Today, kitchens are more sophisticated than ever, featuring smart appliances, sleek, seamless cabinetry styles and ingenious integrated storage solutions. However, despite all the kitchen tech and innovation, when it comes to kitchen design, it seems there’s a trend for looking back rather than forward.
Increasingly, we’re noticing interior and kitchen designers incorporating freestanding pieces into kitchens to achieve a homey, relaxed look, and, as part of this kitchen trend, there’s a key feature we’re spotting again and again – the pot hanger.
Available ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted, this simple, age-old piece of kitchen furniture seems to be making a comeback, although passionate home chefs who want a real cook’s kitchen might argue they never really went away.
To find out why this humble piece of kitchen hardware is becoming the new kitchen must-have, we spoke to interior designers for their insights on its enduring appeal.
Why choose a pot hanger?
Pot hangers mounted from beams or ceilings have been gracing kitchens in various guises for centuries. Originally created from wrought iron or wood, today’s pot hangers are more innovative than their forebears and can be tailored to your space with options for integrated lighting and an array of custom finishes available and it’s these bespoke versions we’ve noticed proving particularly popular.
‘The activity and inquiries around the pot racks are the most robust we've ever seen and we’re selling more than ever before,’ says Sam Schinderman, director of New York-based company Ann-Morris, which specializes in luxury, bespoke pot racks.
Practically, pot hangers and racks have a number of advantages. Making clever use of the height of a room, they provide ample kitchen storage for large pans, pots and cookware without encroaching on valuable drawer and cupboard space. Hanging large pots and pans not only saves space, it also makes them far easier to access rather than having to bend down and rifle through low cabinets or drawers.
'You're able to use it for pan storage but it also makes a beautiful centerpiece. It's a great fixture for clients who actually cook and utilize their kitchen,' explains Sam Schinderman. And it’s not just cooking pots and saucepans they can be used for, ‘the hooks can hold baskets, bags of vegetables, bags of meats, cookware with large handles, etc,’ he adds. Designs with integrated lighting also provide essential task lighting over a kitchen island for preparing food.
'Pot hangers work especially well in a space with high ceilings, adding a sculptural element to the room,’ adds Bruce Hodgson, founder of British kitchen and joinery bespoke company, Artichoke.
1. Free up your cabinet space
One of the key benefits of having a pot hanger or rail is saving on valuable storage space. If you have a small kitchen where cabinet space is at a premium then making use of the height of the room by fitting alternative storage is a clever alternative. Cookware takes up lots of space in cabinets and drawers so hanging these can really free up lots of space for tableware, groceries or appliances which can otherwise end up cluttering worktops. A discreet pan rail is the easiest solution, as used here by Sean Symington.
Not only does the pan rail save space, it also makes a feature of the client's lovely copper pan collection.
2. Use a pot hanger to create a focal point
If you have a kitchen with high ceilings the space can end up feeling a little cold and empty – adding a custom pot rack is a great way to fill the space and make a practical and stylish focal point as done here by interior designer Carolyn Brandwajn, founder of Cbespoke design. 'The kitchen has very high ceilings; I incorporated an Ann-Morris pot rack, not only to showcase the client’s copper cookware collection, but to also add a design element on the ceiling,' explains Carolyn Brandwajn.
Featuring a warm brass finish, this design also brings a touch of warmth and glamour to an otherwise neutral scheme.
3. Show off your cookware
Bespoke pot hangers inspired by restaurants and kitchens are perfect for those who really love to cook. 'It creates a feature of the cooking paraphernalia, in particular with copper pans adding warmth and a heritage feel. This bespoke feature is often commissioned by our clients who are passionate about cooking, looking to display their beautiful cooking utensils as part of the design,' explains Bruce Hodgson, founder of Artichoke.
'The metal of the pans and the pot hanger are echoed in the materials around the room for an industrial nod in this New England scheme. The rectangular steel hanger mirrors the footprint of the island below along with the shape of the room and the shapes of the cabinetry. These considered, refined details are entirely bespoke to the client and their home, working in complete harmony to create a kitchen that looks like it has always belonged.'
4. Make cookware easy to access
Having your saucepans close at hand whilst cooking cannot be underestimated. While separate pantries can provide great storage, it can be frustrating having to keep going back and forth for what you need. Stacking heavy cookware in low cabinets and drawers can also be laborious, not to mention very noisy.
Be it ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted, a pot hanger allows you to instantly locate and retrieve the pan you're looking for, plus they can be easily and quietly replaced after use. 'The pot rack allows for the pots to be more accessible, and, as the ceiling is pitched, it fills some volume for a more robust look,' explains interior designer Gary McBournie who chose a bespoke Ann-Morris design for this relaxed Nantucket kitchen.
If you're after the practical benefits of a pot rack there's no need to install a large ceiling-hung rack, a simple rail hung from a ceiling beam or a wall can be just as effective.
'Hanging rails are a big yes, too, I love nothing more than a brass rail and all the storage display options it gives me. Plants on the ceiling, tea towels by the sink, dried chillies above the range. The list is exciting and endless if you pick a subtle understated slim rail,' says Helen Parker, creative director at deVOL Kitchens.
5. Create a rustic country feel
If you're a fan of the rustic unfitted kitchen composed of freestanding and vintage furniture then traditional wrought iron, curved pot hanger designs are a great addition, conjuring scenes of a rustic Tuscan farmhouse kitchen or an English country cottage kitchen.
Perfect in front of a traditional range cooker, over an island or prep table, deVOL's pot hangers are hand-forged to order in the UK by skilled blacksmiths and boast characterful handcrafted markings and textures which beautifully complement historic homes.
'We love to include hanging storage in the kitchen. A simple pot rack above a cooker, nothing too ornate, a simple utilitarian rack allowing you to easily store and reach your biggest and heaviest pans, are such a great look. They are practical and hold way more than you could ever fit easily and accessibly in a cupboard,' explains Helen Parker.
6. Conjure the look and ambiance of a retro French bistro
Pot hangers aren't confined to the rustic country look, they can look stunning as part of luxury and urban kitchens, too. New York-based company Ann-Morris, founded in , create bespoke pot racks with integrated lighting and an array of finishes from polished nickel and brass to the more mellow oil-rubbed bronze which are perfect for glamorous, luxury kitchens. You can even have two-tone finishes and custom finishes.
'Our pot rack is inspired by 20th-century French Bistro-style pot racks. My Father, Herbie Schinderman, who designed the pot rack, was inspired during his buying trips to France. When back in the USA he set up manufacturing of the pot rack as early as the s,' explains Sam Schinderman, director of Ann-Morris. 'The Ann-Morris pot rack is completely custom-made and bespoke to the client's kitchen island space. They are made in New York City using the highest quality materials by master metal craftsman. The quality is generally one of a kind and clients want a piece of that in their kitchen.'
Where should you hang a pot hanger?
Pot hangers are generally hung over kitchen islands. As they are designed to store and display pots and pans, they need to be located near the cooker so that the pans are easy to retrieve when cooking. If you’re thinking of installing a ceiling-mounted pot hanger then you’ll need to check with a professional whether your ceiling can support – sometimes the ceiling will need reinforcement.
‘The installation process needs to be handled by a knowledge contractor or electrician,’ says Sam Schinderman of Ann Morris. ‘The ceiling needs to be reinforced and appropriate steps needs to be taken by the contractor for proper installation.’
The return of the pot hanger might feel like a trend, but this look has been around for centuries and it won't be falling out of fashion anytime soon. A practical solution to storing awkward pots and pans and yet aesthetically pleasing and versatile the pot hanger is an asset to any kitchen.
Commercial planters are no longer just functional—they’re foundational to how businesses design and define their spaces. Whether it’s a welcoming entrance, a cozy outdoor lounge, or a vibrant indoor environment, custom planters shape how we experience commercial spaces. As we move through , several trends stand out—driven by sustainability, technology, and aesthetic impact.
Here’s what’s leading the way in commercial outdoor planters and indoor planter design in .
Sustainability
Sustainability is a growing trend in modern design, and commercial planters are no exception. More and more businesses are looking to incorporate eco-friendly materials into their designs, and commercial planters are a great place to start. Materials such as corten steel and aluminum are becoming increasingly popular due to their durability, low maintenance, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Modular and Configurable Planters
Modular planters are becoming increasingly popular in the commercial sector. These planters are designed to be versatile, allowing businesses to create different configurations to suit their space. With modular planters, companies can create living walls, screens, and dividers, adding a touch of greenery to their space and creating a natural partition.
Self-watering Planters
Self-watering planters are a game-changer for businesses that want to have plants in their space but do not have the time or resources to care for them. These planters have a built-in irrigation system that automatically waters the plants, reducing the need for regular maintenance. In , we can expect to see an increase in the popularity of self-watering planters in commercial spaces.
Minimalist and Architectural Design
Minimalist design has been a trend in the commercial sector for some time now, and it is expected to continue in . These planters have a clean and simple design, which makes them ideal for modern and minimalist spaces. They are available in various materials such as concrete, metal, and fiberglass, allowing businesses to choose a planter that best suits their space.
Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is all about bringing nature indoors, and it is becoming increasingly popular in the commercial sector. This design philosophy incorporates natural elements such as plants, water, and natural light into the built environment. In , we can expect to see an increase in the use of biophilic design in commercial spaces, with more businesses incorporating plants and other natural elements into their design.
Colorful and Branded Planters
In , we can expect to see an increase in the use of colorful planters in commercial spaces. These planters add a pop of color to the environment, making them ideal for businesses that want to create a lively and vibrant space. They are available in various colors and materials, allowing businesses to choose a planter that complements their branding.
Large-Scale and Statement Planters
Big plants need big homes. Oversized commercial planters are rising, especially for hospitality, retail, and mixed-use developments. These planters anchor outdoor plazas, lobbies, and entranceways. From sculptural corten steel planters to oversized concrete troughs, larger formats create focal points.
Custom Planters and Bespoke Solutions
As businesses strive to differentiate themselves, the demand for custom planter solutions grows. Whether it’s unique dimensions, integrated seating, or branded cutouts, custom options offer function and style.
Many developers and architects now request bespoke aluminum planters tailored to site-specific needs.
Outdoor Living and Hospitality Zones
In , we can expect to see an increase in the use of commercial planters to create outdoor living spaces. These spaces are designed to be an extension of the indoor space, allowing businesses to create a relaxing and inviting environment for their customers and employees. Using commercial planters, companies can create outdoor seating areas, dining areas, and even outdoor meeting spaces.
Multi-functional Planters
Multi-functional planters are designed to serve multiple purposes. They can be used as seating, tables, or even storage space. In , we can expect to see an increase in the use of multi-functional planters in commercial spaces as businesses look for ways to maximize the use of their space.
Weather-resistant Planters
Weather-resistant planters are designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. They are made from materials such as fiberglass, concrete, and metal, making them ideal for outdoor spaces. In , we can expect to see an increase in the use of weather-resistant planters in commercial spaces as businesses look for durable and long-lasting planters that can withstand the elements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, commercial planters are an essential part of modern design, and there are several top trends to keep in mind as we look ahead to . From incorporating sustainable materials to embracing biophilic design, combining technology, exploring unique shapes and sizes, and offering customization options, businesses can create a space that feels inviting and personalized. By staying current with these trends, companies can stay ahead of the curve and create a space that stands out in a crowded market.
