shown here, and blue are creeping in. ‘I think green edges out blue in kitchens, because it’s the more organic, appetising colour of the two,’ says Jennifer Ott, a US interior designer who specialises in paint consultations.
‘Plus, there’s such a push now to eat unprocessed, healthy wholefoods that I think people are drawn to having a vegetal hue in the space,’ she adds. ‘My other theory is that we live in pretty stressful, trying times and green is thought to be a happy colour, unlike blue and grey. Yet it’s not as high-energy as the other happy hues of yellow and orange. So green is a nice compromise between happy yet soothing and stress-relieving.’
‘Plus, there’s such a push now to eat unprocessed, healthy wholefoods that I think people are drawn to having a vegetal hue in the space,’ she adds. ‘My other theory is that we live in pretty stressful, trying times and green is thought to be a happy colour, unlike blue and grey. Yet it’s not as high-energy as the other happy hues of yellow and orange. So green is a nice compromise between happy yet soothing and stress-relieving.’
キッチンハウス
In Japan, homeowners are saying sayonara to all-white kitchens. ‘White kitchens had been the most popular for more than 10 years until 2010,’ says Yukiko Tahara, owner and designer at LiB contents in Tokyo. ‘But since then, darker shades, such as stone grey or dark brown, have been chosen by more and more people. I’ve heard that it happened after the earthquake disaster in 2011, because people came to prefer calm, tranquil and relaxing tones at home.’
Mariette Barsoum of Divine Design+Build says our hectic, plugged-in lifestyles are probably a factor in the choice to go neutral, so expect an ongoing return to tranquillity and relaxation in the kitchen for the foreseeable future. ‘Life is very busy and very stressful,’ Barsoum says. ‘We want to come home and feel relaxed.’
Read the US kitchen survey
TELL US…
What does your dream kitchen look like? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
Mariette Barsoum of Divine Design+Build says our hectic, plugged-in lifestyles are probably a factor in the choice to go neutral, so expect an ongoing return to tranquillity and relaxation in the kitchen for the foreseeable future. ‘Life is very busy and very stressful,’ Barsoum says. ‘We want to come home and feel relaxed.’
Read the US kitchen survey
TELL US…
What does your dream kitchen look like? Share your ideas in the Comments below.
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