The first stop of the day—where the ritual of coffee unfolds, where some of the best conversations happen, and what we often refer to as the heart of the home: the kitchen.

As inhabitants of the 21st century, it feels natural to think of the kitchen as a central element in home design. But it hasn’t always been that way. The kitchen has taken on different roles throughout history, shaped by the customs and needs of each era. What has remained constant is its significance in our daily lives. 

The hearth: a source of warmth

Imagine a time before civilization, when early humans sought shelter in caves to protect themselves from the elements. During this period, keeping a fire alive was a matter of survival—not only for cooking and making food easier to digest, but also for warmth and protection against wild animals at night.

Fire became a form of salvation, giving rise to an almost mystical relationship between humans and the flame.

Later, in early built structures, the hearth occupied the central space—sometimes with an opening above to release smoke. This placement wasn’t only symbolic; it was practical. A centrally located fire distributes heat evenly throughout the space, reinforcing its role as both a physical and emotional core.

More civilization, new habits

As history progressed, the development of agriculture and livestock farming brought greater stability to daily life. Alongside this came the evolution of a more complex culinary culture—one that required more hands, tools, and organization.

Kitchens became high-traffic environments, filled with activity: washing, chopping, cooking, storing. With that activity also came challenges—larger pantries, and inevitably, pests such as rats and insects.

By the 19th century, hygiene became a critical concern. It was widely recognized that kitchens and their waste were significant sources of infection and disease. It was during this time that Bavarian chemist Max Joseph Pettenkofer, often referred to as the father of hygiene, introduced an idea that would redefine kitchen design: the use of white surfaces as a symbol of cleanliness, making it easier to detect dirt and contamination.

As a result, kitchens were moved further away from dining areas. People preferred to see the finished meal, rather than how it was prepared. In many households, especially among the upper classes, the kitchen became a space reserved exclusively for staff.

A familiar cultural reference can be found in The Sword in the Stone, where Merlin transforms a dark, cold kitchen into a clean, orderly space—highlighting the contrast between function and perception.

The color white and the era of hygiene

The 19th century firmly established hygiene as a design priority. White became synonymous with cleanliness—not only in kitchens, but across domestic spaces—due to its ability to reveal even the smallest signs of dirt.

This shift marked a turning point: kitchens were no longer just functional spaces, but environments that reflected evolving standards of health and order.

The 20th century: the integrated kitchen

It wasn’t until the 20th century, with the rise of the bourgeoisie and the principles of functionalism, that the kitchen was fully reintegrated into the home’s architectural design.

From that moment on, the kitchen became a central gathering space—a place where families come together to share meals and extend conversations beyond the table. A space where connection returned to its origin: spending time with those closest to us.