- Super kitchens promise to be an exciting trend in 2016 home renovations.
- Homeowners want luxe but smart finishes that can go from the weekday homework shuffle to the Saturday dinner party in a snap.
- To achieve lofty #kitchengoals, homeowners will need to lean on the pros and be willing to expand their renovation budgets.
It’s not surprising that one of the biggest trends for kitchens in 2016 is the super kitchen, or a kitchen space that works more like a family room and less like a traditional space to prepare food.
Houzz surveyed over 2,400 U.S. homeowners for its 2016 Kitchen Trends Survey, and the results show that homeowners are looking for dream spaces that fulfill entertaining and dining functions.
Other major fads included kitchens that open up to other living spaces as well as smart upgrades that help blur the line between the kitchen and those spaces.
Over 48 percent of those surveyed are further opening their kitchens to other living spaces, and 46 percent of updated kitchens are completely open to other interior spaces post-renovation.
One in five are planning to embrace that indoor-outdoor feel with more outdoor access, such as new windows and patio or deck doors.
“The modern super kitchen supports family, friends and work, and it does it in style,” said Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz.
A dash of dramatic lighting and space to enjoy a spot of tea
So what is the recipe for a super kitchen in 2016?
- Integrated dining tables
- TVs (For all you food network buffs)
- Custom desks and workspaces for paying bills and homework
- Luxe finishes and dramatic lighting
- Coffee and tea stations
- Entertaining stations outfitted with wine refrigerators and bar areas
- Custom shelving, storage and pantry options with movable kitchen islands
“Our findings show that homeowners expect kitchen renovations to go beyond improving flow, storage or aesthetics. The super kitchen has literally become a living room, family room and office with layouts and decor that challenge us to define where the kitchen ends and where the rest of the home begins,” Sitchinava said.
Above and beyond a weekend warrior project
The survey revealed that nearly a third of homeowners renovating last year spent between $25,000 and $50,000 to magic their dream kitchens into a reality.
These posh kitchens are typically outside of the scope of the typical weekend warrior, and 87 percent of homeowners are seeking professional help from general contractors and other design professionals.
No-brainer trends that have withstood the test of time include: neutral colors, custom cabinetry and quality flooring.
If you would like to review the full report, you can do so by clicking here, and check out all the data that Houzz has whipped up for us to enjoy.
Finally, if you are looking to see some of these trends in action, check out my idea book on Houzz. I’ve assembled great examples of these trends in action and some gorgeous super kitchens that would make Martha Stewart green with envy.
By day, Rachael Hite helps agents develop their business. By night, she’s tweeting for listingdepot.com.
