| Accessible technology, restaurant-style quality and | | | | refrigerators and dishwashers bear this |
| high-end design are emerging not merely as | | | | environmentally friendly label. Other options for |
| trends, but requirements for todays home | | | | going green include choosing an induction cooktop, |
| enthusiasts. Add to that the desire for design and | | | | allowing for more efficient energy use. Although |
| home appliance choices that reflect environmental | | | | many of the green treatments were beginning to |
| sustainability and its clear that the kitchens of | | | | see in North America have been on the market |
| tomorrow have a lot to live up to. | | | | for some time in Europe, expect to see an even |
| The Kitchen Rises to the Occasion | | | | greater increase in the use of materials and |
| In the past, the kitchen served a utilitarian role | | | | appliances under this category as more provinces |
| where people gathered for the basic purpose of | | | | look to address issues regarding shortages of |
| cooking and eating. The kitchen will continue to be | | | | resources or landfill areas. |
| a central gathering place in the future but on a | | | | Practical Design for the Home Chef |
| more social level. For example, it has become the | | | | In terms of design, hot trends for kitchens right |
| room of choice to entertain guests, featuring all | | | | now include the integration of multiple materials, |
| the equipment you need...including the wine cellar. | | | | such as granite or marble countertops with |
| The kitchen will also gain greater control of the | | | | floating glass counters off of them (to provide a |
| rest of the household with touch screen | | | | place for people to sit and interact with a cook). |
| computers allowing consumers to control a | | | | Wood counters are being introduced to create a |
| variety of aspects of the home including lighting, | | | | warmer feel to the kitchen, while stainless steel is |
| heating and cooling, entertainment systems, | | | | being used from a practical standpoint in regards |
| security and more, bringing the focus to the | | | | to food prep and easy cleanup. Another trend can |
| kitchen like never before. | | | | be seen in the expansion of the classic work |
| Green the newest colour trend in kitchens | | | | triangle to provide additional room to welcome the |
| Along with the kitchen changing to a more social | | | | help of a second person when it comes to |
| centre, going green with appliances and materials | | | | preparing a meal. Counter-depth refrigerators are |
| is becoming more common. There are two | | | | reflecting the style and integration of build-in |
| interpretations of green the first is the more | | | | models. Technology is becoming more and more a |
| universal thought, that green means | | | | part of the kitchen: ovens that can accurately |
| environmentally sustainable materials and/or | | | | measure the internal temperature of meat, |
| appliances that are more conservative when it | | | | poultry and liquid-based casseroles, and can |
| comes to resource use (electricity and water | | | | automatically convert conventional times and |
| consumption being the main focuses there). The | | | | temperatures to their convection oven |
| second is the actual health impacts on those | | | | equivalents; dishwashers that clean with steam |
| interacting with the materials and appliances. For | | | | and have sensors to determine if plates are clean; |
| instance, some cabinet interiors use pressed | | | | and humidity-controlled crispers that add just the |
| woods. The sealants and binders for these woods | | | | right amount of moisture to fruit and vegetables. |
| can experience off-gassing, expelling urea | | | | A trend that had been big years ago is making a |
| formaldehyde into the immediate environment. | | | | comeback vent hoods are again being displayed |
| This can be a problem for those sensitive to | | | | as a focal point. These hoods have beautiful detail |
| conditions that affect air quality. Instead, | | | | and a look that helps compliment the surroundings. |
| particularly sensitive individuals, or those concerned | | | | New over the-range microwave-hood combination |
| with possible adverse health effects may need to | | | | ovens offer seamless design and a space saving |
| make use of alternatives such as Agra board or | | | | option. Professional- grade appliances will become |
| wheat board for those interiors. For the | | | | more popular in high-end kitchens to improve |
| environmentally sustainable aspects, bamboo has | | | | functionality and offer the details that matter to |
| become a hot material since it quickly reaches | | | | those who love to cook. While technology and |
| maturity. Energy Star-labeled appliances fit with | | | | functional design improvements will increase the |
| specific environmental guidelines, offering | | | | capacity and output of the homes hub, green |
| consumers energy-efficient options, making it | | | | design elements will help decrease the impact on |
| easy to save money while protecting the | | | | its occupants health and the external environment. |
| environment for future generations. Many | | | | |