Every potential buyer has differing priorities when it comes to purchasing a new home. Data released by Nationwide building society this month showed that almost a third of buyers are looking for access to a garden or outdoor space, whilst Savills reported that buyers are increasingly looking for properties with an extra bedroom and high speed wifi. But what about kitchens? What are buyers looking for there?
Rated People recently surveyed 2,000 home buyers in the UK and found that the look and feel of a kitchen, and specifically the colour of the kitchen units, had an impact over purchasing decisions.
Light neutrals are the most popular choice, with 27% of survey respondents reporting that having a white kitchen would make them more likely to buy a property, followed by 22% who would be swayed by a light grey kitchen. More surprisingly, bold colourways like black and dark blue also made the list.
10 kitchen colours that are most likely to attract buyers
White – 27%
Unsurprisingly, the colour with most potential to influence buyers was white. This provides the most neutral base from which to build as a new homeowner, and presents a clean, light and airy space during viewings.
Light grey – 22%
Left: Harborough Kitchen at Hammonds, Right: Allendale Kitchen at Howdens
The perennial popularity of light grey (Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2021 is a soft pebble grey) translates to kitchens too, with 22% of respondents more likely to purchase a home with a light grey kitchen.
Natural wood – 21%
Natural wooden cabinets, countertops, floors, and furniture are geared towards creating an appealing farmhouse quality. Just over one fifth of home buyers find natural wood kitchens to be a favourable selling point.
Cream – 19%
A fairly traditional choice from 19% of respondents, but a safe bet in creating a warm and inviting kitchen. A cream base palette can take a wide range of complimentary colours on top - navy blue, white, black, forest green, pinks - to give new home buyers a very workable base.
Off white - 15%
A warmer alternative if an all-white kitchen appears too clinical in your home – off white can introduce cool grey undertones or warmer yellow tones – designed to break the excessive brightness of white and make a kitchen more welcoming to potential buyers.
Dark grey – 11%
Left: Ascoli Kitchen by Wickes, Right: Fairford Kitchens by Howdens
One of the more sophisticated shades for a kitchen. Dark grey is a versatile choice in a new home, that can translate to traditional kitchens, with matt charcoal cabinetry and warm wooden surfaces, or more modern and industrial styles with clean lines and crisp white surfaces.
Light blue – 8%
A very on-trend choice from respondents, and one that can feel wonderfully retro, with matt cabinets, silver fittings, and fun appliances like a Smeg fridge or KitchenAid mixer, or contemporary with glossy kitchen cabinets, that bring a blue sky indoors.
Black – 8%
Left: The Bloomsbury Kitchen at deVOL, Right: Shaker Forest Kitchen at Wren
A bold choice, but one that makes it into the top 10 nevertheless. A well executed black kitchen is clean and fuss-free, and invites infinite possibilities for additional colour ways, and accent metalwork.
Light brown – 5%
5% of potential home buyers could be persuaded to invest if they came across a light brown kitchen. Wood is of course a practical and durable option for the kitchen, and there are plenty of options for light oak cabinetry, from smooth and sleek, to traditional shaker styles.
Dark blue - 5%
A more forgiving shade than all black, inky blues are usually pared with light wooden flooring and milky white kitchen counters to offset any heaviness that comes with a wash of dark colour.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of real estate and interior design, my extensive knowledge and hands-on experience uniquely position me to delve into the nuanced preferences of potential homebuyers. Having closely followed trends, market reports, and conducted my own research, I can confidently attest to the critical role a kitchen plays in influencing purchasing decisions.
The recent data released by Nationwide building society aligns with my own observations, emphasizing the diverse priorities among potential homebuyers. The findings from Savills regarding the growing importance of an extra bedroom and high-speed wifi further underscore the evolving landscape of buyer preferences.
Now, when it comes to kitchens, Rated People's survey of 2,000 homebuyers in the UK provides valuable insights. The revelation that the look and feel of a kitchen, particularly the color of the kitchen units, significantly impact purchasing decisions resonates with my in-depth understanding of the market. It's a holistic approach to home buying that encompasses not just practical considerations but also aesthetic preferences.
The top kitchen colors that are likely to attract buyers, as outlined in the article, align with my knowledge of current interior design trends:
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White (27%): The perennial favorite, white kitchens provide a neutral canvas, creating a clean and airy space that appeals to a broad spectrum of potential buyers.
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Light Grey (22%): Following Pantone's Color of the Year 2021, the soft pebble grey continues to be popular, offering a subtle and versatile option for kitchen aesthetics.
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Natural Wood (21%): The appeal of natural wood extends beyond floors and furniture to kitchens, creating a farmhouse quality that resonates with over one-fifth of homebuyers.
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Cream (19%): A traditional yet safe choice, a cream palette serves as a warm and inviting base, allowing for a variety of complementary colors.
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Off White (15%): A warmer alternative to pure white, off white introduces undertones that mitigate excessive brightness, contributing to a more welcoming kitchen.
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Dark Grey (11%): A sophisticated choice, dark grey kitchens offer versatility, seamlessly transitioning between traditional and modern styles.
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Light Blue (8%): A trendy and retro option, light blue kitchens appeal to those seeking a touch of nostalgia or a contemporary feel with glossy cabinets.
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Black (8%): A bold choice that, when executed well, creates a clean and versatile canvas for additional colorways and accent metalwork.
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Light Brown (5%): Reflecting practicality and durability, light brown kitchens present a viable option for 5% of potential homebuyers.
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Dark Blue (5%): A forgiving shade akin to black, dark blue kitchens pair well with light wooden flooring and white counters, balancing depth and brightness.
In conclusion, the intricate interplay of color in the kitchen is a vital aspect of the homebuying journey, and understanding these nuanced preferences is crucial for both sellers and designers aiming to cater to the ever-evolving tastes of potential homeowners.
