HEMEROTECA
16/10/2012
Some exhibitors have already allowed LivingKitchen to peer over their shoulders and have disclosed which trends will be strongly influencing their presentation innovations at the LivingKitchen 2013.
Although the fair for trade visitors and end consumers is still a good three months away, some exclusive exhibitors have already allowed LivingKitchen to peer over their shoulders and have disclosed which trends will be strongly influencing their presentation innovations at the LivingKitchen 2013.
Trend 1: Open-plan kitchens
The kitchen furniture trend towards open-plan kitchens continues unabated throughout Europe. Seamless transitions between kitchen and living space, generous spaces and kitchen furniture designs: virtually all kitchen furniture manufacturers have meanwhile picked up on end consumer wishes and requests and are presenting kitchens that optimally unite cooking and living.
Trend 2: Greater comfort for users
Whenever consumers express wishes and requirements, it is nearly always resource efficiency along with comfort that comes top of their lists. Awkward operation, poorly-legible displays and difficult-to-clean appliances – all household appliances manufacturers are focussing on these issues. The development of hobs alone is hugely impressive and is very much in response to consumer demand. Together, energy efficiency and comfort form a perfect unit.
Trend 3: Resource efficiency
The cornerstones of the majority of new developments are energy efficiency, resource-friendliness and sustainability, starting with the power consumption of the overall appliance through to detailed, durable solutions such as the installation of LED lamps. A great example is the freezer: around one quarter of most private households’ energy consumption goes towards refrigeration. For this reason, it makes all the more sense to ensure that this area has an excellent energy efficiency rating.
Trend 4: Courage to embrace new materials – glass, ceramic, wood
Another topic is the influence of certain materials on kitchen design. In many areas, glass – for instance – heavily dictates the look. The natural appearance of the overall kitchen also remains a trend, with the use of real, precious and sustainable materials, which explains the material combinations that include ceramic, glass, stainless steel and wood.
Trend 5: Intelligent household appliances
The second major topic is the networking of appliances with the entire household. And it is not just the appliance control that will be ‘mobile’ in future, for instance using smartphones or tablet PCs, the appliances will communicate with each other, hence supporting users with shopping and cooking.
Trend 6: Plain or colourful – both are possible
Harmony is in high demand – fitted kitchen appliances in particular cannot ignore this current trend. Generally, appliances pick up on certain fitted kitchen designs with the aim of adapting to the look of the furniture. However, some kitchen manufacturers are being courageous when it comes to colour, while others are more focused on earthy hues and shades.
* For further information: www.livingkitchen-cologne.com
