As we bid farewell to another year, here at Zip we like to look ahead and see what might be around the next corner (or year!). We caught up with our Head of Residential Sales, Nick Taylor, to see what he thinks will be big in the kitchen appliance and design industry next year.
Are we set to see any key trends in terms of appliance technology for 2025?
I think we’ll see an even bigger focus on useability and accessibility. Manufacturers need to consider all users – it’s no longer good enough developing products that are inconvenient and uncomfortable to use, no matter how innovative.
This is something that we have focused on at Zip. The HydroTap Classic* available with either a touch free remote or push button remote. The remote, which features large buttons and a contrasting background, allows users in wheelchairs, those who are visually impaired or with limited dexterity to operate the HydroTap with minimal difficulty.
Another part of this is considering the hygiene of products, in what is undoubtedly the most used room in the house. It’s likely we’ll see an increase in touchless activation – whether that be voice-controlled, motion-sensor or similar, products need to accommodate users who for whatever reason can’t manually activate them.
In addition to this, having products with hygienic touch technology is also a fantastic option for water dispense products. For example, the touchpads on HydroTaps all contain antimicrobial technology to help protect users.
Thinking about the water we drink at home, we are all more conscious about the health of our water, what exactly could be in it and how we can make sure we’re drinking water that is ‘pure’ – without adding to the plastic problem. With this in mind, we’ll see consumers place even greater importance on the filtration of mains water.
Here at Zip, we pride ourselves on market leading 6-in-1MicroPurity™ filtration, which reduces some of the most harmful contaminants in drinking water, including cryptosporidium, lead and microplastics. This results in pure-tasting water that everyone enjoys drinking – and not a plastic bottle in sight.
*Boiling and chilled models only.
What will kitchen designers be focusing on in the coming year?
Meeting the needs of fast-paced lifestyles will continue to be the focus for kitchen designers. We’ll see more emphasis on flexible designs that can be easily adapted for cooking, food preparation and entertaining. For example, pull-out countertops, concealed storage and movable islands.
We’ll also see areas such as drinks stations created away from the sink. Breakfast bars or coffee stations within sleek, hidden compartments keep counters clutter-free and elevate the morning coffee to that little luxury so many of us enjoy.
Similar to the home bar set up, we’re seeing customers have their HydroTap Arc Plus installed in a variety of locations within the home for even greater convenience.
Having access to filtered boiling, chilled and sparkling water within a home gym, office or cinema room is entirely possible thanks to the use of a matching drip tray, and means hydration at home is made even easier and more enjoyable
Do you think we’ll see any notable trends in the kitchen?
We believe there will be several kitchen aesthetic trends that will be notable next year.
Bolder colour combinations: We are starting to see consumers become braver with colour choices, shunning the previous trend for muted or all-monochromatic colour schemes. Expect to see statement accents in bold, bright colours, injecting personality into homes.
Japandi fusion: While this isn’t a new trend as such, we may well see its popularity increase next year. We’re seeing consumers favour simple, functional design with warm, layered textures, particularly incorporating warm woods. Our HydroTap Celsius Plus All-in-One in matt black is the ideal tap for anyone looking to incorporate Japandi style. Not only does it negate the need for a kettle, allowing for a more streamlined look, but the clean, sharp black provides a crisp and pleasing contrast to the subtle tones found elsewhere.
What will consumers be wanting more of?
Hidden kitchens: As people continue to open up living areas, there is a preference for more of a minimalist style and with this comes the desire for spaces to become streamlined and seamless. We are therefore seeing kitchens become more ‘hidden’ – concealing appliances and keeping areas clutter-free. We have seen a growth in consumers wanting their HydroTap installed away from the sink as part of a hidden drinks station for example.
Eco-conscious design: This trend is here to stay. Consumers will continue to prioritise sustainable design, so energy saving and water saving appliances that are at the same time high-performing will be favoured.
We hope this has given you plenty of food for thought if you’re going to embark on a kitchen project next year. Whatever your style, our HydroTap blends seamlessly into any room, resulting in instant refreshment.