An interior design expert has unveiled the specific kitchen gadgets that families with established wealth, often referred to as 'old money,' typically avoid purchasing. These items, which include pizza ovens, countertop mixers, and wine fridges, are seen as overly showy and indicative of 'new money' tendencies. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, Jordana Ashkenazi, founder and design director of Element One House, explained how certain appliances can make a kitchen feel more like a showroom than a functional space.
The Rise of 'Quiet Luxury' in Kitchen Design
Jordana Ashkenazi highlighted that affluent food enthusiasts are increasingly investing in 'quiet luxury' items. These are appliances and gadgets that perform their functions efficiently without drawing excessive attention. "Kitchens are starting to follow the same rules as fashion," she noted. "Just as oversized logos on clothing can appear try-hard, appliances that loudly announce their brand or attempt to become the focal point can venture into crass territory."
She emphasized that the most aesthetically pleasing kitchens exude a quiet confidence. "They do not need to shout about labels or gadgets because the design speaks for itself," Ashkenazi added. This philosophy does not imply that gadgets are inherently bad; rather, they must serve a genuine purpose. The trend among clients, especially those designing long-term homes, is moving toward concealing appliances rather than displaying them prominently.
Hidden Functionality: The New Kitchen Standard
Ashkenazi shared insights into the growing popularity of butler's pantries, spice kitchens, and even secondary prep kitchens. "You open a pantry cupboard and there is a hidden worktop with electrics plugged in, everything ready to use but neatly tucked away when the doors close," she described. Even in compact city residences where space is limited, homeowners strive to keep countertops as clear as possible. Cluttered surfaces can quickly make a kitchen appear busy and outdated.
Specific Gadgets Deemed 'Tacky' by Design Standards
Pizza Ovens
Jordana Ashkenazi pointed out that if a garden's main feature is a pizza oven used only a few times annually, it may be more about ostentation than practicality. "They can be fun for entertaining, but they are bulky and often underused," she remarked. In more understated homes, outdoor areas prioritize atmosphere and comfort over turning cooking equipment into a statement piece.
Cocktail Stations and Permanent Bar Setups
Ashkenazi cautioned against kitchens that resemble cocktail lounges rather than functional cooking spaces. "In more timeless homes, we often design cocktail cabinets that sit behind closed doors and open only when serving drinks," she explained. Sometimes, the optimal location for a bar is not the kitchen at all but a formal sitting room or dedicated entertaining area.
Air Fryers
While acknowledging the practicality of air fryers, Ashkenazi noted that they can visually dominate a countertop. "In more refined kitchens, appliances like this live inside a pantry cupboard so they do not become the focal point," she advised.
Oversized Wine Fridges as a Focal Point
A wine fridge should subtly convey luxury rather than loudly proclaim it across the room. Ashkenazi observed that when wine storage becomes the centrepiece, it often feels more like a display than a genuine lifestyle choice.
Smart Fridges with Giant Touch Screens
Ashkenazi warned that if a refrigerator is more visually prominent than the cabinetry, the balance has likely shifted too far toward gadgetry over design. Oversized screens can dominate, whereas integrated refrigeration maintains focus on the kitchen's architecture.
Built-Out Coffee Stations
Turning a kitchen into a full-blown coffee shop can detract from the design. Syrup racks, pods, and multiple machines create visual noise. Ashkenazi noted that 'old money' kitchens tend to integrate coffee machines discreetly into cabinetry instead of creating a display.
Countertop Ice Machines
Single-purpose gadgets, such as ice machines for fancy ice, often occupy valuable space and quickly lose their novelty. Ashkenazi suggested these might be designed more for social media than real-life utility.
Neon LED Strip Lighting Everywhere
Lighting should enhance warmth and materials, not transform the room into a nightclub. Ashkenazi recommended softening the mood to avoid a gaming setup aesthetic.
Matching Kettle and Toaster Sets
Perfect coordination can make a space feel staged rather than timeless. Ashkenazi advocated for a quieter approach: choosing neutral pieces that blend into the kitchen rather than demand attention.
Loud, Heavily Branded Cookware
Displaying branded cookware purely as status symbols can seem try-hard. Ashkenazi emphasized that true luxury lies in how the space functions as a whole, with cookware selected for quality and longevity rather than brand names or colour trends.
Giant Stand Mixers Permanently on Display
When a stand mixer is left out like a trophy, it speaks more about status than baking. Ashkenasi noted that these beautiful tools can compete visually with the kitchen itself if permanently on display.
