Category: Kitchen

Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of six that keeps the kitchen extra busy in the mornings
Location: Hinsdale, Illinois
Size: 520 square feet (48 square meters)
Designers: Stephanie Frees (kitchen design) and Amy Tausk (interior design)

This kitchen was just too much — towering, bulky cabinetry, a closed-off feeling and millwork details like scrolls, medallions, beading, fanciful corbels, even a giant fridge that looked like it was wearing a crown. All of this overwrought detailing was cramping the style of this family of six. “The kitchen was too old-world for them,” says interior designer Amy Tausk.

So in keeping with the overall traditional style of the house, Tausk and kitchen designer Stephanie Frees lightened and brightened the space with a simpler, more current transitional style that respected the architecture and worked well for the family’s lifestyle. While the family found a lot about the existing layout that worked for them, they made some big architectural changes. The new plan changed the flow between the kitchen and dining room and created a new butler’s pantry that worked for the whole family, with stations for making breakfast and lunch and serving beverages.

Style. Tausk describes the kitchen as transitional. “It blends the best of traditional familiarity with modern sophistication to create a comfortable, livable space,” she says. The family was ready to simplify the ornate details that did not suit their style, but they wanted to keep an elegant feel. “We were inspired by the modern farmhouse look because it feels more casual and in keeping with this family’s unfussy style,” Tausk says. “But we wanted to put our own spin on it and create something that was a little different. We wanted things bright and white but to bring in warmth with wood tones and lots of texture.”

Before. The kitchen was too traditional for the homeowners and there was no direct link to the dining room and its wonderful natural light. “The house used to be very dark old-world traditional,” says Tausk, who worked on the interiors throughout the house. She notes that the floors, while light in color, were impossible to keep looking clean. “The main entrance to the kitchen from the front hall was through a little hallway with a desk on one side and a pantry door on the other,” she says. “Not only was this desk space not needed since the family has a large home office space, but it also became a clutter-and-drop zone. And this was the first thing you’d see as you’d walk into the kitchen.”

Now two openings on either side of the range alcove lead to the dining room.

Lighting. You astute Houzzers probably noticed that the light fixtures are the same in the before and after photos. That’s because lighting was the first thing Tausk helped her clients change out before they embarked on the full remodel. Previously there had been a pair of tiny pendants over the island that were out of scale. Now new large glass globe pendants suit the scale without blocking the view through the room too much.

Wall paint: White Dove; cabinet paint: Classic Gray, both Benjamin Moore

Refrigerator wall (before). A behemoth of a fridge bulked up this wall, ceremoniously adorned with scrolled columns and crowned with an arch with a medallion and just about every other sort of fanciful overwrought detail you can think of thrown in there.

Through the arched opening on the right is the hallway to the front of the house, and it served as the main entry into the kitchen before. The kitchen desk area previously mentioned was through the archway on the right.

Refrigerator wall. The cabinetry along the right side of the kitchen includes a panel-front Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer that blend right in. There is a pullout coffee station between them.

Cabinet paint: Classic Gray, Benjamin Moore; coffee system: Miele; column refrigerator and freezer: Sub-Zero

Range alcove. The range alcove remained in about the same place, but now it has a simplified look marked by a mix of lovely textures — shiplap, quartz and a distressed beam mantel. And now it’s flanked by the two openings to the dining room. The range is 48 inches wide and has six burners, a griddle and two ovens.

The designers walked the homeowners through several different options before landing on this design, including a decorative cement-tile backsplash and a stone to tie in with the stone fireplace in their family room. “Ultimately, these options started feeling like too much — we liked the simplicity of the quartz backsplash and brightness and clean lines of white shiplap,” Tausk says. “The reclaimed wood beam was our way of bringing in the warmth, color and texture we wanted.”

There are spice shelves tucked into each end of the alcove. The top drawers in the alcove’s cabinets have inserts for all of the cooking utensils while the drawers below hold the pots and pans.

Shiplap and wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore; backsplash and counter: Pearl Jasmine, Silestone; 48” range, Wolf

Here you can get a better look at the spice rack and a peek into the breakfast bar portion of the butler’s pantry.

And here you can see how the room now enjoys the view into the dining room and the sunlight that floods it. African baskets add texture to the wall.

Eat-in area. The large family gathers for almost all of their meals in this comfortable and bright spot. The homeowners already had the table, which the designers had refinished to look like new. “We purchased new upholstered chairs in a navy color so that they would be both comfortable and easy to maintain,” Tausk says. A new chandelier over the table has traditional detailing but a more modern linear silhouette.

Dining chairs: Arhaus; E.F. Chapman Classic Linear Chandelier, Visual Comfort; browse linear chandeliers

There is a reconfigured butler’s pantry behind the refrigerator wall. There is access from both sides — through the opening on the right there is a beverage bar; through the opening on the left there is a breakfast bar and lunch-making area.

Kids’ breakfast and lunch-making bar. “This area was custom-designed to house all of the items needed for the kids to get their breakfasts and pack their lunches,” Frees says. The cabinet on the left has a bread drawer in it and all of the lunchware and water bottles are stored in the drawers below it. The counter above it is for the Keurig (for hot chocolate and tea) and a toaster, and the adjacent wall holds a microwave drawer. The baskets hold all of the snack foods.

Subway tile: Masia, Soho Studio; microwave drawer: Wolf

Once you walk past the breakfast bar and turn right, you enter the food storage pantry. At the other end of the pantry is a hallway to the kitchen from the front of the house — custom doors with fluted-glass inserts introduce the alder wood seen throughout the kitchen to those about to enter the room.

Beverage bar (before). That clutter magnet of a kitchen desk mentioned earlier used to mark the main entry into the kitchen

Beverage bar. The desk has been replaced with a beautiful beverage bar. “Because the main kitchen area is more neutral, we decided to have a little fun with color in the bar area,” Tausk says. Everyone fell hard for the combination of soft blue, a knotty alder wood backsplash and brass hardware, and it provides a prettier journey from the front of the house into the kitchen. As you can see here, the pantry doors echo not only the alder wood but also the brass hardware.

Cabinet paint: Solitude, Benjamin Moore; lighting and cabinet hardware: Rejuvenation

There is a beverage fridge on the left and a wine fridge on the right.

Beverage and wine refrigerators: U-Line.

Floor plan. Here you can see the way the pantry is laid out along the bottom of this plan. The dining room is behind the range wall.

I know this beautiful kitchen’s size and budget are beyond reach for most of us, but there are plenty of ideas to steal from it.

Takeaways

• If you’re tired of all white in the kitchen but still love a light look, take a handful of baby steps away from it — using a light gray on the cabinets, mixing in wood details, choosing a different color or wood for an island base or painting window trim a contrasting color.
• You’re not likely to know exactly what you want right away. Take the time to walk through different options and looks. For example, looking at options they initially thought they wanted for the range alcove made this family realize they didn’t want it to look too busy or too heavy, and they landed on just the right look.
• Consider cleaning when choosing a floor tile and grout, especially in a high-traffic, high-spillage-potential area like a kitchen.
• Think about every single thing you want to grab when you are prepping, cooking and cleaning and arrange for convenient storage within reach of those areas.
• Got four kids? Get dark or wipable upholstery on the kitchen chairs.
• Think about ways you can set up stations to keep people out of the way of the cook.
• The easier you make it for your kids to grab their own breakfasts and pack their own lunches, the easier your mornings will be.
• If you are getting rid of items like cabinets, lighting or a sink that simply don’t suit your style but are in good condition, there are plenty of resources for donating them for reuse. Check out How to Donate or Recycle Home Remodeling Materials for more information.

A two-toned palette sounds limited? These four kitchens beg to differ. With the wide range of wood tones, stains and grain styles on offer, as well as all the shades of white and various products and materials available in both colors, the possibilities really are limitless. The designers here went with farmhouse, traditional and midcentury styles, but any style is a good candidate for this classic palette. See for yourself below, then show us your own white-and-wood kitchen in the Comments.

“After” photos by Valerie Wilcox

1. Bright Farmhouse

Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple
Location: Midhurst, Ontario
Size: 252 square feet (23 square meters); 21 by 12 feet
Designer: Aniko Nicholson Design

Before: These Canadian homeowners loved wood finishes, but too much of one type of it — an orange-red cherry on the cabinets and flooring — made their kitchen feel busy and hemmed in despite the open-plan concept. They brought on interior designer Aniko Nicholson to approach the wood and the layout more strategically, and to create a better lighting plan and a focal point.

After: The charming new farmhouse-inspired design balances soft medium-tone white oak (including on the island base and paneled fridge), reclaimed barn beams (including over the range) and warm white finishes (including a shiplap-clad ceiling as well as cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee). Bright copper pendant lights enliven the look.

Nicholson also reconfigured the layout and some core elements. A floor-to-ceiling cabinet has taken the place of a jutting-out pantry, allowing for better flow and a longer island. Hefty bulkheads by the window are gone. And a wider opening on one side means the kitchen now has lovely views through the living room window, and the living room has better light.

Nicholson centered the range alcove on the new island and created this focal point backsplash. It and the island top are composed of a richly textured sintered stone surface called Dekton Arga XGloss.

“After” photos by Spacecrafting

2. New Take on Traditional

Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: Bill and Mary Maney and their Labrador retriever
Location: Maple Grove, Minnesota
Size: 275 square feet (26 square meters)
Designer: Mary Maney of Crystal Kitchen + Bath

Before: An abundance of honey-toned cabinets and a similar flooring gave this suburban Minnesota kitchen a bland look. It also had a crowded feel, due to low-hanging cabinets, cluttered countertops, a flow-impeding fridge and a plethora of items atop the upper cabinets. Homeowner Mary Maney, who happens to be an interior designer, got to work transforming the kitchen into a bright and inviting gathering place with a traditional feel.

After: Knocking the kitchen back to the studs allowed Maney to bring in new everything, including windows, and to switch up the layout a bit for better circulation. The fridge, now paneled, is now on the oven wall, and a cooktop on the back wall has replaced an electric cooktop in the island.

A walnut vent hood over the cooktop makes a statement, set off by generous amounts of white and beige. The cabinets now reach the ceiling for a more streamlined look, while wide-plank engineered white oak flooring grounds the room. A glass-front storage tower with interior lighting and walnut paneling turns dishware into decor.

Wall paint: Accessible Beige, Sherwin-Williams; trim paint: Super White, Benjamin Moore

See why you should hire a professional who uses Houzz Pro software

Here’s a closer look at the walnut statement hood, which matches the island base, and at the eye-catching backsplash, which is composed of mosaic Calacatta marble tiles with brass, surrounded by 3-by-12-inch honed marble tiles.

“After” photos by Provoke Studios

3. Tidy Galley

Kitchen at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple, their four kids, two dogs and cat
Location: West Vancouver, British Columbia
Size: 117 square feet (11 square meters)
Designer: Lori Steeves of Simply Home Decorating

Before: At the back of a compact home in the Canadian province of British Columbia, this galley kitchen didn’t serve the homeowners and their four children well. With only 117 square feet to work with, designer Lori Steeves came on board to improve the storage, flow and look while keeping to the home’s midcentury design.

After: Steeves nixed the island, which housed the sink and an air vent, in favor of a peninsula with seating. She moved the sink under a newly placed window and scooched the fridge and range to the right to make room for a pantry cabinet. The clean lines and two-toned palette — white oak-look cabinetry and bright white — streamline the look.

Browse counter stools in the Houzz Shop

Moving the window allowed the designer to extend the upper cabinets, and she also used pullouts, deep drawers and a lazy Susan to make the most of the storage space. Two other space-maximizing tricks: grooves instead of hardware on some of the cabinets, and LED lights on the bottom of the upper cabinets instead of ceiling fixtures.

4. Making Connections

Kitchen of the Week
Who lives here: A couple with two kids in middle school
Location: Melrose, Massachusetts
Size: 365 square feet (34 square meters)
Design team: Amy Tangorra (lead designer), Alex Scovell (space planning) and Paige Lewin (finish selections) of Our House Design+Build

Before: Disconnected from the breakfast bar and not in keeping with the homeowners’ love of nature and midcentury style, this New England kitchen was ready for a makeover — one that would include a bigger island to accommodate all four family members. The homeowners tapped a team with Amy Tangorra as the lead designer for the makeover.

After: Removing the wall opened up the kitchen to the breakfast area and made room for a bigger island. Note how the same white oak flooring spans the two spaces for a cohesive look, yet each area feels distinct.

Cotton-white walls, off-white backsplash tiles and white quartz countertops create a fresh counterpoint for custom-stained red birch cabinetry and a matching vent hood. Low-back wood stools fit the palette and midcentury vibe beautifully. The interior side of the island houses a microwave drawer and more storage, and open wood shelves to the left of the window (not seen) hold display items and everyday dishware.

Wall and trim paint: Chantilly Lace, Benjamin Moore; backsplash tile: Halite, Fireclay; counters: Delgatie, Cambria; vent hood: Stanisci Design & Manufacturing

A growing number of homeowners are making their kitchens more open to other interior spaces and to the outdoors. Many are revamping layouts, modifying walls and requesting longer islands. Spending on kitchens is also on the rise, while pro hiring remains strong.

This North Carolina kitchen by Clearcut Construction shows many features that are popular according to the study. The space opens to an outdoor area through sliding glass doors. White Shaker-style cabinets, white backsplash tile and white countertops are also sought-after elements.

1. Open-Concept Kitchens Are on the Rise

Among homeowners making their kitchens more open to nearby interiors, nearly two-thirds (64{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) go for completely open, and a quarter (25{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) choose somewhat open — via double doors, a row of doors or a wide opening, for example. The most popular method to open up a kitchen more to outdoor areas is with double doors or a row of doors (46{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}). Meanwhile, 11{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} use a moving or folding wall system to integrate their kitchen with the outdoors.

Improving functionality is the driving force behind creating an open-concept space (64{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), while 54{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} of renovating homeowners want to enhance their entertaining space and 47{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} simply appreciate the layout’s aesthetic.

“We’re seeing a return to more open-concept spaces following a brief drop in interest during the pandemic, when people sought separation and privacy from other household members,” Houzz staff economist Marine Sargsyan says. “Creating a more open kitchen appeals to homeowners for both functional and aesthetic reasons, but doing so may impact the project’s overall budget, requiring more technical changes, such as modifying walls and changing the layout.”

This Hanover, Massachusetts, kitchen by Woodland Road Design is completely open to the surrounding spaces. Double doors connect it to an outdoor area. A blue island, white Shaker-style cabinets and quartz countertops are other elements popular with homeowners now.

2. Substantial Structural Work Is Popular

Though changing the kitchen’s style is the top trigger for a renovation, many makeovers involve substantial structural work. Among renovating homeowners, 45{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} reconstruct the kitchen’s layout and 43{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} upgrade systems. As for other structural changes, 39{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} of renovating homeowners modify kitchen walls and 7{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} completely change the kitchen’s location; those percentages have increased by 3 points each year over year. Nearly 1 in 7 renovating homeowners (13{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) modifies the kitchen ceiling, and 5{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} modify the flooring by reframing or adjusting the height.

Deidre Interiors expanded the footprint of this West Olive, Michigan, kitchen. Watery blue backsplash tile nods to the home’s lake location; it extends to the ceiling, a choice that 10{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} of renovating homeowners make.

3. Pro Hiring Remains Stable

Homeowners often turn to home professionals for assistance with more technical projects. In fact, more than 4 in 5 homeowners (84{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) rely on professional help during a kitchen renovation.

A quarter of renovating homeowners hire a kitchen designer, and 16{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} bring in an interior designer for their kitchen remodel. Architects (15{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and kitchen remodelers (11{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) are also sought after.

General contracting firm Supple Homes helped turn this Menlo Park, California, kitchen into a light and bright transitional-style space with white Shaker cabinets, zellige backsplash tile and stainless steel appliances.

4. Investment in Kitchens Reaches New High

The median spend on kitchen remodels in 2023 is up 22{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} from the previous year, to $55,000, among homeowners undertaking major remodels. (“Major kitchen remodel” refers to a remodel in which at least all the cabinets and appliances are replaced.) Also worth noting: The median spend on major kitchen remodels is up 57{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} in 2023 compared with 2020; three years ago it was $35,000.

The median spend on minor remodels continues to increase as well. It was $18,000 in 2023, increasing by 29{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} year over year, and has more than doubled since 2020, when it was $8,000. (“Minor kitchen remodel” refers to any remodel that is not considered major.)

Economists like to reference the median, or midpoint, figure rather than the average for this kind of data because the average can be skewed, can be volatile year over year, and can be misleadingly high or low because of a single project that costs far more or less than others.

Designer Nicole Forina gave this high-end kitchen in a Colts Neck, New Jersey, Colonial home many elegant features, including stone countertops and slab backsplashes, brass finishes and an antiqued-mirror-wrapped range hood.

5. Preference for Long Islands Grows

More than 2 in 5 homeowners (42{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) opt for islands that are 7 feet or longer, with the share increasing by 10 points since 2020. Islands shorter than 6 feet are losing popularity, down by 5 points year over year. This trend might be influenced by homeowners’ reported usage of islands for entertaining (54{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and socializing (44{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) post-renovation.

This Seattle-area kitchen by Space Lab Design Services features an extra-long island with roomy seating and plenty of countertop workspace. A custom metal range hood and moody rough-cut backsplash tile coordinate with abundant wood elements to create a rustic modern mountain style.

6. Majority of Cabinets Still White

White continues to be the most common cabinetry color (46{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), and the percentage is up by 6 points year over year. Wood (25{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and green (4{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) inched up by 1 percentage point each during the same time. After holding steady at 10{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} for the past three years, gray has decreased by 2 percentage points.

Despite a slight dip in popularity as a primary cabinet color (to 4{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), blue remains a top pick for island cabinets that are a different color from the main cabinets (25{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}). Green jumped in popularity for island cabinets that are a different color from the main cabinets (10{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}, up from 5{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} in 2023).

This New York kitchen by Elemental Interiors features popular white Shaker-style cabinets and a blue island. White countertops, white backsplash tile and white walls are also top choices among homeowners.

7. Interest in High-Tech Appliances Rises

More homeowners (54{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) prefer to replace all the appliances during a renovation, rather than just a few (34{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}). Homeowners increasingly are opting for appliances with high-tech capabilities, with the percentage up by 5 points, to 44{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}. Nearly a third of homeowners (30{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) choose appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity, and 29{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} opt for models that can be controlled with a smartphone or tablet; both those figures rose by 5 percentage points year over year. Interest in features such as touch-screens, smart home connectivity, and built-in apps and cameras also has grown since last year.

Jordan Design-Build Group included a smart refrigerator in this Washington, D.C.-area kitchen. The space also features marble countertops and backsplash tile, white Shaker-style cabinets and a stained cherrywood island base. Among renovating homeowners, 8{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} of those who choose an island color that’s different from the main cabinetry color go for dark wood.

8. More Backsplashes Replaced

The vast majority of homeowners (86{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) replace the backsplash during a kitchen renovation, and that share is up by 2 points since last year. Backsplashes most commonly extend to the cabinets or range hood (62{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}). But 1 in 10 (10{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) renovating homeowners covers the entire wall up to the ceiling. The most popular backsplash material is ceramic or porcelain tile (54{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), followed by engineered quartz (11{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}). Natural stone is sought as well, with homeowners choosing marble (9{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), quartzite (6{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and granite (4{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}).

Other popular kitchen upgrades include countertops (91{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), cabinets (85{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), faucets (83{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), light fixtures (79{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), flooring (68{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and the replacement of all appliances (54{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}).

Design-build firm Kabela & Co. took the backsplash in this Rye Brook, New York, kitchen to the upper cabinets and range hood, a strategy favored by a majority of homeowners.

9. Many Homeowners Plan Ahead for Aging

Among renovating homeowners addressing special needs in the kitchen, the most common reason is to accommodate aging household members’ future needs (36{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and current needs (27{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}).

Functional elements incorporated for the current and future needs of aging household members include pullout cabinets (58{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), extra lighting (54{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and wide drawer pulls (48{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}). Safety features, including nonslip flooring (37{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and rounded countertops (34{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), are also a priority.

This San Diego, California, kitchen by Design Studio West includes many features that address aging in place, such as adequate lighting, wide drawer pulls, rounded countertops and wide pathways.

Kitchen remodels are revealing clear shifts in priorities for the home. Wood cabinets are dethroning white, and aging-in-place design is on the rise. Renovating homeowners are rethinking layouts, planning for the long term and investing in smarter, more functional spaces, often without making kitchens any bigger. Find out more about these and other key insights from the just-released 2026 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study.

1. Wood Cabinets Overtake White

Wood has claimed the top spot for kitchen cabinet color. Nearly 3 in 10 renovating homeowners (29{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) are choosing wood cabinets — a 6-percentage-point jump from the previous year, pushing white into second place at 28{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} after a 5-point decline in that period. Medium wood tones lead the pack (15{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), followed by light wood (11{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and dark wood (3{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), signaling a shift toward warmth and natural character.

Off-white holds steady at 15{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}. Green (6{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) now edges out gray (5{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), while blue, beige, black and greige remain niche options, each used in fewer than 5{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} of renovated kitchens.

Warm midtone wood cabinets surround a rich, dark wood island in this inviting Sacramento, California, kitchen by Usher Building & Design, which uses Houzz Pro software.

2. Aging-in-Place Planning Moves to the Forefront

Designing for aging and long-term needs is becoming a bigger priority in kitchen remodels. More than half of renovating homeowners (53{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) address current or future special needs in their kitchen projects — up 3 percentage points from the previous year. These include updates for aging household members, pets, household members with disabilities and young children. While fewer renovating homeowners expect the special needs to arise within the next year (25{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}, down 4 points), most are planning ahead: 52{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} anticipate needs emerging in five or more years, with smaller shares looking one to two years out (9{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) or three to four years out (14{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}).

Aging-related updates are driving the shift. Among renovating homeowners addressing current needs, nearly one-third (31{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) focus on aging household members, up 5 points year over year. Planning for future aging needs is even more common, at 41{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} (up 6 points). By comparison, far fewer renovating homeowners design for pets (8{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} current; 5{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} future), household members with disabilities (6{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} current; 7{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} future) or young children (5{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} for both), with several of these categories declining year over year.

When homeowners do plan for aging, they overwhelmingly prioritize safety and ease of use. Nine in 10 (90{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) include accessibility features, a 2-point increase from the previous year. As this graphic shows, pullout cabinets lead the list (59{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), followed by additional lighting (51{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and wide drawer pulls (44{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}). Rounded countertops (34{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and nonslip flooring (32{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) are also popular, while more specialized upgrades — such as wheelchair-accessible doorways (21{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), lower fixtures (15{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and lower countertops (5{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) — remain less common.

KSI Kitchen & Bath installed a pullout spice cabinet beside the cooktop in this Detroit kitchen for easy access while cooking.

3. Layout Changes Lead the List of Major Upgrades

Reworking the kitchen layout is the most common major upgrade. More than half of renovating homeowners (52{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) modify their kitchen’s layout, outpacing upgrades to home systems (42{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and wall updates (33{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), the latter of which is down 3 percentage points from the previous year.

Other big changes are far less common. Just 11{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} alter the ceiling, 5{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} move the kitchen to a new location (down slightly year over year) and 4{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} make structural changes to the flooring.

When homeowners do rethink the layout, familiar configurations still dominate. L-shaped kitchens lead at 35{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}, followed closely by U-shaped layouts at 31{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}. Galley kitchens account for 14{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} of kitchens with a changed layout.

An L-shaped layout connects this stylish Wyoming, Minnesota, kitchen by Murphy Bros. to the living room. Murphy Bros. uses Houzz Pro software.

4. Most Kitchens Keep the Same Footprint

Even as homeowners rethink how their kitchens work, most aren’t making them bigger. Although 52{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} of renovating homeowners change the layout, more than two-thirds of kitchens (68{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) end up about the same size after renovation — a share that’s up 4 percentage points from the previous year. That means many homeowners and pros are finding smarter ways to reconfigure kitchens within the existing footprint.

Expansion is the exception. About a quarter of kitchens (26{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) grow somewhat, down 2 percentage points year over year, and just 6{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} become significantly larger. When kitchens do expand, they most often borrow space from adjacent rooms. Of the 32{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} of renovating homeowners who enlarge their kitchen footprint, 25{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} take space from dining rooms, followed by breakfast nooks (17{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and home additions (16{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}). Smaller shares expand into hallways (10{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) or living rooms (8{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), with even fewer tapping laundry rooms (7{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), family rooms (6{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) or closets (5{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}).

Looking at final size, half of renovated kitchens (50{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) measure 200 square feet or more. Another 38{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} fall between 100 and 199 square feet, a share that’s up 4 points, while only 12{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} come in under 100 square feet, down 1 point.

This roomy, light and airy Atlanta kitchen by Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs includes a walk-in pantry on the left and a separate butler’s pantry through the arched opening on the right.

5. Functionality Becomes a Stronger Remodeling Driver

Practical concerns are increasingly pushing kitchen projects forward. More renovating homeowners now cite kitchen deterioration or dysfunction as a reason to remodel, with the share rising 3 percentage points year over year to 38{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}. That puts functionality nearly on par with dissatisfaction with the old kitchen’s style (41{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}).

Other motivations remain steady. About a third of renovating homeowners cite having the financial means to renovate (33{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), while a quarter remodel to improve resale value (25{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}). Meanwhile, fewer homeowners are renovating to personalize a recently purchased home, with that share dropping 4 points to 24{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}.

Urgent fixes are still relatively rare. Just 4{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} of homeowners remodel to address damage from a disaster, and only 3{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} cite safety or health concerns as the primary trigger.

YB Interiors, which uses Houzz Pro, transformed this Atlanta kitchen from dark and dated to bright, functional and inviting.

6. Style Updates Dip Slightly, With Transitional Still on Top

Style updates remain a major focus in kitchen remodels, even as they dip slightly year over year. A vast majority of renovating homeowners (78{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) still change their kitchen’s style, despite a 3-percentage-point decline from the previous year. Among those making a style shift, transitional continues to lead at 25{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}, followed by traditional (12{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), modern (11{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and contemporary (10{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}). Midcentury remains a niche choice, selected by just 6{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} of homeowners.

Beige and Bleu Design Studio gave this Boston kitchen a transitional look, featuring sage green cabinets paired with warm wood accents.

7. Kitchen Budgets Swing Widely by Scope and Size

Kitchen remodeling costs vary dramatically depending on project scope and kitchen size. We’ll start with major kitchen remodels, in which all cabinets and appliances are replaced. The median spend for a major kitchen remodel is $55,000.

Size makes a significant difference, especially for major projects. Renovating homeowners spend a median of $75,000 to remodel a larger kitchen (250 square feet or more), versus $46,000 for a smaller one (less than 250 square feet).

At the high end, spending climbs quickly. Among the top 10{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} of spenders, major remodels reach a median of $150,000 for larger kitchens and $120,000 for smaller ones.

Economists like to reference the median, or midpoint, figure rather than the average for this kind of data because the average can be skewed, can be volatile year over year and can be misleadingly high or low because of a single project that costs far more or less than others. The median spend reflects the reported costs of homeowners who completed a kitchen remodel by mid-2025 and is not adjusted for inflation.

The median spend for minor kitchen updates, which involve replacing only some cabinets and appliances, is $20,000. Larger kitchens come in slightly higher at $25,000, compared with $20,000 for smaller spaces.

Among the top 10{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} of spenders, minor remodels reach a median spend of $50,000 overall — $53,000 for larger kitchens and $44,000 for smaller kitchens.

Dark stone countertops, a statement range hood and a rich wood island define this high-end Salt Lake City kitchen by Maven and Hutch.

8. Pantry Cabinets Top Among Built-In Kitchen Features

Built-ins continue to play a major role in kitchen remodels. More than three-quarters of homeowners (76{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) include built-in features as part of their renovation.

Pantry cabinets top the list, added by nearly half of renovating homeowners (47{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}). Beverage stations rank second at 24{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}, reflecting the growing desire for dedicated drink and entertaining zones. Built-in seating such as banquettes and wine fridges are tied at 17{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}, followed by walk-in pantries (16{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and breakfast bars (14{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}). More specialized additions remain less common, with baking stations included by 9{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} of homeowners and butler’s pantries or prep kitchens by 7{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}.

Pocket-door pantry cabinets with built-in pullouts bring smart storage to this New York kitchen by Boxco Studio.

9. Partial Cabinet Upgrade Strategies Shift

Most kitchen remodels still involve a full cabinet overhaul. More than two-thirds of renovating homeowners (68{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) replace all their cabinets, while just over a quarter (27{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) opt for partial cabinet upgrades. Only 5{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} leave their cabinets untouched.

Among homeowners choosing a partial approach, refinishing cabinet exteriors remains the most common strategy (50{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), though its share has slipped by 5 percentage points year over year. At the same time, adding some cabinets is gaining ground, rising 5 points to 32{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}. Replacing some cabinets (26{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and swapping only the doors (20{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) continue to be popular options, while refinishing cabinet interiors has declined, down 5 points to 12{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}.

This Philadelphia kitchen by Revival features custom white oak cabinetry, a sage green island and marble countertops and backsplashes.

10. Most Homeowners Rely on Pros for Kitchen Remodels

Kitchen renovations remain firmly in professional hands. The vast majority of renovating homeowners (87{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) hire at least one pro for their kitchen project. General contractors are the most commonly hired, engaged by nearly half of homeowners (48{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), followed by building specialists — including electricians, plumbers and HVAC pros — at 42{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} and cabinetmakers (34{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}). Kitchen designers are also key players, hired by more than 1 in 5 homeowners (22{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), though that share is down 3 percentage points from the previous year. Design-build firms (13{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), interior designers (12{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), architects (11{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and dedicated kitchen remodelers (9{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) round out the list.

Professional involvement is nearly universal on higher-end kitchen projects. Among renovating homeowners spending $50,000 or more, 98{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b} hire at least one professional. General contractors lead the list (60{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), followed by building specialists (53{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) and cabinetmakers (43{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}).

Design expertise also plays a larger role at this price point. About one-third of homeowners (34{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) work with a kitchen designer, while others turn to a design-build firm (18{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), an interior designer (13{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}), an architect (13{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}) or a dedicated kitchen remodeler (11{89dfb6957ce4a1e3031bc0d5b01b3dd8343a3497ef1d426230e1b8427806e42b}).

White-and-wood kitchen palettes have been extremely popular for years. But you’ll find fresh ideas for creating the classic combination in this countdown of the most-saved new kitchen photos uploaded to Houzz so far this year. You’ll also find neat storage ideas, creative island designs and more inspiring features and details worth saving to your own ideabooks.

1. Arches and Texture

This Dallas kitchen by Le Belle Maison Interiors beautifully combines many of the design elements renovating homeowners are asking for today — and many featured in other photos in this countdown. They include a white-and-wood palette, a large island for entertaining and paneled appliances. A couple of other trending details to note in this kitchen are the zellige backsplash tiles and the arched doorway, the latter of which is echoed by the arched counter stool backs and dome-shaped island pendant lights.

2. Simply Marbleous

Remodeled by Broad Oaks Construction, this San Francisco kitchen features white upper cabinets paired with rift white oak lower cabinets with a clear stain. The two tones are bridged by a countertop and backsplash of Calacatta Paonazzo marble, which is prized for its bold golden, black and sometimes plum-colored veining. The back of the island has a reeded detail for extra visual interest and texture.

3. Bit of Bling

This Princeton, New Jersey, kitchen remodeled by The Home X has a limited palette of light wood, crisp white and shades of gray. But it’s full of luxe details. For example, an intricate backsplash composed of tiny tiles in a herringbone pattern stretches countertop to ceiling. Furniture-like legs support the island overhang. And delicate, cage-like chandeliers add opulent gold counterpoints to the cooler-toned and earthier elements.

4. European Elegance

Patrick and Meghan Sharp of Mister + Mrs Sharp and builder John Bynum created this sophisticated Atlanta kitchen, which has white oak cabinetry with a medium brown stain, glazed white terra-cotta backsplash tiles and a marble-look quartz countertop. Behind the range top, the quartz swoops up with a graceful curve to meet a European-style range hood supported by corbels. Additional regal accents include the counter stools’ velvety upholstery and burnished brass accents such as the double gooseneck spout faucet and pot filler.

5. Window Dressing

Reeded glass-front accent cabinets extend from countertop to ceiling in this rich wood-toned Philadelphia kitchen by Bella B Home Designs. Lights inside the cabinets illuminate the dishware and enhance the reed detail, while modern torch-like sconces draw attention to the gold-and-black detail on the shapely range hood and the dramatic veining in the stone backsplash.

6. Spring Mix

Filled with compelling contrasts and special details, this Orange County, California, kitchen was designed by Alicia Torosian, who uses Houzz Pro business software to manage her projects. Torosian paired earthy green cabinets with white quartzite countertops around the kitchen’s perimeter, extending the quartzite partway up the range wall. Above the quartzite, a thin whitewashed-brick backsplash runs up to the vaulted shiplap-covered ceiling. At the center of the room, a dark wood island has a black granite countertop embellished with an ogee edge.

7. Architectural Intrigue

A barrel ceiling with rich walnut paneling and cove lighting is a showstopper in this Sherwood, Oregon, kitchen. Created by Holly Moore, Stacey Miller and Matt McQueen of Lifetime Remodeling Systems, the kitchen also has a large arched window and a smaller circular window that give the room a unique look and frame the spectacular wooded views. The walnut ceiling detail coordinates with the window trim, walnut cabinetry and detail on the decorative range hood.

8. Subtle Style

The slatted detail on the range hood is a subtle, on-trend addition to this Los Angeles kitchen by general contracting firm New Vision Builders. Warm wood cabinets, paneled appliances and a shared countertop and backsplash material contribute to the room’s pared-back — but not plain — look.

9. Herringbone and Hexagons

A herringbone-pattern wood floor and hex-pattern backsplash add texture and geometric pattern to this white-and-wood Los Altos, California, kitchen by KNR Design Studio and Changras & Frey Construction. Sunshine pouring into the room through the skylight accentuates the backsplash tiles’ shape and sheen.

10. Step on Up

This Portland, Oregon, kitchen by Guggenheim Architecture + Design Studio has appealing clean lines, mixed wood tones, midcentury-modern-style elements, skinny Shaker cabinet fronts and rounded island corners. But a detail that makes it especially popular is the handy folding step stool, which fits into a narrow gap between cabinets.