Kitchen Trends

The kitchen is king when it comes to renovation projects. It’s the room we’re most likely to change even though it often demands the biggest budget.

If you want to know what’s “cooking”, the Kitchen Trends report by popular interiors inspiration website Houzz.co.uk is a good place to start.

It features more than 12 million photos posted by property professionals, including architects, designers and builders, and it has number-crunched some interesting statistics.

One in ten homeowners have spent more than £50,000 on a kitchen renovation, which sounds extravagant until you factor in the fashion for big spaces. Almost two thirds of people increase the square footage of their kitchen, which involves extending out or knocking two rooms into one.

Contemporary is the most popular style for cabinets, though only just as 44 per cent of renovators choose traditional.

Playing safe is understandable when splashing out so colour schemes that won’t date are favoured. White is the top choice and half of all homeowners opt for this, followed by grey, 18 per cent, and beige, 12 per cent. Engineered wood is the favourite material for flooring. Stainless steel appliances are the most popular but black-coated stainless steel is having a moment and looks set to be included in one in ten updated kitchens. Many of those who are upgrading their appliances also opt for hi-tech features, such as colour touchscreen displays and the ability to control the washing machine/cooker/fridge via a smartphone or tablet.

Modern must-haves now include instant hot water taps, warming drawers and old-fashioned walk-in pantries. If you don’t have space for a pantry, then clever larder cabinets are an alternative. Marks & Spencer has one. The Padstow is £1,699. Unsurprisingly given our love of vino, more than a quarter of homeowners purchase a built-in wine fridge for their renovated kitchens.

If, like me, you don’t have a dishwasher you may be pleased to know that you are not alone. Houzz say that 18 per cent of those upgrading their kitchen are happy to the dishes themselves.

Finally, the property market is having an impact on the motives behind a kitchen revamp. “The majority of renovations are unlikely to be motivated by the desire to improve a home’s resale value,” says Nino Sitchinava, of Houzz. “With the growing trend for staying put, the return on investment from a kitchen renovation is less tangible and is measured in healthier habits, personalised spaces and more face-time with family and friends.”

*Leeds-based Arlington Interiors, which specialises in kitchen design, is celebrating after winning the prestigious “Best of Customer Service” on Houzz, one of UK’s most popular websites for sharing ideas and images on home renovation and design. The firm’s kitchens have also appeared on TV’s Grand Designs, Restoration Man, DIY SOS The Big Build and Cold Feet.

www.arlington-interiors.co.uk. Follow Arlington Interiors on Houzz atwww.houzz.co.uk/pro/arlington-interiors/