Kitchen renovation demand rises in Britain amid home improvement slump

Despite a subdued housing market, demand for kitchen improvements is rising in Britain. Thierry Garnier, CEO of Kingfisher—the owner of B&Q and Screwfix—noted that kitchens are becoming a more central part of home life, driving interest in budget-friendly options like the Ashmead Shaker-style range.

Kingfisher reported a 10 per cent increase in first-half profits and has raised its full-year profit forecast to between £595 million and £653 million. Other companies in the sector, including Howden Joinery and Wickes, are also seeing increased demand for affordable kitchen renovations and replacements.

This trend suggests a potential recovery in the home improvement sector, even as consumers remain cautious. Industry leaders are also signaling to the UK government to avoid punitive increases in business rates ahead of the upcoming Budget.