Bigger, Smarter Kitchens Top Kitchen Trends for 2015
More than half of the respondents in Houzz’s annual kitchen trends study want bigger and more-efficient spaces. See more trends below
As the hardest working room in the house and one of the most popular places in the home, the kitchen gets a lot of attention. It is not only subject to the heat and grime of cooking, but also receives plenty of bumps, knocks and foot traffic. It’s here that we congregate with our family to eat and to talk, but it’s also in the kitchen where we often casually entertain friends and guests.
Our kitchens, therefore, should be smart and functional and look good, too, but over time, and often due to changes in circumstances, we can find that our kitchen layout doesn’t work well. Frequently cited problems include a lack of bench space and an absence of clever storage. Our kitchens may also need a refresh because they can start to look a bit damaged, dirty or dated. Often, a completely different look might be desired. A kitchen remodel is certainly a big investment but it comes as no surprise that Australian homeowners are willing to save or borrow for a substantial makeover – and to start their remodelling plans sooner rather than later.
View popular kitchen photos on Houzz
Our kitchens, therefore, should be smart and functional and look good, too, but over time, and often due to changes in circumstances, we can find that our kitchen layout doesn’t work well. Frequently cited problems include a lack of bench space and an absence of clever storage. Our kitchens may also need a refresh because they can start to look a bit damaged, dirty or dated. Often, a completely different look might be desired. A kitchen remodel is certainly a big investment but it comes as no surprise that Australian homeowners are willing to save or borrow for a substantial makeover – and to start their remodelling plans sooner rather than later.
View popular kitchen photos on Houzz
In Houzz Australia’s latest kitchen trends study, a quarter of over the 2800 respondents renovated their kitchen when it was less than 10 years old, while over half renovated at or over 15 years. The key driver of these renovation plans was dissatisfaction, and the chief objective of any new plan was to increase the size of the kitchen. Nearly half of the Australian homeowners said they are unhappy about the look of their kitchen and are opting for an open-plan design to integrate it as part of a new living dynamic. To help them achieve this, more than three quarters of all respondents are hiring professionals to assist with those projects.
Homeowners are looking to modern conveniences as inclusions in their kitchen renovations with the vast majority upgrading appliances. Topping the list is the replacement of stoves and ovens with the latest conventional designs, but, interestingly, one in 10 is choosing the new, healthier alternative of a steam oven. Built-in bars, wine storage and coffee machines are also popular items, as new technology also gets a big tick, with many planning to include entertainment hi-fi goods, such as televisions and built-in music systems. In line with creating a more spacious kitchen with optimal storage solutions, it isn’t surprising that over 60 per cent of Australians are requesting a pantry and over 50 per cent want a breakfast bar to be included in the planning stages of their new kitchen.
Engineered quartz stone is the favoured benchtop material for over half of the study’s respondents, but wood and stainless steel still have a following. Less significant although trending strongly is the newcomer of concrete – this may indicate the growing interest Australians have in incorporating an industrial style throughout the home.
It’s not surprising to note that in kitchen flooring, Australians still prefer natural timber hardwoods, especially as these extend out into general living areas. But, a growing trend is tiles, with over over a quarter of respondents demarcating spaces with them. As for overall style, white contemporary kitchens still reign, however monochrome (greys, black and white) industrial-style kitchens featuring tiles or wood panelling are on the rise.
The study also found that with bigger plans come bigger budgets – 13 per cent of homeowners reported spending over $50,000 on their kitchen build or renovation with a majority of 55 per cent spending at least $20,000.
See the rest of the report below.
It’s not surprising to note that in kitchen flooring, Australians still prefer natural timber hardwoods, especially as these extend out into general living areas. But, a growing trend is tiles, with over over a quarter of respondents demarcating spaces with them. As for overall style, white contemporary kitchens still reign, however monochrome (greys, black and white) industrial-style kitchens featuring tiles or wood panelling are on the rise.
The study also found that with bigger plans come bigger budgets – 13 per cent of homeowners reported spending over $50,000 on their kitchen build or renovation with a majority of 55 per cent spending at least $20,000.
See the rest of the report below.