LG bring a pop of colour into the kitchen with the release of their new LG Objet Collection, a line-up of new refrigerators and freezers sporting a range of colour panels. Available in French door, single door and upright freezer formats, the collection embraces a modern, minimalist design language that responds to the growing consumer demand for stylish and functional spaces in the home.
With customisable colour panels available in various colours and finishes including silver, green or black stainless steel or beige, silver, pink or mint mist glass, the fun range allows you to set the mood and style of your kitchen.
“Our new LG Objet Collection gives the traditional Australian kitchen a chic level-up by putting a stylish twist on the growing personalisation trend,” says Shannon Tweedie, marketing manager for home appliances. “I love the idea of making the refrigerator a statement piece with colour blocking.”
Modular flexibility
The modular set up and minimalist design means that consumers can simply add another fridge or freezer from the collection to build the desired kitchen configuration to suit their needs. The zero-clearance hinges allow the upright freezer and single door refrigerator to be installed flush against the cavity, integrating into the existing spaces.
Built for performance
On top of its stylistic flair, the LG Objet Collection also delivers on functionality with innovative features that work together to maximise food freshness.
The InstaViewfeature lets you see inside with two quick knocks of the sleek glass panel without having to open the door, while SurroundCooling circulates cold air from both the front and the back of the fridge to keep food fresher for longer.
Additionally, the Moist Balance Crisper helps keep fruit and vegetables stay crisp longer with a lattice-patterned box cover that maintains their ideal moisture level, while Multi Air Flow vents located in the rear can provide fast circulation of cold air.
From Samsung’s latest innovations to sleek Scandinavian inspired washbasins, upgrade your kitchen and bathroom this winter with our latest roundup.
Bunnings Cibo Design Bathroomware: For the past few years, CIBO Design has worked hand-in-hand with Bunnings to deliver on-trend bathroomware that’s high on quality but accessibly priced. These vanities come in wall-hung or full-height styles and five popular sizes to cater for a wide range of bathrooms. All versions including soft-close doors and drawers with finger-pull handles. There are four basin colours to choose from including gloss white and matte pale pink.
Concrete Nation Petite Valencia Bathtub: With limitations on travel, bathrooms have become spa-like sanctuaries and the Petite Valencia, meticulously handcrafted by Concrete Nations’s team of artisans at Burleigh Heads, is set to bring a sense of absolute luxury. Small in size but big on style, the Petite Valencia retails for $5190.00 and is available in 13 signature colours.
Samsung French Door Refrigerator: Samsung Electronics Australia have expanded their French Door Refrigerator range, announcing six new models. The 7000 Series is packed with smart innovations, such as the new Beverage Centre with Autofill Jug that automatically refills every time it’s placed back into the fridge, making empty water jugs a thing of the past.
Samsung Electronics Australia Smart AI Washing Machine & Dryer Range: They’ve also extended their Smart AI Washing Machine and Dryer range, bringing out three new washing machines and three new heat pump dryers in a range of sizes and a new black colourway. Available now at leading retailers.
Smeg Bean to Cup Coffee Machine: The latest must-have for every coffee lover, Smeg’s Bean to Cup fully automatic espresso coffee machine offers a simple and convenient solution for espresso, cappuccino, and latte enthusiasts. Create the perfect aromatic coffee at the touch of a button, while not compromising on flavour.
Hisense Australia Dishwashing Range: Designed and manufactured in Europe, the new freestanding units are available in white, stainless steel and black, starting from $1,099.
Paco Jaanson Glam Wash Basin Range: Whether you’re seeking a built-in, counter top or wall mounted basin, the Glam range by Paco Jaanson creates a refreshing and minimalistic addition in any bathroom. It comes in 14 circular, square and rectangular styles.
Australia’s best kitchens: 7 stunners to inspire your next renovation
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From a variety of Smeg newbies (a fun Mickey Mouse fridge and new high-tech dishwasher), to a new speed oven and the dark kitchen trend, Spring is proving an interesting season for kitchens.
Smeg: The special edition Smeg Mickey fridge was released in the UK a little while back but Aussie Disney fans can now get their hands on it locally through Winning Appliances and Appliances Online. The fridge pairs the FAB fridge’s signature 1950’s retro style with a bespoke drawing of a cheeky Mickey Mouse front and centre. $3490.
The same iconic fridge as above (but without the animation!), Smeg has added a few new colours to its FAB28 fridge line-up of late – taupe, ruby red and emerald green. $2990.
The new Smeg FAB28 fridge is now available in this chic taupe tone
Smeg has also just released a new range of dishwashers that feature a new way of washing and promise sparkling dishes with zero effort. Yes, please! The dishwashers feature an aerodynamically designed orbital wash system (for maximum efficiency) that includes nine spray jets that clean up and down simultaneously. They also feature the patented ‘Planetary Wash’ system that offers a unique rotation around two axes, delivering the brand’s most intensive wash action to date. The range has good eco-credentials too. From $1390.
WolfICBSPO30 60cm speed oven: Treated as a primary cooking device, or paired with a conventional oven, the Wolf Speed Oven is compact and super quick. Available in two sizes (60cm and 76cm), the oven can prepare entire meals or even just simple tasks such as defrosting or melting – in some ways it’s like a far superior alternative to a microwave. $9495
Caesarstone: Global trends forecaster (and Caesarstone collaborator), Li Edelkoort has noted a dramatic shift away from the all-white kitchens of old with dark tones firmly in vogue. “While at first, choosing black for the kitchen seems surprising, it is actually logical and connected – it is as stylish as the black bowls and plates we now choose to present our food on,” says Li.
Caesarstone offers four finishes that epitomise the look. ‘Vanilla Noir’ features a deep, dense black base with delicate traces of greyed-white veins while ‘Jet Black’ is a rich black that has subtle, yet consistent patterning. ‘Raven’ is a deep slate grey (almost black) that features subtle dappling and ‘Piatra Grey’ is a deep slate grey with chalky white veining.
Caesarstone ‘Vanilla Noir’
Caesarstone ‘Piatra Grey’
Electrolux: Echoing the sentiments above, Electrolux notes that Google searches for black and dark colours in kitchen design were up 93% in the past six months, with tastes turning to the dark side. “What I love about dark appliances in a kitchen is that they become a more subtle part of the room, working beautifully in a space where darker more earthy colours and materials are used,” says interior designer and Electrolux ambassador Anna-Carin McNamara.
Anna-Carin also believes that concerns about dark colours making spaces appear smaller are misplaced. “Space and size doesn’t really influence what colours work best. For example, a small room can be dramatic if dark,” says Anna-Carin.
Electrolux 90cm dark multifunction steam oven, from $3299.
Electrolux 681L dark stainless steel French door fridge, from $3299.
Haier freestanding oven: Affordable household appliance brand Haier has just released a new 90cm freestanding cooker featuring nine functions, a spacious 138L capacity, as well as a five-burner gas cooktop. $1749.
Meir Lavello sink: Created by Meir, the gorgeous Lavello kitchen sink range has just won the Architectural Product Design Award for 2019 via the esteemed Architectural MasterPrize organisation, based in Los Angeles. The award recognises the greatest architectural product designers and manufacturers around the globe, so it’s a pretty big deal for the Aussie brand!
Lavello double-bowl kitchen sink in brushed bronze/gold, from $1099
Lavello kitchen sink in matte black gun metal, from $590
Artusi 90cm AFG999 Pellegrino freestanding cooker: Designed and manufactured in Italy, this oven combines vintage aesthetics (chrome fittings and retro styling) with modern technology. It’s available in matte black, white and stainless steel and we like the handy storage drawer underneath. $4799.
Easily one of the most important appliances in the home, a fridge is a significant purchase for any household which can make choosing one a rather overwhelming process.
Depending on your cooking and entertaining needs, the ideal model can range from a French door, a four door, a top or bottom mount, or a pigeon pair. And then there’s the extras like an external water dispenser that may be a non-negotiable? If you’re suffering with decision fatigue when it comes to a fridge purchase, you should know that you’re not alone. We caught up with e&s recently for the complete lowdown on all the things to consider when in the market for a fridge upgrade.
A external water dispenser may be an important factor to consider for your household. Image: e&s
Household size A young couple will have different household requirements from that of a growing family, and this is especially the case when it comes to the fridge. Every family arrangement will have different cooking, storage and entertaining habits and requirements.
Ideally, your fridge’s capacity should align with the number of people in your household which usually means that younger apartment dwellers can typically choose a smaller capacity fridge to that of a family and vice versa.
An integrated Liebherr fridge. Image: e&s
Available space The emergence of apartment living has led to kitchens shrinking in size, with butler’s pantries giving way to a more open aesthetic that brings together living, dining and cooking areas into one cohesive space. As a result, a standard top or bottom mount fridge might not always be the right fit for the kitchen, with modular options better suited when space is at a premium.
Of course, French doors, pigeon pairs or traditional top or bottom mounts are ideal choices when the kitchen has ample space for the fridge.
French doors are a great, practical option if you have the space. Image: e&s
Design direction Form and function go hand in hand, and once the household’s needs have been considered, design should be next on the list. Freestanding fridges are usually the mainstay in classic kitchens, while their integrated counterparts are ideal for contemporary spaces, concealed behind cabinetry when not in use. Looking to infuse a pop of colour in the kitchen? Coloured fridges are the way to go.
An integrated fridge always looks slick. Image: e&s
Extra features to consider Once considered a futuristic vision, modern technological innovations have ensured fridges are more efficient than ever before, with a slew of features simplifying use and enhancing convenience. External water dispensers and glass display doors are a great way to reduce how often a fridge is opened, while sliding shelves make it easier to store and access items.
The Sub-Zero PRO Series fridge has handy glass doors. Image: e&s
Newer models also come with airflow systems that help maintain consistent temperatures no matter how often the fridge is opened. And those looking for a model that is easier to clean and maintain can choose from a range of black options too.
Dolce & Gabbana will soon bring their heavily embellished aesthetic to the home appliance world, with a unique collaboration with Smeg.
If you’re after a statement piece for the kitchen, this partnership more than delivers and it’s a look that’s certainly not for the faint-hearted. Smeg’s iconic retro style FAB28 refrigerator has been reimagined as a grand Italian fresco emblazoned with hand-painted, vibrant patterns and colours and striking depictions of Sicily’s past.
Think uniquely Sicilian symbols of lemons, the trinacria (a reference to the triangular shape of the island of Sicily), cart wheels, medieval knights and battle scenes, all hand-painted by Sicilian artists including brothers Antonio and Guiseppe Bevilacqua and mother and daughter pair Adriana Zambonelli and Tiziana Nicosia.
With only 300 produced, these beauties are likely to be highly sought after and will quickly reach instant heirloom status. They’ll be unveiled shortly at Milan’s design fair, Salone Internazionale del Mobile.
As the hub of the home, the kitchen is the place we congregate to cook, catch up on the day and entertain friends. In essence, today’s kitchens must complement our lifestyle as well as how we cook.
Here are a few considerations to help you design a kitchen space that complements the way you live.
Functionality is key
Identify the key work and storage zones within the kitchen plan – the prep area, cooking area and wash area are the three critical spots. Make sure they reflect how you want to use your kitchen, and don’t be restricted by conventional kitchen layouts.
Also, if you are using an existing fridge within the design, consider whether it opens to the left or right so that you incorporate it effectively into your layout.
Bespoke cooktop Consider your cooking style and build your perfect cooktop by mixing and matching different sizes and types of cooktops. From induction to gas on glass or single and double burners, there are many different combinations to suit your cooking preferences.
Think drawers
One of the biggest evolutions in kitchen design has been the shift from cupboards to drawers for storage. A kitchen full of drawers creates a more flexible, functional and ergonomic space. Dishwashers with drawers, where the whole unit pulls out, make cleaning up a breeze and are much kinder on your back too.
Distributed appliances are a new design concept being referenced by kitchen designers. They provide you the flexibility to configure your kitchen to suit the way you work and live. As kitchens evolve to act more like lounge spaces, you could install a multi-temperature drawer for drinks by the dining table, a drawer dishwasher for crockery by the sink and another for glasses by the bar – the possibilities are endless.
You can also opt to place single dishwasher drawers side by side, with one able to operate alone for smaller loads, while the second, when space is short, acts as storage and for larger loads. The ergonomic drawer-based design works to reduce bending to load and unload heavy plates and platters.
Be consistent
To create a consistent aesthetic across appliances, purchase products that are visually complementary. Choose a brand that has designed their range of kitchen appliances, from fridges and dishwashers to ovens and cooktops with classic clean lines, cohesive materials and matching design aspects – think matching handles, black glass and stainless steel finishes.
For even greater aesthetic consistency, consider integrated appliances as they are sleek, space-saving and discrete. Clean lines and a flush fit are important with this trend – you want to create the illusion of continuous cabinetry.
–Mark Elmore is the head of industrial design for Fisher & Paykel.
Timelessness, simplicity and functionality form ASKO’s Pro Series. Designed with the home cook in mind, the appliances are all about making life less complex in the kitchen.
ASKO ovens are intelligently crafted to achieve a perfect cooking result every time. These ovens don’t just bake dishes, they help through the entire cooking process with clear and concise visual guides. Inspired by traditional wood-fired ovens, the cavity has a vaulted ceiling to provide a more efficient circulation and even distribution of heat. ASKO ovens are available in combination with a steam oven or microwave.
ASKO cooktops, with gas flame, are fully controllable allowing faster and more economical cooking. The trivets are cast iron and all ASKO gas cooktops feature integrated flame failure technology. Unique to the Australian market is the Duo Fusion cooktop, combining a wok burner and induction cooking.
ASKO rangehoods have a timeless look that is perfect for traditional or modern contemporary kitchens. Available in both island and wall-mounted designs, the rangehoods are powerful yet quiet, important features in open plan living. Pro Series rangehoods feature ASKO’s AirLogic System, incorporating a host of user features and ensuring the whole surface of the hood is used for fume extraction.
Pro Series refrigeration is designed to seamlessly integrate into kitchens. Choose between an industrial stainless steel finish or attach doors to match the kitchen’s cabinetry. With over 400 litres of load capacity and smart features like a dual refrigeration system and a convertible cooling drawer, the Pro Series fridge is anything but standard. Incorporating a fully adaptable fridge, freezer and wine fridge, it is one of the best designed and most flexible fridge/freezers available.
A door within a door? Well, that may sound a little overwhelming but LG’s two new Door-in-Door refrigerators promise not just better functionality and organisation, but the ability to maximise the freshness of your fruit and veg.
“LG’s new door-in-door refrigerators are designed for Aussies who prefer to buy fresh and direct,” explains Lambro Skropidis, general manager marketing at LG Australia. “They offer a range of features to not only help keep produce good for longer, but also cater to the organisational needs of food-lovers and home-cooking aficionados – after all, sometimes a tidy, well compartmentalised refrigerator can make all the difference in creating those great meals a lot easier.”
LG’s Door-in-Door design helps to reduce temperature fluctuations that occur whenever the refrigerator door is opened. Moreover, using the Door-in-Door feature reduces cold air loss by up to 41 per cent compared to opening one normal door. There’s also an added element of convenience – the design makes it easier to reach frequently sought-after food and beverages. With a quick push of a button, a unique panel is revealed, so foodies can access the foods they use most.
What’s better yet, is the convenience of easily locating your items isn’t limited to just the top half. With the two-door freezer layout, no longer is the freezer a black hole of ice, but instead an easy to access area. Here, you can organise your frozen goods and home cooked leftovers however you would like, such as by type or date.
LG’s latest two models are the GF5D712SL, which retails for $4,849 and offers a 712L capacity with counter-depth design, an ice maker and water dispenser; and the GF-5D906SL Door-in-Door model, which retails for $5,499, boasts a capacity of 906L and also includes an ice maker and water dispenser.
For more information on LG’s full line-up of Door-in-Door refrigerators, please visit their website.
Both their most premium and largest refrigerator to date, the new four-door Chef Collection from Samsung is all about bringing opulence to Australian kitchens.
Including temperature control, large capacity and versatile compartments, the fridge was developed in collaboration with Samsung Club des Chefs, a global Samsung culinary initiative that brings together world-class chefs to inspire the development of next generation Samsung appliances.
Some of the special features of the refrigerator include: Triple Cooling Technology (where you can control the temperature of three different zones of the refrigerator separately), the Fridge-in-Freezer compartment (which can be converted from a refrigerator to a freezer), the Chefs Pantry (a specific compartment that allows items like red meat and fish to be chilled at -1 degree) and the stainless steel Chefs Tray, that can be used for marinating meat and seafood and can be directly pulled out of the refrigerator and placed into the oven.
With a total capacity of a whopping 1,028 litres, the Chef Collection has a modern and sophisticated feel and features a Miracle Display that highlights the temperature settings through blue LED lights that shine out of perforated holes in the steel setting. Additionally, the Chef Collection refrigerator features still and sparkling water, powered by SodaStream.
The Chef Collection refrigerator retails for $11,999 and is available from select Australian retailers. For more information visit Samsung’s website here.
“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.
If there’s one thing Smeg’s known for it’s iconic and stylish design and their latest small domestic appliances, launched in Milan this week, do not disappoint.
On the one hand, it’s entry level Smeg for those of you who have been lusting after their retro FAB fridge for years but not quite able to justify the price tag. Or you may be lucky enough to already own a Smeg fridge or dishwasher (jealous!) and looking to add a complemetary toaster and kettle! You’ll struggle to find more stylish gadgets for your bench top and the big plus is they all come in ALL OF THE COLOURS!
Together with Matteo Bazzicalupo and Raffaella Mangiarotti of deepdesign, Smeg has delved into the not too distant past to come up with this 1950s style collection. Similar to the adored FAB28 fridge, the collaboration has created much more than simple electrical appliances.
Smeg say they are for those who love to surround themselves with strong aesthetics without compromising high quality and performance. From the 2×2 and 2×4 slice toasters, to the standard or variable temperature kettles, to the blender and stand mixer, Smeg small domestic appliances are tools that ensure excellent performance in all stages of food preparation, and have powerful personalities to match.
I was lucky enough to be at their world premiere at the Dolce & Gabanna Gold resaurant in Milan as part of design week. They are the result of intensive research and Smeg’s continuing ability to express excellence in “Made in Italy” design. If, like me, you want your gadgets to look as they function, look no further.
I also enjoyed tours of two of Smeg’s factories in Guastalla this week. I’ll share more with you about that soon.
The products will be available in Australia later this year. Find out more at Smeg Australia.
This is great news! Smeg’s 50s-style refrigerator, which I have long coveted, and is rightly loved for its style as much as its colour, now has a big brother! Despite its good looks, the FAB28 was never the biggest or most practical fridge, especially for families. But the new FAB50 has about 75 percent more capacity.
Available in 3 colours – panna, silver and white – the beautiful vintage styling houses the very latest in refrigeration technology and has a generous capacity of 473 litres gross. Frost-free operation, multiflow ventilation, fast-freeze compartment, quick-chill crystal glass shelves and convenient 0°C chiller compartment are just some of the family-friendly features.
Imagine a shiny new fridge with a sparkling water dispenser in the door! It exists! Thanks to a new partnership between Samsung and SodaStream. Love it!
The new French door refrigerator features an in-built sparkling water dispenser, the first of its kind available through retail outlets in Australia. The 890L 4-door model (SRF890SWLS) is ideal for entertaining with its large capacity, wide shelves and a convenient integrated gas system, powered by SodaStream, that delivers cold, filtered sparkling and still water straight from the refrigerator door.
Would you like to win this French door fridge from Westinghouse, in your choice of white or stainless steel, delivered to your door? Look at ALL THAT SPACE!
This Australian made, wide-open fridge space, is designed with the modern family in mind and easily fits platters, plentiful fresh food and multiple bottles of soft drink, juice or wine, meaning you can see everything at a quick glance. It’s worth $2,329 and you could win one with Appliance Addict.
A Smeg fridge has been on my appliance wishlist for as long as I can remember. My obsession with the classic Smeg started at an age when I really should have been getting more excited about shoes. Or underage drinking. Or boys. Not white (or maybe baby pink) goods.
This latest model, the FQ60XP, looks nothing like the classic FAB32 I still dream of, but it’s an awful lot more practical and clever. (I still remember seeing my friends’ beautiful cream Smeg banished to the garage when it became too small for their two-child family and replaced with something far less good looking). I digress. Australians are showing a strong preference for the ‘French door’ style refrigerator with sales increasing 38 percent in the past year. And these style fridges are becoming so advanced they’re moving from the purely ‘replacement buy’ category to ‘aspirational must-have’.
