'The kitchen has become part of our personal happiness'

What will the kitchen look like in 2030? After all, developments in kitchen land are moving at lightning speed. Both from a technical perspective and in terms of 'fashion and trends'. We are in conversation - for this new column - with Peter Hordijk, Sales Director at Dekker Zevenhuizen and active in the industry for just under three decades. "People's happiness lies in being able to socialize with each other."

Peter observes that housing construction in the Netherlands today already treats the role of the kitchen as part of the home differently at the start of a project. "Being able to have a nice conversation with your guests, cooking together, being together and enjoying life in your own square footage. This is how the housing industry now views the way a kitchen ("Do we still call it a kitchen?") is arranged in the home. Consider the rise of loft-style homes. The kitchen is more visible there than ever."

"How all this comes about?" asks Peter. "Well, of course the inspiration is fueled by living shows on television. And, don't forget social media. But there is another striking thing going on. It used to be that the salesperson in the showroom was leading the sales conversation. Now the buyer has become an important part of the sales process. Who knows more than ever what he wants."

Peter also notes that other questions are being asked by consumers. "For example, the buyer-to-be wants to know where the product comes from, what raw materials are used in it, what is the energy consumption like? What about sustainability? People are looking for much more of a connection to nature. So those conversations in the showroom have actually created a different dynamic. You also see that change in color choices. People are choosing a lot more natural tones and materials." So kitchen design - respecting nature - will become an important part of the kitchen in the near future.

Still, there is one question that remains open. Because, with the technical advances - such as advanced apps linked to all kitchen appliances - it remains to be seen whether we should want to make life 100% makeable in this way? Will baking a cake no longer be allowed to fail in the kitchen of 2030?

"Good question. I myself am more a proponent of the credo "can I think a little myself?" when I am in the kitchen. But who am I? Of course automation continues. We can't escape it. And, regardless of what I think: I see the younger generations embracing it. They can't live without it anymore. They also grew up with that technology."

In short, the conversations and focus are changing in the coming years. Peter concludes, "Of course, the Internet is already dominant in the information search. Therefore, the kitchen industry has a job to do there: bring inspiration. The retailer will also have a different position. And I would even say to those retailers: don't be afraid that the consumer may have as much knowledge in sub-areas as you do! Instead, embrace it. The process will only become more transparent. Partly because of this, there is another important shift: the kitchen used to be just a closing item. Now the kitchen has become an essential part of our daily lives. And, therefore of our happiness!"