The kitchen still wears the crown as the most searched home improvement project in 2025—and honestly, it’s not hard to see why. Kitchen renovations top homeowner wish lists because they blend daily usefulness with real property value increases, making them both practical and (let’s be honest) financially tempting.
This year, about half of UK homeowners are planning home improvements. Nearly a quarter are focusing on their kitchens specifically.
The numbers really say it all. The median spend on kitchen renovations shot up 34% to £17,500 in 2025.
Homeowners keep investing because kitchens have become the heart of the home. They’re not just for cooking anymore; they’re for working, entertaining, and just hanging out.
Kitchens get searched so much because they hit that sweet spot between necessity and opportunity. Unlike other rooms, kitchens take a beating from daily use and eventually need upgrades.
Meanwhile, new trends like smart tech and bold splashbacks keep people excited about what’s possible.
Key Takeaways
- Kitchen renovations are the top home improvement search thanks to their mix of function and property value
- UK homeowners are spending more than ever, with average kitchen spend up 34% in 2025
- Modern kitchens do a lot more than just cook—they’re where daily life and entertaining happen
Kitchen Renovation Search Trends
Kitchen renovation keeps dominating online searches in 2025. If you check search engines, this project is always at the top of home improvement topics.
Most Searched Kitchen Elements:
- Worktops and countertops – 92% of homeowners make these a priority
- Cabinet colours and styles – especially two-tone looks
- Splashback options – slab designs are leading the way
- Smart appliances – wall ovens with extra features are a big draw
The financial side drives a lot of these searches. People want to know what it’ll cost, especially since the median kitchen renovation cost rose 34% to £17,500 in 2025.
Popular Style Searches Include:
- Contemporary (28%)
- Modern (20%)
- Traditional (11%)
- Japandi – a newer trend with 3% of style searches
People are searching for specific materials, too. Engineered quartz leads worktop searches at 42%.
White and off-white colours make up over half of colour-related searches.
Tech features are climbing in popularity. Now, 67% of oven searches include things like automated cooking and remote controls.
Region matters. Big kitchens (over 100 square feet) get more high-value searches, with costs around £20,000.
Smaller kitchens under 100 square feet stick to more budget options, averaging about £4,900.
People seem to care more about durability and looks than just cost when they’re researching materials.
How Kitchen Extensions Add Value
Kitchen extensions are one of the smartest home upgrades out there. They boost your property value more than most other projects.
A well-designed kitchen extension usually adds 10-15% to your home’s value. Sometimes, a conservatory kitchen extension can push that up to 25% in the right spot.
Here’s why kitchen extensions punch above their weight:
Value Factors That Matter Most
| Factor | Impact on Value |
|---|---|
| Quality materials | Premium finishes get better returns |
| Natural light | Skylights and glass doors boost appeal |
| Open-plan design | Makes the space feel bigger—buyers love it |
| Storage solutions | More storage means more practical space |
The exact value bump depends on where you live and how well you design it. Urban homes usually see a bigger jump than rural ones.
Extensions that feel light, open, and airy always do best. Buyers are actively looking for these features right now.
Your extension should appeal to a broad range of buyers. Try not to get too personal with design choices or you might turn folks off.
Planning is everything here. Make sure you’ve got enough storage, work surfaces, and natural light from the start.
It’s not just about adding square metres. You want to improve the flow and function of the whole house.
Modern buyers expect kitchens to do it all. Extensions that bring together cooking, dining, and socialising are the real winners.
Why Kitchens Remain a Homeowner Priority
Kitchens are in a league of their own when it comes to home renovation. They get the biggest budget—homeowners spent a median of £13,000 on kitchen updates in 2022.
There are a bunch of reasons people renovate their kitchens. Nearly 40% say they just don’t like their current kitchen. Another 32% want to ditch outdated finishes, and 31% need to fix a bad layout.
Practical perks make kitchens a smart investment. You’ll see daily life get easier right away, and kitchens tend to pay off in the long run better than most home projects.
Lifestyle changes keep demand high. Younger homeowners especially want more space; 66% of Gen Y expanded their kitchen during renovations.
Appliance upgrades are also on the rise, jumping from 13% in 2020 to 19% in 2022.
Kitchens really are the heart of the home. It’s where families gather, meals happen, and memories stick.
Sustainability is a big motivator now, too. About 80% of homeowners choose kitchen renovations for long-term savings. Energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting help lower bills and support greener living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kitchen renovations in 2025 are all about sustainable materials, smart tech, and making the most of every inch. The median spend has climbed to £17,500, with contemporary and modern styles leading the way.
What are the latest trends in kitchen design for 2025?
Contemporary style leads at 28%, with modern at 20%. Traditional has dropped to 11%, so there’s a clear move towards clean lines.
Japandi is definitely on the rise—3% of homeowners are into this blend of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian function.
Mixed cabinet colours are trending. About a third of people pick different colours for upper and lower cabinets.
White rules for upper cabinets, with 42% choosing white or off-white. Wood is next at 18%.
Green is the top pick for lower cabinets at 21%. Blue, beige, and grey each get 11-16% of the votes.
Slab splashbacks are now preferred by 62% over classic tiles. And 40% of renovators go for full coverage up to the ceiling.
How can I maximise the functionality of a small kitchen space during a renovation?
Small kitchen renovations under 100 square feet have a median cost of £4,900. You’ll need careful planning to get the most out of every bit of space.
Go vertical with storage and pick multi-use features. Extending worktops can add more prep space without crowding things.
Stick to light colours for cabinets and walls—they make the space feel bigger. White and off-white are still the favourites for small kitchens.
Wall ovens are a great way to free up floor space. Over 63% of homeowners upgrade to them during renos.
Compact appliances with smart features are worth considering. Automated cooking and precise controls let you do more with less space.
What should I consider when selecting sustainable materials for my kitchen upgrade?
Engineered quartz is the top pick for worktops at 42%. It’s durable and more sustainable than natural stone.
Butcher block and wood slab make up 14% of worktop choices. These materials are renewable and can be sourced locally.
Think about the whole lifecycle of your materials. Look for certifications like FSC for wood, or recycled content in manufactured options.
Laminate worktops, chosen by 14%, now come with recycled content and offer better sustainability. Modern laminates can last and are easier on the environment.
Pick materials for their longevity, not just because they’re trendy. Most homeowners care more about look and feel (65%) and durability (44%) than just the price.
How much value can a kitchen renovation add to my home?
Kitchen renovation costs have jumped by 34% to a median of £17,500 in 2025. Large kitchens (over 100 square feet) average £20,000.
Kitchens are where daily life happens, so renovations usually bring strong returns.
Quality materials and good planning create lasting value. Focus on practical, timeless choices over fleeting trends.
About 29% of homeowners start kitchen renovations because they can afford it, not just because something’s broken. That says a lot about how people see kitchen upgrades—as investments, not just repairs.
Think about both your own enjoyment and future resale value. A well-planned kitchen makes daily life better and protects your investment.
What are the key steps to planning a successful kitchen remodelling project?
Start with a clear budget based on today’s market. £17,500 is the median spend for a big renovation, so use that as your ballpark.
Decide on worktops early—92% of homeowners upgrade them. Pick materials for durability and easy upkeep, not just cost.
Plan the layout before you choose appliances. Make sure cooking, cleaning, and storage areas all flow together.
Don’t forget about lead times for materials and appliances. Kitchen renovations take a lot of coordination, so plan ahead.
If your budget’s tight, consider renovating in phases. You can still update key elements and keep your kitchen usable while you go.
Which technological advancements are worth incorporating into a modern kitchen refurbishment?
About two-thirds of homeowners picking wall ovens go for specialty features. Automated cooking tops the list, showing up in 36% of technology upgrades.
Remote timer activation and precise temperature control each make up 24% of oven feature picks. Both of these options add convenience and let you dial in your cooking.
Control locks, chosen by 23% of people with new ovens, offer a safety boost. Families with kids seem to especially appreciate this one.
Phone monitoring controls and activity notifications each account for 21% of feature selections. These let you check on your cooking from anywhere, which is honestly pretty handy.
Smart storage is worth thinking about, too. Automated drawer systems and sensor-activated lighting can really make daily kitchen life smoother.
It’s probably best to focus on tech that actually solves a problem, not just the latest gadget. Pick things you’ll still want years from now—even if the hype fades.