Smart kitchens: the must-have fundamentals for 2025
In 2025, kitchens are no longer just spaces for cooking – they have transformed into hubs of innovation and design, combining functionality with the latest advancements in technology. From smart fridges that manage your grocery lists to touchless faucets that prioritize hygiene, the modern kitchen is smarter, sleeker, and more sustainable than ever.
Award-winning Australian designer Gavin Hepper, known for his innovative interior projects at Concepts by Gavin Hepper, emphasizes the role of materials like Neolith sintered stone in these futuristic spaces. Here’s a closer look at the must-have technologies and materials shaping smart kitchens in 2025.
Revolutionizing the heart of the home: top tech trends
Smart Fridges: The Brain of the Kitchen
The smart fridge is the ultimate kitchen assistant, capable of tracking inventory, suggesting recipes based on available ingredients, and even alerting you when items are about to expire. With their energy-saving modes and seamless integration with home automation systems, these fridges are redefining convenience.
Touchless Faucets and Lighting: A Hygienic Leap Forward
"Hygiene and functionality are at the forefront of modern kitchen design," says Gavin Hepper. Touchless faucets and lighting not only reduce contact with surfaces but also lend a sleek, minimalist aesthetic to the space. These innovations are particularly popular in high-traffic areas like kitchens, where cleanliness is crucial.
Integrated Systems for Effortless Control
Kitchens are becoming more interconnected than ever. Voice-controlled assistants and IoT-enabled appliances allow you to adjust settings, control lighting, and manage tasks with a simple command. Hepper notes that the integration of tech with design creates a harmonious blend of utility and style.
The role of materials in smart kitchens
While cutting-edge technology drives the smart kitchen movement, the materials chosen play an equally vital role. Gavin Hepper champions the use of Neolith sintered stone, a sustainable, durable, and hygienic material, as the ideal companion to modern technology.
“Sintered stone offers not only technical advantages but also aesthetic versatility,” explains Gavin. “It resists stains, heat, and scratches, making it perfect for the demands of a smart kitchen.” Its non-porous surface also ensures maximum hygiene – an essential feature in spaces where food is prepared.
Sustainability meets technology
Incorporating sustainable materials is more than a trend; it’s a necessity for future-proofing homes. Neolith’s sintered stone embodies this ethos with up to 98% recycled content in some models and a 100% recyclable design.
“As we move toward eco-conscious living, materials like Neolith are essential for creating spaces that are both beautiful and responsible,” Gavin emphasizes.
Smart kitchens designed to inspire
The possibilities in smart kitchens are endless. From integrating high-tech appliances to choosing sustainable surfaces like Neolith, every element works together to elevate functionality and aesthetics.
For example, in Gavin’s Oxford project, Neolith sintered stone is used across multiple surfaces, from the kitchen island to the splashback. This design approach highlights how versatile and cohesive a smart kitchen can be when the right materials and technologies come together.
Sustainability meets technology
Incorporating sustainable materials is more than a trend; it’s a necessity for future-proofing homes. Neolith’s sintered stone embodies this ethos with up to 98% recycled content in some models and a 100% recyclable design.
“As we move toward eco-conscious living, materials like Neolith are essential for creating spaces that are both beautiful and responsible,” Gavin emphasizes.