The Digital Kitchen Study surveyed more than 600 homeowners to understand the role of the kitchen in 2007 and to determine what technology and services best suit their needs. The study, commissioned by the Internet Home Alliance Research Council, surveyed homeowners 25 to 64 years old with single-family homes and an income of more than $35,000.
According to the study:
15% of households plan to spend $10,000 or more to remodel in 2007.
The four activities that commonly take place in the kitchen are cooking for enjoyment, talking on the phone, exchanging messages, and entertaining friends.
1 in 5 homes has a desk/workstation — 47% of remodeled kitchens have one.
Less than 15% of households use e-mail or do Web surfing and other computer activities in the kitchen.
51% of people with large kitchens watch TV in that room, versus 33% of medium-sized kitchen owners, and 22% of small-kitchen owners.
TV and Internet access are at the top of the kitchen wish list. TV watching is desired by 23% of those age 18 to 34.
68% of women surveyed say that the female head of household shops for appliances.
80% of women say they choose the brand/model on their own.
61% of men say the male head of household shops for appliances.
75% of men say they choose the brand/model.
Respondents were also asked to assume they would remodel their kitchens, and to then choose from 22 concepts they would consider putting in their remodeled kitchen. The most promising concepts are these six, chosen by more than 23% of all homeowners:
Digital calendar. The primary kitchen users are also the primary schedule keepers.
Recipe projection. 80% of respondents say they cook for enjoyment and 64% do so at least several times per week.
Energy-use monitoring and control. This reflects the acknowledgement of sustainability and green concepts.
Universal charging center. About 33% of households keep cell phones on the kitchen counter and 50% keep a phone charger on the counter as well.
Wireless Internet. Half of the households in the study have a home network now, and the majority are wireless.
Home control station. This concept combines energy management (HVAC control) with security via camera feeds of the front step and the backyard.
An executive summary of this report is available to NKBA members.
