A recent Houzz 2026 Emerging Trends Report shows something we’re seeing more and more in real homes: making every inch of your kitchen and home work much harder. In fact, there has been a 275% increase in searches for ‘under-stairs pantries’, a 193% increase in ‘hidden utility spaces’ and a growing interest in ‘broken-plan layouts.’
It’s all about making better use of the space you already have, rather than needing more of it – which is where we come in! We’ve been seeing this shift for some time now and are here to help you find clever, practical ways to make everyday life run smoother at home. Read on to find out more.
The Rise of the Hardworking Home
Home’s today do a lot more than they used to. The kitchen especially is a multitasker, being used as a dining room, entertaining space, a hub for homework, a home office and more. Because of this, people are thinking more about their kitchen layout and how it feels to use every day – not just how it looks. Whether you need to rethink your storage or create a dedicated utility space, it’s less about having more room and instead being smarter about what you do have.
Make the Most of Hidden Space
One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is people looking at those underused and forgotten spaces in the home. Awkward corners, areas under stairs and small alcoves with no purpose are all being turned into really useful spaces with new purpose such as utility zones, prep areas or practical storage.
Instead of extending or looking to enlarge your space, it’s about spotting potential and hidden value in the footprint you already have. Once these spaces are being used properly, they make a big difference and help keep lives organised and clutter-free.
The Continued Rise of Pantries and Utility Spaces
No matter the size of the kitchen, pantries are still a firm favourite with everyone, whether that’s a walk-in larder or a hidden breakfast cupboard. People love having a dedicated space for their daily routine, so the kitchen feels clearer and more relaxed.
We’re also seeing more of a focus on wanting clearer worktops that house minimal clutter, so people are now hiding away smaller appliances, food storage and other general everyday items behind closed doors that can make a kitchen feel untidy.
Utility spaces are just as popular and are one of our most asked-after spaces in the home. They are no longer just rooms for housing washing machines and cleaning products, but they are a truly hardworking zones with drying racks and smart storage that act as extensions of our kitchens. If space won’t allow for a separate utility room, we are also seeing people get creative by using areas such as under the stairs to keep these daily tasks out of the kitchen.
Why Broken Plan is Replacing Open Plan
While open-plan living is still in demand, people are now wanting more definition to separate those larger spaces. Rather than one open room that includes everything at once, a broken-plan layout gently zones each space for cooking, relaxing and working, without closing off the space with permanent structures like walls and doors.
This is done subtly using things like partition walls, changes in flooring, shelving, steps or even clever furniture placement to separate each area while allowing it to still feel open and connected.
Making the most of your space is thinking carefully about how you use and live in it. From clever storage to considered layouts and how you move and interact with the room, homes need to be flexible, functional and be able to adapt as life changes.
Looking to rethink your kitchen? Get in touch today and we’d be happy to help you create the best possible space for your home.
