The Kitchen Glow-Up: Why Homeowners are Breaking Up with Their Old Layouts
Kendra Sinclair•Thumbtack’s Home Design Trends Expert•Last updated May 14, 2026
Last updated May 14, 2026
For years, the kitchen has been called the heart of the home. But today, it’s more than just a hub for cooking. It has become the backdrop for hosting, tackling daily to-dos, and even creating content.
To better understand how kitchens are evolving, Thumbtack surveyed more than 1,000 homeowners across the country about how they actually use their kitchens and what they wish were different. The results show a clear shift in priorities, with homeowners moving away from layouts and designs that no longer fit their lives and investing in spaces that feel more functional, flexible, and personal.
This evolution is driving what we’re calling the “kitchen glow-up.”
The kitchen is the hardest-working room in the home.
Cooking is now just one part of the job.
Today’s kitchens are expected to do it all: serve as gathering spaces, makeshift home offices, and creative hubs. In fact, 62% of homeowners say they regularly socialize with friends and family in their kitchen, and nearly 1 in 5 host guests weekly or more, reinforcing the kitchen’s role as the go-to space for connection and entertaining.
Nearly half (45%) use the space to manage everyday responsibilities like paying bills or planning schedules, while 43% use it for hobbies or personal projects.
Kitchens aren’t keeping up, and homeowners are investing to fix that.
As kitchens take on a growing list of responsibilities, many homeowners say their spaces no longer function the way they need them to. Layouts that once worked for basic cooking and dining are now struggling to support entertaining, multitasking, storage needs, and the realities of everyday life. As a result, homeowners are increasingly focused on making their kitchens more efficient, organized, and adaptable.
Here are the biggest frustrations homeowners have with their kitchens today.
In response, homeowners are making targeted updates to close the gap. The most common projects focus on creating spaces that better support hosting and everyday functionality.
These trends are already showing up in the projects homeowners are tackling. To better understand how these trends are coming to life, we looked at Thumbtack data on this year’s top kitchen-related projects. While many homeowners are investing in full remodels and rethinking their layouts entirely, others are opting for smaller, high-impact updates — like cabinet refinishing, countertop repairs, and appliance upgrades — that can refresh the space without the cost of a major renovation.
2026 kitchen trends to watch.
As kitchens evolve, several clear design and lifestyle trends are emerging:
The open-concept layout no longer rules all.
Open kitchens are not going away, but they are no longer the default. Homeowners are increasingly drawn to semi-open layouts that offer a balance of connection and separation. While 44% still prefer a fully open kitchen, an almost equal amount (43%) favor a layout with some level of division.
Why the shift? Open layouts come with tradeoffs. Over half of homeowners say clutter is always visible, and a third say noise travels too easily. The result is a move towards more intentional design, with features like partial walls, zoning, and pocket doors that help define the space without closing it off completely.
Jason Walker, Thumbtack Pro Advisory Board member and owner of Jason Walker Carpentry, says he’s seeing homeowners prioritize layouts that create more flexibility in how kitchens function day to day.
“Homeowners are starting to recognize the value of creating a little separation between the kitchen and the rest of their daily living. At the same time, they still want the benefit of openness in their kitchens for entertaining and family connection. Semi-open layout tends to offer the best balance between openness and privacy.”
Kitchens are becoming camera-ready.
Social media is no longer just influencing how homeowners decorate, it’s changing how kitchens are designed and maintained. Nearly half (48%) of homeowners say they get kitchen inspiration from social platforms, and 43% admit to intentionally styling or cleaning their kitchen specifically for photos, videos, or video calls.
As kitchens increasingly double as content backdrops and visible everyday spaces, homeowners are making design choices with the camera in mind. That means prioritizing features like better lighting, styled shelving, statement backsplashes, and cohesive finishes that feel polished both online and in real life. The result is a shift away from purely functional kitchens toward spaces that are designed to be seen, shared, and lived in.
“Joydrenching” is taking over.
Minimalism is taking a backseat as homeowners embrace more expressive, personality-driven kitchens — a shift known as “joydrenching.” Instead of playing it safe, they’re layering in bold, mood-boosting elements that turn the kitchen into a space that feels vibrant, lived-in, and uniquely theirs. Here’s a look at what they’re doing.
Smart kitchens, better living.
Homeowners are increasingly turning to technology to make their kitchens work harder and feel more seamless in everyday life. From connected appliances to automated lighting and voice-enabled tools, today’s smart kitchen features are less about novelty and more about convenience, efficiency, and reducing friction in daily routines.
Here are the smart kitchen features homeowners are prioritizing most as they look to create spaces that feel easier, more connected, and better suited to modern life.
Bringing the outside in.
Natural elements continue to play a big role in kitchen design. From indoor plants to stone surfaces and natural wood finishes, homeowners are creating spaces that feel calmer and more grounded. It’s part aesthetic, part wellness, and it reflects a broader desire to make the home feel like a place to recharge.
What homeowners are spending on kitchen upgrades
While a full kitchen remodel can cost anywhere from $28,700 to $90,400 nationally, many homeowners are opting for smaller, high-impact updates. In fact, the most common budget for kitchen improvements falls between $1,000–$5,000, signaling a growing preference for practical upgrades that improve how the space looks and functions without the cost of a full renovation.
That’s especially true when it comes to projects that improve how the kitchen functions day to day. Jason Walker says homeowners are increasingly focused on upgrades that maximize usability and storage.
“In higher-end markets, homeowners are increasingly prioritizing functional storage, especially in kitchens where space is limited. While prices vary based on their wants and needs, many are willing to spend more on custom elements that improve day-to-day usability while also making the kitchen feel more intentional and well designed.”
Where kitchen renovation demand is booming
The push for smarter, more functional kitchens is playing out across the country, with demand for kitchen projects surging in cities where homeowners are investing heavily in their spaces. Here are the cities most focused on transforming their kitchens in 2026.
The future kitchen is built around real life.
Across all of these trends, one theme stands out. Kitchens are being redesigned to reflect real life. They’re no longer built around a single purpose, but instead, support everything from hosting and working to creating. As homeowners continue to invest in their homes, the kitchen is emerging as its most dynamic and personal room.
Ready to get started on creating your own dream kitchen? Download the Thumbtack app today and start planning your next project.
Thumbtack Methodology:
Project volume, cost, and year-over-year growth estimates are based on requests for kitchen-related projects on the Thumbtack platform between May 1, 2025, and April 30, 2026. All pricing data is based on national average cost estimates using data provided by Thumbtack pros and additional research; real prices may vary based on city and supply. Regional rankings were determined by the relative frequency of top kitchen-related project requests per capita.
Survey Methodology:
This SurveyMonkey online poll was conducted between April 28–29, 2026, among a national sample of 1,065 people (18+). Respondents for this survey were selected from the nearly 3 million people who take surveys on the SurveyMonkey platform each day. The modeled error estimate for this survey is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
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