A Sneak Peek into the Future of Smart Kitchen Design

Wonder what the kitchen of the future will look like? As smart devices and algorithm-driven robotic machinery become more common, kitchen design is changing too.

Interestingly, many architects and designers are taking a page from Jeff Bezos and focusing on the aspects of our kitchen that aren’t likely to change anytime in the near future.

For example, basic elements like storage, countertops, and cabinets will continue to remain relevant. Not to mention preferences for certain materials, colors, and features that people often start to develop as early as childhood – it is expected that homeowners will continue to desire these over the next several decades.

That said, there are several emerging technological trends that will undoubtedly change how our kitchens look and function, and many of these may become commonplace in just a few years.

Here’s a look at some possible trends that fascinate our team here at RTA Wood Cabinets that may soon be showing up in your kitchen:

1. New Ways of Refrigeration

The refrigerator as you and I know it will probably soon look as outdated and old-fashioned as an old cassette player.

Already, refrigerators are becoming “smart” and able to keep track of what’s inside. Though a version of this technology already exists (with homeowners using apps to track and manage the details of their grocery shopping), future refrigerators will be able to use sensors or scanners built into the fridge to track contents without the need for user interaction.

You may even be able to “see” what’s in your refrigerator without having to open it.

That is, if our kitchens contain anything resembling a refrigerator at all.

Some technologists predict that refrigerators will be replaced by magnetic refrigeration. You may just need an inductive cooling surface that will chill your goods to the optimal temperature in nearly an instant.

2. Connected Appliances

Another exciting trend that we hope to see in kitchens soon is connected appliances.

For example, you can already pre-program your coffeemaker to brew at a certain time. But what if you oversleep or get up early? In the future, sensors that measure your sleep will automatically connect with your coffeemaker, so it will start brewing at just the right time.



3. Environmentally-Friendly Clean Up

Another way that kitchens of the future will make an impact is by incorporating green technology to help with sustainability.

One example will be dishwashers that will repurpose discarded water so it can be used to feed your plants. Or composting units that are built into your disposal system.

Someday, you may even be able to run your kitchen cleanup on solar energy.

4. Interactive Cooking Experiences

Maybe you already use Alexa, Siri, or another voice-activated digital assistant to help in the kitchen?

The use of interactive devices is expected to increase as more kitchen gadgets become smart and connected.

Imagine the day when you’ll tell your digital assistant to “start preparing dinner when everyone gets home” and sensors will detect when everyone’s smartphones are in range – this will activate the faucet over the stove to fill up your pot, which will activate your stove to start boiling water for your pasta dinner.

The technology required for such a cooking experience is already here…so it’s probably only a matter of time before it becomes mainstream.

If you’re already thinking about how you can improve your kitchen today to better facilitate the integration of these new technologies, our team here at RTA Wood Cabinets will be happy to help.

Using the Jeff Bezos principle, we can help you focus on how to optimize the classic elements of your kitchen (like your kitchen cabinets) that won’t change, so you’ll be perfectly ready to adapt to and incorporate the emerging technologies as they become available.

Just give us a call at 800-788-7575 to start your new kitchen design.