Catering to shrinking space

The trend was revealed in Bangkok yesterday by Lars Erikson, Asia-Pacific region design director for the Scandinavian household-appliance manufacturer Electrolux. He was referring to design developments at the Eurocucina kitchen event, arranged in conjunction with last month's International Furniture Exhibition in Milan, Italy.

"People are occupying less and less space, which is obvious in many European countries because more of them are living in condominiums," Erikson said.

At the Eurocucina event, many kitchen brands showcased prototypes of hidden kitchens, with kitchen sinks, worktops and hobs covered by sliding surfaces. In some cases, even the water taps disappeared with spring-like mechanisms when not in use.

Ovens, microwave ovens and coffee makers are hidden behind elaborate cabinet systems that, as well as giving a clean harmonious look, also feature a total absence of handles.

Erikson said the "hidden" design allowed kitchens to develop a furnished look so they could easily double up as living rooms.

The design trends tap into changes in consumer behaviour which commonly see kitchens being used for social functions. In some cases, hidden kitchens are also installed outdoors so home-owners can use them for outdoor parties.

In terms of colours, entirely white kitchens are popular, along with those decorated in high-contrast colours and materials, such as glossy white and matte black, or matte white with glossy black.

Kitchen surfaces and appliances are using a lot of satin glass with colour behind.

Although the trends were showcased in Europe, Erikson said they would eventually cover all countries, as well as Thailand, because lifestyles around the world are becoming more similar, particularly in regard to reduced living space.

Erikson said Thai designers were creatively very good, but they needed more support from the government, media and education-related agencies to push their creative talents to the forefront.