Vinyl Flooring Leads the Way for Kitchens—Plus 5 More Design Trends to Watch for This Year

As the new year begins, you might be feeling the urge to refresh your home. The kitchen is often regarded as one of the best spaces to begin a kitchen remodel, whether you're aiming to boost your home's value or simply enhance your personal enjoyment. Kitchen renovations vary greatly in size and cost, so it's crucial to have a clear strategy before making any changes. According to the 2025 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, the median expenditure on kitchen remodels is now $60,000, up from $55,000 last year—but with thoughtful upgrades, these investments can really pay off in your kitchen's design.

For those seeking inspiration for their kitchen remodel, here are some of the key trends and insights from the Houzz report.

Traditional Style Is Making a Comeback

A key factor in home renovations is the style, with many homeowners choosing to update their kitchens for a more modern feel. Among those who change the style in their kitchen renovations, 12% opt for modern designs. However, traditional styles are making a strong return, with 14% of homeowners planning to incorporate it into their kitchen updates. The most popular kitchen style for renovations, chosen by 25%, is transitional style, blending both traditional and modern elements.

Kitchen Expansions Are Taking Space From Dining Rooms

With shifting home layouts and evolving preferences, the traditional dining room is no longer the central gathering place it once was. More casual dining around kitchen islands is taking precedence over formal meals at dining tables. According to a Houzz study, over a third (35%) of homeowners expanding their kitchens during renovations are taking space from the dining room.

Islands Are a Significant Part of Kitchen Renovations

Islands have become an essential feature in modern kitchens, offering both style and practicality. In fact, more than half of homeowners renovating their kitchens (58%) either add a new island or enhance an existing one. When upgrading islands, size matters: over half (52%) of these islands are larger than seven feet long, 29% are of medium size between six and seven feet, and 19% are smaller than six feet.

Black Countertops Beat Out Gray and Beige

While 'millennial gray' has lost popularity in recent years, what’s taking its place in kitchen design? Houzz reports that black is becoming a leading choice for countertops. Though white and off-white remain the top picks for kitchen countertops, black has moved up to third place, surpassing gray and beige in preference.

Accent Cabinets Are Having a Moment

While accent walls may be losing their charm, accent cabinets are on the rise. Over half of homeowners renovating their kitchens (52%) choose to add or update an accent cabinet or shelf. Among these, glass-front cabinets lead in popularity, selected by 36% of homeowners, followed by 23% opting for Shaker-style cabinets, and 16% preferring open shelves without doors.

Vinyl Flooring Is the Top Choice

When it comes to choosing the most popular flooring for kitchen renovations, three materials are vying for the top spot: vinyl/resilient flooring, stained or unstained hardwood, and ceramic or porcelain tile. This year, vinyl/resilient flooring has claimed the lead, selected by 22% of homeowners. Stained or unstained hardwood is not far behind, with 21% of homeowners choosing it, while ceramic or porcelain tile rounds out the top three with 20%.