Homeowners to Prioritize Their Kitchens in 2025
In 2025, homeowners are prioritizing their kitchens in a big way. Based on a survey of over 1,600 respondents, home remodeling and design platform Houzz found that homeowners in 2025 are investing in large, luxury kitchen spaces and seeking the help from professionals in order to do so.
“Nearly half of the homes in the U.S. are 42 years old or older and were built to serve homeowners of a different era. As kitchens take on a more centralized role in daily activities, homeowners are choosing to surrender neighboring rooms and exterior spaces for additional kitchen square footage to meet their needs,” says Marine Sargsyan, Houzz staff economist. “Kitchens already command the highest renovation spend of all interior projects but what stands out is the increased focus and investments, with the top 10% of homeowners spending triple the median for high-end major remodels.”
Rising Investments into Kitchen Renovations
The report found that homeowners are spending more than ever on kitchen upgrades. Median renovation costs rose to $60,000 in 2024, up from $55,000 the previous year. High-end kitchens have seen an even sharper increase, with the top 10% of spenders investing a minimum of $180,000—a 20% jump from 2023’s $150,000.
For larger kitchens—250 square feet or more—spending has grown by 9% for major renovations, reaching $72,000. Meanwhile, minor renovations recorded a 75% increase, climbing to $35,000.
Major Renovations Require Expert-Level Support
When choosing to upgrade their kitchen space, homeowners are continuing to seek the help from industry professionals. According to the survey, 86% of homeowners say they rely on professionals for their kitchen remodels. General contractors are the most sought-after experts, with 50% of homeowners saying they hired one for their kitchen, followed by kitchen designers at 25%, architects at 13%, design-build professionals at 12%, and kitchen remodelers at 8%.
What's Driving These Investments?
Style remains the top reason homeowners are seeking new kitchens in 2025, with 35% of homeowners renovating due to the deterioration or dysfunction of their kitchens. Additionally, financial readiness motivates 33% of respondents, while 28% are looking to make their space feel more personal. Practical considerations like improving resale value remain steady at 25%.
Many homeowners also report wanting larger kitchens. In fact, 35% of homeowners surveyed say they are expanding their kitchen footprints during renovations, often repurposing adjacent spaces like dining rooms and living rooms to create a more open and functional layout. Approximately 18% of respondents say they are even building home additions to accommodate larger, more functional kitchens.
A kitchen's layout is also a major consideration for homeowners. Over half of homeowners—approximately 53%—say they want to modify their kitchen layout, with L-shaped and U-shaped designs being the most popular choices at 37% and 33%, respectively. Other commonly reported changes include home system upgrades 44% and modifications to surrounding walls.