As technology gains prominence in kitchen designs, it’s only natural to question the impact of these innovations on the overall aesthetic and functionality of the space. Ideally, these devices should integrate seamlessly. In reality, achieving this level of cohesion requires careful foresight and planning.
One of the most challenging technologies to incorporate into a kitchen environment is a display. The traditional approach – perching a small TV on a countertop – feels outdated and impractical, especially as modern homeowners expect larger screens to complement a space that serves as much for entertainment as it does for meal preparation.
This presents a fundamental challenge: the larger the display, the more space it occupies. In kitchens, where cabinetry dominates the walls, finding room for a sizable screen can be a logistical hurdle. Fortunately, innovative solutions exist. Today’s advanced wall mounts and motorized TV lifts enable displays to be cleverly concealed or effortlessly deployed when needed, ensuring they enhance the space without disrupting its design or functionality.
Here’s how:
A low-profile mounted in an adjacent room or tucked into an inconspicuous spot in the kitchen. Just because a kitchen is used for entertaining purposes doesn’t mean the TV needs to be the visual focal point. A mount with an articulating arm and swiveling action offers more creativity in its placement. It can slide into a wall pocket in the kitchen or reside in a different room altogether. In these locations, the display may not be right where you want it when entertaining, but all it takes is a tug and a twist to angle it perfectly – whether guests are gathered at the kitchen island, the buffet and anywhere in between. Opt for a motorized arm and swivel to accomplish the same slick movement by pressing a button on a remote control, smartphone app or other device – if the mount supports those integration capabilities. If you place the moveable TV in an adjacent room, the entertaining options escalate. You can extend the TV from the wall and turn it toward the kitchen or keep it where it is as the party flows into other areas.
A motorized lift inside the kitchen island. This clever, non-invasive solution requires more planning than a standard wall-mounted option. The island must be carefully designed and sized to accommodate both the lift mechanism and the display. Additionally, a precise opening is needed for the TV to rise smoothly into view, along with a matching countertop segment attached to the top of the display to maintain a seamless look when the TV is concealed.
However, if total concealment is the goal, this approach is well worth considering. A swiveling lift is particularly well-suited for this application, allowing the TV to be viewed comfortably from multiple angles. However, the motorized mount must have sufficient torque to support not only the weight of the TV but also the added load of the countertop material.
A motorized drop-down mechanism from upper cabinets. You’ll need to dedicate an upper kitchen cabinet to house the technology, but much like the pop-up island solution, a display that lowers into view from within a cabinet offers a sleek, innovative and virtually invisible design.
There’s no need to clutter a countertop with a display to catch the news or download a recipe tutorial. Attached to a motorized lift, the TV can descend from a hiding spot in the cabinetry above.
As with any concealed TV solution, proper sizing and styling are essential to ensure the cabinet functions effectively as both a storage space and a housing unit for the motorized assembly. Given the limited clearance between the bottom of the cabinet and the countertop, a smaller TV is the most practical choice. However, with thoughtful planning, you may still have enough remaining depth to accommodate a spice rack or a few coffee cups.
Integrating a display into a kitchen without disrupting its design requires creativity, thoughtful planning and the right technology. Whether it’s a motorized lift hidden within an island, a drop-down mechanism concealed in an upper cabinet or a low-profile mount positioned in an adjacent room, there are numerous ways to bring a TV into the kitchen without disrupting the design intent. By carefully considering placement, functionality and aesthetics, homeowners can enjoy the convenience of a kitchen display without sacrificing style or valuable workspace.
Conceal-and-reveal solutions can be adapted for technology besides TVs. Here, the staple coffeemaker can rise with the sun then disappear until the next morning brew.
Getting the Most of a TV Mount – Important Features to Consider
Noise. Motorized mounts and lifts vary in noise levels. If the kitchen is a social hub, opting for a quiet system ensures that raising or lowering the display doesn’t disrupt conversations or background music.
Extension/Range of Motion. Some mounts offer simple tilting, while others provide full swivel and extension capabilities. The greater the range of motion, the more flexibility there is in positioning the TV for optimal viewing.
Cable Management. Exposed wires can detract from a kitchen’s sleek aesthetic. Look for solutions with built-in cable management to keep cords neatly tucked away and protected from heat, moisture and daily wear.
Control Options/Integration. Motorized lifts and mounts can often be controlled via remote, smartphone app or integrated into a smart home system. Choosing a model with multiple control options enhances convenience and ease of use.
Audio/Adding Speakers. Built-in TV speakers may not provide the best sound in a bustling kitchen. Consider adding a soundbar, in-ceiling speakers, or a wireless audio system to ensure clear, immersive sound.
Access to Power. Any motorized or mounted TV solution requires a nearby power source. Ensure proper electrical planning to accommodate both the display and its movement mechanism without visible cords cluttering the space.
You can clear away all kinds of clutter with motorized lifts and mounting solutions. Visit Nexus21 for more information and design inspiration.
