Instead of worrying about what type of flashy appliances to buy for your chic loft, the latest trend in New York City is to nix those worries by scrapping kitchens entirely. New Yorkers are saving themselves the time, money and upkeep of a culinary hangout and focusing on other priorities. Most busy urbanites never find the time to cook in their homes anyway, opting to go out for meals instead.
The trend has spread to the UK now too, as the Telegraph points out, "Kitchen homicide is already infiltrating central London flats."
"Kitchens are dying away in London," the Telegraph quoted interior designer, Richard Adams. "Other than places to serve drinks before you go to a restaurant they aren't really used much. I have hidden a small hob, oven and microwave in big white cupboards in the living area. It is perfect for cocktails, but not for dinner.â€
An international survey
released today said, "London has overtaken Tokyo and Paris to become the world's most expensive city for dining out, a new international survey revealed Wednesday. At an average of 39.09 pounds (57.40 euros, 54.08 dollars), the price of a three-course meal for one in the British capital city has increased by 2.9 percent from 2006, according to the survey for the Zagat restaurant guide."
NYC & London Ditchin' Kitchens
Small-Space Living
Trend Themes
1. No-kitchen Living - Urbanites are ditching kitchens entirely in favor of other priorities, creating opportunities for alternative food solutions.
2. Hidden Cooking Spaces - As kitchens shrink or disappear altogether, there's an opportunity to design innovative, functional hidden cooking spaces for cocktails and small bites.
3. Dining Out in Urban Centers - With dining out in cities becoming more of a lifestyle choice, there's a chance for forward-thinking restauranteurs to open smaller, more intimate restaurants focusing on high-quality ingredients and unique dining experiences.
Industry Implications
1. Food Delivery Services - Given the rise of no-kitchen living, innovative food delivery services can target urbanites by offering fresh, healthy meals that require no preparation.
2. Interior Design - Interior designers and architects can capitalize on hidden cooking space trends by creating functional, high-quality solutions for small-space living.
3. Fine Dining Restaurants - As more people dine out, the opportunity arises for new or existing fine dining restaurants to offer unique, immersive experiences that cater to urbanites' desire for food, atmosphere, and socializing.