Concealed appliances aren't exactly a "trend" since modern, minimal kitchens have been big for a while now, but the growing US popularity of induction cooktops and built-in wall ovens have helped to refine the aesthetic. At the Architectural Digest Home Design Show last week, we saw several examples of slim or even completely concealed appliances, particularly at the Valcucine and Miele booths.
Italian company Valcucine participated in the design of a 1,700 square foot Modern Home within the convention hall. Their kitchen featured high-gloss, pop-up panels that conceal coffee makers, blenders, small appliances, and shelves stocked with dishes. On the counter, a butcher block on rails can slide over the range, hiding the burners when they're not in use.
The Miele booth showcased their built-in coffee systems, wall ovens, and induction cooktops. Miele designs their wall ovens with a modular metal frame. If you have a tight space, you can opt for the 24-inch frameless version, while larger kitchens can accommodate 27 or 30-inch-wide wall ovens. Within their dishwasher line, a key innovation is the shallow top-level rack, which frees up lower-level space for larger objects and provides better cleaning/drying for silverware.
New products include a touchscreen cooktop with no knobs and a retractable ventilation fan that can be used on kitchen islands. When you're not using the cooktop, the fan stays concealed under the counter, and when you're ready to cook, a motorized system raises it above countertop level.
MORE INFORMATION
• Valcucine.com
• MieleUSA.com
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I love the idea!
I'm redecorating my kitchen. I decided to get rid of most of hanging cabinets and hide all the appliances. I wasn't aware that this is a new trend now ;)
Anyone know what sort of outlet strip that is in the first picture? With the sliding outlets?
kkat, looks like the company is Eubiq out of Singapore. I was curious too and googled.
I found a lot of articles about them..but nothing indicating where or if they could be purchased. Most of the articles were dated 2007. Website appears to still be in tact but maybe they're still in development.