Social trends, predictions

[KCC]

I'm about to start a kitchen renovation, and DH and I had a few conversations about what kitchens may look like in ~20-25 years (when I'd expect to sell). If people won't be driving because of self-driving cars, would they really still be cooking from scratch, requiring pantry/storage space for ingredients and lots of counter prep space? I'd bet that the refrigerator, cooktop and oven will still be around to heat & serve takeout and meal kits, but I can see kitchens shrinking a lot to use the space elsewhere. There are trends(?) toward fresh & healthy eating, but that does not always mean starting from the grocery store.

Any thoughts about kitchens, or other big shifts/trends in how we function as families and societies? What about predictions of how we will work, entertain, travel, deliver medical services, etc.

I need to make my kitchen functional for me and not the 20-year resale, but this started a bunch of interesting conversations in my circle and I wondered if you all had any thoughts on the subject.

 

[TheGirlCanSkate]

I bet some kitchen trends will be more of a status symbol - having organic produce set up in a fridge - so maybe a fridge with clear doors becoming the norm. Sort of like - I don't cook but see my beautiful basket of perfect apples in the fridge? Or the meal kit I ordered looking so cute? It also wouldn't surprise me to see homes built without cooktop/ranges - just a place to plug in induction burners. Fewer deep pantries, more that have contents visible - again as a see what I have, not necessarily see what I eat. More compartmentalized storage - for example, a coffee bar station, a smoothie station. These could be built in cabinets.

 

[MacMadame]

I remember when Seinfeld had the cabinets with glass doors and then it became a trend. We have some glass doors but only for things that look good no matter what. In fact, I was specifically worried about that because I didn't want someone to see inside my pantry. Not to mention, the inside of most fridges is pretty gnarly. I wouldn't want to be looking at that!

I see a pull between the status kitchen that looks like it belongs to a professional chef and a tiny kitchen that reflects the reality of how many families "cook" today. Which is to say: they don't! One way to resolve that conflict is to turn the kitchen into an entertainment center. So the island isn't for food prep, but for food consumption. Which means maybe it's not as tall or a different shape. Definitely special purpose areas like @TheGirlCanSkate mentioned: a coffee bar and maybe a drink dispenser area instead of putting drinks in the fridge.

Lots of fridges today dispense ice and water from the fridge door but it doesn't really work very well. Instead, some sort of bar that pours milk, juice and/or soda without you having to open the fridge to get those. It would save on electricity and you could have more options because it would all keep longer. This could be part of the coffee bar or that could be separate.

Maybe more special cooking areas. The toaster would be in a special area that also stored the bread.

Also areas for growing your own this and that. Built-in herb gardens, maybe some hydroponic stuff for veggies and fruit.

I think the microwave will be merged with the oven so it's one appliance (forget what that's called) and it will be the centerpiece of cooking instead of the oven. And work much better at "cooking" than microwaves do today.

Bigger freezers because we'll consume more ready-made food and it has to go somewhere. Probably a smaller fridge to match especially if there is a drinks bar and a coffee bar.

 

[Lizziebeth]

I am interested in what everyone thinks about future kitchens. Right now there are so many kitchens that are completely open to other rooms. Mine is open on one side but you can't see it from the living room. I like it that way - who has a kitchen that is always immaculate?? Will the completely open trend continue??

Also, the trend toward open shelving and glass doors on cabinets. My sister had that in one of her homes and you could always see the mess in side (she had kids). I have one cabinet with glass doors that I can keep looking good, but I don't want any more!

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[AxelAnnie]

I suspect that after 20-25 years of use, whomever buys your home will want to renovate. That is a lot of years of use, no matter what you install. Cabinets, counter tops, appliances, flooring etc., will all collect dirt and grime. And that does not even take into account what new directions appliances may take.

And, you can certainly keep on top of the trends..........but trends are ever changing.

 

[KCC]

I wish I could put in a salad bar, kind of like the prep space used by Subway sandwich shops or pizza places. But they don't make them for non commercial kitchens, and I'll never justify a custom unit. My dream would also include a glass wall or larger windows, but that is also not part of the plan. Champagne tastes, beer budget...

I'll have a hutch and cabinet with translucent glass, but everything else will be wood. I just needed to break up the sea of wood and glass was the best option. It won't be totally transparent, but you can see rippled colors inside the cabinet. Not too concerned about people seeing clutter through them.