To many, the kitchen is where the heart and soul of a home lies.
Beyond just a space for whipping up a hearty meal—be it a delightful dinner for two or an all-out celebratory feast—a beautifully appointed kitchen is where families and loved ones gather at all times of the day; an intimate, lush anchor where many a memory, laugh or good bottle of wine is shared.
Therefore, crafting a kitchen is of the utmost importance when designing a perfect home. From state-of-the-start equipment that would satisfy even the most demanding chef, to elegant accents that create an inviting yet characterful ambience, here are a few tips and handpicked products to help you build the kitchen of your dreams:
1. Sleek aesthetics and iconic designs inject plenty of style:
Arredo3
Zetasei cabinets offer a contemporary Italian aesthetic and extra storage thanks to a 6cm skirting board, as well as comfortable countertop height. They are also designed to be user- and-budget-friendly.
Valcucine
The Genius Loci kitchen is inspired by antique desks with secret drawers. These drawers are fully customisable and feature handcrafted embellishments in a variety of materials, such as copper, glass, stone, mosaic, and titanium zinc.
Smeg
Introduced in 1997 and inspired by 50s-style American refrigerators, Smeg’s FAB fridges have become iconic. From the single-door FAB28 to mini versions across bold hues and designs, FAB is a coveted appliance.
2. Make cooking fun (and easy) with cutting-edge tools and appliances:
Sub-Zero Wolf
With the upgraded Convection Steam Oven, choose between different cooking modes, temperatures, and preset times for the ideal amounts of steam and heat. The automatic Gourmet function ensures crisp vegetables and juicy chicken.
Candy
Whipping up a five-star meal is a piece of cake with the Candy Watch&Touch oven featuring Total Control Screen. Simply tap functions on the 19” screen to monitor cooking, access 70 programmes and watch tutorials, or use the simply-Fi app.
3. Luxurious finishes and earthy hues impart an environment of comfort:
Binova
Ono Water is a freestanding block that houses a flush, built-in sink, and retractable tap. The interior is matt black lacquer while the sink has a durable Dekton Kelia finish. Canaletto walnut wood decorates the exterior.
Cambria
Cambria’s range of surface materials are non-porous, non-absorbent, bacteria resistant, and NSF-51-certified safe for food, making them ideal for kitchen countertops. The brand is Mindful Materials-certified and committed to sustainability.
Toto Kitchen
TOTO Kitchen cabinets are made with German panels that are finished with preferred colours, patterns, and seven layers of lacquering. The customisable cabinets also feature rounded corners and optional accessories.
Silestone
The luxurious Eternal Collection emulates the look of marble. Eternal Calacatta Gold in white carries wide grey veins peppered with gold flecks, while Eternal Marquina in black has white highlights. Choose from a suede or polished finish.
4. Dramatic counters and centrepieces create a memorable entertaining space:
Aran Cucine
The freestanding Oasi is a multifunctional kitchen island and dining table. It features a lemon tree under which family and friends gather, plus a solid surface top and Venetian bricole wood structure replete with generous storage.
Mia Cucina
Humanity Kitchen uses Italian curved door panels and a range of accessories – from motorised lifting racks to work assist bar – that are ergonomically designed to keep kitchen orderly and minimise physical stress.
Poliform
Designer Carlo Colombo’s prowess in minimalism is personified in Twelve. Exquisitely thin doors are handleless, while maximum width is given to surfaces – all of which come in a variety of materials and colours.
Hansgrohe
A sink, mixer, and intuitive controls unite on this combination centrepiece with water control positioned on the right-hand side of the sink rim. Choose from a lever-handle, two-hole Select 200 mixer, or Select technology integrated into the sink.
5. Bring in eco-friendly materials for guilt-free entertaining:
Living Station by Panasonic
Panasonic Kitchen Cabinets have a four-star rating from the Japanese Industrial Standards for their low-level formaldehyde emission. The cabinets, made in Japan, provide myriad storage solutions and come in a selection of styles and colours.
Cors Kitchen and Furniture
Eco-friendly materials from Italy and traditional craftsmanship form the basis of CORS custom-made cabinets and furniture. Coupled with stylish designs, the company imbues kitchens with a bespoke aesthetic that is quintessentially Italian.