Practical design and integrated dishwashers
We take a look at some of the options in the fast-growing 'hidden kitchen' section, including concealed coffee stations and access solutions for out-of-reach cupboards
At one point, the kitchen was the sole domain of the cook and all about showing off the latest gadgets. Now, with kitchens transforming into multi-functional spaces for doing pretty much everything, the way we want them to look has changed too.
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A kitchen no longer has to look like a kitchen and in terms of modern kitchen and cabinetry design, our best assets are now the ones we can hide away.
Integrated appliances are, of course, the simplest way to do this.
Integrated fridges, freezers and dishwashers mean that you don’t need to have another visual break in your design, and appliances are a dead giveaway that the space is a kitchen. However, integrated units aren’t exactly revolutionary anymore and there’s a few that need to be kept outwards facing, namely the oven and the hob, though even these are venturing more and more into ‘hidden’ territory.
Integrated handles made of the same material as your cabinets, as well as mirror-like finishes that don’t show the appliance’s interface until it’s in use are allowing units to blend in more than ever. In some more high-end kitchens, you can even integrate the hob into the worktop entirely.
That said, it’s in the cabinetry where the really exciting options lie.
Breakfast or coffee stations behind pocket doors, for example, can provide you with an easy space to hide away your counter-top appliances for a more streamlined look. These are also the ‘wow-factor’ type features that allow you to really revel in the functionality of the space.
In terms of practicality, these hidden spaces allow you to make the most of the space when you’re not just preparing food. They put away everything that doesn’t need to be in sight – out of sight, out of mind – and allow you to further prioritise your time and focus on the task at hand, whether that’s getting the kids ready for the day, or entertaining friends.
One of the best innovations in concealed tech, we’ve noticed, is these ‘space steps’ from Blum. They’re housed in a draw-sized kickboard, which even has a functional storage drawer underneath it, but gives you a sturdy step that you can stand on to reach high-up cupboards.
