Marble worktops are the top of consumers’ dream kitchen wish lists, while dark and dramatic styles are on the rise, according to a recent survey by Magnet.
Using the survey and an analysis of the national kitchen company’s own leads, its experts predict that 2022 will be the biggest year for home improvements yet. More than half (51%) of survey respondents said they would consider a new kitchen in 2022, providing they had the right budget.
The survey revealed how consumers use their homes. Nearly a third (31%) said that spending more time at home had made them view their kitchens differently. While one-in-five (21%) said they had taken an increased interest in interior design and want their spaces to look more curated and attractive.
While marble worktops are number one among the company’s leads, more practical solutions, such as a well-designed space that can be used for different functions, like working from home, and a quiet dishwasher, ranked first and second in the survey with 15% and 13% respectively.
Twin ovens that can help with home entertaining was next on consumers’ minds. A breakfast bar or workstation in the kitchen was also a top priority. Some appliances that were high on consumers’ wish lists included American-style fridges, wine coolers and accent lights.
Magnet’s head of design, Lizzie Beesley, has identified some emerging trends. She anticipates that shaker-style kitchens will continue to be popular, but they will have a modern style to them with slender frames.
Smaller elements of the kitchen, like matt finishes, a focus on worktops and hardware were also seen by Beesley as rising trends. She also predicts that breakfast bars will become more popular than kitchen islands as a way to make the kitchen more of a social hub.
Sustainability is also a top trend, according to Beesley, and she believes it is “the biggest drive in the market” and that “consumers do not want to compromise on aesthetics or price and are far more aware and will make choices accordingly”.
Pictured: Magnet Soho Misty Moors