People spend more ‘waking hours’ in the kitchen

The study, carried out by Magnet, found that people now spend more ‘waking hours’ in the kitchen than any other room in the house, which has resulted in it growing from the smallest to the largest domestic room in British homes.

Magnet’s study revealed that back in the 1920s the majority of family kitchens were tiny little box rooms that were rarely used, except for cooking family meals.

However, in 2010 the average kitchen has nearly doubled in size. It has also evolved into a more functional room, often simultaneously being used as a dining room and space for social activities.

Magnet’s research showed that we now spend up to two hours relaxing in our kitchen, compared to 1.5 hours spent in the living room.

Most modern kitchens are also now fitted with televisions and music systems, as well as general kitchen appliances, which encourage people to stay longer in the kitchen.

Marco Rossi, a spokesperson for Magnet, said, ‘Today’s kitchen is often the biggest room in the house, and in terms of the value of the equipment and décor we have in them, certainly the most expensive.’

By Lauren King