Conceal + reveal – the growth of hidden work spaces
The demand for hidden work spaces and clever concealment continues to grow. Appliances these days can be beautiful elements in a living space, but we are seeing more and more appliances being concealed – refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers and even the hood (rangehood) are commonly being hidden behind cabinets, sliding doors and lifting panels. Eg. Work spaces such as cooking zones and appliances are hidden behind large sliding and retractable doors.
Mechanical pop up mechanisms are being incorporated into benchtops to conceal items such as down draft rangehoods and can even conceal the storage of specific cooking utensils which are revealed only required when cooking.
Automation is an important element of this look. Thanks to technology the kitchen can transfer from a stunning furniture piece to a fully functional working space with the simple press of a button. Manual drawers, doors, sliding mechanisms and lifts are all being automated with electronics. We are even finding ways of hiding the kitchen sink. An example is a benchtop surface covering the hob and sink area which is motorized to slide out.
Ultimately anything and everything in the kitchen can be concealed if desired in which case the kitchen can become a display furniture piece. The concept works well in small spaces like apartments or for those that like the ultra-minimal look.
