Survey Reveals 'Dream Kitchen' Features

The average ‘dream kitchen’ would include a freestanding island, a smart dishwasher – and a flat screen TV to watch while doing the washing up, according to the nation’s homeowners.

One third of the 2,000 houseproud Brits who were polled said they would love a breakfast bar, while sleek pull-out cabinets are a must for 41 per cent.

It also emerged the minimalist look is one which appeals to many, with a further three in 10 wanting a slide and hide oven, and 18 per cent are hankering after a pop-up cooker hood.

One in four would also love a specialist wine fridge, a third want heated flooring to toast their toes and 49 per cent would just like more natural light.

Mike Lavers, category manager for kitchens at B&Q, which carried out the study, said: “The kitchen is the heart of the home for millions so it makes sense that there is a strong desire to make it the dream space, whether that’s with an ultra-modern look, traditional country style or handcrafted wood effect.

“However, we’ve found people are overestimating the cost and don’t realise it is more affordable than they think – especially with everyday low prices, which we consistently offer customers.”

The study also found 40 per cent of respondents would make sure their dream kitchen had a double sink, and stylish granite worktops are the material of choice for most people.

However, 75 per cent admitted they don’t currently have their ‘dream kitchen’, with more people daydreaming about the perfect kitchen than the perfect bedroom.

Twice as many people want a modern kitchen than a traditional, ‘country’ style space.

The average Brit’s perfect kitchen would also have white walls, be the same size as the adjoining dining room, and have stylish tiles covering the floor.

Half of homeowners agreed the kitchen is the heart of their home, and one in three have plans to do some kitchen upgrades in the near future.

And when it comes to kitchen inspiration, three in 10 get their inspiration from the internet, a quarter from home improvement TV shows, and 29 per cent from walking around kitchen shops.

And when it comes to making big decisions two thirds of Brits have a good idea of how they’d want their new space to look.

One in four people (27 per cent) say it has been over ten years since their kitchen has been updated, suggesting there are many kitchens waiting for some love.

In fact, 28 per cent of respondents admit going into their current drab kitchen actively makes them feel ‘sad,’ according to the research conducted through OnePoll.com.

Mike Lavers, Category Manager for Kitchens at B&Q, added: “We want people to know the dream kitchen really is achievable and they can ‘do it’ by getting their ideal kitchen features at the best value for money.”

THE TOP 30 THINGS ON BRITS’ DREAM KITCHEN WISHLISTS

1. A freestanding island
2. Pull out cabinets
3. A double sink
4. Under-cabinet lighting
5. View of the countryside out of the 'washing up window'
6. Smart dishwasher
7. Smart washing machine
8. Built-in fridge
9. Patio doors opening out onto the back garden
10. Breakfast bar
11. Heated flooring
12. Tap that dispenses boiling water instantly
13. Granite worktops
14. Sleek 'slide and hide' oven
15. Fancy coffee machine
16. Flat screen TV on the wall
17. Wine fridge
18. Smart oven
19. Smart washing machine
20. Plate-warming drawer
21. Chunky taps
22. Marble countertop
23. Skylight
24. Waste disposal unit in the sink
25. Aga cooker
26. A pop-up cooker hood
27. Pendant lighting
28. A cookbook shelf
29. Touch-activated taps
30. Built in speakers

Source :  Insight DIY Team and B&Q

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