The UK’s kitchen culture

In our country, where culinary traditions run deep, the kitchen has always played a crucial role in connecting generations. It’s where we pass down our cherished family recipes, refine our cooking skills, and create lasting memories. However, our kitchen has also adopted modernity, seamlessly integrating technology and contemporary design to keep up with our fast-paced lifestyles.

In my home, just like many others across the UK, the kitchen has embraced convenience as a trusted partner. We’ve integrated smart appliances that cater to our cooking needs and compact gadgets that create extra space on our countertops. This shift isn’t only about saving time; when purchasing these appliances and additions straight from a manufacturer, it can also translate into cost savings. If this option were accessible in my area, I might have also ordered my worktops direct from the manufacturer, allowing me to keep some extra money in my wallet.

Every kitchen has its own unique tale to tell, reflecting the tastes and personalities of those who inhabit it. Some opt for open-plan layouts that encourage social cooking gatherings, while others prefer minimalist designs that exude elegance. The diversity in kitchen styles here is as vast as our culinary landscape. We’re reimagining our kitchens as spaces that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics, creating environments that inspire both creativity and comfort.

As awareness of environmental issues grows, so does the eco-consciousness of our kitchens. Sustainable practices such as composting, reducing food waste, and choosing energy-efficient appliances are becoming integral parts of our kitchen culture. This eco-friendly trend also extends to the materials we use in kitchen construction, with a growing preference for recycled and low-impact options.

Join us on a journey through the UK’s kitchens, where tradition meets innovation, convenience mingles with creativity, and sustainability takes root. In this exploration, we’ll uncover the changing tastes, evolving designs, and the enduring charm of the kitchen, which continues to hold its rightful place at the heart of British homes.

Five-star acrylic sheet supplier The Plastic People, who create kitchen splashbacks to add a stylish touch to a cooking area, has delved into what the UK’s kitchen culture looks like today.

Sales of various kitchen appliances

In recent years, the UK has witnessed a surge in the adoption of kitchen appliances. Sales of small kitchen gadgets, from blenders to coffee makers, have skyrocketed by 41% between 2011 and 2015. This indicates a growing trend of kitchen enthusiasts seeking convenience and efficiency in their cooking routines. According to research carried out by Mintel:

• Sales of small kitchen appliances have increased from 635 million in 2011 to 897 million in 2015 – a 41 per cent boost.
• Sales of food preparation appliances have increased by 145 per cent from 2011 to 2015.
• Sales of hot beverage making appliances have increased from 78 million in 2011 to an estimated 148 million in 2015 – an 89 per cent boost.

The UK’s most popular kitchen appliance

The humble kettle has retained its popularity in UK kitchens, with 42% of Brits purchasing one in 2015. It’s a testament to the enduring tradition of tea-drinking in the UK. However, other appliances like toasters, sandwich makers, and juicers have also found their place in modern kitchens, catering to a diverse range of culinary preferences.

• 42 per cent of Brits bought a kettle.
• 30 per cent of Brits bought a toaster.
• 15 per cent of Brits bought a sandwich maker or grilling machine.
• 13 per cent of Brits bought a juicer of smoothie maker.
• 13 per cent of Brits bought a coffee capsule or pod drink maker.
• 11 per cent of Brits bought a filter coffee machine.

The UK’s most popular kitchen appliance upgrade

The following is the frequency of upgraded appliance types in the kitchen, from homeowners who either renovated their kitchen in the 12 months prior to the release of the 2017 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study – UK, are currently renovating their kitchen, or are looking to do so over the three months after the release of the research:

• Dishwasher(s) – 82 per cent.
• Fridge/freezer – 78 per cent.
• Extractor fan – 77 per cent.
• Hob(s) – 75 per cent.
• Wall oven(s) – 56 per cent.
• Microwave – 53 per cent.

The same study also revealed that stainless steel was the most popular colour when upgrading appliances (47 per cent opted for this tone), followed by black (22 per cent) and then white (10 per cent).

How Brits are updating their kitchens

Upgrading worktops has become a common practice among homeowners, with 93% investing in this aspect. Quartz, known for its durability and aesthetic appeal, leads the materials chart at 24%. This shift signifies a growing desire for kitchens that are both stylish and practical.

• The frequency of increasing kitchen sizes sat at 63 per cent in the 12 months up to the release of the research, for those currently renovating their kitchens and for those planning to renovate the space over the three months after the release of the research.
• The most popular events that triggered Brits to update their kitchen were:
• 42 per cent had only recently purchased their home and wanted to make their kitchen their own.
• 32 per cent had wanted to update their kitchen all along and finally had the means to do so.
• 30 per cent could no longer stand their old kitchen.
• 26 per cent acknowledged that their old kitchen had either deteriorated, broke down or became unsafe.
• 14 per cent were adapting to recent changes that had happened to their family and lifestyle.
• The top kitchen layouts were as follows:
• 32 per cent opted for a U-shaped design.
• 28 per cent opted for a L-shaped design.
• 14 per cent opted for a Galley design.

Features Brits install into their kitchens

In a bid to make better use of available space and reduce clutter, 77% of homeowners have invested in cutlery organizers, while 61% have opted for deep drawer organizers. These statistics reflect a conscious effort to enhance kitchen functionality and create a more organized cooking environment.

• 93 per cent upgraded with worktops, and the top materials used are as follows:
• Quartz (engineered) – Used by 24 per cent.
• Granite – Used by 20 per cent.
• Laminate – Used by 17 per cent.

White was also the top colour for these worktops (27 per cent selected this tone), followed by grey (17 per cent) and then black (15 per cent).

• 93 per cent upgraded with cabinets.
• 90 per cent upgraded with taps and other plumbing fixtures.
• 90 per cent upgraded with lighting fixtures.
• 90 per cent upgraded with a sink or set of sinks.
• 89 per cent upgraded with appliances.
• 88 per cent upgraded through their choice of flooring, of which the top materials used were as follows:
• Ceramic or porcelain tile – Used by 30 per cent.
• Engineered wood – Used by 16 per cent.
• Stone – Used by 16 per cent.

Grey was also the top colour for these flooring solutions (23 per cent selected this tone), followed by medium wood (21 per cent) and then light wood (13 per cent).

• 85 per cent upgraded by looking at their kitchen wall’s finish.
• 84 per cent upgraded with a new kitchen splashback.

Houzz’ research also revealed the top new features for built-in kitchens for the same study group:

• 42 per cent opted for a kitchen island.
• 40 per cent opted for a pantry cupboard.
• 34 per cent opted for a breakfast bar.
• 29 per cent opted for a built-in wine fridge or rack.
• 12 per cent opted for a peninsula.

Storage solutions in kitchens

In a bid to make better use of available space and reduce clutter, 77% of homeowners have invested in cutlery organizers, while 61% have opted for deep drawer organizers. These statistics reflect a conscious effort to enhance kitchen functionality and create a more organized cooking environment.

• 77 per cent updated their kitchen with a cutlery organiser.
• 61 per cent updated their kitchen with deep drawer organisers.
• 51 per cent updated their kitchen with pull-out waste or recycling cabinets.
• 41 per cent updated their kitchen with a corner carousel.
• 39 per cent updated their kitchen with a pot and pan organiser.
• 36 per cent updated their kitchen with pull-out trays and/or shelves.

According to Houzz’ study, the reasons why homeowners looked into new storage solutions for their kitchen are as follows:

• 79 per cent were motivated as they wanted to make better use of the space available to them.
• 57 per cent were motivated as they wanted to reduce clutter.
• 55 per cent were motivated as they wanted to make it easier to find items in their kitchens.
• 36 per cent were motivated as they wanted to utilise spaces which they were unable to reach.
• 21 per cent were motivated as they wanted to make it easier to cook or bake in their kitchens.

Most popular styles for kitchen design

Renovated kitchens are not just about cooking; they’ve become versatile spaces that accommodate various aspects of modern life. The 2017 Houzz study highlights that 69% of homeowners now spend more family time in their kitchens, emphasizing the kitchen’s role as a central hub for social interaction and bonding.

• 56 per cent updated their kitchen with a contemporary style.
• 10 per cent updated their kitchen with a traditional style.
• Seven per cent updated their kitchen with a country style.
• Six per cent updated their kitchen with a Scandinavian style.
• Four per cent updated their kitchen with an eclectic style.
• Four per cent updated their kitchen with an industrial style.

Most popular lighting for the kitchen

Innovations in kitchen lighting have transformed the ambiance of these spaces. Recessed lights (68%) and under-cabinet lights (57%) are popular choices, emphasizing the importance of well-lit workspaces for cooking and other activities.

• 68 per cent opted for recessed lights.
• 57 per cent opted for under-cabinet lights.
• 48 per cent opted for pendant lights.
• 18 per cent opted for in-cabinet lights.
• 12 per cent opted for a wall light.
• 12 per cent opted for track lights.

A kitchen’s effect on lifestyles

According to the 2017 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study – UK, these are the ways homeowners have changed their lifestyles as a result of renovations and home improvements:

• 69 per cent now spend more family time in their kitchen.
• 56 per cent now find themselves working and/or studying for longer in their kitchen.
• 51 per cent now host more dinner parties or other forms of entertaining guest in their home.
• 49 per cent now bake more.
• 43 per cent now cook or prepare more meals at home.
• 42 per cent now have more sit-down meals.
• 36 per cent now order less takeaways.
• 23 per cent now eat more fruits and/or vegetables.

These insights offer a glimpse into the changing landscape of UK kitchens, where functionality, style, and adaptability are key drivers of modernization. As homeowners continue to seek ways to enhance their culinary experiences and daily routines, the kitchen remains at the forefront of lifestyle transformations.