Today, dinner is just as likely to be prepared by a man than a woman.  In fact, a growing number of men are taking the reins of the commercial grade cooktop and convection wall oven, heralding a new take on kitchen design priorities.

According to NKBA Member Young Huh, “The kitchen is no longer solely the wife’s domain,” adding that because of this shift in gender roles, kitchen design is becoming “more tailored, more masculine, more streamlined, and that reflects the male drive and participation in kitchen design.”
The New York-based interior designer and member of the NKBA K+B Insiders, a new trend-forecasting panel for the Association, recently shared her personal insights in a Wall Street Journal article, “Is the Kitchen the New Man Cave?” written by Debra Jo Immergut (WSJ subscription required to view full article).

Manly Influences

Male influences have already begun to affect kitchen design. According to the NKBA 2016 Design Trends Survey, respondents report a rise in flat-front cabinetry, counters with mitered rather than rounded edges, high-contrast palettes and large, simple pulls. Fading trends include crown molding, corbels, soft hues, ornate tiling and styling of Tuscan, French provincial and other traditional styles. This move away from conservative design toward bolder looks reveals the impact of men taking on a larger role in the kitchen.

Another factor that Immergut cites is the rise in foodie culture and Food Network chefs like Guy Fieri that have “re-coded” cooking as a macho activity, according to Casey Ryan Kelly, an associate professor of communications who studies gender and culture at Butler University in Indianapolis. He also states that cooking has changed from “feminine-care-labor” to an appealing activity with “traits of rugged masculinity: competitiveness, self-mastery, individualism and strength.” This is good news for manufacturers, as men will spend 30% more on appliances than women.

“Women have been cooking a long time and tend to take the kitchen for granted,” says New York City-based interior designer Bob Schwarz. Guys, on the other hand? “They ask for things women would never think of: Salamanders [broiler units ideal for searing steaks], deep fryers and other professional equipment. And two sinks are almost mandatory.”

Two Sinks?

While men are becoming increasingly involved in kitchen duties, many couples see cooking as a team effort;  it is a way to entertain friends, or unwind after a stressful day.

Groups or couples cooking together make two sinks and other double-amenities a convenience many young homeowners will soon expect. Rather than the traditional sink-stove-refrigerator work triangle configuration that has been so classic in kitchen design, cooking zones are becoming more popular, with two sinks, two stoves and/or multiple cooking stations to facilitate more than one person preparing a meal at a time.

Immergut suggests that kitchen gadgetry and the power capacity of kitchen appliances are ideally suited for a male audience. Likewise she notes that the man-of-the-house desires beefed-up cabinet hardware, elevated countertops and bold appliance colors.

So what does this mean for designers? Compromise is key. If you’re designing a couple’s kitchen, you’ll need to take into account the wants and needs of both cooks. This could mean installing taller countertops on the island for him and shorter countertops on the perimeter for her, or incorporating macho-indulgences for him, like the powerful Blue Star gas range or a Sub-Zero undercounter refrigerator.

Read the full article here – Wall Street Journal subscription required.