Understanding trends in kitchen and bath remodeling can provide greater insight to the home technologies that will make a real impact.
By Lisa Montgomery
There once was a time when technology and design rarely intersected. Electronic products evoked a high-tech feel that was often considered a complete departure from a home’s overall design scheme. Those times have changed, as home systems integrators and interior designers are no longer adversaries but partners on projects. Electronic systems and furnishings fuse together gracefully. Today, design and tech work hand-in-hand to achieve the same goal: a home environment that’s comfortable, efficient and enjoyable.
For this reason, it’s important to keep abreast of design trends. If you know what’s hot now and where things are headed, you’ll be able to create a space that is fresh and modern and will stand the test of time. One of the best places to gather inspiration is the annual Salone del Mobile, an international design show held in Milan. This year’s show also featured the biennial kitchen show, EuroCucina, and the International Bathroom Exhibition—Salone Internazionale del Bagno, as well as EuroCucina, FTK a special exhibit just for technology in the kitchen.
The following are some of the key findings as reported by Kitchen & Bath Business magazine. Granted, they are what’s trending in Europe, but it’s likely that many will eventually hit the American market.
Connectivity in the Kitchen
Today’s cooking area is connecting in more ways than one. The physical space continues to join with the spaces around it, inviting more guests to congregate in the main prep area. At the same time, appliances are evolving into smart devices able to be monitored, controlled and automated for efficiency and convenience.
Style-wise, the kitchen has started to morph into a space that resembles a living room, evident though an upswing in open cabinetry. Many manufacturers are starting to introduce more open shelving—both under and above—as well as glass and translucent doors.
There’s been a departure from white to warmer tones, so keep this in mind when choosing devices like smart speakers, remotes, and touchpanels.
Kitchen islands are getting bigger, which means more opportunity to integrate motorized lifts that stow and show TVs, countertop appliances, and cooking utensils.
Technologies that complement this aesthetic: High-quality speakers and TVs; LED lighting solutions for the open shelving.
Be a Remodeling Trendsetter
The kitchen and bath continue to be the primary areas of the home that people remodel and apply a large portion of their home building budget. Add the fact that designs are departing from utilitarian concepts to schemes that support a multitude of functions and activities, and there’s never been a better time to infuse complementary technology in these two spaces. Entertainment, wellness, and convenience are driving consumers to adopt fresh kitchen and bath designs; be sure to focus on these areas when undertaking your own home remodeling project.
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Lisa Montgomery has been a member of the Electronic House editorial team for nearly 20 years; most of that time as the Editor. With a knack for explaining complex high-tech topics in terms that average consumers can understand, her style of writing resonates with people who are interested in addition electronic systems to their homes, but are unsure of the steps involved and the solutions available. From basic lighting control systems to full-blown automation systems, Lisa understands the home electronics market well, and is able to point consumers in the right direction on their quest for a smarter, more convenient, efficient and enjoyable home.
Over the years, she has developed close relationships with key manufacturers and seasoned custom electronics professionals, giving her a keen sense of what home technologies are hot now and what’s on the horizon. She shares this wisdom regularly through feature stories, product roundups, case studies technology spotlights and comprehensive guides and books, which can be found on the Electronic House website, www.electronichouse.com.
