While 1990 doesn’t seem that long ago, 2050 really feels like a long way in the future. But seeing how much things have changed since the launch of Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms, what’s in store for our homes and the way we live in another three decades? Words: Georgina Townshend
30 YEARS? What will our homes be like in
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obotic furniture, 3D-printed accessories and forks that infuse flavours – no, these are not something out of the latest Star Trek series but some of the predictions for what our homes will be like in 30 years’ time. Of course, while these are fairly out-there
suggestions, others feel a lot more realistic – especially when talking about eco-friendly solutions, smart technology, and where these might be by 2050. Let’s start with sustainability: a hot topic right now that’s set to only become more popular. Simon Cornelis, head of marketing at Methven UK, agrees. “In the last few years, sustainability in the home has moved to the forefront of our minds – from the materials we choose to the products installed, as many of us want to be more environmentally aware,” he says. “I predict this will continue to grow and evolve – for example, in 30 years I anticipate it will be common to see showers which recirculate water to cut down how much we use.” A similar design idea comes from a project on what our kitchens will look like in 2050, put together by Caesarstone, students from the Pratt Institute and architect and designer Marc Thorpe. The sink drains water into a filter and then, instead of wasting it, feeds a hydroponic plant system. Clever, right?
Home helpers
Our bedrooms will also have a part to play, as Richard Naylor, sustainable development director at Hypnos, predicts. “They will become as sustainable as possible – ensuring every piece of furniture is ethically sourced and fully recyclable at the end of its life, avoiding anything ending up in landfill.” How we heat our homes and consume energy will also change drastically, especially as parliament has promised to slash the UK’s emissions to become carbon neutral by 2050. According to Izzy Schulman, director at Plumbers4U, the energy use in our homes contributes to around a fiſth of greenhouse gases, so solutions to tackle this will continue to be developed over the coming years. On the topic of technology, by 2050 smart appliances and devices are set
to be the norm. “Buttons and switches will become a thing of the past as everything will be voice or motion activated,” continues Simon. “Imagine being able to walk into your kitchen first thing in the morning and the lights turn on, the kettle starts boiling and your curtains are drawn automatically.” But not before you’ve visited your 3D-printed bathroom – a possibility, seeing as the first chair created like this was unveiled at Milan Design Week in 2018. According to research by furniture company Arlo & Jacob, the kitchen will be full of helpful, sustainable and technologically integrated appliances, robotic assistants being one of them – these will apparently help us prepare vegetables and greet guests by 2040. Other things that might happen? We won’t have bins but microscopic nanobots, microwaves that can read food packaging instructions, and intelligent worktops. Even our wallpaper will be smart, so you can watch films on it from the comfort of your bed. Speaking of which,
46 KITCHENS BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS l SUMMER 20
where we rest our heads at night won’t escape the tech revolution, either. “Beds that allow you to enjoy a full sensory sleep experience will be available,” says Richard. “For example, a multimedia system with built-in controls to change the temperature of the bed or room, open the blinds or curtains, or even dim or turn off the lighting. Essentially the bed will incorporate any features that will help us awaken naturally and gently, ready for the day.” Timothy Newsome, marketing director at Arlo & Jacob, also says: “Technology is constantly progressing and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down. Areas such as the kitchen or living room are big aspects of our lives, so it’s only right that augmented and virtual reality will become more integrated to improve those spaces. It’s not only about entertainment though – things such as personalised sofas that adapt to your needs will be available bin the next couple of decades.” But John Pardey, jury chair for the Royal Institute of British Architects’ House of The Year 2019 award, believes it’s not only accessories that will be smart. “Technology will be seamlessly integrated into our living environments as opposed to being an add- on,” he says. “We see this in things such as smart meters and heating controls.”
A connected world
However, this doesn’t rest easy with some people, especially as questions on how invasive smart technology is into our personal lives are raised. “Sometimes we connect stuff to the internet that we don’t necessarily need to,” says Nicky Dobree, founder at Nicky Dobree Interior Design. “Is the risk of compromise really worth being able to see what’s inside your fridge whilst you are away?” Perhaps by 2050, we will want to escape the digital world and create a Wifi-free zone where relaxation and quality time with friends and family are the only goals. “We envisage the use of technology will increase over the next 30 years – disrupting our sleeping schedule even further,” says Richard. “With this in mind, the use of ecotherapy, which improves wellbeing through nature, may become popular. For the bedroom, this means incorporating lots of plants to boost our mental health and create a healthy indoor living environment.” Will we have robots by 2050, or will our spaces not be that different aſter all?
One sure thing is we’ll live more sustainably and with a few technical advances – it’s an exciting time for the three most important rooms in our homes.
KBB EXPERT ADVICE
“ When you add smart appliances – or maybe a voice assistant such as Amazon’s Alexa – to your home, make sure your Wifi is protected and strong enough to actually use these clever capabilities.”
Stefanie, sub editor
Images (clockwise from left): istock/metamorworks; istock/CatLane; istock/Naypong; istock/piranka
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