Key Findings

• 56% of younger homeowners avoid hosting because their kitchen isn’t “good enough”, compared to just 20% of over-62s.
• 59% of homeowners aged 62–80 eat most meals at the kitchen table, compared to only 35% of 18–29-year-olds.
• 83% of 46–61-year-olds and 82% of over-62s prioritise durability over style.
• 77% of homeowners say they would choose storage over style.
• 90% of tradespeople believe social media is influencing kitchen design decisions.
• 1 in 3 tradespeople say prioritising style over practicality is the biggest mistake homeowners make.

Over half (56%) of younger homeowners aged 18–29 say they have avoided hosting guests because of their kitchen, compared to just 20% of over-62s. That’s according to new research from The Panelling Centre, Ireland’s leading destination for kitchens, wardrobes, and home solutions.

The study, carried out among 750 homeowners and 100 tradespeople, explores how kitchen priorities shift across generations — from younger homeowners focused on trends and social media inspiration, to older homeowners placing greater value on practicality, durability, and long-term usability.

As part of the campaign, The Panelling Centre partnered with TV presenter Baz Ashmawy, who is currently upgrading his own kitchen with The Panelling Centre. Baz understands the challenge of creating a space that not only looks great, but works for everyday family life.

Practicality Comes with Age

For older homeowners, kitchens are expected to stand the test of time. The research found that 83% of 46–61-year-olds and 82% of 62–80-year-olds prioritise durability over style, compared to just 68% of younger homeowners aged 18–29.

Tradespeople agree that many homeowners still focus too heavily on aesthetics. One in three (33%) say prioritising style over practicality is the most common mistake they encounter, while 32% say homeowners often chase trends over longevity.

According to tradespeople, social media plays a major role in influencing expectations, with 90% saying platforms like Instagram and TikTok impact kitchen design choices — often creating unrealistic ideas around both budgets and functionality.

A Generational Gap in Kitchen Use

How kitchens are used also differs significantly across age groups. More than half (51%) of homeowners aged 62–80 say they regularly cook meals from scratch, while 59% eat most meals at the kitchen table.

In contrast, younger homeowners have more flexible routines. Just 37% of 18–29-year-olds regularly cook from scratch, and only 35% typically eat at the kitchen table, reflecting busier, more on-the-go lifestyles.

Despite these differences, practicality remains a shared priority across all generations. Nearly half of homeowners (48%) rank storage as the most important kitchen feature, and 77% say they would choose storage solutions over style.

The Kitchen Disconnect

While homeowners and tradespeople agree practicality matters, there remains a noticeable disconnect between expectations and reality.

• 49% of tradespeople believe homeowners mainly prioritise style and appearance.
• Only 28% of homeowners say design is their main focus.
• Tradespeople identify layout limitations (33%), outdated plumbing and electrics (25%), and structural constraints (20%) as the biggest installation challenges.

“What stood out to me is how much people’s priorities change over time. When you’re younger, it’s easy to get caught up in how a kitchen looks, but as life gets busier, you realise it’s all about how it works.”

“Working on my own kitchen with The Panelling Centre has really brought that home. For me, it’s been about getting the layout right, making sure there’s enough smart storage, and choosing materials that are going to last. You want something that looks great, of course, but more importantly, it needs to be practical and somewhere the whole family can spend time together.”

– Baz Ashmawy

Creating Kitchens That Work for Every Generation

The Panelling Centre’s expert team is available to help homeowners design kitchens tailored to their lifestyle, budget, and long-term needs. From clever storage solutions to durable finishes and practical layouts, the focus is on creating spaces that look great and function effortlessly for everyday life.

Visit The Panelling Centre to request a free appointment with an expert consultant and create a kitchen design that works for every stage of life.