Data from NHTI Finds Rise in Outdoor Kitchen Spaces

Kitchens are important to the homebuyer, and essential for the builder to get right. Across all demographics and stages of life, the kitchen is valued as the focal point of any home. Many homeowners also view it as indicative of the quality of the rest of the property.

So what does it say, then, when it comes to building an outdoor kitchen? Will the emotional attachment carry over, and if not, is the sacrifice to other outdoor space options worth making?

Let’s find out.

IMPORTANCE OF OUTDOOR SPACES

According to the November Survey Insights Report from John Burns’ New Home Trends Institute (NHTI), outdoor spaces are used frequently by homeowners at all life stages. Over two-thirds of them use their outdoor spaces multiple times per week.

This is because homeowners put a lot of value in their outdoor spaces. Though all life stages of homeowners use outdoor spaces often, 65% of young and mature families find them very important.

One reason that outdoor spaces may be so appealing is our latest desire to connect with nature. Those who work from home value the chance to step out into a green space, and can even utilize their outdoor areas during the workday—rather than just the afternoons and weekends.

THE OUTDOOR KITCHEN CONNECTION

Though just 4% of households currently have an outdoor kitchen, interest in the amenity has only gone up. Thirty-four percent of homeowners stated they would prioritize a cooking/dining space in an outdoor-focused remodel.

This data is also reflected in NHTI’s Annual Survey of Architecture in 2021. Sixty-eight percent of architectural designers most often included outdoor kitchens in their projects.

These kitchens, like the one featured in The New American Home 2022, might include a gas grill, bar sink, and flat-screen television for entertaining in those warm Florida evenings.

@constructutopia The New American Home has two kitchens and a bar/grill space on the roof ? sooo when do I move in? #thenewamericanhome #constructutopia #kitchen ♬ As It Was - Harry Styles

Obviously, location has a big say in which homeowners invest in an outdoor kitchen/bar. Homes in regions of heat—Texas, California, the Southwest—are more likely to have an outdoor kitchen than in colder climates—like the Northeast and Midwest.

Overall, the data here suggests that it may be a wise investment for builders to add more outdoor kitchens into their planbook. Doing so might even increase property value by 2.2%, according to Zillow.

Kitchens aside, forward-thinking architects are anticipating a rise in the importance of outdoor entertainment—more so than an interior counterpart.

To find out how to get access to the November Survey Insights Report, and other exclusive research from the New Home Trends Institute (fresh reports released monthly), visit NewHomeTrendsInstitute.com or email Deana Vidal at dvidal@realestateconsulting.com.