These Are the Kitchen Features Americans Want Most Right Now

Maybe you already have the kitchen you’ve always dreamed of (congratulations!), or maybe there are lots of updates you’d one day like to make. Either way, have you ever wondered if the kitchen features you most desire are beloved by others too? Us, too. The features that make a kitchen totally on-trend and especially desirable do change, and a recent landmark study conducted by appliance repair and maintenance company Frontdoor analyzed millions of active home listings on Zillow to determine the top features that make homes sell — especially in the kitchen. Frontdoor examined the number of views per day that a house received, citing that high amounts of views typically equate to less time on the market. Here are some of the most-wanted kitchen features this year, in every state in the country.

When it comes to kitchens, there are nearly limitless design options out there. From rustic to minimalist to country chic aesthetics and everything in between, style trends continue to change each year. Of course, one person’s idea of a dream kitchen might be completely unique from another’s — especially regionally.

Consider the fact that people in Illinois and Oregon are currently crushing on butcher block countertops, or that those in cold, windy Vermont couldn’t live without their walk-in pantries. And folks in Kansas consider a double oven to be a luxury their kitchen wouldn’t be complete without. Despite that, some design trends seem to be universally desired — like the six below. 

With steady popularity for decades now, granite countertops are a staple in many American kitchens. Granite is durable, easy to clean, and lends a sleek look to just about any kitchen aesthetic. According to Frontdoor, homes with granite countertops enjoyed an average of 160 views per day on Zillow. 

This Pennsylvania kitchen features an increasingly common yet bold combination of black countertops and white cabinetry. It’s a best-of-both-worlds design that makes it easy to change kitchen decor to suit changing tastes. Conversely, a white granite countertop combines with white cabinetry and wall paint for a stark, minimalist look in this Michigan kitchen. 

The perfect addition to a farmhouse chic kitchen, butcher block countertops are a popular choice in today’s kitchens. A huge benefit, aside from the natural aesthetic, is the ability to choose from a wide variety of woods and finishes to suit any taste (you can even DIY them!). But in general, butcher block countertops require quite a bit of regular maintenance in order to prevent or remedy nicks, scratches, dents, and even drying out. Despite that, they’re a beautiful kitchen feature that likely won’t decline in popularity any time soon, Frontdoor says in their report. These countertops help garner homes an enviable 160 views per day on Zillow. The medium-wood toned butcher block countertop looks right at home in this Dutch kitchen, while the owner of this Illinois home chose a blonde wood for their butcher block countertop, which works well with the white backsplash and chic black floor.

Many people confuse quartz with granite, but quartz is an engineered material that contains crushed stone and binding material like resin, while granite is a natural stone. Quartz has a naturally matte finish, unlike the sheen you’ll find with granite or marble countertops. Quartz countertops are versatile, easy to care for, and less expensive to purchase and install than granite or marble. Homes on Zillow with quartz countertops clocked an average of 150 views per day in Frontdoor’s findings. This California kitchen beautifully displays how quartz can lend itself to a casual-chic aesthetic, too, with the use of a medium-tone wood floor and floral and wooden accents. 

Often combined with other styles and types of lighting in kitchens, recessed lighting is also high on the list of the most-desired home features. Homes with kitchens that have recessed lighting enjoyed about 147 views per day while active on Zillow, and it’s no wonder why: It’s stunning, sleek, easy to maintain, and even makes a space look bigger. You can install as few or as many as you need, you can use it for spotlighting or general lighting, and as mentioned above, it lends itself to combining with just about any other lighting. This small and simple Venice kitchen features three recessed lights alongside an abundance of natural light, while this powder blue Austin kitchen features two rows of recessed lights combined with two gleaming silver pendant lights for a clean, modern aesthetic that still manages to feel cozy.

If you currently live in a small apartment, or have lived in one before, you know the inherent value of a walk-in pantry. And it’s clear you’re not alone: Frontdoor finds that homes with a walk-in pantry receive an average of 137 views per day on Zillow. A walk-in pantry keeps kitchen clutter to a minimum, serves as a place to store trash cans or other less-desirable necessities, and helps keep often-used items close at hand without taking up countertop space. This walk-in pantry has room for everything and even boasts a bit of floor space, too, while this walk-in pantry features rows and rows of white shelving, which the homeowners use to store dry goods, snacks, and canned goods. Baskets are a good way to corral small or loose items. With pull-out drawers, a backsplash, and a wire rack for storing coffee mugs, this walk-in pantry is equally as enviable. 

Another popular lighting style, perhaps due to its flexibility and the way it lends itself to DIY projects (check out this cool project and this one, too), pendant lighting was another Frontdoor list-topper. Homes with pendant lighting received on average 128 views per day. This Buenos Aires kitchen proudly displays popular rattan pendant lights, which lend a natural, rustic vibe to their surroundings. Conversely, gleaming pink orbs in the form of pendant lighting are suspended from the ceiling above the dining table in this beautiful pink, black, and white kitchen. 

Whether you’re looking to sell your home in the near future, or you just like to take stock of current kitchen trends, take note that these enduring design elements are just a few of today’s most-desired features, according to Zillow’s data. Other sought-after kitchen features included double ovens, an integrated dishwasher, a wine refrigerator, and a wine cellar, with 160, 141, 128, and 127 average views per day, respectively. But remember: the most important thing about your kitchen isn’t the potential resale — it’s how much you love it and enjoy it while it’s yours.