- Overview
The study is based on a survey of ≈ 1,600 U.S. homeowners who are planning, in the process of, or have recently finished kitchen remodels.
Focus is on what changes people are making in kitchen renovations, especially around layout, space, and how kitchen usage is evolving.
- Key Findings
Finding Details
Prevalence of expanding kitchen size Over one-third (≈ 35%) of homeowners increase the footprint of the kitchen during a renovation.
Methods for increasing space - Stealing space from adjacent rooms: most commonly from dining rooms (≈ 29%), also from living rooms, hallways, closets.
- Home additions: about 18% build an addition to gain more kitchen space.
Spending levels - Median spend on kitchen remodels in 2024 was $60,000, up from $55,000 in 2023.
- For large kitchens (250 sq ft or more), major renovations’ median cost rose to $72,000 in 2024, up from $66,000 in 2023.
- Minor renovations of large kitchens saw even sharper increases (from about $20,000 in 2023 to $35,000 in 2024).
Other renovation trends - More homeowners are having “major” kitchen remodels (replacing cabinets/appliances) and “minor” ones, with both categories seeing cost increases.
- The kitchen is more than just a cooking space: renovations increasingly support entertainment, family gathering, etc., making space and layout more important.
- Implications
Homeowners’ priorities are shifting: expanding the kitchen is not just for cooking but for living/entertaining/fluid daily use. Layout flexibility and space are now as important as finishes.
Budget expectations must adjust upward: Increasing the size of the kitchen (whether by enlarging the room, removing walls, or building additions) tends to increase costs significantly—both in materials and labor.
Structural and design challenges grow with size expansion: moving walls, changing plumbing, windows, electrical, etc., are more likely when floor area is increased. These bring both cost and regulatory/permit implications.
- Trade-offs & Risks
Encroaching on adjacent areas: Removing walls or taking space from dining rooms etc., can alter the flow or functionality of other spaces. May reduce square footage elsewhere or affect how the home feels.
Added construction complexity: Expansions may require more structural work, foundation, or external construction (if home addition), which means longer timelines and potential for surprises.
Higher operating costs: Larger kitchens may need more lighting, more heating/cooling, which raises utility costs.
Resale value uncertain: In some markets, having a very large kitchen helps value, but if taken away from dining or living areas, buyers might dislike loss of those spaces.
- Recommendations
If someone is considering a kitchen renovation expansion, based on this study, the following are wise to consider:
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Define what “more space” means: Is it more countertop? More storage? More room for dining/seating/traffic? This will help decide whether to expand room size or reconfigure layout.
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Evaluate what can be given up: Adjacent spaces (closets, dining rooms, hallways) may provide opportunity, but think about impact on home flow and function.
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Plan for structural and service work early: plumbing, electrical, insulation, load-bearing walls, permits etc. Pre-plan these before finish work to avoid cost overruns.
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Set realistic budget expectations: Larger kitchen renovation budgets are increasing. Having a buffer for unforeseen issues is essential.
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Consider professional help: Projects involving expansions or structural changes almost always require designer/contractor input.
- Conclusion
The survey shows that expanding the kitchen footprint is becoming a common choice in kitchen renovations — over a third of households are doing this. Driven by changing usage (cooking + entertaining + gathering), homeowners are trading off space from adjacent rooms or building additions to get larger kitchens. The result is higher renovation costs but also spaces that are better aligned with modern living.
