These Carts and Armoires Are Actually Tiny Kitchens in Disguise

The trend of tiny living is well, huge. Whether it’s municipalities looking to solve affordable housing crises, or individuals looking to live a simpler life in the woods, tiny homes seem to be the answer to nearly every question these days. Now the tiny living phenomena has inspired equally tiny, yet incredibly functional and beautifully designed, kitchens for modern living.

Sure the tiny kitchens from Japanese interior company Sanwa may — in some cases — be the size of a kitchen playset you buy for your little tike; but these modular kitchens are also poised to redefine the home kitchen. They vary in size from an armoire to something the size of a desk in your home office. Sanwa unveiled a number of its designs this past week at the Salone del Mobile event at Milan Design Week.

The AM 01 is a colorful armoire that opens to unveil a kitchen sink, electric cooktop, and cabinets. On the back of each armoire door you’ll also find shelving

The BA 01 is rectangular unit on wheels. It’s clever design melds a sink, a burner, chopping block and refrigerator into a single movable piece of furniture. Made from a mix of recycled paper and resin, the unit’s exterior takes on the look of natural stone.

The EO 01 is another armoire design, though this one touts a modern black exterior. Instead of traditional doors, this unit features panels, inspired by Japanese room dividers. Inside is an induction burner and a sink.

If you have room for a floating desk in your space, then you’ll have room for the AC 01. In fact, this wall-mounted, bamboo unit is actually designed to be used as a desk, when not in use as your kitchen. The unit transforms from desk to kitchen, with an upwards tilt of the desktop and a twist up of the faucet.

Tiny, or micro-kitchens are a long-standing concept in Japan, notes Sanwa spokesperson Yuki Yamamoto. And now Sanwa is bringing their refined kitchen concepts to the rest of the world.

h/t Fast Co Design