From April 13 to May 28, the latest interior design and lifestyle trends were on display at top design fair Casa Décor in Madrid, Spain and Electrolux Group’s premium brand AEG is there. This article shares the key trends that are expected to evolve the performance and enjoyment in the kitchen now and in the very near future.

Director Product Line Taste, Iberia, Alberto Dani took part in a panel discussion “Design, Functionality and Sustainability,” alongside Anna Ferrer, architect specializing in sustainability and founder of CU4 Studio, and Beatriz Tejada, Design and Creative Studio Director for Spanish furniture manufacturer dica. AEG is showcasing its latest kitchen appliances as part of dica’s design space.. When it comes to appliances, less is more
Appliances should be simultaneously beautifully understated, but clever in performance by offering multiple functions. At the event, sleek hobs with integrated fans were the norm, as were ovens that could toggle between steam, convection and microwave cooking. All help to reduce visual clutter, whilst the AEG matte black appliances are discreet with a premium finish so that when on display they present a sophisticated design statement.

Serious about sustainability: from eco settings to compact spaces

The showcase included no end of sustainable thinking with many design features using recycled material – from PET on ceiling lights to the inner liners of the AEG fridge made from 70% recycled plastic. Trends from the panel discussion also focused on quality, longer lasting materials, as well as personalization when designing spaces. Kitchens and homes can support people far better when done to fit around people’s lifestyles and their sustainable wishes and more of this is being requested. Appliances also offered eco settings that ensure energy use is minimized without sacrificing performance.Technology and smart design strengthen emotional connection
”Many of the new experiences on offer in the kitchen could pass you by and your life would be just fine,” says Dani. “But as it should be with smart design and technology working together, once a feature or product offer has been experienced, it is very difficult to settle for less and this helps strengthen the emotional connection to kitchen and user.

Such experiences include the AEG ComfortLift dishwasher that lifts the lower basket of the appliance up for easy loading and unloading, the vacuum sealer that helps keep food for longer and provides new ways to cook, as well as the steam function within multipurpose ovens.

People are willing to spend more

“We also see that as people demand more, so they are willing to spend more,” adds Dani.  “In Spain, the average price of home appliances has increased by 16% versus pre-pandemic. Part of this is due to inflation, but equally it shows that people invest in their home, especially when you consider that prices of home appliances have been historically quite stable,” he explains.