Our first stop of the day—the place where the ritual of coffee unfolds, the setting for our most memorable gatherings, the space we fondly call 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 residential design. Yet it was not always this way.

Throughout history, the kitchen has occupied different roles in daily life, shaped by the customs and needs of each era. Its form has evolved, but its importance has remained constant.

The Hearth: A Source of Warmth

Let us imagine a time before civilization, when our ancestors relied on natural shelters such as caves to protect themselves from the elements. In that context, keeping fire alive was a matter of survival—not only to cook and better digest food, but to stay warm and keep wild animals at bay.

Fire represented safety, and over time, it acquired an almost mystical significance. In early built structures, the hearth occupied a central position, often accompanied by an opening to release smoke. This placement was not only symbolic but strategic: a centrally located fire distributes heat evenly throughout the space.

As Civilization Advanced, So Did Habits

With the rise of agriculture and animal domestication, survival became more stable. In turn, culinary practices grew more complex, requiring additional tools, ingredients, and labor. Kitchens became highly active spaces—filled with movement, preparation, storage, and inevitably, unwanted pests.

As a result, kitchens were gradually relocated away from dining areas. The process of cooking became less visible, and what mattered most was the final result. In many households, the kitchen was reserved for servants, while the owners rarely entered. It was a functional, often hidden space, far removed from the social life of the home.

White and the Age of Hygiene

By the 19th century, hygiene had become a central concern. It was widely understood that kitchens and their waste could be sources of disease. The Bavarian chemist Max Joseph Pettenkofer, considered the father of modern hygiene, introduced a concept that would transform kitchen design: the use of white as a symbol of cleanliness.

White surfaces made it easier to detect dirt, reinforcing the idea that cleanliness could—and should—be visible. This marked a turning point in how kitchens were perceived and designed.

The 20th Century: The Integrated Kitchen

It was not until the 20th century, with the rise of the bourgeoisie and the principles of functionalism, that the kitchen was reintegrated into the architecture of the home. It shifted from a hidden, utilitarian area to a central, shared space.

The kitchen became once again a place for gathering—where meals are prepared and enjoyed, where conversations unfold, and where daily life takes shape. In many ways, it returned to its original role: a space of connection, where sharing food is inseparable from sharing time.