The kitchen of 2075 will reportedly feature AI-powered chefs and self-sustaining indoor gardens, with kettles being banished to oblivion, according to new research from Wickes.
The national home improvement retailer recently surveyed more than 2000 adults across the UK – more than half of which identified as Generation Z – to ask them what they believe the kitchen will look like in 50 years’ time.
The most commonly mentioned kitchen feature was AI-powered chefs, which was prophesied by one-in-three participants (32%). One-in-five (21%) believe the kitchen of the future will also feature soil-free self-sustaining hydroponic gardens, roughly the same amount (19%) said they would certainly have zero-waste systems, and around one-in-ten (11%) predict that kitchens will even have built-in “content creation studios”.
Additionally, Wickes’ research shows a quarter of Gen Z consumers (24%) believe the kettle will become obsolete by 2075. One-in-five (20%) of those polled also expect bulky appliances like fridges and freezers to disappear, which will be replaced by sleek, multi‑functional units hidden behind cabinetry.
To coincide with the release of these findings, Wickes has also worked with its in‑house design consultants, and Professor Deborah Sugg Ryan, to create a CGI digital render that brings its predicted 2075 kitchen to life (pictured).
“The kitchen has always been a mirror of the times – from the post‑war utility kitchen to today’s open‑plan living spaces,” explained design historian and author Professor Deborah Sugg Ryan. “By 2075, the kitchen will be a multifunctional hub that reflects Gen Z’s values: sustainability, wellness, and digital connectivity. Expect seamless integration of AI, eco‑innovation, and spaces designed as much for broadcasting as for cooking.”
Dan Ferrari, Wickes’ head of kitchens, added: “By 2075, the kitchen won’t just be where we cook – it will be the smartest room in the house.
“Hidden appliances, self‑cleaning surfaces and AI chefs will take care of the hard work, while modular layouts and mood‑responsive lighting will adapt in seconds to whatever the day brings. For Gen Z, the kitchen of the future is effortless, sustainable and always ready for its close‑up.”
This new research from Wickes echoes predictions made last week by futurist and author William Higham, who forecast that kitchens of the future will prioritise “calm, comfort and connection”, with appliances becoming more intuitive and personalised to aid with routine simplification.
