Size doesn't matter!

A WHITE KITCHEN WITH CENTRAL ISLAND, WALK-IN PANTRY AND AMPLE STORAGE IS OFFICIALLY THE ULTIMATE ‘HAPPY KITCHEN’

White kitchen units are the number one choice if you want to feel happy in your kitchen, with 1 in 6 people believing that a crisp white kitchen would bring them the most joy.

Leading kitchen retailer Magnet has commissioned research into the key design components and features that invoke the most happiness. Almost a third of people (28%) said that incorporating an island is their preferred configuration for boosting joy. An open plan kitchen/living space was also a popular choice, with 1 in 5 people agreeing that would be their go-to choice.

When it comes to kitchen features, walk-in pantries were voted top for making people happiest (15%), closely followed by an American style fridge freezer (14%) and then a coffee machine (10%). Interestingly, opinions were divided on this between men and women, with only 1 in 10 men choosing a walk-in pantry as their happiest feature, compared to 1 in 5 women.

What’s more, kitchen organisation is key, with over two thirds of us (68%) agreeing that practicality and organisation in the kitchen is more important than size of the space, proving how size doesn’t matter when it comes to our kitchens, and functionality and design is more of a priority.

Having ample storage to keep things organised was voted the most important factor. This beat the likes of having the latest appliances and technology, being open plan and even having a large space.

One surprising finding is that almost 1 in 3 people (32%) practice Feng Shui or similar home arrangement practices, with 78% of those saying that it makes them feel happier when they do so.

Hayley Simmons, Director of Commercial Range at Magnet, said: “Lockdown has changed how we live and the way in which we interact with our home spaces. A well designed, functional space that makes for an organised, happy home is now more desirable than size, with only 11% of people choosing size as their most important consideration. This insightful new research brings to light just how consumer behaviour is shifting, and how priorities have changed.

“Now that socialising and hosting is back on the cards, we want an organised space that complements our lifestyles, whilst also looking stylish and premium. Consumers desire more ‘mindful moments’ at home and want a well-balanced, tidy space to enjoy those in. A morning coffee was voted the top mindful moment to enjoy in the kitchen, with 1 in 5 people claiming it would make them the happiest, closely followed by eating dinner with family or housemates.”

Homes lover and Interior Design Masters contestant, Amy Wilson, says: “A happy kitchen for me is a magic mix of some very simple ingredients - thoughtful design, functionality and personality. There are no rules when it comes to creating a happy kitchen, simply have some fun and design a space where people want to stay, and memories can be made.

“My happy kitchen starts with dancing on the table! A kitchen is about so much more than just eating - it is a space with great energy where family and friends can gather and share.”

The official ‘Happiest Kitchen’ as discovered by the research is as follows: