# Motorized Kitchen Islands Tim Thaler Maximizes Scullery Space by Hiding Storage Under the Floor By Meghan Young | Published 2011-03-22 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tim-thaler References: [design-milk](http://design-milk.com/a-motorized-kitchen-island/) Although kitchen islands can be a god send when the household cook needs [extra space to prepare](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brio-kitchen-box) his or her meal, they can be a nuisance in terms of space. Tim Thaler seems to have solved that problem. With a simple and creative solution, he has created a [motorized kitchen island](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/come-together-robot) that essentially hides beneath the floor when not needed. Programmed to be controlled by his [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/henri-matisse-x-casetify), Tim Thaler's invention comes up and down with a touch of a button. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be much information about exactly how this retractable island came to be, but it gives insight as to how to utilize one's living space. Kudos to Tim Thaler for thinking outside the box. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Motorized Kitchen Islands:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore incorporating smart home technology to automate the function and control of motorized kitchen islands. - **Space-saving Furniture Solutions:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop and design furniture pieces that can be hidden or retracted to maximize space in small living areas. - **Intuitive Home Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create home designs that prioritize functionality and offer creative solutions to maximize space in various rooms, including the kitchen. ### Where This Applies - **Home Automation:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate motorized kitchen islands into the smart home ecosystem, allowing users to control them remotely using voice commands or smartphone apps. - **Furniture Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Rethink traditional furniture design by incorporating space-saving features, such as retractable or modular elements, to meet the needs of compact living environments. - **Interior Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with architects and home builders to develop innovative and functional interior design solutions that optimize space utilization in different areas of the home. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Chef-Designed Outdoor Prep Stations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/everdure-mobile-prep-kitchen.md) - [Cabinet-Style Kitchen Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/next125-pocket-system.md) - [Telescoping Component Kitchen Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-kitchen-aid.md) - [Vehicular All-In-One Kitchens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allinone-kitchen.md) - [Space-Conscious Kitchen Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnetic-kitchen-design.md) - [Invisible Outdoor Kitchen Modules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/igt-phantom-stove.md) - [Revolutionary Cooking System Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magic-cube-cooking-system.md) - [Compact Kitchen Furniture Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-kitchen-furniture.md) - [Tech-Informed Modular Kitchens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rekook.md)