Dive Brief:

• Kitchens are getting bigger and becoming more modern, according to online home design site Houzz's fourth annual Kitchen Trends Report.

• The company reported that more than a third of respondents to the survey said they are increasing the kitchen's size, while 51% of new kitchens open to other rooms and 20% more open to the outdoors. About 88% of homeowners are hiring professionals for kitchen renovations, including general contractors (54%) and kitchen remodelers (10%). 

• Contemporary design was found to be the most popular style for renovated kitchens, but millennials (25-34 years old) were more likely to prefer modern or farmhouse kitchens, while Baby Boomers are more likely to opt for traditional kitchens.

Dive Insight:

The findings by Houzz following a survey of more than 2,700 homeowners and included components like design style, finishing choices, purchase motivation and a kitchen's impact on health.

The company noted that a third of respondents report leading healthier lifestyles after a kitchen upgrade as they made more meals at home and eat more fruits and vegetables

The latest results follow a report identifying current trends in new single-family kitchens by the National Association of Home Builders in October that found granite countertops (64%), wood cabinets (85%) and stainless steel (79%) appliances were among the most popular choices to have in the kitchen.

Revamping homes is building traction as owners look to improve property value on the back of surging prices, primarily driven by inventory shortages and strong demand.

A report by Remodeling Magazine found that remodeling a home will recover an average of 64.3% of what homeowners invested in the revamp when they sell their homes this year. A major kitchen remodeling was found to give a return of 65.3%.

Some of the latest products for kitchens and bathrooms are currently being rolled out at the International Builders' Show and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show now underway in Orlando, FL.