An aging aesthetic from the 1990s, cramped space planning, and a surplus of standalone devices can ruin any kitchen’s flow. This is the verdict of Ksenia Kuznetsova, a designer and product director at the interior company Mr.Doors, sharing insights with Gazeta.ru. Her stance centers on the idea that today’s kitchen should avoid the visual loudness of past decades and embrace a more cohesive, efficient approach to layout and finishes.
She cautions that ignoring current design trends can backfire and ultimately degrade the overall feel of a living space, especially a kitchen. The recommendation is clear: steer away from the bold fluorescent hues that dominated late 90s and early 2000s palettes. Instead, opt for natural, softened tones that echo the surroundings. In addition, panels featuring cityscapes or plant imagery in plastic or silicone materials should be avoided as backsplashes or wall finishes, since they tend to distract from a calm, unified atmosphere. The emphasis is on restraint and timelessness rather than flash.
Ergonomics must be a non-negotiable element when designing a kitchen interior. This is particularly critical for studio apartments and compact homes where every centimeter counts. A well-planned work triangle reduces unnecessary movement during cooking, while leaving ample, unoccupied space for preparation and cleanup. The designer stresses the importance of maximizing concealed storage to prevent visual noise and clutter once the kitchen is in daily use. Thoughtful organization can make a compact space feel larger and more functional, a priority for urban living.
Another trend Kuznetsova notes is the rise of sliding door systems that can fully conceal kitchen units when they are not needed. This allows for a cleaner, more streamlined look and helps preserve a sense of openness even in smaller layouts. A neat, unobtrusive exterior makes the kitchen feel like a single, cohesive room rather than a cluster of dedicated zones.
Placement of appliances has also evolved. For many years the norm was to rely on freestanding machines like washing machines, coffee makers, and microwaves. Today, leading furniture manufacturers are moving toward built‑in appliances that harmonize with cabinetry and waste no precious wall or counter space. This shift supports rational use of layout, with equipment integrated into the design and constantly enhanced with new features that improve day‑to‑day usability. The result is a kitchen interior that looks polished and functions with fewer interruptions, contributing to a calmer, more efficient home environment.
In summary, contemporary kitchen design in Canada and the United States increasingly favors natural tones, tight integration of appliances, and deliberate ergonomics. The goal is a space that feels calm, uncluttered, and perfectly suited to its owners’ daily routines, while still offering flexible storage and quiet, practical features that enhance usability. This approach aligns with modern living where comfort and efficiency go hand in hand, and where the visual impact of the kitchen supports the overall harmony of the home. [Source: Kuznetsova, Mr.Doors]”