We reveal how multi-functionality has driven the demand for “invisible” kitchens and how blending and concealing spaces make up a home

Symphony Pocket Door Sets for Oven Zone, Utility Zone, Wet Zone, Pantry Zone, Bar Zone and Home Office

Now expected to fulfil a variety of roles from cooking, dining, entertaining and even working spaces, hand-in-hand has grown the need for the kitchen to look less like a traditional room.

It has seen the kitchen blend into homogenous ground floor living space and even completely concealed when not in use.

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An aesthetic which arguably started in bijou design-led apartments, where space is at a premium and flexibility of use is driven by necessity, now all sized kitchens are benefitting from concealed looks.

Head of category management at Uform Richard Gates says: “Today’s modern lifestyle has accentuated the need for greater flexibility, as more homes transition to open floor plans, the kitchen’s visibility can conflict with the multifunctional nature of living spaces.”

And Matt Phillips, head of UK operations at Rotpunkt, agrees adding: “In my opinion, the trend towards concealing kitchens stems from a desire for quiet luxury, cosy minimalism and optimising the space available”.

With the scope for the trend to match a variety of space sizes and budgets, it’s perhaps why, senior designer at Harvey Jones Stacey Cobley comments: “The demand for invisible kitchen products has grown significantly in recent years.”

Behind the door

The concealed kitchen aesthetic has been supported by handleless push-to-open storage, alongside sliding and most pocket doors – covering practical breakfast and coffee stations through to utility areas.

LochAnna Kitchens offers handmade extra tall pantry doors in the Newbridge Collection

Design manager at Symphony Josie Medved explains: “Folding pocket doors are the perfect solution for those looking to create an ‘invisible kitchen’.

“Offering a great space-saving and aesthetically pleasing solution, the retracting doors means that nothing needs to be on show unless wanted. At Symphony we have a number of solutions for various areas in the kitchen, including an Oven Zone, Wet Zone, Pantry Zone and Bar Zone.”

In fact, even an entire co-located room, can be concealed, which kitchen category manager of LochAnna Sinead Trainor calls the “Doors behind Doors” trend.

The secret space has become a highly desirable feature, with its low key entrance creating a big impact in kitchen design.

She explains: “By cleverly sectioning off areas of the home, such as hidden pantries, utility cabinets, and concealed storage solutions, this trend allows for the seamless integration of practical spaces without disrupting the overall flow and design of the room.

“Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry is a great way to cleverly conceal a hidden pantry door that leads to a practical utility room.”

Integrated appliances

And it has been further supported by the use of built-in appliances, from banks of ovens, with flush touch controls, through to fully integrated laundry and dishwashing models hidden behind doors.

Launching in Q3, the Novy Undercover induction hob is available in a choice of 40 Dekton worksurfaces

Josie Medved states: “One effective way to maximise an open-place space and create an ‘invisible’ kitchen is to incorporate hidden integrated appliances, which are increasingly popular for dishwashers and washing machines.”

Or designers can even create a worktop which slides over a hob. Head of business development at Medite Smartply Roly Ward comments: “To achieve the minimalistic element of an invisible kitchen Medite Optima is perfect for creating pantry doors and sliding countertops to conceal appliances such as hobs or even sinks.

But taking it one step further, home appliances can form part of the overall kitchen architecture, from downdraft ventilation or extraction modelled as a shelf and induction hobs becoming a seamless part of an engineered stone surface.

Marketing manager of Novy UK Jenny Nalborczyk says: “Having already launched in Europe, and launching into the UK in Q3 2025, Novy has partnered with Cosentino to create the ideal solution to the invisible kitchen concept.

“The Novy Undercover in an invisible 1070mm induction hob, where pans sit directly on the worktop.

“With 40 different 20mm thick Dekton worktops to choose from, the hob has different configurations that are composed of three or four side-by-side induction zones…with one or two FlexZones that can be bridged to accommodate larger pans.”

Hide and reveal

So does an “invisible” kitchen necessitate hiding all the visible elements behind doors? Absolutely not, say design experts.

Blending into neighbouring spaces, the Harborne in Graphite from Uform features recessed handles for a less traditional look and combines cooking space with bar area and banquette seating

It provides homeowners the option to conceal clutter but reveal statement pieces they want on show, or when the kitchen is in use.

The level of invisibility may also mean taking a backstage and blending into the environment, as Stacey Cobley of Harvey Jones points out: “An invisible kitchen doesn’t need to be concealed, it can also be designed to seamlessly blend into open-plan living areas, enhancing the overall aesthetic with a cohesive, understated design.

“The choice between concealing the kitchen and blending it into the floor plan depends on the specific design goals and the desired level of invisibility.

“For instance, open shelves can showcase curated decor like plants, cookbooks, or artisanal bowls, adding warmth and personality without compromising the clean architectural lines of invisible cabinetry.”

Brand manager of Masterclass Kitchens Cassie Jones agrees, adding: “Rather than relying solely on concealment, invisible kitchens often blend into the home’s overall design.

“Open shelving, fluted glass, and furniture-like islands help blur the lines between the kitchen and living areas, creating a unified, spacious feel. Strategic choices, such as cabinetry finishes and textures that match other furniture, further reinforce this fluidity.”

Supporting lifestyle changes

Ultimately, this flexibility in kitchen design will continue to see the trend flex and evolve to match the needs of users, and further enhance their homes.

Open plan kitchen and dining concept from Rotpunkt, with central island unit using Zerox furniture in Bianco Malé and Memory Zero furniture in New Forest Oak with new Pocket Door

Matt Phillips of Rotpunkt comments: “I anticipate that more and more homeowners and property developers will see the benefits of having invisible kitchens to complement open plan spaces and facilitate greater flow throughout the dining and living area.”

And his view is supported by Richard Gate of Uform who concludes: “The shift towards invisible kitchens reflects broader trends in lifestyle and design.

“As homeowners seek beauty, functionality and harmony within their living spaces, this innovative design approach is likely to stay relevant for years to come.

“Designers willing to embrace the challenge will find endless opportunities to create stunning kitchens that are both invisible and indispensable.”