To celebrate the long-awaited launch of Caesarstone’s new marble inspired design – Statuario Nuvo, Caesarstone have launched the Supernatural Designs Kitchen Renovation Competition. The competition rewards customers that choose any of the Supernatural Designs as a benchtop surface in their kitchen renovation, with a chance to win a share of $35,000 in cash prizes!
To enter, all renovators have to do is select any Caesarstone Supernatural Design and complete the online entry form, including a before and after photo of their kitchen renovation and a short blurb on why they chose a Supernatural Design.
The competition is open for all kitchen renovations completed from 1 July to 30 October, with first place winning $15,000 in cash, second place $10,000 and third place $5,000.
Carly and Leighton were super excited to get started on their homeowners’ kitchen brief of contemporary Australian this week, and the result, with its super-sized Caesarstone bench, brought tears of joy (as well as a top score of 19.5 out of 20)! The amazing indoor/outdoor space would probably have to be my favourite kitchen reveal yet!
Judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill loved it too, with its clean and warm look thanks to contrasting but subtle textures. The black tapware made a bold and modern statement, tying in with the black powder coated windows.
Freedom Kitchens helped the couple with design ideas, and additions such as brand new handles made sure it was absolutely on trend and cutting edge. Carly and Leighton were keen not to repeat anything that had already been showcased in the competition.
Watch our exclusive video interview with Lauren Ellis above for their top tips for Interiors Addict readers!
There were tears of delight when Kyal and Kara’s amazing kitchen was revealed to the homeowner on Reno Rumble and we can see why. And that was before she even pressed the button which revealed a butler’s pantry behind an automatic sliding door!
Judges Darren Palmer and Romy Alwill described it as a great and beautiful kitchen with its two-tone cabinetry, top end appliances and Caesarstone marble-look tops. See how they used darker overhead cabinetry to provide balance and contrast in the otherwise light and bright space, with help and advice from Freedom Kitchens.
The former Block contestants also share their top tips kitchen tips in the exclusive interview with our reporter Lauren Ellis.
Ex Blockheads, the ever popular Josh & Jenna, made a bold statement with their blue cabinetry and leather handles on Reno Rumble this week. Lauren Ellis chats to them about their light and bright kitchen design in the latest episode of Interiors Addict TV. Were you a fan?
[contextly_sidebar id=”S12SdeLQhA0rCcjyRtiVGeaWVmM7bRJ5″]The couple talk about how they created a warm, textured, vintage look in the U-shaped kitchen and their love of Caesarstone tops. And how Freedom Kitchens helped them make quick decisions on the design and incorporate some custom elements.
Caesarstone have introduced four new designs to their successful concrete and marble inspired ranges.
Raw Concrete
Catering to the growing trend for an industrial utilitarian aesthetic, Caesarstone’s two innovative concrete designs offer the look and feel of a formed concrete surface, yet remain easy to clean and never require sealing.
Fresh Concrete
The classic and natural soft grey Raw Concrete and the more modern and delicate fine white Fresh Concrete, are the newest additions to the concrete designs range, joining the highly successful Sleek Concrete.
Statuario Nuvo
On the marble side of things is the launch of Statuario Nuvo and Taj Royale – new marble inspired designs that complement the 2014 Calacatta Nuvo. As Caesarstone’s interpretation of natural Statuario marble, Statuario Nuvo brings refined yet impressive dark veins on a white background and Taj Royale exhibits soft textures, delicate veins, rich depths and warm hues.
Taj Royale
The new designs are available through kitchen retailers nationally and are on display in all Caesarstone showrooms.
Now, this is one benchtop surface that’s going to divide opinion: the new Concetto from Caesarstone. First I loved it, then I hated it, then hang on, I really quite like the look of that! Hmmm…
Concetto is a collection of extraordinary surfaces handmade from individually cut and bound semi-precious stones and it certainly makes a statement.
[contextly_sidebar id=”B7pcF8crNTAM9hFTmPR9WR2e3jGVGETV”]“It is amazing to consider that the semi-precious stones used to make Concetto are sourced from all corners of the Earth and up to 150 million years in the making. It is somewhat akin to owning a special piece of art,” said Andrew Dixon, general manager marketing for Caesarstone Australia.
“We are seeing Concetto used in very unique interiors, often as highlight elements in very contemporary, sometimes minimal ways. The development of new LED lighting technologies, often remotely controlled, is seeing the fusion of different back lighting effects being used with the six surfaces in the collection which can be backlit”
All Caesarstone showrooms can demonstrate Concetto backlighting examples by appointment.
Ideal for a wide variety of applications such as kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, bathroom surfaces, furniture pieces and feature walls, Concetto carries the same superior properties as all Caesarstone surfaces.
I’ll be the first to admit I have absolutely no interest in Big Brother, but when I caught a glimpse of their Miami-inspired kitchen, well let’s just say things got a lot more interesting!
With 16 housemates, the emphasis of the kitchen is on regular entertaining as well creating practical and durable spaces. Designed by Freedom Kitchens, it features sweeping stain-resistant benchtops, a 900mm cooktop, large eat-in island bench and plenty of room for traffic flow between busy workstations.
Classic Shaker doors in White Matt complement the dual benchtop selection of Caesarstone’s new Clamshell (a soft fusion of light grey and white) and Laminex 180º FX Carrera Marble for a sophisticated base. Offsetting the neutrals are zingy citrus accents for furnishings and accessories, with a lush feature wall creating a glitzy, coastal look.
“A kitchen design is certainly one thing that you need to get right because once it is in, for most of us, we are stuck with it for a long time.” That’s the advice from one half of The Block Sky High’s “kitchen queens” Alisa Fraser. “Spend the time planning and don’t feel pressured into making any decisions that you are not comfortable with. Look at products that are sustainable and will serve you well in years to come. You really need to picture yourself working and living in the space and make a list of things that don’t work in your current space and apply them to your new design.”
Block kitchen queens Alisa and Lysandra Fraser
I couldn’t have put it better myself. Although I personally have never designed a kitchen (the one house I bought had a kitchen I loved just as it was and since I’ve been in Australia I’ve been renting), I’ve certainly pinned enough ‘Dream Home’ photos to Pinterest and given my opinion when asked by numerous friends about theirs. I also happen to hang out with a fair few people in the interiors business (understatement!), so I like to think I have an idea of what makes a good design and what’s in.
Alisa and her twin sister Lysandra won the title of the kitchen queens on the hit renovating show, impressing the judges and the public on both the Sky High and Fans vs. Favourites series. “I think we are good at visualising a space,” Alisa says. We are very conscious of not just choosing a product because it is the latest trend, as we all know that trends come and go so quickly these days. I remember Neale Whitaker commenting on our Fans vs. Favs kitchen and saying that it would still look good in 30 years. And that is the trick! Kitchens are expensive so you don’t want to be changing them every five or so years. It’s also about making the most of a space and utilising every part of it. But most of all, a kitchen needs to be functional and practical.”
SPATIAL PLANNING
Image: Fisher & Paykel
Not everyone has the vision of Alisa and Lysandra. My advice would be to call in a professional, even if you think you know what you want. The reason for this is they do this stuff day in, day out and may well think of things you’d never have thought of. Chances are you’ve gotten very used to living with your space, which can make it hard to visualise it any other way. Most kitchen companies offer free consultations and can whip you up a CAD model of your future kitchen. Seeing it on paper in 3D will really help. They’ll also know about the latest appliances and clever storage options you might not be familiar with. I’m talking pull out pantries, dishwashers or refrigerators in drawers and combination induction and gas cooktops here!
If you feel uncomfortable about having someone in your kitchen or feel like you’ll be given the hard sell, head to your local showroom armed with a simple drawing of your kitchen with measurements. Also mark on it the location of doors, windows, plumbing and anything that can’t be moved.
THE WORK TRIANGLE?
I’m sure you’ve heard of the theory of the work triangle; that is that your stove, fridge and sink should be laid out in a triangle for optimum ergonomics and use of space in the kitchen. Is it relevant in 2014? Probably not. There are many reasons for this, not least that today’s kitchens tend to be open plan, larger and used for many more things. They’re so often the heart of the home. People eat in them, cook in them, do homework in them, and so it goes on.
While it used to be taken as Gospel, Fisher & Paykel reject the traditional notion of the work triangle. Their head of industrial design, Mark Elmore, says: “There are many more advantages to be gained through the use of distributed appliances. Consumers can choose to position modular appliances or combinations of appliances wherever they think they’ll be most useful in the kitchen, entertaining and living spaces.”
Fisher & Paykel’s head of industrial design, Mark Elmore
The work triangle came about off the back of time and motion studies. But today’s kitchens are both individual and more social, says Mark. “Today’s layouts suit a more social, usually open-plan kitchen. And layouts are more ergonomic – ovens are higher in walls and dishwashers and fridges can be distributed to suit your patterns of usage or positioned higher to minimise bending. This concept sees modular appliances, such as Fisher & Paykel’s DishDrawer™ or CoolDrawer™ positioned around the kitchen – or beyond – to suit the way people live.”
Image: Fisher & Paykel
Consideration should be given to which and what style of appliances you’re after at the very beginning of your design process. “When it’s stripped back to its elements, a kitchen is space plus functionality,” Mark says. “How you and your family use your kitchen should determine not just the position of appliances, but also the features you look for.”
BUDGET
It’s a good idea to set one early. So many people go into a kitchen store and for some bizarre reason, are afraid to disclose what they’re willing to spend. Quite frankly, it’s a little ridiculous. These people can help you much better if they understand the sort of money they’re working with. Don’t feel embarrassed that your budget is too low because you can only afford what you can afford. And there is no point quoting more than you intend to spend either. My advice is to be honest with the professionals. They’ll tell you what’s possible within your budget and if you then decide you can find extra money for the marble benchtop or built-in coffee machine you really can’t live without, then so be it. Not being open or honest about your budget is just going to waste everyone’s time.
Mark says, in general, people spend between a quarter and a third of their budget on appliances. “Passionate foodies who demand top performance from their appliances daily, might spend more.” An important point Mark raises is that a new kitchen gives you the opportunity to consider your whole life and design a functional space that responds to your needs.
APPLIANCES: THE BASICS
“The basic appliances every home needs are an oven, cooktop, rangehood, microwave, dishwasher and fridge-freezer. Yet the appliances you select will depend on how you cook,” Mark says. “People who love to bake or cook several meals simultaneously might go for a double oven or an extra large 90cm wide oven. Many people get a premium built-in oven and then supplement it with a combination microwave or steam oven that can be used for a different purpose.”
APPLIANCES: AESTHETICS
“Styling has become increasingly important as the trend of open-plan kitchens continues to grow,” says Mark. “Contemporary styling which works with living spaces is in high demand and if your kitchen is one of the increasing number that extends into your living area, then the look of your appliances will be more important.”
Image: Fisher & Paykel
Fisher & Paykel’s range of cooking appliances are designed to match each other – in finishes, proportions and details. Rather than having a clashing array of styles and brands, you can buy a complete suite of appliances with a cohesive, consistent look.
While integration is popular, Mark says not to discount the ‘wow’ factor of a big statement piece such as a robust, freestanding 90cm cooker or a sleek line-up of built-in appliances from their Companion range such as a coffee maker, combination microwave oven or steam oven.
THE LATEST INNOVATIONS
There is of course, always some new gadget to add the wow factor. Alisa says there are so many new appliances hitting the market every day, it is sometimes hard to keep up. “From built-in coffee machines, to steamers and instant hot and cold Zip taps, innovative appliances are what make kitchens stand out from each other.
“Appliances are not only essential and practical, but nowadays they are sexy and make a statement of their own. The right appliances in a kitchen say a lot about the people cooking in it. You can add your own personality with the many types of models now available. Choosing appliances has never been as exciting as it is today.
“We all want and expect more from kitchens now, so in your standard kitchen 10 years ago, a dishwasher was a luxury. Now, it’s just expected. Not only that, but now there are so many products available to us, when it comes to selecting appliances – cabinetry, benchtop finishes – reaching a final decision is so much harder.”
To create more flexible options, Fisher & Paykel have designed innovative appliances in drawers – the DishDrawer™ dishwasher and CoolDrawer™ multi-temperature refrigerator – plus a range of modular cooktops available in up to five burners or zones. Instead of having a traditional dishwasher next to the sink, you can put a single DishDrawer™ beside the sink and another closer to cupboards where glasses and crockery are stored. Putting appliances in the kitchen island is also a great option for open-plan kitchens.
Image: Fisher & Paykel
SPEND VS. SPLURGE
One area you can save money is on your splashbacks, says Alisa. “Glass splashbacks can be quite expensive, so head to your local tile store and see what is on special. A tiled splashback, done right, can certainly create impact. If you are really looking to save money on your kitchen renovation then as nice as it is to have soft closing drawers, they are not an essential. Another money-saving tip is to go out and source your own handles. Generally kitchen places offer the top of the range kitchen hardware, but it is amazing what specials you can pick up at your local hardware store.”
So, where should you splurge? “I certainly think quality appliances are always going to serve you well,” says Alisa. “They should last you a long time and it will save you the effort and hassle of having to replace any faulty appliances down the track. I also feel that investing in some kind of stone bench top is well worth it. Even though there are some pretty amazing laminates out there, I still feel nothing screams class as much as the real thing.”
When it comes to deciding whether to replace your appliances, bear in mind that old ones can consume more energy leading to increased costs. “Fridges are often the worst offenders,” Mark notes. “It’s really not a good idea to put your old fridge in the garage either because it can cost the price of a basic new fridge simply in running costs!”
When it comes to the cost of a benchtop, Caesarstone offer the following advice: “There are many factors to consider beyond the actual cost of the material itself. The cost to fabricate a benchtop can vary widely but it’s important to keep in mind that cheaper isn’t always necessarily better. Another simple cost-cutting measure is to factor the size of the raw material into your kitchen design – a small change in the length of your kitchen island for example, could be all the difference between needing two or three slabs of stone, which will make a big difference to the bottom line.”
WHAT’S TRENDY NOW?
When it comes to the biggest kitchen trends of the moment, Alisa highlights the comeback of the butler’s pantry and even the addition of a laundry within the kitchen to optimise space. “People are becoming more creative when it comes to storage solutions. Now they can be discreet and practical.”
View to the butler’s pantry in Carlene and Michael’s kitchen in the current series of The Block Glasshouse
Another trend is the use of slab splashbacks. “They are predominately used in open kitchens that have the advantage of working with space. Slabs with marble veins can create a focal point and in essence, become a piece of art. I am loving the use of timbers throughout kitchens this season. Whether used subtly or throughout the entire kitchen, there is something sexy and inviting about timber. It is clean, contemporary and always looks amazing with white clean lines.”
Like the twins’ kitchen in Fans vs. Favourites, which Alisa calls her dream kitchen, she is seeing a lot of designs take advantage of the space-saving and entertaining benefits of having a dining table integrated with the kitchen benchtop. “When done well, this can make your kitchen look bigger and creates dimension in the room.” When it comes to layout, Alisa doesn’t believe there is a set rule. “Each space is unique and every person has different wants and requirements.”
In fact, if you had to highlight one consistent trend in kitchens at the moment, it’s for customisation in all areas. “People who want very high temperature burners or wok cooking often select one or two gas burners and put them together with an induction cooktop,” says Mark. “Fisher & Paykel caters to this customisation as people make their own cooktop combinations. Each of the gas and induction variants are designed to match, in the same easy-to-clean, reflective black Stopsol glass and unifying polished metal strip.”
Image: Fisher & Paykel
When it comes to benchtops, due to improvements in technology, Caesarstone are seeing a trend back toward more natural looking surfaces with their marble-inspired Supernatural designs and colours in high demand. “As the modern industrial look becomes increasingly popular, we are also seeing a growing trend toward concrete-look benchtop surfaces being incorporated into mainstream kitchen designs, as more affordable and practical alternatives such as our Sleek Concrete become available,” says Caesarstone’s George Skentzos.
CHOOSING A BENCHTOP
Benchtops seem to be one of those things people um and ah over for a really long time, trying to get just right. At the end of the day, the look, colour and quality of your choice will have a big effect on the aesthetics of your kitchen. Then again, there are so many practical considerations as benchtops get a bit of a battering and you want them to last. Marble, in my opinion, looks amazing, but you wouldn’t catch me installing it as a benchtop even if I was made of money, due to its bad relationship with water!
George says: “Like the icing on a cake, a benchtop is the finishing touch for any kitchen – a personal signature which can dramatically transform the overall look of your kitchen. When selecting your benchtop, it’s important to ask yourself what overall look you want to achieve and whether you want the surface to become a focal point or blend in with the décor.”
Caesarstone’s online visualiser showing a kitchen with Sleek Concrete and Calacatta Nuvo benchtops
Designing a modern kitchen that will stand the test of time is a balancing act between incorporating current style trends with classic design elements to create an overall look that feels both modern and timeless. “Often, people make the mistake of designing their kitchen to be more clinical than contemporary, so my advice would be to incorporate natural materials like stone and timber over a neutral foundation which will always be on trend, then introduce a contemporary twist with fixtures like taps, feature lighting and splashbacks, which can be updated easily and affordably over time to keep the kitchen looking fresh.”
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
So, if you’re about to design your kitchen, listen up to the following advice from Alisa: “There are two places where people go wrong when designing a kitchen. Firstly, they don’t think about the functionality and layout. This is a huge mistake as once a kitchen is in, the layout is extremely difficult and expensive to change. The other mistake is that people design their kitchen around what is on trend right now, but come the next season, the trend will have changed. There are simple ways you can add trending products into your kitchen that can easily be changed, like pendant lights, stools, tea towels and vases. These are affordable items that can easily be removed and changed.”
CONCLUSION
I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide to designing your modern kitchen. While trends come and go, I hope we’ve offered you some great advice on how to budget, what to consider, where to invest and where you can make some clever savings. We know a kitchen reno is a huge and sometimes daunting task to embark on, but don’t put it in the too-hard basket anymore. Armed with the right information and having done your homework, you can have a dream kitchen that you’ll use and love for many years to come. Good luck!
NEED MORE HELP & INSPIRATION?
If you’re planning to renovate, you can find out more about the latest Fisher & Paykel offers here. For more design ideas you can explore the inspirational case studies here or check out Interiors Addict’s Kitchens & Bathroom section.
It’s been a good month for exciting new products from Caesarstone. Last week, we shared the new Calacatta marble-inspired quartz surface, and today we bring you Sleek Concrete.
With a warm grey base, it encapsulates the look and feel of fine concrete, but has the durability and ease of maintenance that Caesarstone surfaces are renowned for. There’s also a more on trend concrete matt textured finish, which creates an industrial, aged look and feel. It never requires sealing and will acquire a natural patina over time.
Perfect for both residential and commercial use, Sleek Concrete can be used for kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, wall panels, vanities, café tables and benches and bars. Sleek Concrete is available now and comes with 10-year limited warranty. Find your nearest showroom here.
I am obsessed with marble. You could call me a marble freak. It’s just gorgeous, right? Nature can do no wrong, but it did really REALLY well with marble. Trouble is, it isn’t always the most practical choice and certainly not the cheapest. Which is why Caesarstone’s interpretation of the famous Calacatta marble, Calacatta Nuvo, is bound to be a hit.
They’ve been talking about it for months but it’s finally available, and the opportunities for both kitchens and bathrooms (where real marble isn’t always a smart choice) are endless. “The response we received from designers from many of our global markets was exceptional,” says general manager marketing for Australia, Andrew Dixon. “Calacatta Nuvo is proving to be perhaps our most anticipated new design ever. Like several recent marble-inspired designs, we take inspiration from natural marble products, but go on to create something relevant to many markets and unique to Caesarstone.”
Calacatta Nuvo works beautifully with a range of complimentary materials including crisp, modern white cabinets, stainless steel and simple wood grains. Likewise, it brings the classic luxurious marble look to both transitional and traditional kitchens and bathrooms with its polished gloss surface.
I was present at its first showing to global consumers and designers at the recent Milan design week, where Caesarstone exhibited a major installation designed by London-based Raw Edges. The 18-metre long kitchen ‘island’ demonstrated the subtle strength and impact that the large vein structure can give the overall look and feel of the kitchen. I thought it was very impressive.
“Whilst kitchens and especially islands, are certainly the main area of application, we are seeing significant interest from designers considering selection for commercial uses in hotels, restaurants, bars and retail interiors where the ease of maintenance and high durability bring added benefits to the aesthetic impact,” Andrew adds. “In addition, Caesarstone’s low porosity makes it extremely well suited to bathroom wall linings, bath surrounds and benchtop surfaces.”
Given the large‐scale design, Caesarstone recommend viewing large panels of Calacatta Nuvo during the selection process and to that end all Caesarstone showrooms across Australia have full panels on display. Calacatta Nuvo sells at a higher price than other designs in the marble-inspired supernatural range.
Established in 1987, Caesarstone pioneered the original quartz surface. Caesarstone surfaces consist of up to 93% quartz. Applications include kitchen bench tops, bathroom vanities, flooring, wall panelling, furniture and more.
For further information, go online or call 1300 119 119.
Last week saw THE event of the interiors calendar Salone Internazionale del Mobile (the international furniture fair) in Milan, and I was lucky enough to go for the first time. Within this mega fair sits Eurocucina, a kitchens-only showcase bigger than most Aussie trade fairs and full of beautiful things (read about the top trends I spotted here).
A display at Eurocucina in Milan
Freedom Kitchens sent a team of 10 of their designers to Milan to be inspired by Europe’s latest trends, innovations and materials in kitchens. Because they have their own Australian factory, this inspiration can become reality in customers’ kitchen within months — weeks even. This flexibility and freedom to move fast is what keeps their kitchens cutting edge and fashionable, as you may have seen on The Block Sky High.
Matt and Kim’s Freedom Kitchen from The Block Sky High
At the fair, Freedom Kitchens’ national sales director Susan Hasler said the kitchens at Milan were darker and moodier than last year with a lot of highlights in timber veneers and more matt than gloss finishes. “Some of the Dekton surfaces were very interesting and there was a lot of the concrete look and feel. It’s all a lot about texture. Touch and feel is really important.”
Cabinetry was perhaps more vertical than horizontal with taller pull-out drawers containing several internal drawers. Another trend she noticed was for integrated handles rather than a completely handle-less look.
Large drawer storage seen at Eurocucina
Freedom Kitchens will be able to translate these innovations and trends to the local Australian market very quickly, while remembering that not everything will be popular or appropriate to our lifestyle. “We will be able to update some of our designs within a couple of months due to us manufacturing in Australia. We can do smaller runs, move quickly and see if things work and are popular,” Susan says. “It’s really important for us to come here to things like Eurocucina. Australia is sometimes thought of as being behind the times. You’re going to have a kitchen for a very long time so it’s important we’re ahead of the game. You don’t want to invest in something which is already a couple of years out of date. We have 10 kitchen designers here which is a big investment but it’s worth it for what we can bring back and the level of credibility it gives us. It’s about us bringing that fashion look at a value price.”
It’s not as simple as copying a load of ideas and expecting Australians to accept them as the latest and greatest, by any means. “It’s about adapting ideas to the Australian market and our way of life,” Susan says. “In terms of the differences between Europe and Australia, we entertain outside a lot, with kitchens often leading out onto decks or yards, or other entertaining areas. This lends itself well to the single wall and island design of kitchen.”
Kitchens were moodier, with more timber veneers and matt surfaces at Eurocucina
While people are often tempted to play it safe on a room which costs a lot of money and they hope to keep for years, Susan says a good kitchen designer can help them to be braver without wasting money or making an unwise investment. Her advice for a ‘safe’ yet fashionable kitchen is to stick to neutral cabinets and be bold with things you can change every couple of years (if desired) like wall colours (wallpaper even!), pendant lights and even splashbacks. You can make a real difference with how you accessorise (the great thing about Freedom Kitchens being that you can pick up Freedom homewares in store too). “We love being able to show customers how to accessorise and style their kitchens with our examples in our showrooms,” Susan says.
In terms of the strong presence of timber veneer at Milan, Susan doesn’t think many Australians will opt for that look in a big way. They may, for example though, choose to do their base cabinets in timber veneer and top cabinets in white, or just their end panels for example. These are all flexible options Freedom Kitchens can offer. “We also have to bear in mind that something that looks great here in Europe may not translate well in Australian light. It’s very different.”
Timber veneers seen at Eurocucina in Milan
The previous snobbery about veneer is disappearing these days, due to the huge advances in quality. “The new ones are so good you can’t even tell they’re not solid timber. They’re also more durable and hygienic which makes them a smart choice for kitchens.”
Look out for more expert tips on kitchen storage and how to get the most out of working with a kitchen designer on the blog next week.
Last night, I went to a beautiful Caesarstone event in Milan as part of the international furniture fair Salone del Mobile. The crowning glory of the installation was a 19-metre long, super sleek and modern ‘island’ for cooking and food prep, looking striking in the middle of one of the historic Palazzo Clerici’s ornate old rooms, with a lemon tree springing from its centre.
Two further islands, also made of various Caesarstone surfaces, comprised a table tennis table and a stunning bath with built-in record turntable!
Islands is a collaboration with London-based Raw Edges designers Yael Mer and Shay Alkalay. In their eight years, the young duo have designed for Cappellini, Established & Sons, Moroso, Kvadrat, Stella McCartney, Arco, Mutina, Lema and more, and their many works have been showcased in museums and exhibited in expos in Milan, London, Paris and New York.
The main idea was to look at the Caesarstone product differently; beyond simply a surface that you put things on top of. The main island had cut-outs for sinks, dishes, chopping boards and much more, showing just what’s possible. The only limit is your imagination!
Caesarstone Australia marketing manager Andrew Dixon explains the idea is to really inspire people to think outside the box, and while it’s unlikely many customers will go as far as putting a turntable in their bathroom, the many possibilities available to customise the flexible and super strong product are not fantasy.
“We’d like people to think ‘do I really need all these cupboards?’ for example. Caesarstone is so user-friendly and so much more than just a bench top. I personally love the idea of creating a raised appliances station on top of the bench top where you keep appliances out, but out of the way of the main preparation surface,” Andrew says.
“Innovation is really important to us and we like to provide the customer with direct inspiration.”
Two exciting new products should hit the market around June/July: Sleek Concrete and the marble-inspired Calacatta Nuvo (I’ve seen it and it’s great).
I’ve spent many hours at Eurocucina today, the kitchen section (I say section, but it’s bigger than most standalone trade fairs) of Salone del Mobile in Milan. I thought I’d share the top trends I noticed and some photos from day one.
I should preface this by saying the combination of swarms of super-keen visitors and lighting designed to create atmosphere and mood, don’t make for the best photos I’ve ever taken!
Timber and timber veneer were everywhere, mostly muted cool greige tones which I found surprisingly warm and interesting. For me, this was the most obvious and overarching kitchen design trend at the fair.
The new timber kitchen is modern and sleek and just a touch industrial. Although the timber finishes tend to be pale, the look isn’t Scandi as you might expect.
I love the texture and warmth in these kitchens.
Timber and stainless steel was a popular combo.
There’s also very little gloss. It’s all about the matt surfaces on cabinetry.
Many kitchens incorporated some kind of open shelving. This makes the kitchen feel like more of a dressed room than ever before and not just a functional space. Seeing as it’s the heart of most homes these days, this makes absolute sense!
Large pullout drawers for storage, replacing cupboards, are still big, with many featuring lights which automatically come on when opened.
Touch-open cabinet doors are here to stay with very few doors with handles seen.
I saw a lot of glass fronted cabinets (and poor staff constantly polishing fingerprints off them!).
Cabinet doors folded up or back on themselves. I loved some of these smart features.
This looks like a splashback until it lifts up to reveal the storage behind. Neat.
Low hanging multiple interesting pendant lights over kitchen benches and dining tables were popular; another way to dress the kitchen, as mentioned above.
Where I saw a few pops of colour against the timber it was almost always red.
Bench tops were super slim in many cases; just a few mm.
I spotted many gloss white appliances, like ovens, and some black ones too, making a change from steel. Isn’t it funny how appliances (and electricals like TVs) go through colour trends like this? The white works well with the timber, I must say.
This is my first ever trip to Salone del Mobile and Eurocucina. It is huge and rather mad, especially on opening day. You can feel the buzz of excitement around and there are people from all over the world everywhere. There is a lot of ground to cover. Literally! It was an exciting day, getting a look at what will no doubt become common trends in Aussie kitchens in the not too distant future. Tomorrow, I’ll be chatting to two experts from Freedom Kitchens to get their take on what’s going to be big.
I’m flying to Milan tomorrow which is UBER exciting, to experience the HUGE international furniture fair Salone Internazionale del Mobile, for the first time. It’s every interiors addict’s dream, surely? My trip will be very kitchen-centric, and I’ll spend most of my time at Eurocucina, so I’ll be bringing you back all the latest trends and products. I’ll also be visiting some kitchen showrooms around the city and going to some no doubt glam parties with Smeg and Caesarstone.
Everyone keeps telling me it’s impossible to envisage just how big it is until you go for the first time. Suffice to say, I’m packing my comfy walking shoes! Looking forward to sharing it all with you very soon.
Last night was the most impressive room reveal so far if you ask me. What did you think of the couples’ kitchens? If you liked what you saw, read on to find out which products and finishes the contestants chose from Freedom Kitchens, so you can shop the look yourselves. I don’t think the photos do them justice as much as seeing them on the TV. You can watch videos on The Block website.
Trixie and Johnno’s winning kitchen
Seems the viewing public weren’t happy with the choice of winner, with some serious bitching and calls of a fix on The Block’s Facebook page (it can get pretty vicious over there!) last night. Trixie upset many viewers by saying she’d like to dress the twins up as pigs (on account of them police officers) which many said was disrespectful.
Trixie and Johnno featured Newbury Satin Heartwood Laminex, Alaskan Gloss Crème Brulee and Caesarstone Frosty Carrina with 40mm edge.
Judges’ verdict? Designed exactly for the way people live their lives, perfect for the penthouse!
Jen’s verdict: I thought it was safe and neutral in a classy way, but not very exciting. I’m a bit over vertical gardens too. LOVED the lights though.
Timber and stainless steel was a popular combo.
