DES PLAINES, IL – Kitchens will remain hot remodeling priorities in homes across the United States throughout 2014, according to the Member Profile Study done by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). Kitchen remodels remain a top priority for 82 percent of NARI members, according to the study, released for National Home Improvement Month in May, which also estimates home remodeling projects will total $73 million in 2014.

According to NARI members, consumers looking to remodel their kitchens are selecting open space concepts that are both comfortable and practical, with kitchen islands remaining a popular trend. Improving the overall look and feel of the kitchen was most often cited as the main motivating factor by homeowners for remodeling.

Other popular trends listed in the study included mixing different wood tones and finishes to create a custom kitchen look; built-in accent cabinets to house china or other kitchen utensils; wine storage, such as integrated wine coolers and dedicated “butler” areas for entertaining, sampling and sharing wine; and more decorative task lighting features instead of additional upper cabinetry.