Kitchen Design
10 Kitchen Remodeling Trends to Know About in 2025
See the latest on layouts, design details, spending, pro hiring and more from the 2025 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study
Before embarking on a kitchen remodeling project, it’s helpful to know what other homeowners are spending, who they’re hiring and which popular design elements they’re incorporating. For example, more than a third of homeowners (35%) increase the footprint of their kitchen during a renovation, and many of those choose to steal space from a dining room to enlarge the space. The median spend on kitchen remodels is $60,000, up from $55,000 the previous year. And the vast majority of homeowners (86%) hire a professional, with general contractors in high demand. Find more on those and other trends in these highlights from the just-released 2025 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study.
1. Larger Kitchens Borrow Space From Dining Rooms
While most homeowners (64%) keep their kitchen about the same size as the original during a remodel, more than a third (35%) increase the footprint. To gain more square footage, some homeowners steal space from a dining room (29%) or a living room (12%). Nearly 1 in 5 homeowners (18%) builds a home addition, while a smaller portion incorporate space from hallways (10%) and closets (7%).
After renovations, a majority of homeowners (53%) have a kitchen that measures 200 square feet or more, up 1 percentage point year over year. Midsize kitchens (100 to 199 square feet) account for 34%, while 13% of renovated kitchens are less than 100 square feet.
“Nearly half of the homes in the U.S. are 42 years old or older and were built to serve homeowners of a different era,” says Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. “As kitchens take on a more centralized role in daily activities, homeowners are choosing to surrender neighboring rooms and exterior spaces for additional kitchen square footage to meet their needs.”
While most homeowners (64%) keep their kitchen about the same size as the original during a remodel, more than a third (35%) increase the footprint. To gain more square footage, some homeowners steal space from a dining room (29%) or a living room (12%). Nearly 1 in 5 homeowners (18%) builds a home addition, while a smaller portion incorporate space from hallways (10%) and closets (7%).
After renovations, a majority of homeowners (53%) have a kitchen that measures 200 square feet or more, up 1 percentage point year over year. Midsize kitchens (100 to 199 square feet) account for 34%, while 13% of renovated kitchens are less than 100 square feet.
“Nearly half of the homes in the U.S. are 42 years old or older and were built to serve homeowners of a different era,” says Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. “As kitchens take on a more centralized role in daily activities, homeowners are choosing to surrender neighboring rooms and exterior spaces for additional kitchen square footage to meet their needs.”
To make up for lost space when incorporating a dining area into a kitchen, consider adding casual seating at an island, a breakfast area or both. This Phoenix kitchen by Kitchens With F.H. features seating on two sides of a large island, as well as a nearby casual eat-in dining spot.
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
New to home remodeling? Learn the basics
2. High-End Kitchens See Triple the Median Spend
This graph shows the national median spend for major and minor kitchen remodels in 2024 compared with the top 10% of spenders (those who represent the 90th percentile of spenders).
As of mid-2024, the 90th percentile invests $180,000 or more on a major remodel of a high-end kitchen — triple the median of $60,000. Minor remodels show a similar pattern, with a $67,000 investment at the high end — more than triple the median of $20,000. In these cases, a major kitchen remodel refers to a remodel in which at least all the cabinets and appliances are replaced. A minor kitchen remodel refers to all other remodels.
“Kitchens already command the highest renovation spend of all interior projects,” Sargsyan says. “But what stands out is the increased focus and investments, with the top 10% of homeowners spending triple the median for high-end major remodels.”
This graph shows the national median spend for major and minor kitchen remodels in 2024 compared with the top 10% of spenders (those who represent the 90th percentile of spenders).
As of mid-2024, the 90th percentile invests $180,000 or more on a major remodel of a high-end kitchen — triple the median of $60,000. Minor remodels show a similar pattern, with a $67,000 investment at the high end — more than triple the median of $20,000. In these cases, a major kitchen remodel refers to a remodel in which at least all the cabinets and appliances are replaced. A minor kitchen remodel refers to all other remodels.
“Kitchens already command the highest renovation spend of all interior projects,” Sargsyan says. “But what stands out is the increased focus and investments, with the top 10% of homeowners spending triple the median for high-end major remodels.”
Larger kitchens command a bigger investment. The top 10% of spenders invest $200,000 on major remodels in kitchens of 250 or more square feet — more than double the median of $72,000. The spend on minor remodels of larger kitchens is also considerable, with half of homeowners spending more than $35,000 and the top 10% spending $74,300 or more.
Economists like to reference the median, or midpoint, figure rather than the average for this kind of data because the average can be skewed, can be volatile year over year, and can be misleadingly high or low because of a single project that costs far more or less than others.
Economists like to reference the median, or midpoint, figure rather than the average for this kind of data because the average can be skewed, can be volatile year over year, and can be misleadingly high or low because of a single project that costs far more or less than others.
This New York farmhouse-style kitchen by Christine McGovern Homes features many high-end elements, including a spacious floor plan, custom cabinets and a top-of-the-line range.
34 Home Design Trends That Will Define 2025
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3. Homeowners Are Scaling Back on Some Upgrades
The vast majority of homeowners upgrade their countertops (91%), backsplash (85%) and cabinets (85%). Other kitchen elements, while still popular to replace, have dipped slightly compared with the previous year. Full appliance replacements decreased year over year by 3 percentage points, to 51%, while upgrades to nonbacksplash wall finishes, such as paint and wallpaper, experienced a 4-point decline, to 43%. Similarly, a smaller share of homeowners are taking on projects involving windows (29%), interior doors (19%) and exterior doors (19%), a drop of 3 points in each category. Electronics saw the most significant drop, from 11% to 7% year over year.
The vast majority of homeowners upgrade their countertops (91%), backsplash (85%) and cabinets (85%). Other kitchen elements, while still popular to replace, have dipped slightly compared with the previous year. Full appliance replacements decreased year over year by 3 percentage points, to 51%, while upgrades to nonbacksplash wall finishes, such as paint and wallpaper, experienced a 4-point decline, to 43%. Similarly, a smaller share of homeowners are taking on projects involving windows (29%), interior doors (19%) and exterior doors (19%), a drop of 3 points in each category. Electronics saw the most significant drop, from 11% to 7% year over year.
This San Francisco kitchen by Sun Soul Style Interiors features a modest-size island and a slim fridge. A moody cabinet color, slab backsplashes and a ceiling treatment make the most of the compact space.
Shop for kitchen products inspired by trends from the study
Shop for kitchen products inspired by trends from the study
4. Islands Get Lots of Attention
There’s no denying kitchen islands are a popular design feature. More than half of renovating homeowners (58%) either add an island (30%) or upgrade an existing one (28%) when remodeling their kitchen. For many homeowners, bigger is better. More than half (52%) of upgraded islands now exceed 7 feet in length. Some 29% of homeowners go with a medium-size island (6 to 7 feet), while nearly 1 in 5 (19%) have an island that’s less than 6 feet. The classic rectangular shape dominates at 78%, but a few homeowners choose an L-shaped (6%) or square (5%) island. Nearly 2 in 5 renovating homeowners do not have an island.
There’s no denying kitchen islands are a popular design feature. More than half of renovating homeowners (58%) either add an island (30%) or upgrade an existing one (28%) when remodeling their kitchen. For many homeowners, bigger is better. More than half (52%) of upgraded islands now exceed 7 feet in length. Some 29% of homeowners go with a medium-size island (6 to 7 feet), while nearly 1 in 5 (19%) have an island that’s less than 6 feet. The classic rectangular shape dominates at 78%, but a few homeowners choose an L-shaped (6%) or square (5%) island. Nearly 2 in 5 renovating homeowners do not have an island.
Waterlily Interiors included a large island in this Washington, D.C.-area kitchen. Dark-stained cabinets, veined countertops and backsplashes and a knotty wood floor create a dramatic look and feel.
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10 Kitchen Island Features Pros Always Recommend
5. General Contractors Are Hired the Most
A large majority of homeowners (86%) hire a professional to help remodel their kitchen, the same amount as the previous year. General contractors remain the most sought-after professionals for kitchen renovations, hired by 50% of renovating homeowners, followed by cabinetmakers at 32%. Homeowners also rely on design service providers for their kitchen renovations, with 25% hiring kitchen designers. Additionally, 13% enlist architects, while 12% turn to design-build professionals for a comprehensive design and construction service. Only about 1 in 5 homeowners hires one or more pros directly, without relying on a project manager.
A large majority of homeowners (86%) hire a professional to help remodel their kitchen, the same amount as the previous year. General contractors remain the most sought-after professionals for kitchen renovations, hired by 50% of renovating homeowners, followed by cabinetmakers at 32%. Homeowners also rely on design service providers for their kitchen renovations, with 25% hiring kitchen designers. Additionally, 13% enlist architects, while 12% turn to design-build professionals for a comprehensive design and construction service. Only about 1 in 5 homeowners hires one or more pros directly, without relying on a project manager.
General contracting firm New Vision Builders created this Los Angeles kitchen with handsome wood cabinets, paneled appliances, waterfall countertop ends on the island and a slatted detail on the range hood.
Which Pro Should You Hire for Your Project?
Which Pro Should You Hire for Your Project?
6. Traditional Style Makes a Comeback
Changing the kitchen style remains a top priority for many homeowners. Although the percentage of renovating homeowners changing styles has decreased 3 points year over year, more than 4 in 5 homeowners (81%) still go that route.
Interestingly, traditional style is making a comeback, rising 5 percentage points to 14%. Transitional style, however, remains the top choice among renovating homeowners, at 25%. Modern (12%) and contemporary styles (11%) are holding steady, while farmhouse style continues to fall out of favor (7%).
Changing the kitchen style remains a top priority for many homeowners. Although the percentage of renovating homeowners changing styles has decreased 3 points year over year, more than 4 in 5 homeowners (81%) still go that route.
Interestingly, traditional style is making a comeback, rising 5 percentage points to 14%. Transitional style, however, remains the top choice among renovating homeowners, at 25%. Modern (12%) and contemporary styles (11%) are holding steady, while farmhouse style continues to fall out of favor (7%).
Amber Golob Interiors included many traditional-style elements in this Chicago kitchen. Taupe cabinets with substantial molding, a walnut island, quartzite countertops, a bridge faucet, a farmhouse sink and glass-front cabinets showcasing heirloom dishware help create a timeless look.
9 Questions to Ask Before You Plan Your New Kitchen
9 Questions to Ask Before You Plan Your New Kitchen
7. White Still Reigns for Many Color Choices
White remains the top choice for many kitchen elements, including cabinets (33%), countertops (41% white; 23% off-white), walls (26% off-white; 25% white) and backsplashes (35% white; 22% off-white). Bold colors are used for a small percentage of upgraded kitchen cabinets, with green and blue appealing to 5% of renovating homeowners each.
White remains the top choice for many kitchen elements, including cabinets (33%), countertops (41% white; 23% off-white), walls (26% off-white; 25% white) and backsplashes (35% white; 22% off-white). Bold colors are used for a small percentage of upgraded kitchen cabinets, with green and blue appealing to 5% of renovating homeowners each.
This Minneapolis kitchen by Bria Hammel Interiors elegantly combines many white and off-white elements.
10 Paint Colors Set to Define 2025
10 Paint Colors Set to Define 2025
8. Aging Needs Guide Many Design Choices
Addressing special needs is increasingly becoming an important choice for people remodeling their homes. Half of all homeowners undertaking kitchen remodels address special needs of household members, with many focusing on accommodations for aging. Among that half, 26% adapt their kitchen for current age-related needs and 35% address anticipated age-related needs.
Meanwhile, 9% of homeowners address pet needs and 8% address young children’s needs. Additionally, 5% address the needs of household members with disabilities. Among homeowners incorporating solutions for special needs, most (51%) expect these needs to arise five or more years in the future, and 29% expect them to arise within the next year.
Addressing special needs is increasingly becoming an important choice for people remodeling their homes. Half of all homeowners undertaking kitchen remodels address special needs of household members, with many focusing on accommodations for aging. Among that half, 26% adapt their kitchen for current age-related needs and 35% address anticipated age-related needs.
Meanwhile, 9% of homeowners address pet needs and 8% address young children’s needs. Additionally, 5% address the needs of household members with disabilities. Among homeowners incorporating solutions for special needs, most (51%) expect these needs to arise five or more years in the future, and 29% expect them to arise within the next year.
More than 9 in 10 homeowners who address current or future age-related needs in the kitchen do so by opting for special features. Pullout cabinets remain the most popular among these features, with 62% of homeowners incorporating them this year, up from 58% the previous year. Additional lighting, which helps create a visible, safe environment, follows at 55%. Wide drawer pulls (50%) are popular as well.
Many homeowners also equip their kitchen with rounded countertops (35%) and nonslip flooring (33%), although the latter declined 4 percentage points year over year. Fewer than 1 in 10 renovating homeowners (8%) adds no special features to accommodate aging in place.
Many homeowners also equip their kitchen with rounded countertops (35%) and nonslip flooring (33%), although the latter declined 4 percentage points year over year. Fewer than 1 in 10 renovating homeowners (8%) adds no special features to accommodate aging in place.
This midcentury modern Detroit kitchen by Forward Design Build Remodel has abundant lighting, wide drawers and a drop-down island dining table that could accommodate a wheelchair.
8 Tips for Designing a Kitchen for Aging in Place
8 Tips for Designing a Kitchen for Aging in Place
9. Three Sets of Materials Dominate in Flooring
Vinyl or resilient flooring is now the most popular choice among homeowners (22%), overtaking hardwood (21%) for the first time in years. But those materials closely share popularity with ceramic or porcelain tile (20%).
Engineered wood is holding steady at 16%, while laminate remains a less common option, chosen by 10% of renovating homeowners. Natural stone has dropped in popularity for the second year in a row and now accounts for the flooring in just 5% of renovated kitchens.
Vinyl or resilient flooring is now the most popular choice among homeowners (22%), overtaking hardwood (21%) for the first time in years. But those materials closely share popularity with ceramic or porcelain tile (20%).
Engineered wood is holding steady at 16%, while laminate remains a less common option, chosen by 10% of renovating homeowners. Natural stone has dropped in popularity for the second year in a row and now accounts for the flooring in just 5% of renovated kitchens.
Wood-look luxury vinyl plank flooring (LVP) adds a durable and inviting finish in this Minneapolis kitchen by White Birch Design.
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software
10. Cost Consciousness Drives Sustainable Choices
An overwhelming majority of homeowners (90%) choose at least one sustainable option for their kitchen update. More than 7 in 10 homeowners cite cost effectiveness in the long run as the leading motivator for making sustainable choices during a kitchen remodel. So it’s no surprise that energy-efficient options account for several of the most popular sustainable choices.
Nearly 7 in 10 homeowners (67%) install LED lightbulbs, and more than half (57%) opt for energy-efficient appliances, although the latter share has declined 5 percentage points year over year. Many homeowners (55%) also prioritize environmental friendliness. Choices include VOC-free paints, finishes and coatings (24%), eco-friendly flooring (16%) and eco-friendly materials (14%).
An overwhelming majority of homeowners (90%) choose at least one sustainable option for their kitchen update. More than 7 in 10 homeowners cite cost effectiveness in the long run as the leading motivator for making sustainable choices during a kitchen remodel. So it’s no surprise that energy-efficient options account for several of the most popular sustainable choices.
Nearly 7 in 10 homeowners (67%) install LED lightbulbs, and more than half (57%) opt for energy-efficient appliances, although the latter share has declined 5 percentage points year over year. Many homeowners (55%) also prioritize environmental friendliness. Choices include VOC-free paints, finishes and coatings (24%), eco-friendly flooring (16%) and eco-friendly materials (14%).
This Kansas City kitchen by Schloegel Design Remodel features sustainable LED ceiling lights. White cabinets and a wood island base create a timeless style.
The 2025 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study gathered information from 1,620 Houzz users who reported being 18 years old or older, being homeowners, and having completed a kitchen remodel or addition in the past 12 months or to be currently working on one or planning to start one in the next six months. The survey was fielded between June 27 and July 30, 2024.
See more results and download the full study
Shop for kitchen products inspired by trends from the study
More on Houzz
Read more stories about Houzz research
Browse millions of home photos for inspiration
Find professionals
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The 2025 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study gathered information from 1,620 Houzz users who reported being 18 years old or older, being homeowners, and having completed a kitchen remodel or addition in the past 12 months or to be currently working on one or planning to start one in the next six months. The survey was fielded between June 27 and July 30, 2024.
See more results and download the full study
Shop for kitchen products inspired by trends from the study
More on Houzz
Read more stories about Houzz research
Browse millions of home photos for inspiration
Find professionals
Shop for products
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