Accurate visions and predictions of the future are always difficult, especially when it comes to how technology will affect our lives, but appliance giant Electrolux has put forward ten 'safe bets' for what it thinks will happen in cooking, cleaning, washing and cooling.

The list was compiled by the company's senior industrial designer Adam Szczepanowski (pictured), speaking at a recent show.

First  prediction on the run down is that the home will collect its own energy, whether it's wind turbines, air hear pumps, solar water heating or solar electricity generation "it's going to become everyday stuff," Szczepanowski said.
More energy efficient appliances will also develop and technology in white goods will lead to washing machines that can 'smell' how dirty the clothes are and cookers that 'know' what food you're putting in and work out how to cook it perfectly. "Technology," Szczepanowski said, "will become more human, softer and invisible.

In the bathroom, you will see an adapted version of air conditioning which will use humidity, temperature, taste and smell to recreate locations such as a tropical island - making bathing a multi-sensory experience.

"In the years to come it will be the norm to 'live' in the kitchen," Szczepanowski said. "The kitchen, living and dining area will fuse into one zone which means even quieter appliances, even greater focus on aesthetics, fans to remove the unpleasant smell and fans to enhance the nice ones. In fact, the list can go on and on."

New boss for Electrolux Europe

Enderson Guimareas has been named as the new head of Major Appliances Europe for Electrolux. He succeeds Magnus Yngen, who has gone to run power tools company Husqvarna.

Brazilian Guimareas, 48, is currently senior vice president within the European arm of the Major Appliances group. Before joining Electrolux, Guimareas held various management positions in the home appliances and consumer industry with leading companies such as Philips, Hewlett Packard and Proctor & Gamble.

Guimareas will take up his new position at the beginning of October this year and will be based in Brussels, Belgium.
Electrolux Major Appliances Europe sells around 20m products a year to customers in more than 30 countries.