The washing machine debate. The UK against the rest fo the world?

When i was in the UK i kept mine in the kitchen. That is where I have always had a washing machine (apart from one house which had more space for a utility room, it was in there in that house).

I think it is a British thing to have a washing machine in the kitchen or utility room. Maybe it is just tradition there, although there is also legislation about electrics in bathrooms - you are not allowed electrical sockets (although I think you can have shaving sockets, but not sure) in bathrooms. You also are not allowed to have a light switch in a bathroom - a pull cord one is fine, just not a push type switch. This legislation would stop anyone putting a washing machine in the bathroom (aside from the fact many UK bathrooms are barely big enough for bathroom furniture to start with!).

Now, I'm in Italy, though, i have quite a large apartment where the washing machine is in the utility room but space also to go in the bathroom where there is also a Bede. I have to admit I don't mind the idea! It does make some sense... but, where should it really go?