Kitchens

The future of kitchen design — how everything may change

What the future of kitchen design may look like post lockdown...

The future of kitchen design showing an open plan kitchen with marble worktops and an island with gray cabinets and a wine cooler

As we’re all spending a little more time at home these days with the kitchen being at the centre of family life, the future of kitchen design is adapting to the way we use this space.

Modern kitchen ideas and designs are set to evolve as the years go on, from clever storage solutions to multi-functional layouts. 

THE FUTURE OF KITCHEN DESIGN

As we transition to a new normal, it may be time to make some alterations and introduce some fresh kitchen ideas in to your space. With restaurants not as accessible, home cooking is becoming ever popular and the kitchen is likely to change.

1. APPLIANCES

Larger fridge freezers and even second freezers in a pantry or utility room will become more common. New technology previously only available in commercial refrigeration is now entering the domestic market, with consumers investing in appliances that help keep food fresher for longer.

With home baking on the increase, ovens with technical features, such as moisture injection and precise temperature, help produce professional end results.

The future of kitchen design showing a large kitchen with white worktops and an island below a chandelier ceiling light and a large refrigerator

2. WINE FRIDGE AND WINE RACKS

With pubs and bars closed for much of the last year, the popularity of the home bar is on the rise. Glazed gin display cupboards, wine racks and wine coolers - such as the one shown in the modern kitchen with an island below - will be a must-have features where space will allow in larger rooms.

An open plan kitchen with marble worktops and an island with gray cabinets and a wine cooler

3. STORAGE

From deep, wide drawers and pull-out shelving replacing standard cupboard interiors, to cleaning cupboards becoming pantries for tinned goods and open shelving for jars, bottles and spices, new kitchen storage ideas mean kitchens will be organised like never before.

Open shelving will be another must-have, providing storage for cookbooks and a place to grow fresh herbs from scratch.

A close up shot of a grey pull-out drawer storing organised utensils

4. BUILT-IN AND BESPOKE FURNITURE

With small appliances such as mixing aids and coffee machines much more commonplace since pre-lockdown, clever modern kitchen design features such as bi-folding breakfast cupboards enable them to be hidden away yet still easily accessible.

A gray sofa in front of white, built-in floor to ceiling cupboards

5. LAYOUT

As whole families spend more time at home, dining spaces will become the norm again. The living room will become an extension of the kitchen even more as designers look to create fluid living spaces where the whole family can interact in harmony.

The future of kitchen design showing a close up shot of an island with duck egg blue cabinets and drawers in front of white metro tiles

'As a result of the pandemic, the process of designing a kitchen is changing considerably too,' says George Forsyth of Drew Forsyth Kitchens.

'The kitchen has always been a big investment, but now more than ever customers are recognising the benefits of opting for bespoke, achieving a space that is tailor-made and enables them and their families to live together comfortably.'

Jennifer Ebert
Deputy Editor (Digital)

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.