Gesture Control becomes the norm in today's kitchen

Lighting increasingly integrated into kitchen appliances

What will be important in the way kitchens are designed in 2023? When this question is put to Sander van 't Hoen of Novy Netherlands, the answer is clear. "The quality of lighting will become the theme more than ever," he says. "But it's not just that. 'Gesture Control' will also enjoy increasing interest. In short, it will be a year in which, more than ever, the setting of atmosphere in the kitchen will be combined with its functionality."

Sander explains that the days are gone when a consumer would visit a lighting store separately for their lighting needs in the kitchen. "You now see much more that lighting is included as standard in the kitchen appliances themselves," he says. "The conversation in the kitchen store takes on an extra dimension because good functional light allows you to judge the dishes you are preparing much better. It's just nicer working at the stove or cooktop when you can see everything clearly."

"But ... the kitchen, of course, has also become a place of living and personal interaction," Sander continued. "After all, while you're cooking, you want to have a good time with your guests who sit down with you in the kitchen. Precisely at that moment you need more atmosphere. So, that the light can be dimmed in style. However, there is one thing you don't want: greasy hands on the light switches, so Gesture Control is the logical answer. Just wave your hand briefly and the light gets brighter - making it easier to see into the pan - or less bright, if the cozy atmosphere during cooking should be the focus again."

Sander goes on to explain that this technical development (towards 'Gesture Control') is not an illogical one because you see more and more that the extractor is incorporated in the cooktop. "And so the question also arose of how to then solve that technically with regard to the lighting. There too, 'Gesture Control' turned out to be the perfect answer."

That the combination with light in Novy's kitchen appliances is no longer a secondary issue was already clear from the range, but it was also a case of looking ahead. Earlier this year Novy found a suitable partner in the lighting sector: lighting manufacturer Jansen & De Bont. A strategic takeover was the result. Jansen & De Bont is known as a producer of innovative and high-quality design lighting with an additional focus on sustainability and intuitive operation.

"They can further assist us in marketing designer lighting as a distinctive element in Novy premium products," says Sander. "The experience in the kitchen becomes much more pleasant. We were especially enthusiastic about the consistently implemented clean design, the color scheme and the recognizable style elements: they really complement everything we stand for at Novy perfectly. I really dare say here that our collection has become more unified than ever and has formed a good unity with kitchen lighting, in conjunction with the extractor hood and cooktop. So in 2023 it will be even cozier in the kitchen!"