To gain an insight into kitchen design, the role of the kitchen in our busy modern lives and attempt to guess how this crucial space could look in the future, Formica Group commissioned a UK-wide survey of 2,000 people questioning their use of the “heart of the home”. Respondents aged 18 and above were questioned on how they use their kitchens, where they source design inspiration and to understand both the pain points and positive features of their spaces. The report combines the survey results with an assessment of past kitchen trends and a look to the future, offering a fascinating glimpse...

By the 90s, the kitchen had regained its status as the centre of the home; chefs like Jamie Oliver inspired quick, healthy cooking; large worktops and breakfast bars brought family and friends into the kitchen to socialise as well as eat; and design trends focused on neutral tones, far removed from the bold colours and prints of the 60s, 70s and 80s. This trend has continued into the 21st century, with today’s kitchens blending cooking, dining, utilities, entertaining and even outdoor space. With growing populations, rising prices and increasing demand for space, particularly in urban areas,...

You’ll always find them in the kitchen Using kitchens to entertain guests From the survey results, today's kitchen is is more popular with young people. 32% year olds year olds clearly seen as a multipurpose, multifunctional space, particularly among the younger people surveyed. 72% of 18-24 year olds and 65% of 25-34 year olds reported cooking as the activity they mainly used their kitchens for, compared to 90% of 45-54 year olds and 96% of those over 55. Significant numbers of younger respondents (27% of 18-24 year olds and 32% of 25-34 year olds) listed entertaining guests and spending time...

As well as gathering opinions on the kitchens the respondents have, the survey also assessed the aspirations of those questioned - what kind of kitchen do they want? When asked “Which is more important, the look and design or functionality of your kitchen?”, 55% of respondents said both, 34% preferred functionality, 7% opted for look and design and 2% chose neither. Similarly, when asked the reasons behind their most recent kitchen renovations, 54% said “to address wear and tear”, followed by 35% who overhauled the room “so that it functions better”, while 31% of respondents cited “for a change...

Expert advice from Charles Bettes, Managing Director, Gpad London Ltd, an architecture and interior design practice. “It’s tempting to focus on how you want your kitchen to look, however thinking practically will make it more enjoyable to use. Think about what you use the most and in what way; prioritise the essentials and arrange your appliances accordingly.” “For a tiny kitchen, pre-planning down to the most minute detail is essential. Note down the height of things such as cereal boxes, glasses and appliances, and make sure cupboards and “Mirrors are another great way to create the illusion...

“Lighting can really define a space. Designer statement lighting will bring character and a focal point to an otherwise minimal space." “Opt for a light colour scheme, and keep it consistent through walls and cabinet doors. This will make natural light reflect off the surface and make it feel more spacious. You don’t necessarily have to go for white or cream; any pales, such as blues or greys work equally well." “Alternatively, if your kitchen is tiny, go bold and creative." “The gap between units and the ceiling is wasted space. Where you need units, build them up to the ceiling. If you’re installing...

Space-saving, world-saving and jam-packed with robots We've collated the views of 2,000 survey respondents, questioned the social (and spatial) changes affecting today's kitchens in the UK and touched on where (and who) is inspiring modern kitchen design. So far, we've concluded that personalisation is an important trend emerging in kitchen design to combat the shrinking floor space of a room that has come to represent a social hub, a workspace, an area for entertaining and, of course, a practical place for cooking. Leading influencers, retailers and designers have varying visions for the kitchen...

A lean, green, highly personalised, cooking/eating/working/entertaining machine... The humble kitchen has come a long way from the days when it was dark, smokey and hidden away. From cramped beginnings, it has swollen to accommodate bigger homes, bigger families and bigger appliances, and now—despite shrinking again in terms of square footage—its role in the home has never been greater. The future of the kitchen looks set to be built upon the core ideas of efficiency and effectiveness. Reducing waste and making food go further with smart surfaces, ensuring the room can quickly adapt from working...