Kitchen renovations are encouraging healthier eating habits, new figures have revealed.
A survey by design platform Houzz, which questioned over 3,100 UK homeowners, found that more than a third (35%) of kitchen updaters reported a healthier lifestyle post-renovation.
It found that 43% cooked more meals at home, with nine out of 10 enjoying five or more home-cooked meals per week.
Other post-renovation eating habits include consuming more fruit and veg (23%), and reducing the number of takeaways with more than a third (36%) saying they are ordering less.
Open-plan remains a popular choice with more than half (59%) choosing this style. Nearly two-thirds of kitchens (63%) gain square footage during an update.
These larger spaces are in turn leading people to spend more time with their family (69%) and entertaining more frequently (51%).
The majority of kitchen updates (88%) are also including a style change, with contemporary topping the list at 56%. Traditional and country styles trail behind, at 10% and 7% respectively.
Neutral colour schemes are preferred in the majority of kitchen updates, with white (50%), grey (18%) and beige (12%) the top three wall colour choices.
The most popular features to replace in a kitchen update are cabinets (93%), worktops (93%) and taps (90%).
Of the 89% investing in appliances, the majority opt for a dishwasher (83%) and fridge-freezers (78%).
Appliances gaining in popularity are hot water taps (24%), warming drawers (18%) and drink fridges (16%).
More than one in 10 homeowners spent over £50,000 on a kitchen renovation in 2016, while a further 22% spent between £25,000-£50,000.
“Houzz research has shown that the majority of kitchen renovations are unlikely to be motivated by the desire to improve a home’s resale value,” said Nino Sitchinava, principal economist at Houzz. “With the growing trend of homeowners staying put, the return on investment from a kitchen renovation is less tangible, instead measured in healthier habits, personalised spaces and more face-time with family and friends.”