FAMILY MEAL TIME IS DECLINING...

The number of British households dedicating time to family meals is declining, according to a recent survey exploring how we use their kitchens.

When asked how they interact with each other in the kitchen, only 35% of households claim they sit down as a family for meals and that 45% of conversations are about work. 65% of those questioned said the kitchen is one of the home hot spots for heated debates, arguments and important decision making.

The survey of 1,000 people was conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by French kitchen manufacturer Mobalpa to mark the launch of The Mobalpa Diaries – a series of guides offering advice on getting the most out of kitchen planning and design.

Respondents were questioned on the amount of time spent in the kitchen, how they make the most of the space and what they do in the kitchen to find out more about its function within the home.

Other statistics show:

• 58% of respondents spend between one and three hours a day in the kitchen

• Besides cooking and eating, 56% of people listed their most common kitchen activities as washing and ironing

• Only 28% use the kitchen for entertaining

Cyril Raberin, Mobalpa’s UK franchise director, said the survey offers an interesting insight into how British consumers use the kitchen. He said: 'What has surprised us the most is that just 28% out of 1,000 respondents use their kitchen for entertaining – is this through lack of space, bad design or “TV dinners” in the living room?

'This is just the sort of lifestyle information that is crucial when designing a kitchen and where we hope The Mobalpa Diaries will be invaluable to consumers. They offer advice on choosing the right layout and right style of kitchen to suit your lifestyle and edition one, which is available now, focuses on the look and finish of different units, storage solutions and open plan options.'

For more information about any of Mobalpa’s ranges or your nearest showroom, visit www.mobalpa.co.uk.