IMM Cologne, the first major international interior design show of the year, is the place to watch each January for the trends that will be shaping the furniture and interiors sector in the coming months and even further. This year the fair was actually a duo. From January 16th to 22nd, as in every odd-numbered year, visitors from all over the world could see noteworthy commercially available products of both IMM and LivingKitchen. The accent of the two exhibitions was that design and innovation go hand-in-hand in products that not only answer current needs and trends, but also look to securing a place for themselves in the kitchens of the future.

Kitchens are getting smarter

In the digital age we live in, we want everything as fast, easy and healthy as possible. And, as we could expect, more and more kitchen appliances producers offer high-tech features such as color touch screen displays, built-in apps with recipes, cooking tips,etc., and wireless controls via smartphone or tablet.

The ever increasing offering of networked installation devices ensures a lot of enthusiasm and high demand. Apps facilitate the control of ovens and coffee machines even when the user is far away. Intelligent sensors can warn of food that is about to burn or independently regulate the temperature. Under the umbrella term “Smart Home” a range of products will be available which provide for the real benefits for the user .

Integration is the key to European kitchen design

The latest trend seems to be integrated appliances, like hobs with integrated ventilation. Many manufacturers have presented such models at LivingKitchen 2017.

Conveniently integrated into the cooktop to make the most of your kitchen space, the new cooktop ventilation is ideal for cooking in an open or semi-open plan kitchen, on an island or on a hob located in front of a window. Discreetly integrated within the hob, the cast iron grid of the hood can even serve as a support for pans.

Trend towards healthy cooking

This is not a new trend, but it is a steady one - producers are trying to respond to the clear trend towards healthy, vitamin-conserving cooking. There is no gentler method of cooking than with steam. Vegetables, fish and tender meat are cooked particularly gently thanks to the steady heat. The cooked food retains its colour and shape, and its true taste and flavours are particularly pronounced. Hardly any vitamins are lost and virtually all the mineral nutrients are retained.

Integration of the kitchen with the living and dining areas

Being the heart of our homes, today most kitchens are designed to be part of the overall trend for open-plan living. And designers are crfeating solutions that help the easier access and integration of the kitchen with the living and dining areas.

These are some of the most interesting new developments in kitchen design, but even one of them introduced in your home will make life much easier - and healthier.