Ajit Karn
In the past four years, many of us have become more acquainted with our kitchens than we could have ever imagined. However, as in any relationship, the longer you spend with someone, the more you realise what you adore and what you don’t.
“During the COVID-19 quarantine period, people began cooking again and living in their kitchens,” says the proprietor of Vipp Kitchens, Frank Christensen Egelund.This prompted a resurgence of interest in the area, and many home additions were directly related to kitchen expansion and improved functionality.
Open-plan layouts and second “mess” kitchens or butler’s pantries are unquestionably popular, but what appliance trends have resulted from our renewed relationships with our kitchens? Following are the opinions of Christensen Egelund, Sarah Housley, director of consumer technology at WGSN, and interior designers Amy Kartheiser and Peti Lau.
Out of Sight, But Top of Mind
In an effort to reduce visual congestion, a growing number of householders are turning to secondary prep spaces, where small appliances and other necessities can be concealed. But this strategy does not work for everyone; for some, there simply isn’t enough space, while others require essentials to be closer at hand. In such instances, designers discover alternative methods to satisfy the desire for aesthetic tranquilly.
Kartheiser is a huge admirer of the appliance compartment, which conceals high-traffic appliances such as toasters and coffee makers while making them easily accessible. “People do not want their kitchens to feel cluttered with stainless steel appliances,” she explains. In a recent project, she used antique mirrors to give the built-in side-by-side refrigerator and freezer the appearance of a piece of furniture.
For appliances that cannot be concealed, discretion is essential. “At the luxury level, smart kitchen technology that is embedded into surfaces so that it becomes ambient—from invisible cooktop hobs [or burners] to smart oven hoods—is a significant trend,” says Housley. “People want to believe that technology ‘just works’ and is there to serve them without being overly obvious. We refer to this mentality as “shy tech.”
Another of the current appliance fashions? According to Lau, sophisticated digital appliances. She explains, “I’m seeing refrigerators with integrated touch-screen systems that are also accessible via your phone.” With them, clients can effortlessly manage a kitchen by keeping track of expired foods, writing smartphone-accessible grocery lists, and even discovering new recipes online. There are even refrigerators with a feature that allows you to see inside with the press of a button.
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Longing for Longevity
There have been numerous recent reminders that climate change requires immediate attention, so it should come as no surprise that consumers’ primary concern is sustainability. According to Christensen Egelund, “‘Less but better’ appears to be the mantra of clients interested in longevity.” “We see a clear trend line moving from the desire for numerous large appliances to fewer and smaller ones that can do the job with ease—appliances that are more durable and have tool-like functionality that will patina well with use and engagement.” He adds that Vipp only uses Miele and Gaggenau appliances in its kitchens because both brands prioritise producing durable, energy-efficient products.
Housley has observed that householders are increasingly interested in low-waste, low-impact instruments that complement a greener lifestyle. “There is a growing emphasis on environmentally friendly kitchen appliances,” she notes. “Brands are increasingly seeking to attract this purpose-driven consumer with intelligent products that facilitate waste reduction in a simple and efficient manner. This has necessitated a concentration on creating a pleasant user experience with design-driven home products.”
For instance, the high-end home recycling appliance Lasso processes seven of the most commonly recycled materials in 5 to 15 minutes, while the Lomi processes compost on your countertop. (while helping keep unwanted odors and pesky flies in check). Housley sees 3D food printers such as Foodini as “a compelling consumer use case for reducing food waste”
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Going Pro
Since we’re putting our kitchens to work — in many instances, to fill the void left by a year or more without restaurant access — it’s only natural that people are opting for commercial-grade appliances. This is notably true of refrigerators, but since we’ve been making so much banana bread, we’re also treating our ovens more seriously. “People are installing dual oven ranges with an electric oven for perfect baking and a gas oven so they can cook in a variety of ways,” says Kartheiser.
Similarly, 2023 may be the year of the steam oven. Lau says, “It’s the foolproof cooking appliance that even amateur cooks can use.” “The ability to cook food precisely while maintaining nutritional value is truly a game-changer. And air fryers are incredible and cook significantly quicker than conventional convection ovens.”
Lastly, although not technically appliances, Kartheiser asserts that galley sinks—basins outfitted with cutting boards, food preparation stations, and other accessories—are becoming increasingly popular. “I’ve recently observed them in the kitchens of all my clients. They are unquestionably a luxury item.”
