What does it take to design an internationally acclaimed kitchen? One that feels both current and timeless, that introduces cutting-edge design elements yet is still undeniably practical, that inspires countless Pinterest idea boards? We talked to Miami’s own Sandra Diaz Velazco of Eolo Designs, a finalist in the Sub-Zero Kitchen Design Contest, about the new modern kitchen.

You were a finalist in last year’s KDC, which is amazing. Tell us about your project.

The inspiration came from the client, a young bachelor, who requested a neat, uncluttered aesthetic design. He wanted his kitchen to appear clean and spacious yet equipped with the best, professional-grade appliances and extensive storage, plus a pantry area. We customdesigned a very thick, ‘invisible’ door/sliding wall that would conceal the laundry/pantry area, given its location too close to the dining area, thus satisfying an uncluttered effect. Attention to detail and craftsmanship was key: High-quality materials imbued the space with compelling yet minimal palettes of texture and color, while also remaining within the client’s budget constraints. The result was a refined, welcoming and— above all—functional design that transformed an outdated structure into a contemporary, desirable kitchen space.

How were the appliances creatively incorporated into the design?

The appliances were designed to ‘disappear’ into the kitchen to maximize space and embrace a slim, clean, minimalistic aesthetic. At the same time, the kitchen equips the client to entertain friends and guests through highly functional, versatile appliances that maximize capacity and emphasize technology that is both intuitive and easy to use. Despite the masculine, minimalistic design, the kitchen is equipped for high-end cooking.

Any other details in the kitchen ideas and design that you would like us to call out?

This kitchen combines a homestyle feel with semi-industrial capacities for commercial use. We specified materials that could endure stains and high-volume usage, while also embracing a sharp and contemporary look, ultimately ensuring a modern, functional, versatile space.

What are some kitchen trends of today that you believe will become classics?

Concealed appliances to make the kitchen more integrated into the living part of the house. Making it look more like a piece of furniture in the full living space.

What are some flash-in-the-pan trends that we should avoid?

Try to stay away from radical colors in appliances. I would avoid this because you want your kitchen to look timeless, so the more integrated into the kitchen finishes, the better.

Are residential kitchens beginning to look more like commercial kitchens?

A few years ago I read a study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology that revealed that a little dose of creativity about cooking in the kitchen can make people happier. With this in mind, I see more and more clients not only cooking more often but willing to master this art, and to achieve these goals they want their kitchens better equipped for their needs. Furthermore, with everything happening nowadays and people spending more time at home, the need for an efficient, streamlined kitchen is a top priority for clients of all ages and demographics.

Most important item to splurge on when renovating a kitchen? Of course the appliances for home cooking. As I said before, most people are becoming savvy cooks, so the appliances incorporating technology to assist the ‘chef’ and make them look and feel good are worth the investment.

Additional finalists from the Sub-Zero Kitchen Design Contest show how a workspace can be minimal and yet highly functional. The company recently announced that the 2019- 2021 Kitchen Design Contest will be extended by a year to allow for ideas and entries that may have been delayed by the pandemic.