In the world of interior design, trends come and go—but in the kitchen, they stick around a bit longer. There are some great new kitchen trends that look like they’re here to stay, and I’ve highlighted 7 of my favorites below:
1. Manufactured Quartz, Glass, and Porcelain Counters
These new surfaces, like the Dekton Halo counter in my new kitchen below, hold up to just about anything you can throw at them, which is so important in a hardworking kitchen. They are resistant to scratches and stains, you can set hot pans right on them, and many of the selections are also antimicrobial. You can use these materials for outdoor surfaces, too.
2. Painted Cabinets
As you can also see in my new kitchen above, painted cabinets are making a comeback. The color is either included on all cabinetry, or makes a dual statement with white. Either way, color is edging out all-white in the kitchen.
3. High-Tech Innovations
Technology is nothing new in the kitchen, but appliances are definitely getting smarter. For example, the new Thermador Liberty® Induction Cooktop has 11 oval inductors, divided into 3 cooking zones, with each zone able to accommodate pots and pans from 3 to 11 inches. Amazingly, if you move the pot from one space to another, the power level will automatically transfer to the new location. There are also pre-set temperatures and a stopwatch function for even more cooking flexibility.
The Thermador Freedom® Collection fresh food columns also have a newly designed electronic TFT control that allows for precise temperature management, as well as a new ThermaFresh System that extends the freshness of meat and produce for longer periods of time. Now that’s smart!
4. Refrigeration Walls
Speaking of refrigeration, it’s stepping out of its usual same-sized box in the kitchen, particularly with customized refrigeration walls. Thanks to the Thermador Freedom® Collection, these units can be mixed and matched to fit any homeowner’s cooking style. If you have a large family and love to cook, you could choose a larger freezer column like the new 36-inch style. If you like to entertain more than you like to cook, you may want a smaller freezer column and a larger refrigeration unit. The new wall in my kitchen also includes a Thermador Wine Preservation Column with independent wine zones that keep my vino at the perfect temperature.
5. Built-In Coffee Machines
Coffee has become an important part of American households, and this new kitchen trend takes that brew to a whole new level. Adding a built-in coffee machine gives homeowners their own coffee shop experience, and the Thermador Built-In Fully Automatic Coffee Machine will prepare up to 10 beverages from latte macchiatos to espressos. A simple touch on the new TFT display prepares a perfectly brewed beverage, including warm milk or froth for those who enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, or hot cocoa. You can also determine which size cup will be used and the strength of the brew, and the machine includes dual spouts to create two beverages at once.
6. Customized Cabinetry
Personalization is key in kitchens of the future, and that includes cabinetry that fits any need you may have. Even pre-manufactured cabinets now offer specialized drawers and storage for lids and small appliances. And if you’re lucky enough to have a custom cabinet maker, like I did in my kitchen, you can create anything you need. For example, I wanted a pull-out shelf under my Thermador Steam Oven, below, and I also have special bins for cooking supplies, and more.
7. Clutter-Free Counters
Kitchens are getting cleaner, and I mean aesthetically! Clutter is out, so look for small appliances to be hidden away in special cabinets, or as built-ins. Thermador has a microdrawer that I love – it keeps the microwave off the counter and gives me more space for cooking and baking. And when it’s time for cleaning up, I can get that no-muss look that’s key to a modern kitchen.
This blog originally appeared at http://www.thermador.com/blog/7-kitchen-trends-to-watch/ and was written by Tobi Fairley. To see more of her culinary creations, follow her with @tobifairley on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, or on my blog at tobifairley.com!