PRODUCT FEATURE | Hidden kitchens and utility rooms
Laundry room with raised washing machine, pull-out shelf and washing ‘bins’, by InHouse Inspired Room Design
Pocket doors open to reveal a home study with a drinks cabinet, plus a
coffee station behind the closed doors, by Roundhouse Design
A pair of doors leads from the kitchen into a concealed and very well organised pantry, by Kitchens International
door systems with full-height kitchen doors continue to bring a new level of convenience and practical luxury to the hidden kitchen, able to ‘reveal and conceal’ as required. New designs are available with one-touch door systems for single and double door applications, with fully integrated technology which is near invisible.” He also praises hidden
access
doors that can be included within a run of tall units, opening into the hidden room, and keeping it self-contained. he says: “The utility room and hidden kitchen presents a huge area of growth going forwards. I encourage designers to embrace it wholeheartedly.”
Organisation
Utility space with tall cabinets and concealed doorway leading into a pantry, with Carbon cabinetry by Rotpunkt
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In line with the latest Mintel figures quoted by Abode’s Illingworth, and mirroring the opinion of Rotpunkt’s Phillips, Bodie Kelay, MD Euromobel – the agent for Villeroy & Boch Kitchens in the UK, says that demand for pocket door solutions has tripled in the last year, confirming it is a growing trend. “Our retail studios highlight that many consumers are looking to achieve a minimalist feel by incorporating pocket doors to conceal pantries, home bars, storage and appliances,” Kelay explains. “At the higher end of the market, clients expect the ‘wow’ factor as standard, so showcasing luxury organised interior storage is essential.” Pocket doors are a useful solution to conceal and reveal work, storage and activity areas. Some brands even offer options large enough to conceal larger spaces, such as a utility room. “We now display pocket doors and cabinets’ in
‘hidden most of our
studios,” explains Scott Rotchell, dealer manager, Poggenpohl UK. “It’s a desire that almost all of our clients have, and those who didn’t know they wanted them before a design consultation almost always do afterwards. The cabinets can be used for a multitude of uses – bars, utility areas and breakfast stations.” Multi-use spaces need very precise design input, and designers should always be very clear about what is required from a ‘utility’ or ‘boot room’, ‘second kitchen’ etc. There’s no doubt that storage is always key. Obviously, it’s all down to the requirements
of the individual
consumer,” continues Rotchell. “Those who entertain often might prefer a bar area within pocket doors, housing a wine storage unit as well as freezer space, those with young children may prefer a hidden utility where piles of muddy clothes can be hidden.” Simon Bodsworth, MD, Daval Furniture adds: “The rise of ‘whole house style and storage’ is a good way for retailers to explain why it is wise to consider a kitchen plus utility and/or boot room/hidden kitchen so that everything is tackled in one go without the hassle of extra projects further down the line.” It’s clear that the trend to re-configure existing layouts to accommodate a secondary kitchen, to hide elements, add a utility, boot room or ‘whatever’ room is one that is here to stay. We all need to make the most of our living spaces, and designers, retailers and manufacturers all need to be at the top of their game when interacting with consumers to successfully design and plan these projects.
· February 2023
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