Silence, warmth, and smart technology: The new kitchen everyone wants

In the cold season, when the light softens and the world slows down, it becomes clear that true luxury in the kitchen is no longer measured by shine or size, but rather by what is absent—in silence, in calm, in simplicity that invites you to breathe.

"People are looking for quiet," says Guy Natan, Deputy CEO of Semel Kitchens. "They want to feel that the kitchen embraces them. The new luxury isn’t in excess—it’s in balance."

The change is not just philosophical—it is also physical and technological. There is a growing demand for bigger kitchen islands. The island is no longer just a workspace—it is the social center of the home. Families gather around it, cook together, host guests. Therefore, the island needs to be spacious, comfortable, and equipped with all the necessary technology.

What is included in such an island? "Today, islands combine advanced stovetops, large sinks, comfortable seating, and sometimes even an integrated wine fridge," he explains. "Everything needs to be accessible and functional, while at the same time maintaining a clean and organized appearance."

The real revolution is happening in materials. "Materials today are smarter—antibacterial, easy to clean, and durable for years. Work surfaces with antibacterial technology, especially durable fronts that don’t show fingerprints, drawers with quiet-closing mechanisms—all of this is part of the package."

Technology doesn’t stop at surfaces. "We are seeing the integration of advanced technological products—smart lighting that adapts to the time of day, sensor faucets, intelligent storage systems that maximize every centimeter," Natan details. "But everything is hidden from view. The technology works in the background and doesn’t demand attention."

The design language is changing as well. Today, there is a tendency toward clean lines, calm fronts, soft colors—wood tones, sand, off-white, cream. It’s not just design; it’s a feeling of life. Especially in winter, when people spend more time at home, cook more, and host guests—the kitchen becomes the heart of family activity.

Natural materials do not compromise durability. Matte-looking surfaces as durable as stone, wood textures that are actually heat- and water-resistant, materials that look alive but last for decades. "The new luxury doesn’t sparkle, it doesn’t shout. It stays beautiful even after a decade," he adds.

"We are seeing a shift from luxury based on immediate ‘wow’—to design that feels right over time," Natan explains. "When there is precision—there is no need for noise. Beauty is found in the small details, in proportions, in the feeling that everything is exactly where it should be."

This precision is also reflected in spatial planning. "Islands with precise dimensions, correct work height, optimal distances between different work areas, lighting focused exactly where it’s needed," Natan lists. "Fewer gimmicks, more thought. A kitchen that makes you feel at home, not in a showroom."

Winter, with its soft light and the desire to turn inward, strengthens this trend. When it is cold and gray outside, people want the home to warm them—not just physically, but emotionally. They seek calm. The kitchen becomes a sanctuary from the chaos outside.