We are surrounded by technology at work, in our cars and pockets and just about every aspect of our lives, including the kitchen. An increasing number of homeowners want to take advantage of technological advancements explicitly developed for the kitchen as part of their remodel.

Personal home assistants and dedicated kitchen tablets are trending upward in this arena. According to the 2019 Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, 11 percent of homeowners are upgrading electronics as part of their kitchen remodel. The percentage of homeowners incorporating a personal home assistant such as Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa increased from 23 percent to 31 percent from 2017 to 2018. Dedicated kitchen tablets rose to 17 percent from 11 percent during the same period.

Nearly half of kitchen remodels featured a docking or charging station. Manufacturers have upped their game when it comes to charging stations, incorporating them into drawers, in electrical switch plates and popping up from countertops. The ability to charge smartphones and tablets within a drawer helps to avoid countertop clutter and maintain clean lines.

Wireless or Bluetooth speakers were specified for 29 percent of new kitchens, according to the Houzz survey. That percentage actually decreased from the year before at 38 percent.

Refrigerators, ranges, cooktops, ovens and dishwashers are offering technological conveniences ranging from the ability to order groceries via Alexa and other personal assistants to blue tooth connectivity that allows homeowners to preheat an oven on their commute home via their smartphone. The Houzz survey found that 16 percent of homeowners upgraded appliances as part of their kitchen remodel and 11 percent picked appliances with color touchscreen displays. These displays offer a mind-boggling array of features. You can make video calls and use the touchscreen to control smart home devices through voice activation or touch screen and even search local restaurants. You can play music or watch a video while you cook and Google will save your place so you can check the recipe at any time. Learning a new culinary skill? You can watch a how-to video as you work step by step.

Do you have some ideas about including technology in your kitchen project? Give us a call at 847-358-0143 or visit our showroom at 706 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine IL, to determine how you can use emerging technology in your new kitchen to add convenience and enjoyment.