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Houzz Survey By Janice Costa Open layouts are more important than added square footage, while aesthetic improvements such as new countertops and cooking appliances top consumers' wish lists, according to a new Houzz kitchen remodeling survey. PhotocourtesyofHouzz. W hen it comes to kitchens, bigger isn't necessarily better – at least according to a new survey conducted by Houzz.com, the Palo Alto, CA-based online platform for home remodeling and design. The Fall Houzz Kitchen Remodeling Survey, which polled more than 7,500 consumers about their kitchen remodeling plans and progress, showed that while the majority of consumers aren't expanding their kitchens, they are favoring open kitchen plans. In fact, while only onethird say they plan to expand their kitchen square footage, a whopping 77% of those polled say their kitchen remodel involves opening up the space to other rooms of Islands are in high demand according to the most recent Houzz survey, which shows 61% of consumers adding an island to their kitchen plan. the house. Consistent with the open-space design, some 61% of survey respondents note that they are incorporating an island into their kitchen design. As far as their remodel- 34 | Kitchen & Bath Design News December 2013 ing motivation, reasons cited were all over the map, from major life changes to natural disasters to a simple desire for an updated look. However, when asked about their primary reason for remodeling, aesthetics still topped the list, with 79% of those polled citing "an improved look and feel" as a key motivator behind their remodel (see Graph 1). However, functionality was also a strong factor, with 59% of survey respondents citing "improved function" as a primary reason for the remodel, 52% noting updated applianc- es and 48% saying improved storage was key. Other factors cited as key motivators for remodeling in- 1. Kitchen Remodeling Motivations 79% 59% 52% 48% 38% 36% 33% 23% 12% Source: Houzz ImproveLookandFeel ImproveFunction UpgradeAppliances ImproveStorage IncreaseHomeValue OpenFloorPlan ImproveEntertainingSpace AdapttoChangingLifestyle IncreaseEnergyEfciency