More Storage Please – Especially In The Kitchen!

By Sabrina Biehl Published May 13, 2014 08:42 am Updated Apr 28, 2014 08:44 am

A new study by Ikea, found that less is more in some areas but not in the kitchen. The survey, recently released, found that Americans are cutting back in many areas of living but when it comes to kitchen storage space, “more” is the operative word.

Ikea surveyed Americans 24-54 years old who earn at least $35,000 annually and found that these areas were among the most important: living rooms, kitchen storage, energy-saving appliances, solar, more bedroom space, wired kitchen for TV and computers, and recycling.

Of the 4,000 American men and women surveyed who are heads of household, only a mere one percent reported that they feel compelled to keep up with what their neighbors are spending. The study found most surveyed choose to live modestly and are happy to have their homes reflect themselves rather than to show their bank accounts.

The most popular place in their homes: the living room. In many cases, these living rooms are adjacent to the kitchen and often are being remodeled to open the two rooms to create a great room that joins both rooms so that the flow is comfortable to entertain while preparing the meal.

This is especially important to those surveyed who desire a little more room in the kitchen. They want both more storage space and more work space. They’re interested in more counter space so that they don’t feel cramped while preparing meals.

The survey found that 27 percent of those surveyed listened to music or watched TV while in the kitchen. Being wired for Internet and cable is important to this group. While the kitchen doesn’t have to be extremely high-tech, these options are considered basic needs to those surveyed.

It seems that the bedroom is the next place where storage is in high demand. The survey found that 54 percent of Americans stash their stuff under the bed. Having more storage would create an incentive to buy especially if it’s in the bedrooms and kitchen.

Nearly everyone in the survey said they’d prefer to use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances. Energy conservation is a priority. About 43 percent of those surveyed have switched to LED bulbs to help lower their utility bills. And about 28 percent would like to find a way to get off the grid and use solar energy to power their electric needs. At home, 71 percent are recycling and feel it’s important to do their part to conserve.

What seems to matter most at home, to this group, is comfort. Having a home that is a place to relax and unwind is vital. Making sure it’s energy-efficient is also important and adds to the ability to feel completely at peace while at home.

These are good things to keep in mind if you you’re planning to sell your home. It’s a peek into the minds of Americans to see which areas matter most. So, if you’re listing your home for sale, try to highlight open space in the kitchen, adequate storage in the bedroom, any energy-efficient appliances that will transfer with the home, and how completely relaxing your house is when it’s time to settle in.

Keeping an eye on what’s important to buyers is a great way to implement necessary changes before you list it and to highlight the areas that are top of mind to buyers in order to ensure that your home meets their expectations and wins their heart.