Kitchen Design for 100 Years

What will a kitchen look like in 100 years?
First, let us consider what a modern kitchen looked like 100 years ago. A modern kitchen designed 100 years ago featured:

• A sink
• A gas-burning range
• Electric lighting
• An electric refrigerator
• A pantry
• Kitchen Cabinets
• Counters for food preparation
• An electric fan (for ventilation)

Technology continues to improve on the efficiency of electric lighting, cooking, and refrigeration, but the requirements for the actual kitchen components have not changed much. What was needed 100 years ago is still the way to do it today in terms of the kitchen layout. The kitchen triangle may be the desired layout as long as humans are doing the cooking.

If we do indeed use robots and AI to help (or do) the work of preparing a meal, then the traditional kitchen triangle may not be the most desired layout. As for now and into the foreseeable future, the kitchen triangle will still be defined by what humans want.

Also, even on the Starship Enterprise, the humans did much of the cooking. We have to remember that the stardates were well beyond 100 years from now.

Every modern kitchen needs a place for:

• Cold food storage
• Dry food storage
• Dishes and cookware storage
• Food preparation
• Baking preparation
• Dishwashing
• Informal dining

If we assume that we will still be storing and preparing food in the same ways as we have done for the last 100 years, we can design kitchens today to be functional for the next 100 years. It’s a question of durability. What materials and equipment can we install today that will last 100 years?

Here’s what we think will do the job and stand the test of time.

Cabinets

People will appreciate solid wood doors and face frames, plywood boxes, high-quality hinges and drawer guides, and a fine finish.

Flooring

We will probably still desire solid wood plank tongue and groove flooring, concrete or tile as long as these materials are environmentally proper. These flooring materials look great and last a long time.

Appliances

Select standard sizes so that updates can be achieved without having to re-make the cabinets.

Countertops

Engineered stone, natural stone, concrete, or stainless steel will probably still be popular. Again, these materials will last and last and last.

Sinks

Stainless steel of heavy gage. Plus, they are easy to maintain and look great!

Lighting

Recessed lighting with LED lamps. The efficiency of LED lighting should make them the lighting type of choice now and in the future. They will be the standard for efficiency for years to come.

Paint

Select a paint that can be recoated easily.

Kitchen Style

Won’t these materials go out of style before they wear out? There is certainly a point that must be reached with every kitchen design. You need to define the point  between beauty and function.

Whether the style is more important than longevity depends on you. Anything can be replaced anytime it becomes dull and tiresome to you. Indeed, part of the reason for remodeling is to “refresh” the look of the kitchen. But if the emphasis is on durability or longevity, then here are some ways to revive the look of the 100 Year Kitchen.

Replace the cabinet pulls/knobs

• Change the backsplash material and design.
• Re-paint the walls
• Replace glass door panels with a new glass pattern (if glass doors are used).

Kitchen & Bath Creations are experts in kitchen design and can help you design and install your kitchen of the future. They are located in Annapolis. Stop by their showroom.