Written by Daniel Abrahams, Founder of Used Kitchen Hub
Over the last few years, not only have we seen more people spend more time at home, but we have also witnessed a shift in trends towards communal spaces within our homes, particularly open-plan kitchen and living areas. Because of this, it’s become increasingly important to make our kitchen into the perfect space – both practically and aesthetically.
As a society that lives in such a technologically advanced age, old or outdated appliances can not only add years to an otherwise perfectly fine kitchen, but also decrease its value. Incorporating modern appliances into a pre-loved or older kitchen can breathe new life into one of most used spaces in the home, making it desirable once again.
Personalisation to make it your own
According to the Mirror, half of Brits consider their kitchen to be the “heart” of the home, meaning it’s typically a space that homeowners want to personalise to suit their style and needs. However, with new kitchens costing an average of £10,500 (as of August 2024) most people keep their existing kitchen when they move into their home – whether they want to or not.
Because of this, consumers are opting for alternative ways to upgrade their kitchen, including painting existing cabinets and changing hardware, investing in a pre-loved kitchen and replacing old appliances with modern integrated ones. These simple changes can improve the overall look of your kitchen without the significant cost, resulting in a new and improved space within the home.
Increased home value
One main benefit of updating appliances within the kitchen – which is often overlooked – is the added resale value it provides. Although this may not be a priority for homeowners when they first move into a property, adding new generation technology into a kitchen will make a property more desirable if and when placed on the market in the future.
Potential home buyers may be more reluctant to purchase a property if the appliances are outdated. Research shows that renovated kitchens can increase the selling price of a property by 5-6%, therefore, it’s beneficial to view these improvements as an investment into the future value of your home.
Sustainable living
For many of us, sustainability is a concept at the forefront of our minds. A study by Business of Home reveals that over the course of an average building’s life span, the carbon footprint of its interiors will equal (if not exceed) that of the structure’s construction, proving that interior design has a major impact on climate change.
Integrating modern appliances into an older or second-hand kitchen allows buyers to double down on their commitment to a sustainable future. Not only does it mean that a quality, hardwearing pre-loved kitchen is being recycled and not being sent to landfill, but if energy-efficient appliances are used, there are even more environmental benefits, including increased savings through reduced energy bills.
Home improvement = lifestyle improvement
Used kitchens that boast modern appliances have the ability to transport the space into the digital age. Through the use of smart technology and automation provided by smart home setups, certain kitchen appliances can function without human intervention, elevating your space with a futuristic twist.
The 2023 Connected consumer survey revealed that 77% of consumers who have embraced smart home devices believe that these technologies improve their overall quality of life. Modern appliances offer users more functionality, ranging from additional cycle options in washing appliances to vastly improved energy efficiency in refrigeration devices.
To conclude, the coupling of modern appliances alongside pre-loved kitchens utilises sustainable practices and the latest technology to form the ultimate kitchen experience without any drawbacks, whilst guaranteeing future economic benefits. With kitchen appliances and furniture/hardware that are matched in quality and craftmanship, homeowners can create their perfect kitchen without breaking the bank.
About the author
Daniel Abrahams is the Founder of Used Kitchen Hub