Major Changes in Kitchen Design
What does the kitchen of the future look like?
While kitchen design and basic functionality has been rather static in the last few decades, the pandemic and the latest upgrades in technology are driving big changes in the epicenter of many homes. A recent Wall Street Journal pieceprofiles a few beautifully upgraded kitchens, highlighting the major trends and changes we can expect to hear more about in the coming years.
App-connected
Gone are the days of wandering aisles aimlessly after forgetting the grocery list at home. Upgraded kitchens feature cameras in refrigerators and cabinets that are accessible by phone app, so you can check out your stock as you roam the aisles.
Other kitchen-enhancing apps will adjust lighting, start the coffee maker, preheat the oven, or alert users to an open refrigerator. This shift allows users to save preferences, get more specific with settings, and operate appliances without being in close proximity to them.
Voice-controlled
One unfortunate aspect of life that the pandemic has drawn our attention to? How many surfaces we touch, constantly, on a daily basis. The kitchens of the future feature touchless controls wherever possible, so voice-operated faucets are quickly becoming the go-to upgrade.
Aside from being more sanitary, these voice-controlled faucets also give users more control; some allow you to shout out a temperature setting, an amount, or even a recipe name, and the faucet will automatically pour the correct measurements of water. Nifty!
Antimicrobial
Touchless faucets are all well and good, but at some point, touching surfaces in the kitchen is simply unavoidable. For those occasions, antimicrobial surfaces are swooping in to save the day. From countertops and appliances to door knobs and handles, copper is becoming more and more popular since it’s believed to have antimicrobial properties. Reducing the spread of germs is very clearly top-of-mind for homeowners and builders.
Efficient
Creative uses of energy and more specifically customizable settings are poised to help users save big-time, both in their time and in their energy bills. For example, a new oven by Miele is able to detect the energy levels of foods being cooked and balance cook times to perfection, even if two different dishes are right next to each other.
Plus, new dishwashers feature settings that will safely and efficiently dry plastic items. The more specific and controllable our appliances get, the less we waste. Less water needlessly running, fewer lights staying on when we leave the room, shorter cook times - it all adds up to huge energy savings.
Outdoors
Following a huge push for outdoor socializing and a shift to more outside activities, outdoor kitchens have seen a sharp rise in demand. Executives heading various kitchen lines are working to improve outdoor kitchen design and features to keep up with the new trend. And why not? Fresh air, lower risk, and all the same bells and whistles of your indoor kitchen - especially if you live in a fair-weather city, what’s not to love?
Feeling some kitchen envy? Build your own tech-enhanced custom kitchen when you build your dream home with Atmos. Get in touch with Atmos Concierge to get started today.
