A unique generation requires unique considerations.
By Jennifer Monroe
Millennial homeowners have particular priorities when it comes to spending on experiences vs. physical things, and the trick is to focus on the remodeling options that will be right for them. Their lifestyles are often more creative, dynamic, flexible, socially connected and collaborative, and they want their homes to support and reflect these attributes.
As the hub of the home, the kitchen often sets the tone for the rest of the space. For Millennials, comfort and inspiration are key.
“Building a home is a beautiful journey,” said Irina Frank from Solid Construction & Design in Sacramento., Calif. “You get to personalize everything from the doorknobs to the layout of the house down to the lighting or choosing the flooring. It’s also incredibly rewarding, especially when you’re building a home for your future family.”
Here are six points to consider when renovating with Millennials.
1. Layout
Millennials see the kitchen as a space where so many activities happen. It’s where they entertain, work from home, and sometimes hold video meetings. In this case, designers should pay a good deal of attention to layout as well as design trends. The Millennial kitchen not only needs to be modern, but also streamlined to create enough room for extra seating. It should feature a good work triangle for efficiency, especially when there are multiple cooks sharing the space. Walk clients through the options of a kitchen island and ample countertops that are meant to satisfy the need for elbow room and plenty of prep space. If they are mounting a full-scale renovation, explore the option of knocking down walls or creating flexible spaces with sliding or pull-down doors, curtains or screens.
(Click here to download or purchase NKBA’s 2021 Design Trends research report.)
2. Storage
Millennials go for spaces that are devoid of clutter. They want clear countertops that can be transformed in an instant, depending on the activity required. Explain the myriad choices of storage solutions in the kitchen. Whether opting for a walk-in pantry, overhead cabinets, pull-out shelves or hidden doors under the island, the clients need to understand how these choices will align with their unique storage needs. Be sure to consider the homeowner’s special cooking or baking tools, odd-size trays, countertop appliances and how the storage may be personalized to accommodate these needs. Ample storage space is the key to a clutter-free kitchen — and always recommend more storage than meets current needs. Chances are they will accumulate more tools, utensils and appliances through the years.
3. Lighting/Color
When it comes to color choices, Millennials want a palette that brings out their personalities. Often, they gravitate toward neutrals with splashes of bold accents. These can be seen on island cabinets or non-permanent areas like pots, accessories or other decorative objects. Color and/or design choices might be inspired by a favorite travel destination or artifact from a special trip. Incorporating their experiences into the design aesthetic personalizes the space for them.
Their kitchens also require ample lighting — whether task lighting for cooking and prep, pendant lighting over an island, mood lighting for entertaining or appropriate lighting for a Zoom call. Consider placement, angles, temperature and brightness. Natural light is a welcome option, so consider adding or expanding a window. Smart lighting, controlled by sensor, voice, app or through a Wi-Fi home assistant, is also growing in popularity.
4. Appliances
Millennials are more inclined to a flexible lifestyle and enjoy the tech that allows them to do things on the go. They want appliances that they can control with their smartphones, so be sure the appliances you recommend are suited to their busy lives. Are they wine drinkers? Maybe a wine fridge is a necessity. Do they entertain a lot? Consider a second dishwasher, or dishwasher drawers for flexible washing options. Are they coffee fanatics? An integrated coffee station might be a welcome splurge.
5. Professional Advice
Walking clients through this complex process will give them a greater appreciation of the need for experts to implement and execute the ideas and likely save money and mistakes in the long run. As with most homeowners embarking on their first kitchen renovation, Millennial clients might think they know what they want, armed with dozens of ideas from Pinterest, Instagram, TV and other media. But don’t be afraid to show them the things they don’t know they need or haven’t thought about. And be sure to call in specialists like smart-home technology integrators to tackle problems and offer solutions that might be outside your expertise. Designers have seen thousands of options in action and know what works, what’s practical and what might be a source of regret down the road.
6. Finishing Touches
Many designers forget to close a successful remodel by asking for a reference and photographing the project, highlighting elements that might be especially appealing to the Millennial lifestyle. This is a marketing tool to use to attract other clients in this emerging age group. Such components might include ample but hidden charging stations, outlets that include USB ports, maximized storage, gathering spaces, clear sight lines to other living spaces to watch children, connection to other living spaces or connection with nature. Potential clients want to know you understand their unique lifestyle needs and to see the design solutions that cater to them.
Jennifer Monroe is an architect with experience in interior and exterior design. Her mission is to inspire others to live their dreams and create their ideal homes.
