Houzz chronicles the emergence of the super kitchen

New research from Houzz suggests that the kitchen is evolving into something larger -- a place that incorporates traditional living space features, or what Houzz calls the "super kitchen."

In this new reality, where the lines have been blurred between the kitchen and the rest of the home, kitchens serve a bigger function than places to cook and bake, according to the 2016 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Survey.

Of those surveyed, 69% use the space for eating and dining, and nearly half for entertaining (49%) and socializing (43%).

Beyond that, 25% use kitchens to do homework, 19% watch TV, and 14% read.

Additionally, more homeowners have begun to physically blur the lines between the kitchen and the rest of the home. Nearly half, or 48%, said they're making their kitchens more open to other living spaces, with 46% of kitchens completely open to other interior spaces post-renovation. About 18% are more open to the outdoors.

Among these changes in layout, a good portion are U-shaped (35%), followed by L-shaped (28%).

“The modern ‘super kitchen’ supports family, friends and work and does it in style,” said Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz. “Our findings show that homeowners expect kitchen renovations to go far beyond improving flow, storage or aesthetics. The ‘super kitchen’ has literally become a living room, family room and office, with finishes, layouts and decor that challenge us to define where the kitchen ends and the rest of the home begins.”

Conditions appear ripe for the remodeling industry, as more homeowners sought professional help in 2015 versus 2014 (87% compared to 80%, respectively).

The survey collected responses from 2,400 U.S. homeowners using Houzz who are in the midst of, are planning, or have recently completed a kitchen renovation project.

For the full survey, click here.