10 Kitchen Trends to Watch in Layouts, Features and More
See the colors, materials and floor plan changes homeowners are embracing in the 2023 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study
Mitchell Parker
January 17, 2023
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative trends, breaking news, industry analysis and humor.
Houzz Editorial Staff. Home design journalist writing about cool spaces, innovative... More
When remodeling a kitchen, it’s helpful to know which choices are popular among homeowners, even if your clients end up diverging from the crowd. A look at the just-released 2023 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study offers a good jumping-off point for helping clients make those decisions. Here you’ll find useful details on homeowner preferences for the scope and size of a kitchen, its look and feel, and common products and features.
1. Layout Changes Continue to Lead
When it comes to major kitchen remodeling changes, transforming the layout tops the list for homeowners (45%), followed by upgrading systems (41%) and modifying walls (36%).
2. Many Kitchens Are Increasing in Size
Meanwhile, many kitchens are getting larger. More than a quarter of homeowners (27%) make their kitchen somewhat larger as part of a remodel. And 6% of homeowners end up with a significantly larger kitchen, increasing the size by more than 50%.
A slight majority of kitchens (51%) are 200 square feet or more. More than a third (35%) are between 100 and 199 square feet, and about 1 in 7 (14%) are less than 100 square feet.
When it comes to major kitchen remodeling changes, transforming the layout tops the list for homeowners (45%), followed by upgrading systems (41%) and modifying walls (36%).
2. Many Kitchens Are Increasing in Size
Meanwhile, many kitchens are getting larger. More than a quarter of homeowners (27%) make their kitchen somewhat larger as part of a remodel. And 6% of homeowners end up with a significantly larger kitchen, increasing the size by more than 50%.
A slight majority of kitchens (51%) are 200 square feet or more. More than a third (35%) are between 100 and 199 square feet, and about 1 in 7 (14%) are less than 100 square feet.
Modern Mountain Cabinetry helped transform this Granite Bay, California, kitchen into a large, open space with plenty of work surface and room for entertaining.
You can help clients visualize their planned home with Houzz Pro Mood Boards and 3D Floor Plans. You can also share photos, files, estimates, proposals and more with clients using Houzz Pro.
You can help clients visualize their planned home with Houzz Pro Mood Boards and 3D Floor Plans. You can also share photos, files, estimates, proposals and more with clients using Houzz Pro.
3. Open Kitchens Appeal
Speaking of open spaces, many homeowners once again are seeking kitchens that are open to interior spaces (40%, up from 38% in 2022) and open to outdoor spaces (20%, up from 18% in 2022).
Designing a kitchen without a wall separating it from other interior spaces remains the most popular choice (61%), though the option decreased in popularity by 4 percentage points year over year.
When opening a kitchen to outdoor spaces, homeowners most often go with double doors or a row of doors (46%).
Changes to kitchen layouts are common too. Nearly half of homeowners (45%) redo their kitchen layout. L-shaped (40%) and U-shaped (31%) kitchens are the most popular styles. Fewer homeowners select a galley layout (11%) or single-wall setup (8%).
Speaking of open spaces, many homeowners once again are seeking kitchens that are open to interior spaces (40%, up from 38% in 2022) and open to outdoor spaces (20%, up from 18% in 2022).
Designing a kitchen without a wall separating it from other interior spaces remains the most popular choice (61%), though the option decreased in popularity by 4 percentage points year over year.
When opening a kitchen to outdoor spaces, homeowners most often go with double doors or a row of doors (46%).
Changes to kitchen layouts are common too. Nearly half of homeowners (45%) redo their kitchen layout. L-shaped (40%) and U-shaped (31%) kitchens are the most popular styles. Fewer homeowners select a galley layout (11%) or single-wall setup (8%).
This remodeled Atlanta kitchen by Carl Mattison Design features an L-shaped layout with a central island that’s open to a nearby living room.
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Learn about Houzz Pro software
4. Islands Remain Popular
The majority of remodeling homeowners (55%) either add an island or upgrade an existing one. More than a third (37%) have no island and a relatively small portion of homeowners (8%) keep their island as is.
When it comes to upgraded islands, the most popular storage options are drawers (79%) and cabinets with doors (79%). Less popular are open shelves (14%), though that share rose 3 percentage points year over year. Only 1% of homeowners choose no storage for their upgraded island.
As for size and shape, the vast majority of homeowners create an island that’s 6 feet or longer (74%) and in a rectangular or square shape (82%).
The majority of remodeling homeowners (55%) either add an island or upgrade an existing one. More than a third (37%) have no island and a relatively small portion of homeowners (8%) keep their island as is.
When it comes to upgraded islands, the most popular storage options are drawers (79%) and cabinets with doors (79%). Less popular are open shelves (14%), though that share rose 3 percentage points year over year. Only 1% of homeowners choose no storage for their upgraded island.
As for size and shape, the vast majority of homeowners create an island that’s 6 feet or longer (74%) and in a rectangular or square shape (82%).
This Michigan kitchen by Commonality Architecture features a large rectangular island with plenty of work surface and room for seating. The black island base contrasts with white perimeter cabinets.
Nearly half of homeowners (46%) choose an island color that contrasts with the main cabinets. Top contrasting island colors are blue (24%), gray (15%), black (12%), medium-tone wood (12%) and dark wood (11%, a 5-point increase year over year).
7 Big-Picture Kitchen Remodeling Trends Happening Now
Nearly half of homeowners (46%) choose an island color that contrasts with the main cabinets. Top contrasting island colors are blue (24%), gray (15%), black (12%), medium-tone wood (12%) and dark wood (11%, a 5-point increase year over year).
7 Big-Picture Kitchen Remodeling Trends Happening Now
5. Style Makeovers Are Still Widespread
More than 4 in 5 homeowners (83%) change the style of their kitchen when remodeling. Transitional remains the top style choice (23%), though the share of homeowners choosing it is down 2 points year over year.
Modern style (14%) has overtaken contemporary (12%) as the second-most popular choice. And more than 1 in 10 homeowners choose a farmhouse or traditional style.
More than 4 in 5 homeowners (83%) change the style of their kitchen when remodeling. Transitional remains the top style choice (23%), though the share of homeowners choosing it is down 2 points year over year.
Modern style (14%) has overtaken contemporary (12%) as the second-most popular choice. And more than 1 in 10 homeowners choose a farmhouse or traditional style.
Plain & Posh created an inviting transitional style in this Chicago kitchen with Shaker-style cabinets, blue tones and warm brass details.
6. Demand for Gray Walls Fades Again
White has long been a popular wall color choice in kitchens, but it’s increasingly the dominant selection. More than a third of homeowners (35%) go with white walls, a 3-point increase year over year. White also dominates backsplash color. More than 2 out of 5 homeowners (41%) choose a white backsplash. And, as mentioned in a previous article on the 2023 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, about the same amount of homeowners (40%) choose white cabinets.
Gray, long the second-most popular wall color choice, falls further out of favor with less than a quarter of homeowners (24%) choosing the color, down 4 points year over year, the fourth consecutive year of decline.
When it comes to appliances, it’s hard to top stainless steel. The finish is by far the favorite, with three-quarters (74%) of homeowners choosing it.
White has long been a popular wall color choice in kitchens, but it’s increasingly the dominant selection. More than a third of homeowners (35%) go with white walls, a 3-point increase year over year. White also dominates backsplash color. More than 2 out of 5 homeowners (41%) choose a white backsplash. And, as mentioned in a previous article on the 2023 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, about the same amount of homeowners (40%) choose white cabinets.
Gray, long the second-most popular wall color choice, falls further out of favor with less than a quarter of homeowners (24%) choosing the color, down 4 points year over year, the fourth consecutive year of decline.
When it comes to appliances, it’s hard to top stainless steel. The finish is by far the favorite, with three-quarters (74%) of homeowners choosing it.
This Coto de Caza, California, kitchen by Madison Taylor features many finishes popular among homeowners, including white walls, cabinets and backsplash tile, as well as stainless steel appliances, wood flooring and a contrasting medium-tone wood island.
7. Multicolored Countertops Fall Further Out of Favor
Most remodeling homeowners (90%) upgrade their countertops in a kitchen remodel.
Again, white dominates among preferences and increasingly so (41% in 2023, compared with 39% in 2022 and 33% in 2021).
Meanwhile, the popularity of multicolored countertops has steadily declined (19% in 2023, from 24% in 2022 and 26% in 2021).
Among homeowners who are upgrading an island, one-fourth (25%) choose a countertop color that contrasts with the perimeter countertop color. The most commonly chosen island countertop colors to contrast with a perimeter countertop are white (29%), medium-tone wood (16%), black (11%, up 4 points year over year) and gray (11%).
The most popular countertop material remains engineered quartz (36%), though the choice dropped 6 points year over year. Other common material choices are granite (23%), butcher block or wood slab (10%), quartzite (8%) and marble (5%).
One-quarter of remodeling homeowners (25%) contrast their island countertop material with the surrounding countertop material. The top contrasting countertop material choice is butcher block or wood slab (31%).
Most remodeling homeowners (90%) upgrade their countertops in a kitchen remodel.
Again, white dominates among preferences and increasingly so (41% in 2023, compared with 39% in 2022 and 33% in 2021).
Meanwhile, the popularity of multicolored countertops has steadily declined (19% in 2023, from 24% in 2022 and 26% in 2021).
Among homeowners who are upgrading an island, one-fourth (25%) choose a countertop color that contrasts with the perimeter countertop color. The most commonly chosen island countertop colors to contrast with a perimeter countertop are white (29%), medium-tone wood (16%), black (11%, up 4 points year over year) and gray (11%).
The most popular countertop material remains engineered quartz (36%), though the choice dropped 6 points year over year. Other common material choices are granite (23%), butcher block or wood slab (10%), quartzite (8%) and marble (5%).
One-quarter of remodeling homeowners (25%) contrast their island countertop material with the surrounding countertop material. The top contrasting countertop material choice is butcher block or wood slab (31%).
This Seattle kitchen by architecture firm Story features white perimeter countertops with a contrasting butcher block wood island countertop.
8. Ceramic and Porcelain Tile Top Backsplash Choices
A large majority of homeowners (84%) upgrade their backsplash during a kitchen remodel. Tile is the top choice (85%) and ceramic or porcelain is the top material (67%).
A common remodeling decision homeowners face is where to stop their backsplash. Fully covering the area from the countertop to the cabinets or range hood is the most popular option (61%), though it declined in popularity by 5 percentage points year over year. Partial coverage ticked up 2 points to 21% in the same period.
About 1 in 10 homeowners (11%) fully cover the area up to the ceiling, while 4% choose to partially cover the area.
As mentioned earlier, white is the most common backsplash color choice (41%), followed by multicolored (16%, down 4 points) and gray (12%).
A large majority of homeowners (84%) upgrade their backsplash during a kitchen remodel. Tile is the top choice (85%) and ceramic or porcelain is the top material (67%).
A common remodeling decision homeowners face is where to stop their backsplash. Fully covering the area from the countertop to the cabinets or range hood is the most popular option (61%), though it declined in popularity by 5 percentage points year over year. Partial coverage ticked up 2 points to 21% in the same period.
About 1 in 10 homeowners (11%) fully cover the area up to the ceiling, while 4% choose to partially cover the area.
As mentioned earlier, white is the most common backsplash color choice (41%), followed by multicolored (16%, down 4 points) and gray (12%).
In this Washington, D.C.-area kitchen, TriVistaUSA Design + Build installed glazed white rectangular tile in a herringbone pattern from the countertops to the ceiling.
Houzz Pro can help you create product proposals and professional estimates.
Houzz Pro can help you create product proposals and professional estimates.
9. Loads of Dishwashers
A majority of homeowners (53%) upgrade all of their appliances during a kitchen remodel. About a third (32%) upgrade some.
The most commonly upgraded appliances are the dishwasher (75%, up 4 points year over year), refrigerator (75%), microwave (72%), range (63%), range hood (59%) and garbage disposal (52%).
The majority of homeowners select new appliances based on functionality (64%) and quality (63%). But look and feel (54%), as well as energy efficiency (22%), are also important.
A majority of homeowners (53%) upgrade all of their appliances during a kitchen remodel. About a third (32%) upgrade some.
The most commonly upgraded appliances are the dishwasher (75%, up 4 points year over year), refrigerator (75%), microwave (72%), range (63%), range hood (59%) and garbage disposal (52%).
The majority of homeowners select new appliances based on functionality (64%) and quality (63%). But look and feel (54%), as well as energy efficiency (22%), are also important.
This New York kitchen by Crisp Architects features stainless steel appliances, including a dishwasher next to the farmhouse-style sink, a microwave in the island and a range and range hood along the wall.
10. Vinyl Again Trails Hardwood for Flooring
A majority of homeowners (67%) upgrade their flooring during a kitchen remodel. One-fourth of homeowners choose stained or unstained hardwood, consistent with last year.
Vinyl or resilient flooring is also popular (22%), as are ceramic or porcelain tile (19%) and engineered wood (15%).
A majority of homeowners (67%) upgrade their flooring during a kitchen remodel. One-fourth of homeowners choose stained or unstained hardwood, consistent with last year.
Vinyl or resilient flooring is also popular (22%), as are ceramic or porcelain tile (19%) and engineered wood (15%).
This New Hampshire kitchen by Beckwith Builders features wood flooring, white Shaker-style cabinets, white backsplash tile, white countertops and a contrasting island color.
See more results and download the full study
More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Browse millions of photos for inspiration
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in pro-to-pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
See more results and download the full study
More for Pros on Houzz
Read more stories for pros
Browse millions of photos for inspiration
Learn about Houzz Pro software
Talk with your peers in pro-to-pro discussions
Join the Houzz Trade Program
Our philosophy at Kitchen Kraft is to make home remodeling convenient. We are your one-stop shop for kitchen... Read More
Related Products
At Winks Remodeling & Handyman Services, your satisfaction is our main priority. Since our business started... Read More
Related Stories
Latest News for Professionals
Pros Are Mildly Optimistic Despite Slowed Activity in Q2 2023
Expectations are restrained and construction pros report record-high backlogs in the Q3 2023 Houzz Renovation Barometer
Full Story
Latest News for Professionals
Houzz Launches Selections for Houzz Pro
The tool gives builders and remodelers a platform to choose and review products and materials with their clients
Full Story
Latest News for Professionals
11 Great Design Ideas From the Best of Houzz 2023 Award Winners
These popular photos earned pros praise from the Houzz community and offer design details worth considering for any home
Full Story
Latest News for Professionals
Houzz Launches Selections in Houzz Pro
The tool gives designers a visual workspace to create, share and discuss design concepts with team members and clients
Full Story
Latest News for Professionals
Houzz Barometer Shows Slowed Business Activity in Q3 2022
The design and construction sectors diverge in expectations. Project wait times for Q4 remain above pre-pandemic levels
Full Story
Latest News for Professionals
See What a Home’s Age Says About Remodeling Trends
Knowing some key details based on the year a home was built can help your clients plan ahead for remodeling projects
Full Story
Latest News for Professionals
8 Bathroom Features Homeowners Want Now
Get the latest ideas for vanities, materials and other popular details from the 2022 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study
Full Story
Latest News for Professionals
5 Big-Picture Bathroom Remodeling Trends Happening Now
See the latest styles, vanity looks, spending habits and more from the 2022 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study
Full Story
Latest News for Professionals
Houzz Barometer Shows Continued, Yet Slowed, Industry Growth
Wait times to start a new project are easing and have returned to previous-year levels for remodelers and designers
Full Story
Latest News for Professionals
Houzz Pro Learn Serves as a Resource Hub for Home Professionals
The site offers design and remodeling industry news, business advice, trend reports and Houzz Pro updates and tutorials
Full Story
Did the survey ask how many removed upper cabinets? Or, reinstalled upper cabinets? I still think open shelves are not sustainable for most people.
K L- no, unsealed paint would not be a good backsplash. But while I have a marble backsplash, I also have a dry wall finish painted vent with legs on either side of my cooktop. Again, it doesn’t concern me with stains or wear-and-tear as I clean up every night. A white backsplash was indeed popular for the last years- but also dependent on where you were and what you let affect your decision making. I was in Houston with my last build, and my builder was dumbfounded with a lot of my design choices. You don’t want niches? A white kitchen? A blonde floor? It was soooo far removed from the usual Texas build. But once completed, they stood in awe. Come to find out, the house I built (design plans) presents the floor change I suggested. Guess I foresaw a thing or 2. And I have to agree, while running your countertop arterial up as the backsplash is popular now, Can’t wait to see what trends next.
I’m about to renovate my kitchen. I’m curious about trending cabinet colors (white, two-tone) and types of range hoods (under cabinet, chimney, custom, microwaves, or furniture like).