MasterBrand Finds Renewed Kitchen Remodeling Interest

click image to zoom Americans are renewing their interest in kitchen remodeling, spurring new design trends for spaces that not only look great but also function well, according to a new Kitchen Remodeler’s Public Opinion Survey by MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc.¹

For many homeowners, the time has come to stop putting off the remodel, with 14 percent of homeowners feeling restored confidence about their personal financial situations to take on such a project. Sixty-two percent of those polled said they have out-of-date spaces in need of refreshing, 37 percent want better kitchen functionality, and 35 percent want more storage.

The return to remodeling reflects a return to the kitchen. As a recent Harris Poll2² noted, seven in 10 Americans are cooking at home more often instead of going out in order to save money. USA Today³ also reported that as the economy improves, many homeowners are looking for ways to renovate their kitchens without breaking the bank.

According to the MasterBrand Cabinet survey, the average amount consumers plan to spend on a remodeling project is $14,100, with the majority of respondents (61 percent) spending less than $10,000. On average, more than a quarter of their remodeling budget is spent on cabinetry.

Here are some design trends that came out of the remodeling survey:

Refreshing and renewing: Today’s homeowners are renewing kitchens through a range of projects: from simply painting the walls to a complete makeover incorporating new kitchen cabinetry. To refresh the kitchen’s overall look, the most popular elements slated for replacement are countertops (76 percent), paint or wallcoverings (70 percent), cabinetry (67 percent) and flooring (64 percent).

Space and functionality: Space and functionality (19 percent) and style or look (18 percent) are the top kitchen issues needing addressing. Respondents want more space in the eating area, a better kitchen layout and enough walking or living space. Nearly 20 percent want more space for appliances and storage.

Opening new doors with cabinetry: Oak is by far the most popular wood type, with 30 percent of respondents choosing it over maple or cherry (both at 17 percent) and laminate (15 percent). Oak cabinetry is more popular among those age 55 or older (30 percent) than for those 35-54 (32 percent) and 18-34 (20 percent). In the South, oak is less popular and cherry is more popular compared to other regions of the country.

When it comes to cabinet stains, light or natural is the most popular for 42 percent, followed by dark stain (24 percent) or painted cabinets (15 percent). Generational differences also impact stain choices: older remodelers lean toward light or natural in an effort to prolong their home’s value, whereas dark stain is more popular among younger remodelers 18-34 (38 percent) compared to those 35-54 or 55+ (both at 22 percent).