By Johnny Grey

Bring a fresh perspective to kitchen design by incorporating the principles of soft geometry and dedicated work areas. The kitchen is not just an area for food preparation and eating but rather the center of all domestic life. It is the true living room of any home.

I believe people have high expectations for their kitchen spaces. After all, its as much about lifestyle as it is about functionality. We are spending more time than ever in our kitchens—socializing, working and cooking. Your space should reflect the way you live your life. Let’s take a closer look at what’s in store for kitchen designs.

Unfitted kitchen

Today’s kitchens are beginning to reflect a “hiving” trend which allows people to “buzz” in and out to accommodate a busy lifestyle. To adapt to this lifestyle trend, use individual pieces of furniture to eliminate repetitive rows of continuous countertops. The unfitted kitchen not only liberates the space from standardized cabinetry, but also redefines the area as a more sociable room.  

Stainless steel continues its style reign

From farmhouse sinks to countertops to appliances, stainless steel continues to be the “color” of choice. The soft glow of stainless steel offers a beautiful contrast to warm wood cabinetry. It’s also a great compliment to today’s more neutral colored kitchens.

Clutter goes undercover

Now that we’re spending more time than ever in our kitchens, maximizing the use of space and getting organized are priorities. Appliance garages are a good and practical way to keep toasters and can openers out of sight and opting for drawers rather than cupboard doors to help meet growing storage needs.

Floor plans are evolving

People are moving away from the traditional “work triangle” to create “stations,” like those for cooking, baking and prep work. The island is still the focus of the kitchen and a great place to house appliances such as a specialized pasta maker, a custom deep fryer or even a second dishwasher (so the first can be reserved for dishes and the second for pots and pans).

Technology makes appliances do more

Light the functions only when you need them. This is how the Electrolux ICON™ Wave-Touch™ Control Panel technology works. With the touch of a finger, it displays the appliance functions. You can carry this one step further—smart lighting can create new function in a kitchen. For example, you could select the perfect wine glass from your collection to compliment your favorite vintage by connecting your appliances and cabinet lighting. In that way, when you open your wine cooler, the wine glass cabinet could light up simultaneously. Brilliant!

Professional grade still curries favor

Large professional ranges are still big, with the range and hood often serving as the kitchen’s focal point. Stainless steel is still the finish of choice for ranges in any style of kitchen, from modern to traditional. The new professional series of Electrolux ICON™ dual-fuel ranges are for the serious cook—or for anyone who craves a serious cooking experience. 

Design philosophy

When designing your kitchen, keep in mind that is an area in your home where you will spend time with your family and friends. Good kitchen design should reflect and facilitate the daily life of its occupants and, in so doing, capture something unique in the home’s spirit.