Kitchen Design Trends: Materials For Countertops, Backsplashes, and Walls

Here at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel, one of the most essential elements of what we do is keeping abreast of the industry. From new materials to new techniques to consumer trends, for us to be able to offer our clients the best choices, we have to be on top of our industry.

To stay on top of kitchen design trends, we attend several big home shows each year and remain aware of consumer trends through online websites like Houzz. To that end, Houzz released its 2020 Kitchen Trends study, and it's a great look at what's currently trending in kitchen design with homeowners from around the country.

The study compiled information from nearly 2600 Houzz users who had completed a kitchen remodel or addition in the previous 12 months, are currently working on one or planning to start one in the next three months.

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Here are some exciting design trends for kitchen counters, backsplashes, and wall colors that are gaining in popularity with homeowners today!

Countertops are the #1 Kitchen Design Feature to Upgrade When Remodeling

93% of homeowners said that upgrading their kitchen countertops was their most important feature when remodeling or renovating. Backslashes are number two at 87%, followed by sinks (85%), faucets and fixtures (87%), lighting (80%), and cabinets (78%).

White is the Most Popular Countertop Color

White came in as the number one choice at 31% for upgraded countertops in renovated kitchens, followed by multicolored at 25% and gray at 15%. An interesting side note is that 29% of homeowners who added or upgraded kitchen islands chose a contrasting countertop color in relation to the perimeter colors, with wood-tone being the most popular choice.

Quartz Countertops Unseat Natural Stone Again!

In 2019, for the first time ever, engineered quartz was a more popular countertop choice among homeowners at 48%, than natural stone at 43%. This year that number jumped to over 50%! While the number increased 5% over last year, it was slower than the 11% per-year increase from 2016 – 2018. The slower growth is likely due to significant price increases in engineered quartz being imported from China. The second most popular choice was granite at 29%, followed by butcher block or a wood slab (11%), quartzite (7%), and laminate (6%).

White is the most popular Backsplash Color

Like countertops, white has been trending as the most popular backsplash color at 35%, followed by multicolored (20%), and gray (15%).

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile are the Top Choices Again This Year!

Nearly 9 in 10 renovating homeowners (87%) are including a backsplash in their remodeling plans. For the second year in a row, over 50% have made ceramic or porcelain tile their number one choice. This is more than double the number two choice, natural stone (including marble, granite, travertine, slate, quartzite, and limestone), which came in at 23%.

The Number One Backsplash Pattern... Classic Brick

The most popular pattern for a new backsplash is the traditional brick pattern where tiles are laid in an offsetting pattern in alternating rows, like a brick wall by a whopping 54% compared to the number two choice herringbone which comes in at a mere 7%!

Backsplash Coverage Trends are Changing

63% of homeowners upgrading their backsplash as part of their kitchen remodeling are taking the backsplash all the way up to the upper cabinet bottom, or range hood, while 21% are just taking it partway, ending between the countertop and the top cabinet bottom or range hood. A smaller percentage of homeowners (11%) are creating a feature wall, taking the backsplash material all the way to the ceiling.

Neutral Tones Are Again the Popular Wall Color Choice

This trend has been building for several years now and continues to grow. The most popular colors in the 2020 study carry on the trend. Gray is the number one choice at 30%, followed by white (24%) and beige (20%). However, this year has seen some homeowners bucking the neutral trends and instead opting for bolder wall color choices like blue (7%) and Green (5%).

The trends in kitchen design are continually changing. While some design options are classic, new technology and new materials are giving homeowners more choices than ever before when it comes to kitchen remodeling. Working with a design-build contractor who stays current with the latest industry trends can save you time, money, and help you to create a kitchen that will remain in style for many years to come!

Planning a New Kitchen Design?

If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are considering remodeling or updating your kitchen, why not give the award-winning designers at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963.

Whether you're remodeling your kitchen or building new, we work closely with our clients to meet their functional and aesthetic needs! Our kitchens are designed to be beautiful, functional, and meet your needs for years to come! Call us today at (608) 846-5963 and set-up a free consultation to discuss your upcoming project with our award-winning design team!