The homeowners in Loughton, Essex were looking for “a space for modern day living and a stronger connection to their beautiful garden.” The original main floor had three rooms crowded in the back of the house: a constricted kitchen with dated fixtures, a tiny living room with no windows, and a dining room extension added in the 1980s. The bottom floor sat a full three feet above the exterior ground, with just one steep staircase granting passage to the back garden. Very little light made its way into this downstairs level, thanks to a large nearby outbuilding that blocked many of the existing windows.

After demoing that outside structure, the architecture firm solved the limited space problem by extending out the back exterior wall at garden level, connecting the addition to the current interior with three wall-to-wall stairs to and an overall open concept. The kitchen was also rehoused in the new ground-level addition, providing direct physical and visual access to the beautiful green spaces around it.

Natural light now streams in through three unique and ingenious windows and doors. The custom-made archways and the U-shaped window balance each other in geometric harmony. From the outside, it almost looks like the glass shapes spell the letters “n-n-u,” the name Studio Jayga gave this design.

The “nnU House” window is set into the wall, creating a perfect resting seat for enjoying the outdoor splendor while also taking advantage of the indoor climate. The top of the window extends above the ceiling line, jutting into a skylight and allowing even more light in from above.

The kitchen island takes its cues from the rounded windows, curving around in a gentle oval and further softened by a ribbed lining of cylinders around its base. Elsewhere, a comforting green envelops the wall of cabinetry, bringing the outside in. It complements the playful, multi-hued terrazzo stone backsplash and countertops.
The rest of the eating area is filled in with neutral floor tiles and crisp white walls, creating an airy space for gathering and working.

The connected living room is framed in on one side by tall, natural-colored timbers that outline the separate space while still offering clear sightlines to the kitchen. Birdseye maple flooring laid in chevron patterns draws the eye over into this area.

The outside of the addition was covered in timber charred on-site in the ancient Japanese style of “shou-sugi-ban,” giving the siding a cultivated and aged look.

Studio Jayga Architects was founded by Abul Mahdi, a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) who got his start building a village clinic in Bangladesh. Perhaps that experience influenced the studio name, which comes from a Bangla word meaning “place.”

“We believe that the spaces we inhabit should have a sense of place; this means that architecture should engage with its social and physical context to create a sense of belonging and community,” the company website says. “We believe that good quality design can benefit and improve people’s lives significantly.”

The post UK Kitchen Addition Takes Geometric Design to the Next Level first appeared on Dornob.

Here are some of the top kitchen trends to try out in 2022:

Colored Cabinets

Yes, white or wood-toned materials are classic and will continue to be the backbone of most kitchens, but we’re starting to see pops of color on island bases and other custom cabinetry. Blues of every shade are holding onto their spot as a popular accent hue, but homeowners are branching out with lush greens and deep reds to add visual contrast.

Customized Storage

Open shelving can be pretty, but it often means sacrificing valuable storage space. Especially in today’s multi-generational households where there are more people living under one roof than ever, eliminating wasted space is essential. That means getting more creative with display and storage options, including custom-size shelves and cabinets, and built-in organization for things like spices and bakeware.

Veined Slabs

They’ve been on their way up for a while now, but 2022 will be the year of countertops with dramatic focal veins. A river of black or grey running through a creamy white marble or quartz can be a real showstopper.

Resilient Waterproof Flooring

Homeowners are always looking for products that combine form and function, which is why waterproof core or luxury vinyl flooring is hot right now. According to an annual survey by Houzz.com, almost a quarter of those upgrading their kitchen flooring in 2022 are choosing the easy maintenance of resilient vinyl planks or tiles, more than doubling its popularity in the last three years. This durable material is extremely versatile, can look like tile or wood, and come in almost any shape, width, or texture.

Marble Backsplashes

While about half of homeowners are still opting for tile backsplashes, the Houzz survey found that marble is on the rise, with many preferring the clean look of just one material between their cabinetry. Many choose the same material for both their countertops and backsplashes, although it can be chic to have complementary patterns in the same color range. The backsplash “envelope” – extending the backsplash all the way to the ceiling – is also having a major design moment right now.

Delightful Details

Especially after spending so much time stuck in our houses over the past two years, we’ve all had a chance to become very familiar with our kitchens. Many people are looking to spice up the heart of their home with distinctive details like custom-built range hoods, unique hardware, or designer wall plates. These smaller and less expensive changes can provide just the right amount of drama in a larger space.

Smart Appliances

Artificial intelligence is being integrated into so many aspects of our lives these days, and the home kitchen is no exception. This year, homeowners can take advantage of many time and headache-saving devices. Connected refrigerators allow you to customize the temperature or check their contents remotely, smart ovens give you the flexibility to start baking a dish while you’re away from home, and smart dishwashers automatically dispense the perfect amount of detergent for any load. You can find smart tech in almost every appliance and gadget nowadays, from toasters and air fryers to range hoods and garbage cans.

If things keep going like this, cooking and cleaning your kitchen will be a whole lot easier in 2022.

The post 2022 Kitchen Design Trends to Try in Your Home first appeared on Dornob.

Pastel Shaker Cabinets

Creamy pastels are the name of the game in all The Great British Baking Show decor, starting with the workstation cabinets. You can find this classic shaker cabinet style every season in mint greens and baby blues. You could certainly have a whole new set of cabinets installed like these from Seconds and Surplus that ship nationwide and range in price from $99 to $407 per piece, but if you’re not looking to completely gut your kitchen or if you already have shaker-style cupboards, a fresh coat of paint in one of the show’s iconic colors will do just fine.

Pink KitchenAid Stand Mixer

The hues might vary from season to season, but a KitchenAid stand mixer is a definite staple of the GBBS kitchen. This one in pale pink has a 5-quart capacity and 10 different speeds. Plus, if pink isn’t your jam, it comes in 20 different shades. It retails for $429.99 on the KitchenAid website, but you can often find sales on other sites.

SWAN Retro Digital Microwave

The old-school look of these microwaves is so chic, but unfortunately they’re pretty hard to find in the U.S. Alternatively, you could try this similar model for $149.99 from Lowe’s. It’s a 900-Watt, 0.9-cubic feet machine in seafoam green that’s so cute, you’ll want to cook everything in it, even bread like granny Nancy from season 5.

SMEG Fridge/Freezer

No GBBS kitchen would be complete without one of those adorable retro Smeg refrigerators. The on-set model is the Smeg FAB30 series, and while it’s not currently listed on the company website, the FAB32 version is similar and available from retailers like Williams Sonoma, West Elm, and Crate & Barrel. They come in 8 colors, too, including the muted blue and green hues highlighted on the show.

Magimix Food Processor

These powerhouse machines work hard and fast to help the contestants prep their amazing culinary creations. Available from places like Wayfair, Houzz, and Zola, this 12-quart model at Williams Sonoma retails for $299.95 and comes with a host of attachments and bowl sizes for any baking project.

GreenPan Ceramic Cookware

The show has used several different brands of cookware over the years, but the GreenPan ceramic collection has definitely been in the mix a lot. These aluminum pots and pans are non-stick and scratch resistant. You can buy an 11-piece set on the company website with all the must-haves for $499.99.

Proving Drawer

We all salivate over the Neff slide-and-hide ovens on the show, but so far, they’ve not made it across the pond. Contestants also frequently use the handy Neff proving drawer to help their dough rise perfectly. While the Neff brand is not available in the States, many other companies have comparable products, like this slow cook warming drawer from KitchenAid. Selling for $1,699, it can warm dough, act as a chafing dish, and even take the place of a countertop slow cooker.

Creating culinary wonders like the folks on The Great British Baking Show can indeed be a reality in your home with a few of these fun additions, so that all your biscuits and sponges are worthy of being called “nice bakes.”

The post How to Turn Your Kitchen into the Great British Baking Show Cooking Tent first appeared on Dornob.

To create the kitchen of your dreams, it’s important to visualize the space you want before even picking out paint colors or types of tile. And this requires planning. That’s where the experts come in, with designer-approved tips that give anyone envisioning the perfect kitchen everything they need to get started.

Below are five top things to consider before beginning your kitchen renovation:

Spatial Recognition

One of the most important things to consider when beginning a kitchen renovation is how you want to use the existing space to your advantage. Kitchen a little cramped? Then you may want to consider opening up the new space a bit. This may not require knocking down walls, though, so don’t reach for your sledgehammer just yet (though some spaces may require more extreme makeovers to achieve that “open plan” kitchen look). The first step is to create a layout, or an actual plan for how you want to arrange the space. Larger appliances, like the stove and refrigerator, are a good place to start, as they’re the typically the biggest things in the room. The key is to maximize your kitchen space in order to promote functionality and flow, rather than having a cluttered, unorganized layout.

All-In On Appliances

Speaking of appliances, the next step is to decided what appliances need an upgrade. Current fridge too big (or too small)? Consider a brand new streamlined model that better fits your space. Tired of washing dishes by hand? Think about adding a dishwasher to the mix. While this step of the reno plans may require you to shell out some dough, think of it as an investment. New appliances often last for years, and many of them are energy efficient, to boot. That’s good news for the environment and your wallet.

Fitting In

A brand new kitchen will shine like a brightly colored jewel and stand out from the rest of your space (if you’re not doing a total home makeover, of course). Chances are you’ll just be renovating one room at a time, so it’s important that the kitchen works with the rest of your home. Obviously, the kitchen is not its own autonomous space. It’s an integral part of your everyday life, so be aware of how the renovation will look in relation to the rest of the house. Try not to indulge in uber-trendy finds that can’t be easily swapped out and changed if you have a change of heart. Stay subtle and neutral with your palette, at least until you can actually see how the decor blends with your home.

Storage Solutions

The ideal kitchen is clean, not cluttered. It’s much easier to work in a kitchen that’s organized, with everything in an easy-to-access place. This is why storage is one of the most important considerations during a kitchen renovation, especially if your previous kitchen was light on space. Feel free to get creative here, using up available wall space so as to not clutter countertops. Floating shelves are another trendy option for storing things like glasses, and kitchen islands can be handy spots for stashing things you may not use 24/7, or hiding things like the trash can.

Remember, It’sYour Kitchen

The most important thing to consider during a kitchen renovation is how to make the space your own. Just because certain trends may work for others doesn’t mean they’ll automatically work for you. Carefully consider what you want and need from your new kitchen, because after all, it’s your kitchen. You’ll be cooking and living in it. So while designer tips are a great place to start, don’t forget to add a touch of yourself to your new space. How else could it be the kitchen of your dreams?

The post Considering a Kitchen Renovation? These 5 Designer-Approved Tips Will Help Get You Started first appeared on Dornob.

Available in either unfinished steel or black, this modern kitchen system is designed to be just as functional as it is beautiful. The hard-wearing surface is a thin, embossed stainless steel sheet on top of an MFC board framed with extruded profiles of anodized aluminum. The handles of the drawers and cabinets are integrated within those profiles to eliminate the need for hardware, placing all the visual emphasis on the metal.

REFLECT marks an unusually minimalist project for Nouvel, whose works are typically complex and highly ornamental. But like his architecture, the thoughtfully designed kitchen system has a way of adapting itself to its environment, changing throughout the day as its reflective surfaces softly mimic the various colors and shapes found throughout the space.

One could also say that REFLECT is a new high point for Reform, a brand first founded in 2014 to offer upgraded cabinet fronts designed for IKEA base cabinets. Aiming to bring quality design to all, regardless of budget, Reform collaborates with architects and designers to create modern kitchen spaces that are stylish, accessible, and able to stand up to everyday use by everyday people.

It’s Nouvel’s “gift for conceptualizing light” that makes REFLECT stand out. The renowned Pritzker Prize-winning French architect has demonstrated a love for shimmering surfaces throughout his career, as seen in such projects as the Philarmonie de Paris, Gasometer A in Vienna, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Torre Agbar in Barcelona. In fact, while most of his works are strikingly different from each other, the continuous threads that run through his entire repertoire might be the way the building facades play with light and shadow, and the sensitivity and responsiveness with which the structures interact with their surroundings.

About architect Jean Nouvel, via Reform:

“Jean Nouvel is one of the most important architects of the modern era. His strong stances and somewhat provocative opinions on contemporary architecture in the urban context together with his ability to inject originality into all the projects he undertakes have formed the decorated architect’s international image. Jean Nouvel’s work does not result from considerations of style or ideology, but from a quest to create a unique concept for a singular combination of people, place, and time. His contextual approach and ability to infuse a genuine uniqueness into all the projects he undertakes have consistently yielded buildings that transform their environments and indelibly mark the cities in which they are built.”

The REFLECT kitchen system is now available to order in the U.S., and integrates with Reform’s own base cabinetry system as a series of fronts, cover panels, and plinths.

The post Reflect: Luminous Steel Kitchen Design by Architect Jean Nouvel first appeared on Dornob.

Meanwhile, here in the States, the average kitchen renovation is around $25,000 (36.38 percent of the average annual income). Of the countries studied, Hong Kong ranked the lowest, with the cost of renovation around $3,747 USD (approx. 13.30 percent of the average US annual income). To get these numbers, Compare the Market collected data from a number of sources, including government agencies, construction associations, and renovation experts. But the one thing they all agreed on? Kitchen remodeling costs differ, no matter where you are.

But what about the world’s most lavish, luxurious kitchens? Where are they, and how much did they cost?

Inspired by Compare the Market’s report, we scoured the internet to find some of the world’s most expensive kitchen renovations:

The Fiore di Cristallo

Touted as the world’s most expensive kitchen, this London kitchen cost over £1 million ($1.6 million USD). Designed by Claudio Celiberti, the renovation took over a year to complete. Using only the highest-quality materials, including the world’s best crystal “Crystal of Murano,” the luxe kitchen includes other super swanky features like solid copper-lined cabinets, a crystal island, and a stone worktop. The crystal island alone cost £36,850 — higher than the average total kitchen renovation cost in the U.S. But the pièce de résistance of this space is undoubtedly the chandelier (also designed by Celiberti). Made of Swarovski crystal and cristallo di Murano, this beauty cost approximately £26,400 to create. Of course, this is still a functioning kitchen, and any kitchen needs appliances. Boasting £24,000 worth of Gaggenau handcrafted products, including a £5,000 fridge and a £1,714 espresso machine, this kitchen is truly one of a kind.

The Colosseo Oro

Once dubbed “the world’s most expensive fitted kitchen,” this $450,000 limited edition kitchen pairs classic elegance with futuristic accents to create an aesthetic fit for modern luxury. A product of Marazzi Design, the reflective, shiny surfaces are accentuated by Swarovski crystal lights. Other opulent touches include crocodile embossed leather, Venetian ink-stained gold glass, and 24-carat gold leafing. The appliances are equally as impressive (all state-of-the-art and worth approximately $85,000 themselves), with the highlight being a Zaha Hadid tap with a price tag of $12,000. With its combination of dynamic shapes and colors, luxe materials, and modern kitchen gadgetry, it’s no wonder this London kitchen is so highly coveted and admired.

South Tower at Time Warner Center

This kitchen makes the list simply by being included in one of the priciest apartments in New York City. The penthouse suite is 8,500 square feet of pure luxury, and the kitchen is no exception. Dubbed “a professional chef’s kitchen,” the space is fit with all the best appliances and is leant an air of elegance with Alba Chiara marble countertops and sycamore cabinetry custom-designed by Poliform. Another amazing feature of this kitchen is its view, replete with a breakfast area abutting a media room that has glorious views of the Hudson River. Imagine sipping your morning latte (made with a top-of-the-line espresso machine, of course!) while you bask in the most breathtaking city views. Now that’s luxury.

The Electrolux Grand Cuisine Professional Kitchen

Everyone knows that Electrolux appliances are some of the best out there, so it only makes sense that they’d form the centerpiece of this kitchen with a hefty price tag of $322,000. Showcasing Electrolux’s Grand Cuisine Range, this kitchen has been described not only as revolutionary but also as the preferred kitchen of Michelin-starred chefs everywhere. But the appliances aren’t the only things that make this kitchen shine. With its reflective glass surfaces, the appliances seem to disappear and themselves become part of the natural surroundings. Though it’s built with only the best materials, the kitchen is still meant to be functional — albeit “virtually effortless.” Imagine having appliances built into your kitchen that are not only mostly automated, but also work better when used simultaneously for ultimate cooking ease and precision. While not the most expensive kitchen on our list, it is certainly the one that best combines luxury and functionality into a space anyone would be happy to cook in.

While most of us will not have the opportunity to cook in a six or seven-figure kitchen any time soon, these spaces still give us a fun way to reimagine the traditional cookspace. Kitchens have long held the distinction of being rooms that can easily be transformed into visions of the future; one only has to visit Disney World’s “Carousel of Progress” to experience how visionaries such as Walt Disney imagined technology would continue to change and shape our everyday lives, starting in the kitchen. And these kitchens are no exception. Through their lavish designs, sophisticated appliances, and evolving modern interpretations of a more traditional space, we continue our quest for the quintessential kitchen.

The post Fantastic and Functional: A Look at the World’s Most Expensive Kitchen Renovations first appeared on Dornob.

Every apartment, condo or house needs a way to wash dishes, but without space for full-sized dishwashers, some of us have a tendency to pile tableware into sinks in an endless (non-rinse, non-dry) cycle. Dishwashers are a luxury in small kitchens, so sometimes it seems like sinks full of dirty dishes waiting for a reluctant hand-washing are just a fact of life. Thankfully, a new wave of technology from appliance manufacturers could change that sooner than you think.

Thus the FlashDry(R) from KitchenAid, since discontinued (perhaps due to its outrageous price), but a still a brilliant example of integrated design solutions for small-space living, and one that might inspire new designs to take its place. This compact dishwasher fits seamlessly in one side of a double sink, saving space under the cabinets for all-important kitchen storage.

The lid doubles as a draining board, and the unit comes with a snap-on cutting board custom-fitted to the top to further enhance the usability of this surface area. It is well-organized inside with a larger-than-average silverware basket, capacity-expanding capabilities for larger and awkwardly-shaped pots or pans.

With room enough too accommodate up to five place settings at a time, this relatively tiny device also uses 50% less water than a typical washer for similarly-sized loads, can run a full cycle in 20 to 30 minutes, and the lid pops open at the end to release internal steam and pressure.

Space-saving countertop dishwashers do exist, and are easy to find at big box stores like Home Depot, but the way they fit into the space is a little less elegant. While those of us making do with compact kitchens wait for new versions of this awesome in-sink dishwasher to make it onto the consumer market, perhaps we’ll just have to daydream about all the things we’ll do instead of (procrastinating on) hand washing the dishes.

The post This Compact Dishwasher Fits in Your Kitchen Sink first appeared on Dornob.

Lack of Adequate Storage

Image via Apartment Therapy

Open shelving is all the rage right now, and it’s easy to see why. Upper cabinets can dominate the space, especially if they’re a dark color, while simple shelves contribute to an airier feel. But keep in mind the cardinal rule of well-organized interiors: there should always be a home for everything. Otherwise, you’ll just end up with all those extra dishes, glasses, cooking implements, and baking ingredients cluttering your countertops. If you take away storage on the wall, add it back somewhere else.

Neglecting a Good Workflow

Image via Cooksmarts

Pay attention to how you actually move through your kitchen while using it. Is there a place to set hot things down beside the stove? Is there a clear path from the stove to the sink to the fridge? Can people pass through without bumping into open doors, a too-large island, or other obstacles? It’s harder to engineer a good workflow when your kitchen is small, but there are always workarounds, like slide-out surfaces, pocket doors, and counter-depth appliances.

Choosing Hard-to-Clean Materials

Image via Fantastic Frank

Sure, tile counters can be beautiful. But have you ever had to clean greasy sludge out of grout? The same goes for real wood floors and unfinished wood cabinets, both of which can discolor quickly from oily splashes and spills. Before you choose those porous countertops or stainless appliances that show every single fingerprint, think about how (and how often) you’ll be cleaning their surfaces. You might find that alternative materials suddenly seem more appealing.

Indulging in Too Many Trends

Image via HGTV

Two-toned painted cabinets, mix-and-match hardware, and speckled granite are three trends that were majorly popular just a few years ago, but all of them are now on their way out. Sorry, Joanna Gaines, but shiplap is probably next. When you’re designing your kitchen, avoid including too many things you’d see on a reality TV home makeover show, because there’s good chance they’ll look dated in the very near future. If you love a certain trend too much to pass it up, use it for something that can be switched out easily when you feel like making another change.

Going Hard on Amateur Projects

Image via Lovely Etc

You watched all the YouTube videos. You memorized every second of that TikTok tutorial. Great. You can probably handle a lot of DIY projects and save money in the process. Just make sure you really know what you’re doing, and don’t skip any steps. Proper planning and prep is crucial. For instance, if you’re looking to paint your cabinets, don’t forget to degrease, sand, and prime them first, or they’ll start to bubble and peel in a matter of months.

Overspending on the Wrong Stuff

Image via Viking

It can be tempting to design for other people’s impressions, imagining what they’ll think when they walk in. But your kitchen is for you, and it should match your lifestyle. If you really don’t need a top-of-the-line gas range, those thousands could go toward items that will actually make your life easier, like cabinet shelves that slide out so you don’t have to crawl inside looking for that one muffin tin.

The post Don’t Make These 6 Major Kitchen Design Mistakes first appeared on Dornob.

Spacious Island

Many kitchens, especially in older homes, just don’t have enough counter space. And let’s be honest — it’s hard to devote a lot of time and energy to healthy home cooking when you feel cramped. If possible, add a central island, even if it’s just a compact butcher block surface on wheels that gets tucked away when not in use. Get some inspiration for small spaces at Apartment Therapy.

Convenient Chopping Station

Healthy cooking requires a lot of fruit and vegetable chopping. Make this process as easy and convenient as possible by setting up a chopping station with a large cutting board, sharp knives within reach, and your trash and compost bins as close by as possible.

Water Filter

Easy access to fresh, great-tasting water makes it a lot easier to stick to your daily hydration goals. If your fridge doesn’t have a built-in water dispenser, consider adding a built-in filter to your faucet or using a filtering pitcher.

Healthy Items at Eye Level

On your counter or open shelving, arrange healthy food items right where you’ll see them every day. That might include fresh potted herbs, produce in bowls or baskets, and dry staples like brown rice, beans, quinoa, and nuts in clear jars. That way, you’ll feel inspired by these ingredients every time you enter your kitchen. (Image via Eat This, Not That)

Plenty of Storage Space

Adequate storage is essential to a functional kitchen, both to keep the counters clear and ready for use and to hide away less-healthy items you might otherwise find too tempting. Whether it’s the kids’ snacks or your cookie baking supplies, these items are best kept in a high cabinet so they’re not the first things you see when you go looking for a snack or a meal idea.

Lots of Room in the Refrigerator

It’s hard to eat healthy when you don’t have enough space to store fresh foods, especially greens and other items that need to be tucked into a drawer to stay crisp. If a large refrigerator fits your kitchen and your budget, great. If not, see if you can clear out some unnecessary condiments and add extra produce-saver bins, like this set of stackable containers from Amazon.

Magnetic Whiteboard or Chalkboard

Even the most die-hard health nuts occasionally let food go bad in the fridge. To stay on top of what needs to be eaten ASAP and inspire ideas for healthy recipes, keep an inventory of the most perishable foods in your fridge written on a whiteboard or chalkboard, either on or beside the fridge. This is also a great place to write your grocery list and have family members write their own meal requests. A big magnetic dry-erase whiteboard sheet is fast, easy, and cheap. (Image via No Ordinary Homestead)

A Bright, Open Feeling

You might have to get creative in smaller kitchens or rentals, but natural light (or a good facsimile) and connection with the spaces where your family hangs out can be a big motivator to spend more time cooking. Consider switching out any heavy curtains or opaque blinds with lighter, sheerer materials that let lots of light into the room. Eliminate obstacles between the kitchen and living rooms if you can, too, or at least tuck some bar stools under the island or a small table in the corner so you can chat with a loved one while you work.

Little Extras That Make You Happy

Think about what might make you want to linger in your kitchen a little longer. A bluetooth speaker, so you can play music or podcasts while you cook? An under-cabinet iPad mount? There’s no shame in a kitchen TV, either, if that’s what works for you. Similarly, if standing for long periods is hard for you, an anti-fatigue floor mat will go a long way toward making you more comfortable.

Main image via Nenad Stojkovic/Flickr Creative Commons

The post 9 Easy Kitchen Design Tweaks That Inspire Healthy Habits first appeared on Dornob.

Refrigerators That Plan Your Meals

Not only are there refrigerators on the market with interior cameras that let you see their contents without opening a single door, but many of those same units also connect to your smartphone, allowing you to view your inventory at the grocery store when you don’t remember how many eggs you have left.

This year, German-based Bosch made its Home Connect Refrigerator even smarter. Equipped with two cameras, one to scan the main interior and another to look at the door shelf items, this high-tech fridge comes with one more extraordinary feature: the ability to recommend meals based on the ingredients you have inside. Currently available in Europe, Bosch teamed up with Chefling, a meal and recipe planning app company, to allow users to scan in barcodes as they put food into the fridge. The refrigerator keeps track of those items, and the Chefling app uses them to compile a list of possible recipes.

Of course, since manually adding barcodes and inputting items by name can be tedious, the Bosch-Chefling partnership is currently working to add food recognition software to the mix and automate the entire process.

Ovens You Can Preheat With Your Phone

Oven tech today has evolved to combine convection microwaves, air-frying ovens, speed cookers, and steam units. Not only do you have your choice of cooking styles in just one model these days, but many ovens also have smartphone integration capabilities. Yes, practically all major brands have appliances today that can be preheated and turned off with an app. LG’s Smart ThinQ app, for example, allows you to remotely adjust the temperature or see how much time is left on your cook.

Faucets That Know Your Voice

Touchless faucets have been around for several years now, but the latest updates allow users to turn the water on and off with just their voice. Wisconsin-based plumbing brand Kohler has just such a unit that even allows you to customize the water amount to your specific recipe. For example, you could program the faucet via your smartphone to dispense exactly six quarts of water when you call out “spaghetti.”

Dishwashers That Open With a Knock and Order Their Own Detergent

Dishwasher upgrades in recent years have included quieter decibels and crystal-clear drying, but in the kitchen of the future, the only thing you’ll have to do is actually load the dishes. For example, Miele’s G7000 line of washers use Knock2Open technology. “After knocking twice on the front panel of the fully integrated Miele dishwasher, the door opens by about four inches completely on its own using an ingenious opening mechanism,” the German company’s website says.

Several of its models can also close themselves as well. In fact, “a slight contact between the door and the appliance is all it takes to activate the motorized door closing feature.” And integrated dishwashers like Miele’s also keep track of their own detergent needs, automatically ordering more online when supply runs low.

Stoves That Sense When You Put on a Pot

Admittedly, ranges may be the last kitchen appliance to get a smart upgrade. Control of open flames and touchable heat is harder to turn over to a phone alone. However, stoves do come in plenty of high-tech varieties today. Induction ranges can sense the difference between a metal pot and a human hand being placed on their surface. And Thermador, the luxury appliance company based in California, has a sophisticated unit with a simmer so low you can melt chocolate over it with just a paper plate.

A truly revolutionary change may be on the way though. German brand Grundig is working on virtual user experience technology (VUX) to eliminate knobs and buttons altogether, instead projecting cook zones and temperature settings on the surface when in use. That same VUX automation can be used to project recipes onto kitchen walls for more hands-free help.

With the aid of smartphones and integrated tech, the hands-free kitchen of the future is already on its way into our homes. Now all we have left to dream about are self-cleaning counters and robots that put away the groceries for us.

The post Thanks to Smart Tech, the Hands-Free Kitchen of Tomorrow is Here Today first appeared on Dornob.

Throughout it all, kitchen design has evolved based on trends and needs. What once was a rustic and functional part of the home, is now a vital space for entertaining, gathering, and food exploration. Of course, other rooms in the home have also undergone changes with the introduction of things like indoor plumbing. But the kitchen has perhaps seen the longest list of innovations in the form of appliances, structural requirements, and interior design.

Interested in tracking this unique evolution, the creative team at HomeAdvisor recently did a deep dive into the past 500 years of kitchen design. They then put together a digital compilation of all the changes they observed over that time.

For accuracy, the HomeAdvisor team worked with noted historians Sara Pennell, Senior Lecturer in History at the University of Greenwich and author of The Birth of the English Kitchen, and Nancy Carlisle, Senior Curator of Collections at Historic New England. They then began with a kitchen in England circa 1520, moving to America as the new world evolved and bringing the interiors all the way into modern times.

The first example is a 16th-century Tudor manor kitchen (1520-1620), whose cold stone walls are counterbalanced by the warmth of the multifunctional fireplace. Cast iron frying pans and a quintessential cauldron above the fire show the nature of cooking during these times, while ceramic pots, the primary means of storage then, line the shelves. Nearby, a wooden trough functions as a bread-making station.

Next, the 17th-century Late Stuart-era kitchen (1680-1720) boasts improvements in overhead candle lighting, storage, and display options. Teacups grace the space as afternoon tea becomes more common, and a cast iron coal gate makes the hearth more efficient to use. Another new device called a mechanical roasting jack was set up with a series of pulleys and weights that would automatically turn the spit inside the hearth, freeing up the cook for other tasks.

With the 18th-century Colonial Williamsburg kitchen (1720-1780) comes another light fixture upgrade and the advent of tile flooring, along with newer hearth features such as a swinging iron crane used for supporting Dutch ovens and other cookware.

The 19th-century Victorian-era kitchen (1870s) features the very obvious addition of modern cabinetry used for storing food and other cooking implements. Another innovation is the wood or coal-burning stove as a replacement to the traditional hearth. Not only is this form of cooking infinitely more efficient, but it also spares the cook from stooping over the fire. The kitchen sink was another enhancement of the century, although it still wasn’t the critical component it is today. Ceramic is still the storage option of choice, although much of it is now housed inside the cabinets.

In the 20th-century fitted kitchen (1960s), electric appliances and other conveniences finally enter the scene. An electric refrigerator offers storage for perishable goods, and the gas range modernizes the cooking experience. Plus, new materials for counter and floor coverings make the space easier to clean. Even small appliances such as toasters and coffee pots change the face of the kitchen during this time.

Jumping into the 21st-century designer kitchen (2020), we see ultra-efficient and streamlined design coupled with copious entertaining and gathering space.

Check out a visual compilation highlighting all 500 years of kitchen design with HomeAdvisor’s official video on its evolution.

All photos and videos courtesy of HomeAdvisor

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Diego Rincon of Diego Alejandro Design approached this project with an unusual source of inspiration in mind: the sense of peace and calm you find in art galleries. When imagining a space that feels highly functional, spacious, and clean but with a creative edge, Rincon thought of artist Yves Klein’s posthumous “Propositions Monochromes” exhibition, which famously paired a single distinctive shade of blue with the blank white gallery walls.

The “before” image shows a fairly standard contemporary kitchen with mid-grade appliances, green Formica countertops, white subway tile, and off-white cabinetry that doesn’t match the white walls. The new custom-designed cabinetry is a cook’s dream, with each cabinet and drawer outfitted with special partitions and trays for pots and pans, cutting boards, cooking tools, colanders, and more. The new cabinets have no hardware or milled details for a more streamlined look, not to mention the fact that there are fewer doors overall, making the space look larger.

Thick, open shelving allows a curated selection of objects to set a mood while clutter is kept hidden away. Rincon took the door off the pantry to the left of the stove and transformed it with extra counter space and a pull-out cabinet to physically enlarge the kitchen. Lighter marble countertops make a big difference, too, with the extension of the marble pattern up onto the backsplash giving the space a more harmonic feel.

Rincon explains: “When I started designing this custom kitchen for my client — an avid cook with a busy schedule — I wanted to give him an efficient and functional space. But I also wanted to create a space for him that had a sense of peace and calm resembling an art gallery’s atmosphere. Cerused Oak wood with a natural grain mixed with custom, high-gloss lacquered cabinetry, alongside calacatta lilac marble from Italy were some of the materials carefully sourced for the redesign of this kitchen in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan in New York.”

“I removed an old set of upper cabinets to make the space feel airier. Two floating shelves took their place. To me, this is perhaps one of the most graceful parts of the kitchen. I wanted to highlight the craftsmanship that was put into every little detail that makes up the kitchen. I designed a small spice cabinet — six inches deep, to store herbs from different regions plus a selection of olive oils and vinegar bottles, which is especially convenient in New York.”

Obviously, not everyone can take their pick of Viking appliances and luxury surfaces, but just seeing how Rincon changed certain elements to alter the ambiance and functionality of the space can help spur your own ideas. Plus, if you’re a renter or on a serious budget, you can always try recreating some of these elements with IKEA’s LACK wall shelves, sleek handle-free cabinet doors, self adhesive marble film, and some organizing inserts.

All photos courtesy of Gieves Anderson

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Body Bobbing

For years, athletes and eccentrics have raved about the benefits of sensory deprivation tanks, claiming that immersion in water not only heals muscles and tendons but also creates a sea of relaxation that is both mentally and physically transformative. Thanks to the wonder of flotation tubs, you can now experience this phenomenon from the comfort of your own bathroom. These oversized rectangular vessels are riddled with massaging jets that put your body in a state of weightlessness comparable to floating in outer space. Elle H-Millard, the Industry Relations Manager for the National Kitchen & Bath Association, said, “floating has incredible health benefits, providing a true sense of relaxation, rest, and comfort.”

Influential Voices

In 2017, Star Trek fans gained control of the Bridge Crew through a set of voice commands integrated into video game software. Now you can use voice activation at home to control everything from bathroom and kitchen fixtures to appliances and mirrors. Kudos to Amazon’s Alexa and the Google Assistant for thrusting voice control into everyday life and encouraging the exponential growth of this technology. Thanks to those devices, you can now do things like turn on your shower well ahead of time, telling it exactly what spray setting and temperature you prefer. Alternatively, you can use a voice assistant to fill up a pot with a specific amount of water or preheat the oven while you’re getting home from work. Yes, this innovation seems to offer unlimited possibilities.

3D Printing Goes Metal

We’ve all marveled at the plastic prototypes created by 3D printing in the past couple years. The seemingly magical process has already been used to create common household goods and medical implants, and it only continues to amaze in the manufacturing world. Now, LIXIL Americas has 3D printed a set of fantastically-designed metal faucets for the public. Jean-Jacques L’Henaff, the company’s Vice President of Design, explains: “3D printing allows manufacturers to push the boundaries with material options, processes, cost, and quality of goods.” A kitchen and bath trend that will surely be heard around the world.

Rolling In The Deep

For decades, cooks have appreciated that deep drawer under the oven that easily accommodates broiler pans and pot lids. Finally, kitchen cabinet designs are starting to incorporate extra deep drawers to easily store Dutch ovens and other hefty pots that there never seems to be enough space for.

Sinks With Built-In Lids

Not only can you hide dirty dishes in kitchen sinks with covers, but you can also use the extra counter space for whatever you want. Sliding lids can also transform bathroom sinks into flat surfaces to hold makeup bags and protect precious jewelry from falling down the drain.

Treasure Islands

Kitchen islands with ample storage space in their lower regions are ideal for storing small appliances and other counter clutterers. Many new models also feature expandable tabletops to provide a couple extra seating spots for dinner guests.

Bringing Home the Banquette

So many people like the cushy comfort of banquette seating in coffee shops and diners that they are now available in a wide range of styles for home kitchens. Plus, they still leave one or more sides of their tables open for conventional chairs, allowing everyone to use their preferred seating type.

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