Q: My kitchen is seriously dated and I’m thinking about a major upgrade to something a little more cutting edge. What features should I be looking for?

A: If you’re thinking about upgrading your kitchen, it’s worth considering all the options at your disposal, especially the latest features and design elements that will make your life easier. Before we get to the kitchen of tomorrow, let’s take a brief look at the kitchen of today.

今日厨房设计

使用工作三角形. The kitchen work triangle is formed by three key areas of the kitchen: refrigeration (fridge/freezer), 洗涤站(水槽), and cooking area (cooktop/stove/oven.) This idea originated with the modernization of the 1940s “kitchen of tomorrow,” but the concept has not seen much improvement since its invention.

定心水槽. 很长一段时间, having the perfect kitchen meant having sinks centered on an exterior window so you could watch squirrels frolicking in the backyard while washing dishes. This concept was very popular in the 1950s because most kitchen time was spent at the sink. Today’s homeowners typically spend more time in front of a cooking appliance, thanks in part to the advancement of the dishwasher.

利用角落. The invention of the lazy Susan solidified the corner cabinet as a key kitchen design solution. To maximize space, homeowners use corner cabinets—often multiple corner cabinets. 不幸的是, corner cabinets usually just mean having more cabinets without necessarily offering more usability—and with a higher price tag.

The Future of Kitchen Design

Will we have fully autonomous cars and robot home-chefs in the future? 很难说. But what is certain is that our kitchens will make more efficient use of space, feature a bevy of technological conveniences, and showcase attractive and seamless modular design elements. Drawing on the best in contemporary European design, these are the up-and-coming features to look for.

Space-saving features that increase efficiency:

• 实质性的, centrally located workstations, 柜台空间, and islands so that items do not have to be moved over large areas and can be set down easily.
• Appliance-workstation integration whenever possible, so the sink and dishwasher are easily in reach with one hand while the cooktop and oven are in reach of the other.
• Spacious prep area for chopping and cutting with easy access to mixing and cooking appliances, as well as compost for waste disposal.
• Integrated pantry and storage.
• No corner cabinets and better use of space planning. Corner cabinets and storage solutions cost more due to their complexity and are far less efficient (225% higher cost for 10% less storage).

Technology that makes the kitchen experience easier and more seamless:

• Handle-less cabinets with electric assist features, allowing access to nearby cabinets without the use of one’s hands.
• Integrated lighting that not only accentuates the beautiful features of the kitchen, but adds a layer of comfort. Practically integrated lighting allows better overall visualization of surfaces for cooking, 清洁, 和安全. Lighting control and energy efficiency allow consumers to make smart choices.
• Smart home automation integration. Imagine walking in with an armful of groceries and being able to turn on your cabinet lighting via voice command. Integration with cabinet lighting is already available on the market.

Modular design elements that make the kitchen experience less stressful and more attractive:

• Work units that generate visual interest while offering practical usefulness in the form of cabinets and worktop surfaces.
• Advanced styling marrying warmth with ease of use and 清洁—tone-on-tone or contrasting finishes employed to dazzling effect.
• 在高端市场, kitchens as functional art; dramatic spaces with unique textures and concepts that will filter their way through all levels of the market.
• The integration of minimalist techniques to create calming spaces free from the chaos of daily life.

戴夫·吉尔特纳报道 Bauformat西雅图, a member of the 建筑大师协会 of King and Snohomish Counties (MBAKS). If you have a home improvement, 重构, or residential home建筑 question you’d like answered by one of MBAKS’ more than 2,700个成员, 写信给 homework@livingatepperson.com.