We’ve watched modern kitchens evolve rapidly over the past few years, and nowhere is this shift more exciting than in the rise of smart kitchen technology.
The popularity of modern style has led to a wide variety of modern kitchen styles, each offering unique combinations of minimalism and innovative features. Today’s homeowners expect more from their kitchens than ever before: greater convenience, better efficiency and seamless style that works around daily life. We’ve made it our mission to stay at the forefront of these innovations so we can offer you the very best in smart kitchen design.
Whether you’re planning a complete renovation or simply exploring tech-led upgrades, our team loves helping customers discover features that genuinely make everyday cooking, hosting, and living easier. Exploring kitchen ideas can inspire homeowners to create a space that reflects both function and style. Below, we break down the top five smart technology upgrades transforming modern kitchens right now, along with the benefits each can bring to your home.
Smart ovens are quickly becoming one of the most desirable features in modern kitchens, and it’s easy to understand why. These appliances are designed to make cooking more intuitive, helping you achieve consistent results without the guesswork. Built-in ovens, in particular, contribute to a seamless, modern kitchen aesthetic by sitting flush with cabinetry, creating a sleek and integrated look.
Many of today’s leading smart ovens offer features such as:
App control: allowing you to preheat, adjust temperatures and monitor cooking progress from your phone.
Built-in cooking programmes: ideal for busy households or anyone who prefers not to stand over the oven.
Self-cleaning functions: saving you time and effort.
Probes and sensors: which automatically switch the oven off once your food reaches the perfect temperature.
We’re huge advocates of this technology because smart ovens simplify daily tasks in the kitchen, automating routine chores and making everyday cooking more convenient. What we particularly love about smart ovens is how they allow you to multitask without stress. Imagine being able to set your Sunday roast going while you’re out picking up ingredients, or checking the progress of dinner without leaving the sofa. Not only do these ovens improve convenience, but they also elevate the overall cooking experience. Your kitchen begins to feel more like a supportive partner than a room you have to manage.
When we design your kitchen, we help you choose appliances that complement your space, lifestyle and level of cooking confidence. Smart ovens aren’t just a gimmick; they genuinely change the rhythm of home cooking.
Another major development in smart kitchen design is the increasing availability of WiFi-enabled appliances. A strong wi fi connection is essential for the seamless operation of smart kitchen appliances, allowing users to fully access remote control and automation features. From fridges that remind you what you’re running low on to dishwashers you can turn on remotely, these features offer practical, day-to-day benefits.
Some examples of smart kitchen appliances and WiFi-enabled appliances we’re integrating into customer kitchens include:
These can track expiry dates, create shopping lists, manage temperature zones, and even show you a live feed of what’s inside while you’re out shopping, with options ranging from basic inventory tracking to advanced temperature management. You’ll never buy unnecessary duplicates again.
WiFi-enabled dishwashers allow you to schedule cycles during off-peak energy hours, monitor water usage, and receive notifications when the cycle is complete.
Induction hobs with app connectivity offer guided cooking steps and safety alerts. If the hob detects a pan overheating, it can automatically adjust the temperature.
A favourite among morning-rush households, start brewing before you’re even downstairs.
These products work together to build a kitchen that feels responsive and personalised. When we plan your layout, we look at how these technologies can flow naturally around your routine, turning your kitchen into a space that adapts to you, not the other way around.
A Quooker tap is one of the smartest and most convenient upgrades you can add to a modern kitchen. It’s no surprise that this is one of the most requested features in the homes we design.
A Quooker tap gives you:
Instant boiling water (100°C)
Chilled water
Filtered water
Sparkling water (depending on the model)
We’re huge advocates of this technology because it streamlines so many everyday tasks, from making tea to sterilising utensils or speeding up cooking times. Not only does it look sleek and minimal, but it also eliminates the need for a traditional kettle, freeing up valuable worktop space and saving space in your kitchen by reducing clutter.
Many customers are drawn to Quooker taps for energy efficiency, too. They dispense only the water you need, when you need it, reducing waste and offering a safer, child-friendly alternative to handling a boiling kettle.
Lighting plays a huge role in smart kitchen design, not only in terms of ambience but also practicality. Today’s integrated lighting solutions allow you to tailor your kitchen atmosphere to any occasion, whether you’re cooking, hosting, or winding down.
For under-cabinet task lighting, consider options that not only provide focused illumination but also reflect light off surfaces to make your kitchen feel brighter and more spacious.
Shelf and display lighting can highlight your favourite pieces and add depth to your kitchen. Using cool tones or a combination of warm and cool tones in your lighting can create different moods and enhance the overall ambience.
A high gloss finish on cabinets can further enhance the effect of integrated lighting by amplifying brightness and creating a sleek, modern look. Experimenting with different colour ideas for your lighting can help personalise your kitchen atmosphere and complement your design preferences.
Some of the smart lighting upgrades we regularly recommend include:
Perfect for food prep areas, under-cabinet LEDs illuminate your worktops without casting shadows. With dimmable controls, you can easily shift from bright task lighting to softer evening tones.
Discreet yet impactful, plinth lights add a modern glow and enhance the feeling of space, especially in open-plan kitchens.
Highlight statement features like glassware, ceramics or shelving displays. You can use warm light for a cosy look or cool light to mirror a clean, contemporary feel.
Many lighting systems now integrate with home automation apps, giving you full control from your phone or voice assistant. You can adjust brightness, colour temperature, or create preset lighting scenes for cooking, entertaining, or relaxing.
Lighting is one of the simplest yet most transformative ways to update a kitchen. Our team carefully integrates lights into your cabinetry and layout for a seamless aesthetic that enhances usability and style.
Read our guide Kitchen Lighting Ideas for further details.
Voice-controlled technology has moved far beyond turning the lights on or playing music. Today, your voice assistant can act as a central control hub for your entire kitchen.
Systems like Alexa, Google Home and smart home ecosystems allow you to:
Preheat your oven without touching a button
Adjust your lighting
Start appliances
Check energy usage
Create shopping reminders
Set cooking timers
Play recipes step by step
Control heating and ventilation
Manage home entertainment
Voice control is especially helpful when your hands are full, which, as we all know, is a normal state of affairs when cooking. Whether you're kneading dough, chopping vegetables or managing a busy family schedule, this technology allows you to keep everything flowing effortlessly.
If you’re ready to begin your journey towards a smarter, more beautifully designed kitchen, you can explore our kitchen collections here. There is a wide variety of kitchen designs and modern kitchen ideas available, making it easy to envision your ideal space that balances style and functionality.
Thinking about a fully connected, future-proof kitchen ?Get in touch and let’s start designing a space that’s as smart as it is stylish.