When most people think of kitchen design trends, their mind gravitates toward the visual appearance of big-ticket items like custom cabinetry and stone countertops. A thing of natural beauty. Or they think about how an interior designer might lean into bold colors or a minimalist aesthetic.
While aesthetics are undoubtedly an important part of kitchen remodeling, functionality is also essential to interior design. That is interwoven through virtually every design decision, from light fixtures to kitchen cabinets to large and small appliances.
Of course, that doesn’t mean that functionality has to come at the expense of aesthetics. When we remodel kitchens for modern living, we optimize for both. And keeping our eyes on popular kitchen trends enables us to do just that.
In this post, kitchen appliances take center stage. Our focal point is on how new approaches to appliances are being incorporated into kitchen design trends. I’ll break down some of the most intriguing options and address how appliances can be a design element, offering both visual interest and everyday utility.
Induction Cooktops
Most people are familiar with the two main heating methods used for cooktops: 1) gas and 2) electric, but many people aren’t aware that there is a third option, known as induction. While some people prefer the traditional feel of cooking with gas, concerns about indoor air pollution, carbon footprints, and other environmental issues are prompting a gradual shift towards induction options.
So what is induction?
Induction cooktops look quite similar to standard glass-top electric cooktops, but they use electromagnetic waves to heat cookware. This makes them highly efficient and allows for precise control and a rapid rise or drop in temperature, similar to a professional gas cooktop.
This temperature control typically leads to faster heating, especially during more time-consuming tasks, such as boiling water. In fact, induction is often 50 percent faster at this compared to its gas and electric counterparts!
In addition, induction cooktops are also easy to clean, much like electric cooktops. Since the heat isn’t absorbed through the burners, an induction cooktop remains cool enough to easily wipe up spills and messes right away and also provides a much safer option for homes with young children.
Induction cooktops come in various sizes, so they can be built into a standard stove or integrated into another kitchen space, such as a kitchen island. Because of their compact size and safe performance, they can also make sense in a small kitchen area, such as a basement kitchenette, butler pantry, or outdoor kitchen.
Despite the advantages of induction cooktops, many still appreciate traditional gas cooktops for their vintage charm and conventional cooking experience. However, if you haven’t experienced induction, I recommend you give it a try. You may become a convert!
Steam Oven with Smart Features
Here’s another one you may not be familiar with but is definitely a budding kitchen trend. Steam ovens are gaining popularity due to their innovative features that enhance cooking efficiency and preserve food quality. It looks like a standard oven but cooks food with steam, not hot air.
Steam cooks food faster and keeps food moist, locking in nutrients and flavor while canceling out the need for extra fats and oils. Most steam ovens have a small tank you fill with water, which is heated in a boiler and then dispersed as steam to cook your food.
Steam ovens can also be directly hooked to a water line, making them more user-friendly and negating the need for refill tanks.
Built-in Wine Fridges
Here’s one of my favorite appliance-related top kitchen trends. If you’re an amateur sommelier or just enjoy an occasional glass of wine with dinner, standalone wine fridges, or, better yet, built-in wine refrigerators, are a great choice for storing your wine at the perfect temperature.
Depending on your collection, a small under-counter refrigerator in your main kitchen could do the trick, or a large, full-size companion to a dedicated bar space might be more your speed.
The exterior of these wine fridges can be made with natural materials, including different shades of wood, to complement the timeless feel of traditional kitchen cabinets. But they also come in more modern designs and a broad color palette, meaning they can be integrated into all styles, whether it’s an all-white kitchen or something with bolder colors and tile patterns.
Zip Water System
The innovative HydroTap by Zip Water provides the ultimate in-home water system by instantly dispensing filtered boiling, chilled, and sparkling water all from a single tap. The HydroTap by Zip Water is a prime example of integrated appliances that blend seamlessly with modern kitchen designs.
With a wide selection of tap styles, finishes, and dispensing options to choose from, you can find the perfect HydroTap for your home. You can opt for the timeless elegance of brass hardware, the sleek look of brushed nickel, or any number of other materials that suit your space.
The system can be installed over a kitchen sink or over a countertop with the unique drip tray (as seen in the photo above). It can also be a great choice for a kitchen island if you have an open floor plan.
Paneled Appliances Hidden In Your Interior Design
One of the biggest appliance trends in high-end kitchens is not seeing those major appliances, such as your refrigerator (above) and dishwasher.
Paneled appliances provide a clean finish that blends seamlessly with your wall cabinets. Paneled appliances are a key element of the quiet luxury trend, emphasizing noise reduction, warm ambient lighting, and a peaceful kitchen environment.
Smart Devices and Other Luxury Features
Smart Appliances and Integration
Smart appliances are revolutionizing the way we interact with our kitchens, bringing a new level of convenience and efficiency. With the rise of smart home technology, kitchen appliances can now be controlled remotely using smartphones or voice assistants.
Imagine preheating your oven on your way home or checking the contents of your fridge from the grocery store. Luxury appliances are also embracing smart features, such as touch screens and Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to monitor and control your appliances from other rooms across the house.
These high-tech appliances not only make cooking and meal prep more efficient but also add just the right amount of modern sophistication to your kitchen.
Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Options
Eco-Friendly Appliances and Materials
As environmental consciousness grows, eco-friendly or “green” appliances and materials are becoming increasingly popular in modern kitchens. Energy-efficient appliances, such as induction cooktops, which I mentioned above, are designed to reduce energy consumption and minimize waste.
These appliances not only help lower your utility bills but also contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle. Additionally, manufacturers are incorporating recycled materials into their products, further reducing their environmental impact.
For instance, some refrigerators now feature doors made from recycled plastic. When choosing home appliances, you can support this kitchen trend by seeking out eco-friendly features and materials.
Get Started and Find the Kitchen Design Trends That Suit Your Home
At Hazley Builders, we are design-build specialists with over 25 years of experience in creating functional and beautiful kitchen spaces. With longstanding roots in the West Chester area, we take deep pride in serving our community, customizing every project to suit the needs of our clients.
Our experienced team can guide you through every design decision, not just your appliances. We stay on top of brand-new trends and older styles that are making a comeback. From unique touches like delft tiles to fluted finishes, we’re ready to handle every last detail to find the perfect design for your dream kitchen.
If you’re ready to start planning your kitchen remodel, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
