What’s Popular for Kitchen Counters, Backsplashes and Walls
White is the top pick for counters and backsplashes, and gray is the most popular color for walls, a Houzz study reveals
Erin Carlyle
January 27, 2019
Former Houzz Editorial Staff. Writing about the cost of renovation and what it takes to remodel. Former Forbes real estate reporter. Fascinated by cool homes, watching the bottom line.
Former Houzz Editorial Staff. Writing about the cost of renovation and what it takes... More
Many homeowners are choosing hardworking materials and neutral color palettes for their renovated kitchens, according to the 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. Quartz counters have overtaken natural stone as the top choice for upgraded counters, and engineered materials are now ahead of traditional hardwood for floors, the study shows.
Read on to find out about top kitchen renovation trends for counters and backsplashes, as well as floors, appliances and walls.
Read on to find out about top kitchen renovation trends for counters and backsplashes, as well as floors, appliances and walls.
White quartz, pictured here, is the most popular material and color for counters in renovated kitchens.
The 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study gathered information from more than 1,300 Houzz users who had completed a kitchen remodel or addition project in the previous 12 months, were working on one, or planned to start one in the next three months.
The 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study gathered information from more than 1,300 Houzz users who had completed a kitchen remodel or addition project in the previous 12 months, were working on one, or planned to start one in the next three months.
1. Counters Are the Most Popular Feature to Upgrade in Kitchen Remodels
Countertops are the No. 1 feature to upgrade as part of a kitchen renovation, with 93 percent of renovating homeowners upgrading this element, the study found. Backsplashes are the second-most popular feature (87 percent), followed by sinks (85 percent), faucets and plumbing fixtures (83 percent), light fixtures (80 percent) and cabinets (78 percent).
A smaller share of renovating homeowners (35 percent) are enlarging their kitchens compared with the year before (41 percent).
Countertops are the No. 1 feature to upgrade as part of a kitchen renovation, with 93 percent of renovating homeowners upgrading this element, the study found. Backsplashes are the second-most popular feature (87 percent), followed by sinks (85 percent), faucets and plumbing fixtures (83 percent), light fixtures (80 percent) and cabinets (78 percent).
A smaller share of renovating homeowners (35 percent) are enlarging their kitchens compared with the year before (41 percent).
White quartz counters are a calming neutral that allow a gray marble backsplash to shine in this kitchen.
2. Quartz Countertops Leap Ahead of Natural Stone
For the first time since Houzz began tracking the data four years ago, engineered quartz —favored by 48 percent of renovating homeowners who upgrade their countertops — is more popular than natural stone (43 percent).
Natural stone countertops include granite (30 percent of upgraded countertops), quartzite (7 percent), marble (5 percent) and soapstone (3 percent). (The total of these individual types of stone adds up to more than 43 percent because some homeowners selected more than one natural stone for their counters.)
Granite in particular has declined in popularity: 40 percent of renovating homeowners upgrading their counters chose this material two years ago, compared with the 30 percent who are choosing it now.
3. White Is a Winning Color for Counters
White countertops continue to gain fans, with nearly 1 in 3 upgraded counters (31 percent) done in various shades of white. Multicolored counters are the second pick (26 percent) among those upgrading counters, followed by gray (13 percent).
Kitchen Confidential: The Case for Quartz
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For the first time since Houzz began tracking the data four years ago, engineered quartz —favored by 48 percent of renovating homeowners who upgrade their countertops — is more popular than natural stone (43 percent).
Natural stone countertops include granite (30 percent of upgraded countertops), quartzite (7 percent), marble (5 percent) and soapstone (3 percent). (The total of these individual types of stone adds up to more than 43 percent because some homeowners selected more than one natural stone for their counters.)
Granite in particular has declined in popularity: 40 percent of renovating homeowners upgrading their counters chose this material two years ago, compared with the 30 percent who are choosing it now.
3. White Is a Winning Color for Counters
White countertops continue to gain fans, with nearly 1 in 3 upgraded counters (31 percent) done in various shades of white. Multicolored counters are the second pick (26 percent) among those upgrading counters, followed by gray (13 percent).
Kitchen Confidential: The Case for Quartz
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More than half of homeowners upgrading their backsplashes prefer the brick pattern, as seen in this photo.
4. For Backsplashes, Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Are Top Picks
Nearly 9 in 10 renovating homeowners (87 percent) are installing a kitchen backsplash. The most popular material for new backsplashes is ceramic or porcelain tile (55 percent), followed by natural stone (23 percent). Natural stone includes marble (9 percent), granite (5 percent), travertine (5 percent), slate (3 percent), quartzite (3 percent) and limestone (1 percent). (The total adds up to more than 23 percent because some homeowners selected more than one natural stone for their backsplash upgrades.)
5. The Classic Brick Pattern Is Tops for Backsplashes
The most popular pattern for new backsplash tile is the classic brick pattern (54 percent), in which tiles are laid in an offset pattern in alternating rows, as on a brick wall. (See previous photo.) Classic herringbone (9 percent) is the second-most popular style, followed by the grid pattern (7 percent), in which the grout runs in straight lines vertically and horizontally.
6. A Clean White Backsplash Holds Mass Appeal
More than one-third (35 percent) of renovating homeowners installing new backsplashes are choosing various shades of white for this feature. Twenty percent are choosing multicolored backsplashes, and 14 percent are selecting gray.
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Nearly 9 in 10 renovating homeowners (87 percent) are installing a kitchen backsplash. The most popular material for new backsplashes is ceramic or porcelain tile (55 percent), followed by natural stone (23 percent). Natural stone includes marble (9 percent), granite (5 percent), travertine (5 percent), slate (3 percent), quartzite (3 percent) and limestone (1 percent). (The total adds up to more than 23 percent because some homeowners selected more than one natural stone for their backsplash upgrades.)
5. The Classic Brick Pattern Is Tops for Backsplashes
The most popular pattern for new backsplash tile is the classic brick pattern (54 percent), in which tiles are laid in an offset pattern in alternating rows, as on a brick wall. (See previous photo.) Classic herringbone (9 percent) is the second-most popular style, followed by the grid pattern (7 percent), in which the grout runs in straight lines vertically and horizontally.
6. A Clean White Backsplash Holds Mass Appeal
More than one-third (35 percent) of renovating homeowners installing new backsplashes are choosing various shades of white for this feature. Twenty percent are choosing multicolored backsplashes, and 14 percent are selecting gray.
Look for tile in the Houzz Shop
Black appliances add to the sleek look of this contemporary kitchen.
7. Engineered Flooring Outpaces Hardwood
Among the 69 percent of renovating homeowners who are upgrading their kitchen floors, ceramic or porcelain tile is the top choice (26 percent). Hardwood flooring has declined in popularity over the years (24 percent now compared with 32 percent two years ago). Meanwhile, engineered flooring has collectively become more common, with 17 percent choosing engineered wood, 12 percent choosing vinyl or resilient flooring and 11 percent choosing laminate.
8. Black Stainless Steel Appliances Gain Ground
Stainless steel remains the most popular finish for new appliances, selected by 69 percent of those upgrading their kitchens. But black stainless steel is rising in popularity: 10 percent of renovating homeowners upgrading their kitchens are choosing a black stainless finish for their renovated kitchens.
9. Neutral Colors Reign for Kitchen Walls
Gray is the most popular color for kitchen walls, chosen by 31 percent of renovating homeowners who are upgrading their kitchens. White was second (24 percent), followed by beige (19 percent).
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7. Engineered Flooring Outpaces Hardwood
Among the 69 percent of renovating homeowners who are upgrading their kitchen floors, ceramic or porcelain tile is the top choice (26 percent). Hardwood flooring has declined in popularity over the years (24 percent now compared with 32 percent two years ago). Meanwhile, engineered flooring has collectively become more common, with 17 percent choosing engineered wood, 12 percent choosing vinyl or resilient flooring and 11 percent choosing laminate.
8. Black Stainless Steel Appliances Gain Ground
Stainless steel remains the most popular finish for new appliances, selected by 69 percent of those upgrading their kitchens. But black stainless steel is rising in popularity: 10 percent of renovating homeowners upgrading their kitchens are choosing a black stainless finish for their renovated kitchens.
9. Neutral Colors Reign for Kitchen Walls
Gray is the most popular color for kitchen walls, chosen by 31 percent of renovating homeowners who are upgrading their kitchens. White was second (24 percent), followed by beige (19 percent).
Find a kitchen remodeler in your area
The 2019 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study gathered information from 1,337 Houzz users who had completed a kitchen remodel or addition project in the previous 12 months, were currently working on one or were planning to start one in the next three months. The study was fielded between Sept. 18 and Oct. 19, 2018.
Download the study
More on Houzz
Read kitchen remodeling guides
Browse kitchen photos
Find a pro for your next project
Shop for home products
Download the study
More on Houzz
Read kitchen remodeling guides
Browse kitchen photos
Find a pro for your next project
Shop for home products
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I made the lower cabinets/counter top where I mix stuff 4” shorter than the other counters in my kitchen. It’s the perfect height for me to mix stuff (my mixer is on a swing out lift in the cabinet, roll dough, kneed bread, etc. I love my baking center.
I initially wanted recycled glass counters, but changed my mind after reading up on them. They require more maintenance than I want to commit to (we are retired empty nesters downsizing to a one story house less than half the size of our current house. The smaller house is the one my husband grew up in. It was built in 1937, and we gutted the interior to replace the plumbing and electrical systems. It’s almost back together now.
Ultimately we chose a Corian white countertop with flecks/swirls of blue and green in it and light green glass tiles for the backsplash. We kept the 1950s Wedgewood stove, which is white and chrome. I had the top rechromed. The enamel is in really good shape. Because the stove is white, the new appliances, which include a double wall/convection-microwave is white. We bought a two drawer dishwasher that accepts cabinet panels to blend in with the the lower cabinets. The fridge is also white. We raised the ceiling exposing the ceiling beams and put in skylights.
We are putting in a traditional linoleum floor (not vinyl). I don’t know why more people don’t put on linoleum. It wears well (the original linoleum floor has bee in there for 70 years). They don’t off gas phthalates or other plasticizers, and because they don’t contain plastic, they’re biodegradable. They’re also easy to are for. They come in a bunch of colors, and you can design in insets.
Regarding the kitchen back panel, glass tiles are also a good choice, and there are now various shapes and colors of glass tiles to adapt to different decoration styles.