Terry Watson, kitchen planning expert at Moben, comments:

 “Kitchens have come a long way over the past 10 years as trends come and go, design changes and technology moves forward. Essentially their key purpose – for the preparation of food - remains, but evolving lifestyles have changed the way in which we use our home. Whilst we all like to go out and have a good time now and then, the home has fast become the social space of choice in recent years as we look for more cost-effective ways to spend our evenings and weekends.

“The kitchen is now integral to the trend for home entertainment because of our rekindled passion for cooking, thanks in part to the enduring popularity of food related programmes and our love of TV chefs. We are becoming more ambitious in the kitchen and the idea of throwing a dinner party seems to now be a British tradition so it makes sense that homeowners are looking to make their kitchens part of their wider living space.

“In turn, we are demanding more than ever from our kitchens as its role evolves from simply a place to cook to being the centre of the home, where the whole family congregates. With the kitchen becoming ever more multifunctional, identifying different ‘zones’ - such as cooking, dining, entertaining and working - will help achieve the most out of the space. Practicality is essential and there is a growing demand for kitchens to incorporate an array of gadgets and multimedia, so everything is close to hand.

“For instance, it’s now common to find items such as integrated scales, push down plug-sockets and hot water taps within the modern kitchen. Digital entertainment systems such as televisions and iPod docking stations have become regular features in the busy family kitchen, and slimline, integrated options have come into their own of late. Having a flat-screen integrated television within one of your kitchen cupboards is a great way to bring entertainment into the kitchen without taking up too much space and is a perfect choice for enthusiastic cooks who want to ‘cook along’ or as another way of bringing the family together in one place.

“Technology has also meant that large appliances are boasting more user friendly features than ever. Slimline designs have been very popular as a solution for those with space at a premium whilst drop down ovens are a real show stopping choice for entertainers. Multifunction is also key but it has to be practical and not technology for technology’s sake. People need to be able to benefit from the functions their ovens can boast, and manufacturers have really taken this on board.

“Also, the kitchen is a statement room in its own tight and there is a real trend towards choosing appliances, worktops and all-important finishing details with a dramatic design that cannot help but catch the eye. Extractor hoods that double as a striking chandelier, integrated wine coolers, plinth lighting and illuminated shelving are all options from Moben that can help transform the kitchen into a state of the art experience.

“Increasingly, storage has become top of the kitchen agenda and there are so many solutions to choose from that will organise your cupboards and drawers so you have a place for everything and everything in its place. Homeowners are keen to replace traditional cupboards with two sets of drawers or with bi-fold wall units that open upwards, because this not only creates a stylish look and streamlined finish, it makes the space more practical and ergonomic.

“Homeowners are also opening up their living spaces more and more, connecting the kitchen, dining and lounging areas, providing the opportunity to work, rest and play within one communal space. The latest kitchen cabinetry designs offer a harmonious look that can be continued throughout the rest of the home for a complementary and inviting overall scheme so style really has been brought to the fore over the past 10 years.”