Gadget-tastic

by Tracy Walker, Callum Walker Interiors

Kitchens have come a long way over the last 30 years going from functional spaces to luxury rooms for all the family. Almost every conceivable accessory has been created to help us organize our culinary equipment.

Styles may have changed but in the true spirit of fashion, trends have re-emerged. One aspect which keeps improving however is technology, adding a convenience factor we now take for granted.

Details such as 'slow close' on cabinet doors and drawers ensure they gently slide back into place without a clatter and kitchen knives embedding themselves into the back of the drawers.

The way we store our items in the kitchen has changed too. Instead of pots and crockery being housed on shelves, pan drawers allow these items to be brought forwards into the room. Pegs keep dishes divided while the drawers themselves are enough to support the weight of even the most impressive Le Creuset pan set.

The classic pantry has been condensed into the pull out larder creating practical, easy to access storage in some of the narrowest of units while 'magic' corners make use of the hard to reach dead space in corners bringing those long forgotten cans of chopped tomatoes back into the light!

Modern kitchens give everything its place; worktops are cleared of equipment and re-housed in cabinets. Roller shutter units or 'tambours' tuck everything away and with plug sockets mounted in these units the kettle and toaster can be ready for action but disappear from view.

Appliances have evolved too. Ceiling too high to hang an extractor? This no longer proves to be a problem as extraction units gently rise from the work surface at the touch of a button, graceful yet practical. Am I really talking about an extractor?

Pyrolytic ovens now clean themselves and microwaves can also grill and oven cook saving space. Even televisions have crept into the kitchen and can now be seen mounted in fridges, extractors and wall units rather than their traditional box in the corner.

Kitchens are no longer just a place to prepare a meal but for the whole family to gather. As technology develops, the ways to aid our day to day lives will improve. Personally, I'm waiting for the completely self cleaning kitchen - now that really would be a joy!