Multigenerational Kitchen

To Understand the design elements Baby Boomers and Generations X and Y want or need in their kitchens, a recent survey was completed. The online survey was conducted between February 28 and March 2 Harris Interactive, New York. Respondents were 1,027 U.S adult homeowners aged 18 to 65.

Which generation are you a part of?

BABY BOOMERS
According to the study, 63 percent of Baby Boomers plan to stay in their current home for the next five to ten years. The survey also discovered 75 percent of Boomers don't feel their kitchen layout is designed for their living needs. You might consider the following:

• Transitioning from a 42-inch bar height table to a 28 or 30 inch table is easier for this generation. Because Boomers frequently use their kitchens for entertaining, a standard-height table near or connected to the island is ideal.
• Eighty0seven percent are interested in a semi or completely open floor plan. Wider walkways or paths throughout the kitchen and adjacent rooms provide easier mobility.
• Storage options must be easy to reach and well organized. Pullout storage options are ideal.
• Boomers often prefer clean lines, some color and/or textures, but nothing too loud or dramatic.

GENERATION X
Born roughly between 1966 and 1978, members of Generation X rely on friends for advice more than anyone or anything (the Internet). Nearly half (49 percent) of Gen X homeowners said they plan to stay in their current home the next five to ten years. The following considerations were what they were looking for to ease their fast-paced lifestyle:

• A computer near the kitchen allows them to cook dinner, answer homework questions and read the latest update from their social-media accounts.
• A taller, bar-height table lets a friend sit and chat or a kid grab a snack and work on homework.
• Those without children are interested in an entertainment space adjacent to the kitchen.
• Sixty-eight percent said a creative place for hiding small appliances was top on their list. This demographic prefers uncluttered spaces.
• Thirty-nine percent favor open floor plans. They also prefer peninsula or galley configurations; flexible pantry storage; and other options such as two sinks.

GENERATION Y
 Members of Generation Y were born between 1979 and 2002 and consist of 87 million young consumers. Gen Y looks to third parties on the Internet for advice and the lowest price for getting what they want - now.

• In addition to enjoying an open kitchen layout, Gen Y kitchen needs to meet young child needs, like highchairs and adult needs, such as an entertainment area.
• Pullout drawers, providing easy access to snacks, pet food and prepared items are appreciated.
• Forty-five percent indicate a place for spices is a top-three kitchen extra.
• Aesthetics include clean lines, less detail and easy-to-clean surfaces.

To view the complete study and other related materials, visit http://genshiftkitchen.com/