The life events that British kitchens see, according to poll

‘In a lot of households, it really is the heart of the home, and somewhere we spend a huge amount of our time, especially over recent months’

Kitchens have been used more than ever in the past year (Getty Images)

British kitchens are home to more than three billion arguments a year, 165 million children’s tantrums – and will see 138 million secrets revealed.

A poll of 2,000 adults revealed that across the UK, a massive 524 million decisions will be made in the room each year – including 83 million ‘life-changing’ choices, along with a number of marriage proposals.

The room, which the majority agreed was the heart of the home, will also witness almost 28 million dishes burned beyond recognition each year, setting the smoke alarm off 166 million times.

Indeed, over the course of the lockdowns, kitchens have become even busier, being turned into a hair salon, classroom, home office and a backdrop for video calls.

Almost four in 10 adults have had a big heart-to-heart in the room while almost one in 20 have even got engaged.

The survey also found the average adult will spend just over two hours a day in their kitchen – the equivalent of 32 full days a year.

As a result, the majority said it is important that their kitchen reflects their personality and lifestyle.

TV favourite and perfectionist Prue Leith CBE, who is the ambassador for Omega Kitchens, which commissioned the poll, said: “On the surface it is easy to think the kitchen’s only function is related to all things food, but we know that for many it is so much more than that.

“In a lot of households, it really is the heart of the home, and somewhere we spend a huge amount of our time, especially over recent months.

“As a result, it has to deal with the comings and goings of daily life, be functional for preparing food, fit into the design and colour scheme of the home and many also feel it should fit in with their individual personality and lifestyle.

“It’s also the site of some pretty important life changing decisions, from deciding to have a baby through to moving house or buying a new car.

“We think that makes it the most important room in any home.”

The poll found the typical kitchen will be home to 112 arguments a year, with the majority of those about the washing up or loading the dishwasher.

On top of this, it will also be the location for six children’s tantrums, five revelations laid bare and 19 decisions annually.

A further three big life decisions will be made, including deciding to move to a new house, quitting a job and having a child.

Meanwhile, more than 24 roast dinners will be cooked each year, although one dish will be completely ruined.  

Some have had a romantic moment in the kitchen, with others have been using it as a first date location while a few have even had a first kiss in the room.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also revealed many have spent more time than ever in their kitchen recently, with some now more likely to redecorate or change it as a result. Perhaps, unsurprisingly since only 11 per cent said they currently have their ‘forever kitchen’.

The size of the room is the top thing people would like to update, followed by the storage space, style of the cabinets, worktops and colour scheme.

Of the typical British kitchen, 62 per cent have either white or grey kitchen walls – with just 1 per cent opting for a more daring purple wall colour.  

Each year, the typical kitchen will see:

- 112 arguments

- Five secrets revealed

- Six children’s tantrums

- 19 decisions

- Three life-changing decisions

- 24 roast dinners

- One dish burned beyond repair

- Two pieces of children’s artwork put on the fridge

- The smoke alarm set off six times

- Three smashed cups, plates or glasses

SWNS