Kitchens are seen as the heart of the home by nearly one-fifth of the population, according to recent research. A new study by Halifax Estate Agents has found that nearly 19 per cent of 1,000 homeowners polled online believed that it was the most important room in the house, with only sitting rooms and lounges deemed more significant. Furthermore, 58 per cent of individuals surveyed thought that a new kitchen was an essential part of any property purchasing decision, beating other considerations such as parking facilities and energy saving A modern kitchen - which could be fitted with the latest kitchen accessories - created the best impression on seven per cent of prospective buyers.Other statistics showed that the size of rooms in the home was a central concern for one in ten people. Earlier this month, Mike Ashton, chairperson of the Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association, told UKTV that people should not be afraid to install kitchen cupboards which could provide more space by creating a home for kitchen appliances.