Boomers vs Zoomers: Over Half of Young Homeowners Avoid Hosting Due to Their Kitchen

Key Findings:

• 56% of younger homeowners feel pressure to host and may avoid it if their kitchen isn’t “good enough”, in comparison to 20% of over-62s
• 59% of 62–80-year-olds eat most meals at the kitchen table, compared to just 35% of those aged 18-29
• 83% of 46–61-year-olds and 82% of 62–80-year-olds prioritise durability over style
• 77% of all homeowners would choose storage over style, making it the top priority across age groups
• 90% of tradespeople say social media is influencing kitchen design decisions
• 1 in 3 tradespeople (33%) say prioritising style over practicality is the most common mistake

Over half (56%) of 18-29-year-old homeowners have avoided hosting guests because of their kitchen, compared to just 20% of over-62s*. That’s according to new research from The Panelling Centre, Ireland’s leading destination for kitchens, wardrobes and home solutions.

The new study from The Panelling Centre, carried out among 750 homeowners and 100 tradespeople, highlights how kitchen priorities shift across generations, from Generation Z (Zoomer) homeowners, 18-29-year-olds, to Boomers, 62-80-year-olds. Older homeowners are focusing on longevity and usability, while younger groups are more influenced by trends, social media, and the pressure to create “host-worthy” spaces.

As part of the campaign, The Panelling Centre has partnered with TV presenter Baz Ashmawy, who is currently upgrading his own kitchen with The Panelling Centre. Baz understands the balance between creating a space that looks great and one that truly works for everyday life.

Practicality Comes with Age

For older homeowners, the kitchen should provide value for money by standing the test of time. Up to 83% of 46–61-year-olds and 82% of 62–80-year-olds prioritise durability over style. In comparison, just 68% of 18-29-year-olds would agree.

This contrasts with tradespeople feedback, who say homeowners often still fall into the trap of prioritising aesthetics. 33% of tradespeople identified style over practicality and 32% pointed to trends over longevity as the most common mistakes homeowners make.Social media is a key driver of this behaviour, as 90% of tradespeople say it influences design choices, often resulting in unrealistic expectations around both design and budget.

A Generational Gap in Kitchen Use

How kitchens are used also varies significantly by age group. For more than half (51%) of 62-80-year-olds, the kitchen remains a traditional hub where they regularly make meals from scratch, with 59% eating most of their meals at the kitchen table.
In contrast, younger homeowners are less tied to these routines. Just 37% of those aged 18–29 say they cook from scratch regularly, and only 35% typically eat at the kitchen table, pointing to more flexible, on-the-go lifestyles.
Despite these differences, one thing remains consistent across all age groups: the importance of practicality. Storage is the top priority for homeowners overall (48%), and 77% say they would choose it over style.

The Kitchen Disconnect

While priorities differ by age, a broader disconnect remains between homeowners and tradespeople. Nearly half of tradespeople (49%) believe homeowners prioritise style and design, yet just 28% of homeowners say this is their main focus.
For tradespeople, overcoming practical challenges when it comes to kitchen installations is still a key part of the job. They cite layout limitations (33%), outdated plumbing and electrics (25%), and structural constraints (20%) as the most difficult to overcome.

Commenting on the findings, Baz Ashmawy said: “What stood out to me is how much people’s priorities change over time. When you’re younger, it’s easy to get caught up in how a kitchen looks, but as life gets busier, you realise it’s all about how it works. Working on my own kitchen with The Panelling Centre has really brought that home. For me, it’s been about getting the layout right, making sure there’s enough smart storage, and choosing materials that are going to last. You want something that looks great, of course, but more importantly, it needs to be practical and somewhere the whole family can spend time together. A good kitchen isn’t just about appearances, it’s about creating a space that makes life easier, whether that’s cooking, hosting or just hanging out, and that’s what I’ve been focused on with this project.”

The Panelling Centre’s expert team is available to guide homeowners through storage options tailored to their needs. Visit The Panelling Centre online to request a free appointment with an expert consultant and create a kitchen design that works for every stage of life.