Miele unveils limited living space concept at Milan Design Week 2026

Premium appliance specialist Miele is responding to the fact that living spaces are becoming increasingly compact with its 'Miele Compact Living: Kitchen Unit powered by Hettich' concept, which demonstrates how this trend can be not only accommodated but also reimagined as a multifunctional kitchen furniture system designed for minimal space. The concept was presented for the first time at the Miele Experience Centre in Milan during Milan Design Week, which ran from 21st - 26th April.

The shift towards more compact urban living is placing 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 took one of these approaches and implemented 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,” said Janina Forberger, VP of design at Miele.

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.

The concept also made use of natural surfaces and sustainable raw materials. The combination of natural, partly regionally sourced materials with a colour and lighting scheme clearly structured the functions within the space.