For starters, COVID-19 exposed the flaws of the open floor plans touted on HGTV and other design shows—finding a quiet space to jump on that Zoom meeting with the boss while the kids are remote learning a few feet away can be a logistical nightmare. Fewer homeowners created an open-concept floor plan leading into 2021, according to a recent survey from design and remodeling site Houzz.
What kinds of kitchen remodels are in vogue?
For the third year in a row, transitional remained the top kitchen interior design style, although it’s actually a hybrid of other styles, stealing a bit from here and a bit from there. Modern and contemporary rounded out the top three.
Homeowners are choosing Shaker-style cabinets, 57%, and white cabinet doors, 41%. Overall, neutral colors continued to reign supreme. Unobtrusive shades of gray, white, and beige were popular wall colors. More adventurous homeowners brightened them up with multicolor backsplashes; black, stainless appliances; and even blue walls.
Built-in specialty organizers, drawers, and trays are also popular with those trying to keep all of their stuff in its proper place. More than a third invested in a Lazy Susan, a revolving storage tray that became a staple in the 1950s and 1960s. Perhaps they’ve been bingeing Netflix’s “Get Organized With The Home Edit.”
High-tech kitchen islands also remained on trend. About 63% of remodels included an island, and more than half of those islands featured a new appliance, such as a dishwasher or microwave, or both.
In addition, more than half of those renovating their kitchens upgraded their pantries or created a walk-in one.
What kinds of kitchen remodels fell out of favor?
Homeowners weren’t as interested in upgrading light fixtures and appliances in 2021.
In addition, traditional hardwood flooring found itself on the outs.
Ceramic and porcelain tile, which looks like hardwood but is often more durable and water-resistant, were the top choice for kitchen flooring. Vinyl is also becoming popular, being used in about a fifth of remodels.
