For years, homeowners have treated high-end appliances as the centerpiece of their kitchen.  Whether you had a stain-less steel refrigerator or a shiny induction cooktop, you were surely to become the envy of the neighborhood.  Over the past year, I’ve been noticing a trend in luxury kitchens that seems to be playing a disappearing act on appliances.  Homeowners are now opting to hide their appliances beneath wood panels for a more simplistic look within the home.

With this new trend, guests may be puzzled when walking into a kitchen without the refrigerator, dishwasher or other appliances.  But don’t worry, the appliances are still there and are concealed underneath wood panels that match the kitchen’s cabinetry.  These new designs are built with more storage to keep countertops clear and easy.  For everyday appliances like the toaster, microwave and coffeemaker, you can install an appliance garage (a convenience option that contains shelves and has a retractable door) to help keep countertops clear.  By keeping appliances out of sight, the kitchen now has a more streamline look that provides a minimalistic feel.

So what’s the reason behind this growing trend?  Well, homeowners are aware of the importance the kitchen plays in their home.  They want to redesign a space that’s not only welcoming, but cozy.  Instead of an appliance, the new hook in the kitchen may be an antique furniture piece, a decorative hood or a special sink. I’m also noticing that more kitchens are designed with an adjacent seating area that’s more like an additional living room with armchairs, sofas and a fireplace.  The kitchen table is essentially gone!  This adjacent room softens the space and acts as a parlor to host conversations.

To many, it may seem a little crazy to cover up expensive appliances.  However, designing a space that’s comfortable and inviting trumps showing-off the once popular kitchen bling.

-Laura