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Appliances Interiors Addict Kitchens Shopping

Get the pink fridge of your dreams with new customisable range

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 InstaView feature 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.

More info about LG

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Appliances Interiors Addict Kitchens

Australian kitchen trends: New cooktop combines induction & gas!

From a brand new style of engineered stone to a combined induction and gas cooktop, there are plenty of inspiring new products in the kitchen space this winter.

Smartstone Ibrido: When it comes to engineered stone surfaces, there’s a new kid on the block in the shape of the new Smartstone Ibrido collection. With concerns around the amount of silica present in engineered stone (notably, there’s a potential risk to tradies’ health upon installation), this range is Australia’s first low-silica surface collection and it also happens to be made from 56 per cent recycled materials. The range comes in seven fabulous marble inspired shades and is available in jumbo sized slabs (3200 x 1600mm).

Smartstone Ibrido Super White
Smartstone Ibrido Grafite Grigio

Bosch: In a coup for Bosch, it has been awarded the ‘Most Trusted Brand’ in the ovens and dishwasher categories of the Reader’s Digest Annual Trusted Brands Awards. The awards, currently in their 23rd year, are voted by Australian consumers, and celebrate the brands that Australians trust the most.

“Brand trust is incredibly important to us here at Bosch. We have a strong focus on quality that aligns with our German heritage. As our brand revolves around precision engineering and exceptional quality, our customers can purchase Bosch products with absolute peace of mind knowing that we are continually on a quest for technical perfection, while making life in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable,” says Jessica Deuscher, marketing manager of Bosch.

Bosch ovens
Bosch built-in
Bosch integrated dishwasher

Ilve INDD94 Induction Cooktop with Integrated Downdraft: For lovers of seamless kitchen design, the latest from Ilve will make you swoon. With decades of experience in manufacturing range hoods, paired with innovative induction cooktop technology, this neat design fuses cooking with ventilation.

The design features an integrated open and closing flap that, when in use, allows for optimum efficiency and when closed, it prevents odours from escaping and stops objects entering the ventilation cavity. The flap’s outer surface is made from the same toughened glass as the cooking surface, making it easy to clean. All liquids, including grease and condensation, are collected in an internal catchment tray complete with a drain valve. $4999.

Smeg cookware collection: Inspired by the curves of the Italian brand’s iconic FAB28 fridge and small appliance collection, Smeg has launched its first cookware range. Comprised of eight designs, the collection comes in three colours (black, red and cream) and includes saucepans, frying pans, a braising pan and a wok. The practical, dishwasher friendly collection is compatible with gas and induction and is suitable for oven cooking too. From $179.

Smeg cookware
Smeg saucepans
Smeg cookware
Smeg frypans

Electrolux Explore cooking range: The latest from Electrolux, this range features a stylish series of ovens, freestanding cookers, warming drawers, and cooktops. A highlight of the range is the UltimateTaste 900 Hybrid Induction with Gas Burner Cooktop (EHH957BE) combination. That design lets you enjoy the speed and precision of induction cooking with the performance of gas for the best of both worlds. Clever!  

Electrolux
Electrolux cooktop
UltimateTaste 900 Hybrid Induction with Gas Burner Cooktop (EHH957BE) combination

LG Signature Kitchen Suite: Just launched at Milan Design Week/Salone del Mobile, LG has introduced the Signature Kitchen Suite of high-end built-in solutions. The range integrates into existing kitchens and combine innovative designs with premium technology designed to ‘reimagine the cooking experience,’ according to the brand.

Signature Kitchens
Signature Kitchen Suite

Smeg appliance latest: In other news for Smeg, the brand unveiled a host of new designs and innovations at this year’s Eurocucina in Milan. Pairing the brand’s signature Italian style with the latest technology, some highlights include fresh colour ways in the brand’s range of ovens and range hoods as well as new integrated wine cellar options.

This new Smeg oven colour is not for the faint hearted!
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Smart Home

Review: LG TWINwash and my ever-growing laundry pile!

In collaboration with LG.

With a new baby and a grubby three-year-old, it’s fair to say I’ve never had so much laundry. And when I say I, I should really be honest in that my husband does most of the laundry in our house. I know! He’s a keeper!

I’m sure we’re not the only parents who feel like we can never keep on top of the washing. And when baby’s clothes, and hubby’s shirts, for example, need a different detergent/wash cycle, it means you can’t, sadly, just fling it all in together (you may be starting to see why I don’t do the laundry). Only you can with the LG TWINwash, which has a second, separate 2kg MiniWasher, so you can do a smaller wash at the same time as the big (9kg) wash. This is currently getting a workout with the baby’s onesies, which need sensitive detergent. The timing of this new washing machine could not have been better!

The obvious ability to do two washes at the same time (or separately, say, if you only needed to do a small shirt wash) aside, this is a high end laundry machine full of awesome features. It also looks pretty sleek (which, rightly or wrongly, will always be important to me) and it’s compact enough to fit in our teeny tiny laundry behind the sliding barn door in our kitchen. You’d expect this to be a much wider or deeper appliance but it isn’t (60cm wide by 70cm deep by 120cm high).

So what else do I want from a washing machine in an ideal world?

Due to those aforementioned little boys, I need magical stain removal powers (hello poo explosions, grass stains and spaghetti bolognese)! This machine has TrueSteam® technology, with a natural ability to fluff up fabric fibres. This allows for the steam particles to clean on a microscopic level. Instead of saturating the stain with one drop of water, 1,600 individual steam particles penetrate the stain for a superior clean. I’ve not yet had to re-wash something because a food stain hasn’t come out, and this was a regular occurrence with our old washer.

Another previous bugbear with laundry was how long it can take. Three hours plus? Seriously?! With the LG Twinwash, TurboClean™ minimises the number of rinse cycles required, so the overall washing time can be reduced. There’s even a super speedy 14-minute Quick cycle.

And of course the fact you can do two different loads at the same time drastically cuts down on laundry time!

It’s also quiet, due to the inverter direct drive motor. Although during this sleep-deprived newborn phase pretty much nothing could wake me other than the hungry baby, I’m usually a light sleeper and we do most of our laundry at night to take advantage of off peak energy prices.

I’d definitely like it to cost less to run (and in turn be kinder to the environment due to smaller energy and water consumption). It ticks the box there too with a 4-star energy rating and a 4.5-star WELS water rating. Impressive! And it’s also going to save my back, I swear, because the main washer is higher up and hence you don’t have to bend down for regular washes. It’s the little things!

It gets cleverer too, because you can even control and monitor the machine from your phone. I’ll admit we haven’t tried the Smart THINQ technology via WiFi yet (because newborn land!) but Damian, who loves all things tech, can’t wait to give it a go. You can even download new wash cycles. Which kind of blows my mind. I’ll leave that to the husband. That and the laundry…

To find out more.

Disclosure: This post was a collaboration with LG. I was gifted the washing machine in exchange for an honest review.

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Appliances Design Kitchens RENO ADDICT

Australian kitchen trends: Summer 2018 edition

From LG’s new matte black range to Smeg’s new white appliances and fabulous wine cellars, there’s plenty to love in our latest round-up of kitchen finds.

LG Matte Black appliance range: With matte black a solid trend at present, LG has released a range of complementary on-trend appliances. The range includes a microwave, dishwasher and fridge with a unique ‘InstaView’ technology. You literally knock twice on the fridge door and the glass panel on the front of the fridge turns transparent to reveal the inside of the fridge. Not only is it obviously super handy, it reduces cold air loss and temperature fluctuations too. From $379.

LG matte black range

LG matte black appliances

Smeg white collection: For a company that rose to fame on the back of colour, it’s ironic that Smeg’s latest offering sees an expansion of its white line-up. Not only has it introduced a white option for its iconic Victoria freestanding cooker, but the brand’s retro blender is now available in white too. $299 (blender) and $6290 (cooker).

Smeg Victoria oven white
Smeg’s iconic Victoria oven is now available in white

Smeg blender white
Smeg blender in white

Caesarstone: Inspired by carbon fibre, fire and dust, the latest Caesarstone finishes feature deep black shades, bold charcoal and midnight grey and are a response to global trends. “Kitchens, for example, will take inspiration from carbon fibre, those materials that come naturally from fire and dust. It’s a new way of looking at beauty and dark, dramatic colours will be used in bathrooms to create a more sophisticated, hedonistic ambience too,” says trend forecaster Li Edelkoort of the new range.

Caesarstone rugged concrete
Caesarstone’s new ‘Rugged Concrete’ finish

Caesarstone Vanilla Noir
Caesarstone’s new ‘Vanilla Noir’ finish

ILVE SuperINOX cooktop: Made in Italy from stainless steel, ILVE’s latest cooktop is available in two sizes – 77cm and 90cm and the best part about it is that the edges are bevelled making it look like it’s part of the bench top. It’s a nice alternative to a flush mounted design. From $2199.

ILVE inox

Smeg Dolce Stil Novo wine cellars: Dolce Stil Novo, Smeg’s luxury kitchen appliance range, introduced two new wine cellars recently. There’s a 450mm high built-in model and an 820mm under bench option and they offer precise controlled temperature (between 5˚C and 20˚C), ideal humidity, perfect air quality, UV protection and are vibration free. Made with black glass, each option is paired with copper or stainless steel detailing and they complement the collection’s other appliances. From $2190.

Smeg wine cellar
Smeg wine cellar

Smeg wine cellar
The built-in wine cellar complements other appliances in the Dolce Stil Novo collection

The Sommelier drawer is available in the under bench option
The stylish Sommelier drawer is available in the under bench option

Cosentino Dekton industrial collection: Cosentino has introduced four new colours in its Dekton Industrial collection that are inspired by aged and oxidised metals, stones and cement and are perfect for creating a strong, urban aesthetic.

Cosentino Dekton in 'Soke'
Cosentino Dekton in ‘Soke’

Cosentino Dekton in 'Laos'
Cosentino Dekton in ‘Laos’

Spring 2018 kitchen trends

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Appliances

LG’s SmartWasher washing machine: a top loader that thinks it’s a front loader

The big debate: a top loader versus a front loader. Both have their pros and cons. A top loader is super convenient but not so sensitive to your clothes (thanks to its agitator), and a front loader? Well it’s the complete opposite. So which to choose?image13Well LG have come up with a pretty great solution. With their new SmartWasher washing machine range offering the convenience of a top loader, with the features usually associated with a front loader.

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The LG SmartWasher uses a combination of six motions, based on hand-washing movements to provide an outstanding wash, whilst caring for your clothes. The drum moves in a range of unique customised motions so the washing cycle is not just dictated by speed and temperature, but the actual movements of the drum. Better yet, the unique combinations of motions for each different type of cycle cover most laundry needs – from woollen winter items to sportswear and delicate fabrics.

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LG also have the only range of top loaders in Australia that feature on-board heaters, offering 60°C Allergen and 40°C Stain Care courses to help remove common household allergens and stubborn stains. But my favourite part of the washing machine is that there’s no agitator in sight, meaning you no longer have to spend ages unknotting wet laundry!

Other great features include: wide-view glass soft-closing lid, touch LED display and a 10-year direct drive motor warranty.

For more information.

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Appliances Expert Tips

What means home to Home and Away’s Georgie Parker?

By Georgie Parker

My job requires a lot of travel. Throughout my 30-year acting career, I’ve learned how to create a home away from home and how to make the most out of my time at home too. Here are a few things that mean home to me and can help me maximise my time with my family.

Georgie Parker interiors addict
Photo credit: Home and Away

Pictures of my family: I love to bring photos of my family, so that they’re always with me, even when I’m away. I’m so proud of them, and I love showing them to the people around me.

My father’s furniture: There’s nothing that makes me feel more at home than a piece of my father’s furniture. My father Tony took over Parker Furniture from his father in 1949. Each piece has so much character, just like my father. They’re also incredibly versatile and durable and have remained in fashion throughout the years.

Parker Furniture

My clean-up companion: I admit it – I really hate vacuuming. But with LG’s Roboking Square, I get all the satisfaction of doing the job by merely pushing a button and emptying its bin when finished. It’s great to switch on and set the time when I’m away, or if I’m at home, we turn to it as a source of entertainment and have even named it!

LG Roboking_Ruby Red_top_01

Books: Books are the cheapest way to travel — they open you up to other worlds, perspectives and people. Whether I’m home or on the road, you’ll always find me with a book.

Music: When I’m not at home, music can instantly transform my mood. If I’m feeling low while away from home, I put some Earth, Wind and Fire or Rickie Lee Jones on, and I feel much better.

Dinner time: This is where our family really comes together. We try to do home-cooked meals as much as possible – it’s the best way to eat healthy, understand where your food is coming from and to take the time to ask each other about our days, our goals and bond as a family. While my husband is usually the chef, when I cook, I love to use the Door-in-Door function of LG’s Five Door Door-in-Door refrigerator. It allows easy access to all my most-used food items, which is perfect for me because I feel like I’m always in a hurry.

GF-5D712SL Outside 3D

Candles: After a long day on shoot, lighting a few candles is a simple, easy way to relax. They bring life, not to mention a great smell, to any room.

My LG SmartWasher: I take care of the washing in my family, and I’ve found that since I started using LG’s newest SmartWasher, my routine has been transformed. I know most mums can relate to this, but so often clothes that aren’t really dirty end up in the laundry basket. In this case, I use LG’s Steam Refresh Cycle, which uses TrueSteam technology to remove odours and wrinkles in just 20 minutes with steam alone (and no water or detergent).

WD12595FD6_01_Front

Movies: As a kid, I thought going to the movies was so exciting, and I still feel that excitement now when I go.

Walks: We’re so fortunate in Australia with such beautiful landscapes at our doorstep. I try to make the most of this by going for walks whenever I can. I also believe that a stroll is the best way to get to know an unknown place. If I’m shooting on location, I love to go for walks and stumble upon something that might not be listed in the guidebook.

– Georgie Parker is a two-time Gold Logie award-winning Australian television actress, who plays Ruth Stewart on Home and Away, and a brand ambassador for LG.

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Appliances Kitchens

LG’s new refrigerators keep your produce fresh for longer

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.

GF-5D712SL Outside 3D

“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.”

GF-5D712SL Internal with Food

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.

Screen Shot 2014-11-06 at 10.05.46 am

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.

GF-5D712

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.

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Appliances

Beko InnovaChef makes the oven smarter

Smart fridges. Whatever happened to those? When I started out as a technology journalist all those… seven years ago, LG was trying to convince everyone that these were the way of the future. They looked the part too, with big colour screens attached that could connect to the internet and do all this funky stuff. Well, Beko has a similar idea with the InnovaChef, but instead of being a fridge, it’s an oven.

BEKO INNOVACHEF OVENThe idea with a smart fridge is that you could potentially keep track of what is in your fridge and when you needed to buy more of it. Sure, you could do that with your eyes as well, but this is, well, cooler. With the Beko InnovaChef, it’s all about loading your recipes to your oven via USB and using the step-by-step recipe guides that come with the oven. OK, you could read a cook book instead, or use your tablet or smartphone which most people probably do, but that’s not the point.