Recent research into how people use kitchens shows that designs can ensure schemes play a vital role in improving the homeowners’ wellbeing, says Natalie Davenport from Häfele UK
While traditionall kitchens have been relatively small spaces added onto a home with the main purpose being cooking, research shows this way of thinking no longer fits modern living. Not only do homeowners want more appliances, technology and features in their kitchen; the way they live and interact in their homes is also continuing to evolve.
Additionally, with many of us having spent more time than usual at home over the last two years, the importance of functionality and flexibility of each room in the house has become more crucial. Get it wrong and not only does the space not work effectively, but it can impact our day-to-day lives and relationships.
To explore this further, we recently undertook research to understand the key priorities and pain points when it comes to kitchen design. It revealed that entertaining (26%), working from home (10%), and even exercising (4%) are now among the most popular activities Brits now do in the kitchen. The research also shows that while nearly all homeowners (91%) use their kitchens for cooking, 16% people use the room to relax in, and 11% use it as a playroom or homework area for children.
The need for flexibility
Flexibility is clearly key, and many respondents cited this as the most important factor they would consider when choosing their next kitchen.
In fact, 15% said they wanted to be able to change the function of the room, for example by using sliding doors to create a broken plan layout and close off areas to hide mess or change the use of the space at the end of the day. A further 13% said they wanted to be able to change the mood of their kitchen, for example by using lighting to create different atmospheres when cooking, working, entertaining or relaxing.
So whether working on new-builds or renovation projects, architects and designers can help to meet users’ expectations by carving out specific areas for designated uses, with installations that make it easier to achieve different functionalities.
Impact on wellbeing
As well as functionality, the research revealed people seek a positive emotional connection with their kitchen – though that’s not currently happening for everyone.
The research also showed that one in five respondents don’t like their current kitchen, due to badly designed storage, a lack of space and poor layout. In fact, more than 85% said their kitchen impacts their emotional and mental health, while two thirds said if their biggest issue with their kitchen was fixed, it would improve their quality of life.
Some of the feelings our respondents said were triggered by poor kitchen design included sadness, stress, depression and anxiety, demonstrating that lots of kitchens in the UK aren’t necessarily meeting the needs of the people using this space every day.
The good news is that there’s a brilliant opportunity to turn these figures on their head, because there is potential for kitchens to achieve so much more and have a positive impact on our lives.
Functionality plus look & feel
There are a wealth of fixtures and fittings available on the market today that can improve the functionality of a space, and also spark positive reactions from the people using them.
For example, as part of the research, 31% of people said they wanted lighting built into cabinets to help them see fully into them and 40% said they wanted more spotlights to help them do practical work. However, a further 13% said they wanted a lighting scheme that could change to create different atmospheres and moods, depending on the activity they’re carrying out at any given time.
We are conditioned to think that how lighting looks is what’s most important, but the function lighting serves in the kitchen also needs to be a key focus, as does the way it makes homeowners feel. Cost-effective, easy to install LED lighting which gives a premium look and feel, and can be controlled by the end user, strikes the perfect balance.
There’s a big opportunity for architects and designers to embrace these findings and implement them into future kitchen designs; and play a more integral role in the long term, day-to-day lives of their clients. A three-way partnership with the end customer and design studio will be vital to put the kitchen back into the heart of the family home, creating functional spaces that maximise usability, flexibility and value while balancing personal style and design trends.
Natalie Davenport is head of marketing at Häfele UK