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For many years, consumers have judged kitchens primarily on style. However, Häfele UK’s latest Homes for Living report suggests greater emphasis is now being placed on performance, usability and longevity.

“We are seeing a broader definition of value in the kitchen,” says Lee Dicey (pictured), chief commercial officer at Häfele UK. “It is not just about appearance or upfront cost.”

This change is reflected throughout the company’s findings, with ‘clean, tidy and clutter-free’ kitchens the top priority for 52% of homeowners, while 40% say function behind doors and drawers matters most. Demand for features such as pantries, appliance storage, smart lighting, and built-in charging points all rank highly, pointing to a market increasingly driven by usability as much as aesthetics.

A long-term mindset

Part of what is driving this change is that we are firmly in an improve, not move, era. While 87% of homeowners expect to stay in their current home over the next two years, 42% are planning improvements, and a further 8% are reinvesting moving budgets into their existing property.

As a result, kitchens are increasingly being treated as longer-term investments. “When people know they’re likely to stay put, their expectations change,” says Dicey.

This is also reflected in demand, with kitchens ranking second only to interior decorating as a priority area of spend which, when scaled to the UK owner-occupied market, indicates a potential expenditure of several billion pounds before the end of 2027. 

More considered decisions

What is also significant in the manufacturer and distributor’s findings is how that spend is being judged. 

For the first time since Häfele began its research, quality and longevity have overtaken budget as the leading influence on kitchen decisions, while wellbeing, accessibility and overall home value are also rising in importance. 

This, in turn, influences which features homeowners value most, with pantries or larders leading at 32%, followed by appliance storage and boiling water taps at 31%. Smart lighting and built in charging points are close behind at 30%. 

Rather than focusing solely on appearance, homeowners are now looking for kitchens that feel organised, adaptable and easier to use, as well as look good. “The most wanted features are the perfect combination of aesthetics and practicality,” says Dicey. “They make the space easier to use while still delivering on design.” 

Lighting is another example of this combination, with one in seven homeowners saying better functional lighting would be a priority and wanting a more considered approach to how the space supports different tasks throughout the day.

This more considered approach is also shaping the purchasing journey. Nearly half of homeowners say they need to upgrade their kitchen but are hesitant due to cost and practical concerns. At the same time, 51% would consider upgrading part of their kitchen rather than undertaking a full renovation.

There is also a clear need for better guidance. Almost half of homeowners feel the advice and inspiration they see is not actually suited to kitchens like theirs, while 42% are interested in smart technology but are unsure how to choose or use it.

“That gap between interest and action is where the opportunity is,” says Dicey.

Supporting with solutions

For retailers, the findings underline the need to go beyond simply presenting options. Häfele found that 44% of homeowners do not feel they have enough space to support the way they use their kitchen, while 26% say resolving its biggest issue would significantly improve their quality of life.

“This is not just a design decision, but one that can have a meaningful impact,” concludes Dicey. “Retailers that can demonstrate solutions grounded in real day-to-day living will be best placed to convert demand into sales and long-term value.”

You can access Häfele’s full Homes for Living report at hafele.co.uk/homes-for-living

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