There are economies of scale, though, in those industrial kitchens, just as the utilization of the auto mechanic's tools are higher than those in the two-car ga

There are economies of scale, though, in those industrial kitchens, just as the utilization of the auto mechanic's tools are higher than those in the two-car garage. I agree it is largely aesthetics, but there are economic arguments (on both sides, obviously). I also agree that a lot of minimalism is disguised class signalling. (You don't need to travel with even a suitcase if you bring your credit card.)