Kitchens losing their appeal

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by Kay Murchie

Recent research from Legal & General discovered that the most important factor when buying a new home in the UK is a large kitchen or garden. The study noted that 15% said a large kitchen with space for a dining table was most important.

Consequently, it would seem strange that the latest trend coming over from New York is to do away with the kitchen. Furthermore, kitchens are a dying breed in London, they are seen as a place to serve cocktails before heading off to a restaurant.
According to estate agent, Knight Frank in Kensington, it is generally overworked 30-something’s who live on takeaways or eat out. However, when they get married and start a family, the kitchen becomes the main room in the house.

The trend is becoming more popular as property developers come up with innovative ways to deal with tighter spaces. These include strip kitchens with one tiny row of kitchen units.

Designer, Jade Jagger, has come up with fashionable weekday homes in New York where the kitchen practically folds away. In the UK, Barratt Homes has designed the “iPad” which comprises 381 sq ft starting at £129,995. 200 of them are already under construction across 11 sites in the UK. The trimmed-down kitchen is separated from the living room by a breakfast bar which can also be used as a small office.

In the meantime, city pads with sliding walls have nearly sold out at The Cube West development in Birmingham’s canal area.