The Nigella effect ...

If you thought that Nigella Lawson’s influence on consumer behaviour had reached its height last Christmas’ with bare-knuckle fights in supermarket isles for the last jar of goose fat, then think again.

She may also be responsible for a notable new home-buying trend.

Tracy Kellett of home finders BDI Property Search says that the domestic goddess has so affected our psyches that many home hunters are now demanding a dining room and she has dubbed this the Nigella Effect.

“The days of Jamie Oliver-style informal kitchen dining are over and buyers now want houses with dining rooms,” says Tracy.

“After spending hours creating beautiful food, people don't want to bring their guests into a steamy kitchen and be surrounded by dirty pots and pans.

“Elaborate dinner parties with many complicated courses are in and of course a gorgeous dining room provides the icing on the cake.

“It’s about time too,” concludes the expert home finder, who has recently sourced dream homes for celebrities from the worlds of sport, music and television.

“For too long dining rooms were underused and unloved and I think it’s a positive new trend in the way people are using and enjoying their houses,” she adds.