Expansive islands on the rise: Over 40% of homeowners are choosing islands exceeding 7 feet (42%), marking a 10-point surge since 2020. Islands under 6 feet witness a decrease in popularity by 5 points year over year, possibly aligning with their reported use for post-renovation entertaining and socializing (54% and 44%, respectively).
Splash of color in cabinetry: While white remains the dominant cabinetry color (46%), showing a 6-point increase, wood and green each see a 1 percentage point uptick (25% and 4%, respectively). Blue maintains its status as a preferred island cabinet color (25%) distinct from main cabinets despite a slight dip (4%). Green also gains traction for contrasting island cabinets (10%, up from 5% last year).
Embrace of high-tech appliances: A majority of homeowners opt to replace all appliances during renovations (54%), with a growing preference for high-tech capabilities, showing a 5-point increase to 44%. Nearly one-third now select appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity (30%), while those controllable via smartphones and tablets rise to 29%, both figures up by 5 percentage points. Interest in features like touch-screen displays, smart-home connectivity, and built-in apps and cameras has also increased compared to the previous year.
Elevated backsplashes take center stage: Backsplash replacement during kitchen renovations is prevalent among homeowners (86%), reflecting a 2-point increase from last year. Backsplashes commonly extend to cabinets or the range hood (62%), while 10% reach up to the ceiling. Ceramic or porcelain tile remains the most popular material (54%), followed by engineered quartz (11%) and natural stone like marble, quartzite, and granite (9%, 6%, and 4%, respectively).
Designing for longevity: Homeowners addressing special needs in the kitchen, primarily for aging household members, stand at 36% for future needs and 27% for current needs. Functional elements like pullout cabinets, extra lighting, and wide drawer pulls are incorporated (58%, 54%, and 48%, respectively). Safety features like nonslip flooring and rounded countertops are also prioritized (37% and 34%, respectively).