This panel delved into the details that make a kitchen work harder without asking more of the people using it.
Benjamin Johnston, Benjamin Johnston Design
Kerrie Kelly, NKBA Chair, Fabuwood, Kerrie Kelly Studio
Moderator: Carisha Swanson, Hearst
The NKBA 2027 Kitchen Trends Report examines “The Purpose-Built Kitchen,” where small, accessible features add up to real everyday function.
Carisha Swanson asked the panel about small design decisions that have a big impact.
Benjamin Johnston is adamant about considering the entire flow of how a client operates their kitchen– from opening food to cooking it to putting it away to entertaining.
Two notable trends: under-counter refrigerators, including those that allow kids to access certain items without opening the entire refrigerator. “We want to dial down into the actual products people want to use,” Johnston said.
“With four kids, I wholeheartedly agree!” echoed Lisa Hynes. “We spend a lot of time in the pre-construction phase mapping out what the family needs.”
A big kitchen island used to be a marker of luxury, but now it’s about design elements that remove friction. Kerrie Kelly illustrated the point: “I like to be able to tap the toe tap and have a step stool pop out when I need it.” For Kelly, bubbly and hot water at your fingertips remove daily friction while also being sustainable.
Briana Ryan chimed in from the appliance side. “Everyone’s idea of a perfect kitchen is different, and we celebrate that at Miele. We’re starting to see appliances break out of the kitchen space. One designer’s client had a separate fridge out of the kitchen for her champagne, face creams, and peptides. We also consider reduction in visual noise. It’s like a dance card–understanding the kitchen’s choreography.”
What about technology?
Johnston says his clients are divided–some want all the bells and whistles, while others want things as “dumb” as possible. For him, the test is simple: anybody who comes to your house should be able to operate it without a problem.
On the rise: double dishwashers, induction, integrated storage, and hidden appliances (even ovens can be hidden away!).
Bottom line:
We want the kitchen to be as hardworking on Monday as it is beautiful on Saturday night.
