It's a new year and maybe you're feeling inspired to make some improvements to your home. Well, the kitchen is generally considered one of the best places to start a kitchen renovation, whether you want to increase the value of your home or simply increase your own happiness. However, kitchen renovations can vary greatly in scope and budget. Therefore, it is important to have a solid plan before starting any changes. According to the Houzz Kitchen Trends Study 2025, the average kitchen remodel spend is currently $60,000 (up from $55,000 last year). However, if you make smart upgrades, these investments in your kitchen design can really pay off.
If you're looking for kitchen remodeling inspiration, here are some of the key trends and insights from the Houzz report.
The traditional style is making a comeback
Overall style is a key reason homeowners decide to renovate, and many want to make an outdated kitchen feel more contemporary. Of the 81% of homeowners who change their style when renovating their kitchen, 12% choose modern styles. However, traditional style is currently taking precedence over modern style: 14% plan to incorporate traditional style into their kitchen renovation. Ultimately, however, the transitional style chosen by 25% for renovating homeowners combines elements of traditional and modern design.
Kitchen extensions take up space from dining rooms
As home layouts and preferences change, the traditional dining room as we knew it has also changed. It seems that lifestyles have changed in that gatherings and dining around the kitchen island are becoming more casual and flexible, with less formal sit-down events taking place at the dining table. And the Houzz study reflects these changes. More than a third (35%) of renovating homeowners are increasing their kitchen footprint when renovating—and the room they steal most often is the dining room.
Islands are an important part of kitchen renovation
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Islands are both a highly functional and trendy part of many modern kitchens and play a big role in kitchen renovations. More than half of renovating homeowners (58%) are either adding an island or upgrading an existing one when remodeling their kitchen. When it comes to kitchen islands being updated, size matters: More than half (52%) are more than seven feet long, while 29% are medium-sized at 6 to 7 feet, and 19% are less than 6 feet m long.
Black countertops beat gray and beige
We know that millennial gray has fallen out of favor in home design in recent years – but what's taking its place? According to Houzz, black is a candidate, at least when it comes to countertops. While white and off-white are still the top choice for upgraded kitchen countertops, black countertops are in third place, outperforming both gray and beige.
Accent cabinets are having a moment
Le Belle Maison Interiors, Inc. © Stacy Markow Photography
While accent walls may have become a bit dated in recent years, accent cabinets are becoming increasingly popular. More than half of renovating homeowners (52%) add or upgrade an accent cabinet or shelf during their kitchen renovation. Among accent cabinets being added or upgraded, glass fronts rank first at 36% of homeowners, followed by shaker-style cabinets at 23% and open shelving without doors at 16%.
Vinyl flooring is the first choice
When it comes to the most popular flooring options for homeowners renovating their kitchens, three different materials compete: vinyl/resilient flooring, stained or unstained hardwood, and ceramic or porcelain tile. However, the top spot this year went to vinyl/resilient flooring, chosen by 22% of renovating homeowners. Stained or unstained hardwood follows closely behind at 21%, with ceramic or porcelain tiles following at 20%.