• ‘Miele Compact Living: Kitchen Unit powered by Hettich’ combines cooking, dining and working in a compact space

• Multifunctional kitchen units and digital assistance form an integrated kitchen furniture system

Living space is becoming increasingly limited. Cities are growing, floor plans are shrinking – and with them the traditional functions of the kitchen, dining room and home office. With its “Miele Compact Living: Kitchen Unit powered by Hettich” concept, Miele demonstrates how this trend can be not only accommodated but also reimagined: as a multifunctional kitchen furniture system designed for minimal space. The concept will be presented for the first time at the Miele Experience Centre in Milan during Milan Design Week from 21 to 26 April 2026.

The shift towards more compact urban living places new demands on furniture, domestic appliances and connected household processes. As part of “Universal Home”, a consortium of leading technology companies and international service providers, concepts for new forms of living are being developed. Miele and Hettich are taking one of these approaches and implementing it as an exhibition concept – featuring built-in kitchen appliances and motorised furniture fittings. “The concept arose from the question of how we can translate our expertise in kitchen appliances and cooking processes into the growing trend of compact cities. We see our role here not merely as an appliance manufacturer, but as a co-creator of future living spaces,” says Janina Forberger, Vice President of Design at Miele.

Integrated solutions for everyday life in small spaces

The focus is on modular and flexible kitchen furniture that is more than just a kitchen. It also serves as a cooking station, dining table and workspace all at once. The idea behind it is simple: instead of separating spaces, functions intertwine – and, thanks to flexible and adjustable elements, adapt to everyday life rather than the floor plan. A workspace in the morning, a cooking surface at lunchtime, a meeting place in the evening: the unit can be used differently depending on the situation.

Miele already offers appliances suitable for use in small spaces. These include, among other things, combination units comprising an oven and microwave, or a steam cooking drawer (available from March 2027). This allows different cooking methods, such as baking, reheating and steam cooking, to be integrated into a classic 60-centimetre kitchen niche. This solution is also included in the concept study ‘Miele Compact Living: Kitchen Unit powered by Hettich’.

Digital assistance as part of the living concept

At the same time, Miele is taking space in this concept study a step further digitally. Digital features accompany the entire cooking process – from the recipe idea through to adaptation to individual needs, shopping, the storage assistant and assisted meal preparation. The app plans workflows, synchronises appliances and guides users step by step through the menu. The aim: less complexity, more enjoyment, safety and health. Some of these features are already available in the Miele app today.

The concept also sets new trends in terms of materials: using natural surfaces and sustainable raw materials. Materials are used not only for their appearance but also to be experienced with all the senses – through depth, texture and haptics. The combination of natural, partly regionally sourced materials with a colour and lighting scheme clearly structures the functions within the space, thereby conveying an authentic experience of nature.

Miele will present the ‘Miele Compact Living: Kitchen Unit powered by Hettich’ study to an international specialist audience for the first time at Milan Design Week 2026 in Milan – specifically targeting architects, designers and planners to stimulate a dialogue on future living concepts.

About Miele: Since 1899, Miele has lived up to its brand promise “Immer Besser” in terms of quality, innovation, and timeless elegance. The globally active company for premium domestic appliances delights customers with pioneering solutions for the connected home. In addition, Miele offers appliances, systems and services for commercial use, such as in hotels or care facilities as well as in medical technology. With its durable and energy-saving appliances, Miele helps its customers make their daily lives as sustainable as possible. The company is owned by the two founding families, Miele and Zinkann. In the 2025 business year, Miele generated a turnover of 5.16 billion Euros with approximately 23,000 employees. Its global network comprises 19 production plants and 49 service and sales subsidiaries (as of March 2026). The company has its headquarters in Gütersloh, North Rhine-Westphalia.