Britain is becoming an increasingly kitchen-oriented nation, according to new research about home habits.Insurance company Legal General has identified the kitchen as the epicentre of UK homes, with more than one in four cooking areas now including a television or stereo.Moving entertainment appliances into the eating area is a sign of new preferences for casual socialising in the home, with friends invited to relax before and after meals all in one room.More surprisingly perhaps are indications from Legal General that 24 per cent of kitchens no longer contain traditional items like freezers and washing machines, out-posted to more inconspicuous corners.Sinks and taps are perhaps the immovable bedrocks of any kitchen, but the move toward making the kitchen an open and welcoming space is a reflection of falling enthusiasm for dining rooms and traditional entertaining.Instead, people are favouring methods of kitchen design that open up the room as a social centre of the house, a trend marking a significant departure with the past for Legal General.Garry Skelton, marketing director at the companys general insurance business said It is interesting to see the role of the kitchen evolving from that of its traditional association with food and cooking appliances.