How Interior Designers Can Combine Style and Function in the Kitchen

There’s no denying it: smart home control is in demand. If you’re an interior designer working with San Francisco clients you’ve probably already encountered the increased need for smart technology throughout the home. And, according to a study by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (as reported by CEPro), interior designers are most interested in learning about smart technology for the kitchen. The Kitchen Awareness and Usage Report found that more than half of the surveyed designers were interested in learning about smart appliances, integrated lighting, and voice control for the kitchen. If you want to learn more about these topics, keep reading.

The Smart Appliance Revolution

According to an infographic by Irish countertop fabricator Pennywell, the global smart appliance market is projected to reach $26 billion in sales by the end of this year. It’s easy to guess why: smart appliances help simplify the time spent in the kitchen. From counting calories to keeping track of expiration dates, common appliances like refrigerators and ovens are becoming integral to health and wellness.

For instance, Samsung’s version of the smart fridge aims to turn a refrigerator into the center of family technology. Unveiled at CES 2019 in January, the Family Hub 4.0 offers advanced features through a large, touch-panel “Family Board” display. The display links to a downloadable app and users can interact with it, leaving notes, posting photos, and more via their smartphone or tablet.

But the Board is more than just a digital corkboard. It can also play music through native speakers, show you the inside of the fridge with internal cameras, and even recognize the food within the fridge. Users can then catalog the food within and set reminders or add items to a digital grocery list. Family Hub 4.0 also comes with a native Bixby speaker installed, Samsung’s voice control platform.

Designing a Kitchen with Smart Home Control

The Family Hub is just one example of how tech companies are attempting to rethink the kitchen. But smart control can do more than simplify lifestyles; it can centralize technology to make the kitchen a place the family will want to spend quality time. For designers, it can help define a functional, stylish space.

Centralized command of lighting is among the most requested technology systems for the kitchen. Poor lighting design can result in unpleasant shadows and make it harder for homeowners to read recipes and otherwise spend time in the kitchen. Designers can help by crafting lighting designs that offer full coverage — including overhead, under countertops, within cabinets, and more — and working with integrators to ensure one-touch control of every fixture.

Additionally, strategically placing mounted control devices will help users access their systems, including lighting, shading, music, and television, without disrupting the flow of the kitchen. When designers and technology professionals work together, we can create the perfect environment for family gatherings.

With an increased demand for smart, centralized technology in the kitchen and throughout the home, we want to work with designers who understand the value of integration. If you’re looking for a technology partner in the San Francisco, CA area, we’re interested in collaborating with you!

Click here to reach us online or give us a call at 650.592.9480. We look forward to hearing from you.

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