Ikea is turning us into a throwaway society, says Kirstie as she laments the lost art of building a home

Ikea is creating a 'throwaway culture' that has destroyed the art of homemaking, according to Kirstie Allsopp.

The 42-year-old TV presenter said families no longer passed down furniture to the next generation and instead were too quick to dispose of household items.

'I have nothing against IKEA but ultimately it encourages this buy and throwaway culture which we live in,' she said. 'It also encourages people to have homes which all look the same'.

Miss Allsopp hosts Location, Location, Location, in which she scours the country in search of the perfect home for buyers. She said Ikea was 'very good at what it does', but had helped kill the tradition of passing on furniture.

'At one time people would get married or move in together and a member of family would give you an item or a piece of furniture to start your home,' she said.

'It was never a case of we will buy all new, and it is a shame.

'The great thing about handing things down is the history and the story behind objects.

'I would be horrified if any of my children felt the need to go and buy a chest of drawers because they would have absolutely no need.

'They have been brought up to appreciate great furniture so I hope they would never shop there.'

She said there is 'something wonderful' about unearthing furniture in antique stores, second hand shops or at auction. dailymail