Limited storage space has once again been found to be the single biggest homeowner frustration when it comes to kitchen design, according to new research from Häfele.
As revealed in the company’s third Homes for Living report, which polled more than 2,000 UK homeowners, 29% of participants described storage limitations or difficulty in accessing storage as their single biggest pain point. Häfele also explained that this has been in the top spot for every one of its Homes for Living reports so far.
Cluttered worktops also held the joint most frustrating problem spot, with 29% of homeowners agreeing it was their biggest kitchen design problem. This was followed by 27% who said their kitchen was the wrong size or layout, 22% who felt their kitchen had an unappealing or outdated décor, and another 22% who said their cabinets or drawers were worn, damaged or difficult to use.
In fact, a fifth of homeowners (21%) said they actively disliked their kitchen at the moment, and roughly a quarter (26%) said if the biggest issue in their kitchen was resolved, it would significantly boost their quality of life.
When asked what they saw as a priority in their kitchens, spaces that were clean and tidy was the biggest desire, mentioned by 52% of homeowners – a 6% rise over last year’s report. This was followed by functionality (40%), adding value to the home (31%), looking modern and up-to-date (28%) and serving as a space that enhances wellbeing (25%).
Encouragingly, the research also showed that nearly a third of homeowners (28%) planned a kitchen update at some point within the next two years. Amongst those planning to invest in remodelling, mid-life homeowners were the biggest target age group, with 60% of those planning to invest being between the ages of 35 to 44 years old.
Rachel Tuckey, chief marketing and product officer at Häfele UK said: “There is a clear shift in how value is being defined in kitchen design. Homeowners are now placing greater emphasis on spaces that feel organised, adaptable and capable of working harder for their needs. This, in turn, is elevating the role of storage, utility and concealed functionality within the design conversation.
“This creates an opportunity for kitchen retailers, manufacturers and installers to move beyond product-led discussions and instead encourage customers to think more holistically about how their home should perform to cater for their way of life.
“As more homeowners look set to invest in their kitchens over the next two years, those who can respond with practical, well-considered solutions stand to add real value.”
