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.
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 $1099Lavello 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.
Much as I’d love to tell you renovations and interior design are all about aesthetics (and let’s face it, that’s the fun part!), there is a hell of a lot of practicality and functionality involved too. And the designs which combine the best of both worlds are always the most successful. Nowhere is practicality more important than in a kitchen. It can look as beautiful as a magazine spread but if it doesn’t work, well you’re soon going to get irritated with your expensive makeover!
When it came to appliances, I must admit, I was a bit overwhelmed, being my first kitchen reno. I’ve never been the one to choose the oven or cooktop, for example. So I had to get my practical head on. But I knew I needed these appliances to look great too, not just now but quite possibly in a decade’s time. I quickly settled on Italian brand ILVE (God bless those Europeans, they know a thing or two about good design!) as top of my wish list. Like all things handmade in Italy, these appliances are the best! One look around their Sydney showroom and I suddenly found myself more excited about kitchen appliances than I ever thought possible! Trust me, go and look!
The Sydney ILVE showroom: oven heaven!
If the kitchen is the heart of the home then the oven, surely, is the heart of the kitchen. This was the hardest decision for me, starting with gas or electric? I love a gas cooktop and we looked into getting our new home connected to mains gas but, to cut a long story short, this wasn’t possible. In some ways I was thankful as this cut down the plethora of choices!
I personally think of ILVE as being synonymous with beautiful free-standing ovens and for a long time, I decided this was the look I was going for. Their Majestic and Nostalgie models are beautifully traditional and a big part of me always leans towards a classic look. They’re also available in so many colours and with brass, chrome or bronze fittings. I had been lusting after a navy (blue) oven with brass hardware I’d seen in the showroom months before, but alas, I was not organised enough to give myself the waiting time required for many of the non-standard colours, so bear this in mind if you’re keen. Their Quadra series are more modern and industrial; they really remind me of serious chef’s ovens.
Ultimately though, the modern classic aesthetic I was going for in the new kitchen called for the oven to just blend in a little, rather than be the star of the show; I already had a lot going on with all the Caesarstone and the gold hardware, tap and sink. This eventually led me to the built-in 90cm oven with longevity in mind and the fact my family will (hopefully) one day be bigger than three. I chose knob controls over touch controls because I’m a bit old school like that (hello, paper diary!).
Once I’d made the very difficult oven decision (you just really feel like you need to get it right, and I was really grateful for the patience and knowledge of the lady I spoke to in the showroom), it was easy to choose the cooktop. As we couldn’t have gas, it had to be induction, and now I have induction I LOVE it! I’m kind of glad we were forced into this decision. It really had to be a 90cm cooktop to match the oven, which it sits above, and although I’ll rarely use all six burners, it sure doesn’t hurt to have options! As a mum, I find the safety of an induction system really appealing and comforting. There’s even a 90cm hybrid option which has induction plus a single gas wok burner. Best of both worlds!
If there are two things I didn’t want to make a feature of, they were the rangehood and the dishwasher. I really didn’t want my flight of overheard cabinets broken up by a big range hood so the quickest appliance decision I made was to go for the 90cm concealed rangehood. You just don’t know it’s there. I later decided not to put brass handles on those overhead cupboards either and I love the way they look so sleek and simple. You can choose to recirculate or duct and I opted to duct ours out through the roof as it just feels healthier to me. And it works a treat! We never have stale cooking smells in our house.
As for the dishwasher, it was always always going to be fully integrated. Luckily, ILVE keep it simple and only have one option, so that was an easy choice too! I love this dishwasher. It has a light inside, as well as a cutlery basket that pulls out above the one for cups and glasses (I’m embarrassed to admit it took me a while to realise it was there!). It’s really easy to program and I love that you can delay the start time by up to 24 hours. Another clever feature is the light which shines down onto the floor so you can see when it’s on (because everything is otherwise hidden by a cabinet front). It’s whisper quiet too, so this is quite necessary! It certainly beats our old, brown and beige museum-piece dishwasher which tripped the electrics most days!
Having actually lived with and used my new kitchen for a few months now, I am really happy with all my choices. The oven is a dream to use (and clean) and I love the size of it (it came into its own at Christmas!). It has nine modes including pizza, fan assisted and fan forced. And like the induction cooktop, the cool touch BIO-safe triple glazed glass door is another reassuring safety feature with a cheeky toddler around!
So, my top tips for picking appliances?
Take your time and start early as there’s more to it than you think!
Visit showrooms and speak to the experts. Don’t be afraid to ask the stupid questions!
Consider the look of your appliances in the scheme of your kitchen design as well as the practical side, before you plan your cabinetry.
A hunger for change and a further blurring of the demarcation between living and food prep zones, has seen white take pole position in kitchen design. Paying homage to the beauty of white, Smeg has released its new Linear collection with a series of elegant white ovens in lustrous, light-reflective white glass and stainless steel.
The clever use of white creates a sense of seamless space – imagine a white induction cooktop on a white marble benchtop. Or a bank of sleek, minimalist ovens built into a white wall. The kitchen will recede into the overall living area, giving a sense of spaciousness and contemporary sophistication.
The new Linear collection comprises 60cm and 70cm ovens, together with compact ovens, coffee machine, warming drawer, induction hobs plus gas on glass cooktops in two widths – 72cm and 60cm.
Technology features prominently in the new Linear collection – Thermoseal oven technology ensures the perfect atmospheric balance required for optimum cooking conditions.Additional standard inclusions comprise soft close door, Ever Clean enamel, Cool Door Technology and the choice of Pyrolytic or Vapour Clean oven cleaning functions.
Other options, across the range, include SmartSense Plus – a foolproof, step-by-step guide to cooking via a TFT colour display and 50 guided cooking programmes plus the capacity to save 10 personal favourites.The range of gas and induction cooktops is available nationally from appliance specialists, electrical retailers and some department stores. The entire range can be checked out online.
When it comes to kitchen design, the sky really is the limit in terms of cabinetry and bench top options, but the same couldn’t be said about ovens until now. As of this month, premium Italian kitchen appliance company ILVE are offering their most popular oven collections in almost 2,000 custom colours. Ah-mazing!
“We are delighted to be able to offer this new service to our customers. I know how important it is for them to have a kitchen that is completely unique, therefore we can’t wait to launch this new service,” said Daniel Bertuccio, Eurolinx marketing manager.
From zesty yellow to bold blue and everything in between, the colour choice is virtually infinite which is great news for lovers of bespoke interiors. Also, the feature will be available across three of the brand’s oven ranges – the Quadra (the brand’s bestseller), the Majestic and the Nostaglie.
Handmade and highly regarded, ILVE ovens have always been customisable in terms of size and configuration too. Plus, they offer some great features like a space-saving storage drawer for kitchen essentials.
The results are in! Samsung have done some hefty research into the lifestyles of Aussie households to discover what trends really affect our lives and how we use technology to improve them.
Out of the thousand that participated in the study, more than half (62%) identified saving money on bills as the most important benefit of a digitally connected home, followed by energy savings (45%) and convenience (43%).
Samsung also found that the average household throws away more than $1,000 worth of food each year, with NSW wasting about $1,475, almost double that of QLD! I know my household is a definite culprit. Also, as we’re coming up to the festive season, we spend two and a half times our average monthly food bill on Christmas entertaining (that’s a lot of honey glazed ham and prawns).
When it comes to entertainment, 55% prefer entertaining at home because it’s a good money saver, and 45% say it’s more sociable, not to mention flexible.
In terms of cleaning, 12 hours per week is spent on housework, and 33% believe technology will make their household chores easier in the future.
Utilising these results, Samsung have released their Australians@HOME range to help households with everyday chores through Wi-Fi enabled home devices that can be personalised to specific needs. Products include the POWERbot VR9200 with vision mapping ($1,799), Ultra Large Capacity Washing Machine with auto detergent dispenser ($3,999), Chef Collection fridge with built-in tray for marinating meat ($7,999), and Chef Collection Vapour Oven with a full touch LCD screen ($2,999).
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.
To celebrate 30 years of their best-selling Classic stainless steel oven (designed by renowned Italian architect Guido Canali), Smeg have launched a brand new collection of 14 Classic models.
The very first stainless steel oven to be introduced to the Australian market – at a time when white was the only choice in built-in ovens – Smeg’s original Classic S10X model is on permanent exhibition in the Museum of Modern Art, New York.The new Classic collection will include 60cm, 70cm and 90cm ovens, plus compact and double models and the truly innovative Speed Oven. And while the beautifully timeless design remains – clean, simple aesthetics with the iconic Classic knob – the new collection is rich with innovative features and functions.
High-tech features include Thermoseal technology, to maintain the perfect atmospheric balance for optimum cooking conditions; eclipse high visibility glass doors, which switch from black opaque glass to transparent when in use; Smart Sense Plus with 50 automatic cooking programmes; integrated cleaning systems; interchangeable racking that will fit any of the Classic appliances; and soft close doors.
The development of a true Speed Oven is another milestone in the Classic collection. This oven combines circulating microwave power with traditional convection functions to dramatically reduce cooking times – for example, just 30 minutes to cook a whole chicken to golden perfection – while retaining excellent texture, succulence and flavour.
With 14 brand new ovens on offer, there’s something for everyone (and I’d be here all day if I gave you a thorough overview of all!) so make sure you visit Smeg for more information.
The oven range offers consumers faster, more flexible cooking options, giving back the time that so easily slips away. Key features include varioSpeed technology, which has the ability to speed up the cooking process by 50% (by combining traditional hot air cooking with integrated microwave functionality); and the coolStart function, which eliminates the time wasted preheating the oven and thawing out ingredients, as it condenses the whole process into one, single cooking session.
Featuring four models with simple to use pulse and full steam functionality, pulseSteam allows consumers to prepare perfectly crispy and juicy dishes with the addition of steam to conventional cooking, whilst the fullSteam function enables consumers to cook with 100% steam ensuring the nutritional benefit of food is maintained.
Complementing the oven range, is the iQ700 dishwasher range — amongst the most energy and water efficient on the market — the warming drawers and a state-of-the-art built-in coffee machine. All offer consumers pioneering technology and even greater flexibility in the home.
The iQ700 range is a striking example of Siemens’ premium home appliances that seamlessly integrate into any kitchen design, and most importantly, respond to the demands of everyday consumers.
Bosch’s new Series 8 kitchen appliance range combines state-of-the-art technology with groundbreaking design and the most user-friendly equipment to date.
Due to launch in store this week, all models from Bosch Series 8 are beautifully crafted with sophisticated design and precision that extends to even the smallest details. Made up of ovens, dishwashers, warming drawers, a built-in coffee machine and a fully integrated refrigerator (to be released in September), Series 8 creates a complete kitchen solution for any Australian home.
Offering greater flexibility than ever before the Series 8 range from Bosch introduces cooking technology that removes any room for error and delivers results that Bosch consumers have come to expect; perfection.
Highlights of the Series 8 oven range include PerfectBake technology, which measures the moisture level of dishes and automatically regulates the baking process to ensure perfect results; Bosch Assist technology, which determines the cooking settings when the type of dish being cooked is selected on the control panel; and the PerfectRoast technology, which features three sensitive measuring points to determine the core temperature and automatically calculate the cooking time required.
Bosch’s oven range is complemented by the Series 8 ActiveWater dishwashing range, an outstanding example of futuristic technology, simple operation and perfect results. Thanks to the eco-friendly Zeolith Drying technology, the Series 8 ActiveWater range boasts no less than 5 Star WELS and 4 Star Energy ratings across the board.
The introduction of new warming drawers, a built-in coffee machine, and a fully integrated refrigerator, has seen Bosch extend its product offering and cement its position as a market leader in built-in appliances. Sleek built-in designs, revolutionary technology and environmental efficiencies make Bosch Series 8 appliances the ultimate addition to the home.
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 destined favourite for those who love daring colours, ILVE’s Majestic Freestanding Cooker warms up the kitchen with its wine hues and rich earthy tones. It’s also a dead ringer for Pantone Colour of the Year 2015 Marsala.
With tepanyaki plate, electric oven and a 90cm canopy hood, the range of freestanding ovens come in eight colours; including burgundy.
Renowned for having one of the largest and most diverse freestanding oven ranges on the market, with over 1,000 different models available, ILVE has already found the burgundy freestanding oven to be a favourite.
“These wine tones especially fit in the kitchen landscape as they are not particularly overly masculine or feminine, meaning they are versatile and cater for a broader spectrum of buyers,” explains marketing manager, Daniel Bertuccio. “As the oven is the centerpiece of the kitchen, it’s fit to dress the largest appliance in a bold, eye-catching colour.”
ILVE’s M90FDMP Freestanding Cooker retails for $11,099, with bronze fittings $11, 749, and the 90cm Majestic Series Canopy Hood retails for $4,449. For more information.
With the same capacity as a 90cm oven (90 litres), but taking up 20cm less cabinetry space, Smeg’s latest 70cm SAP3700X is a timeless design in stainless steel that doesn’t compromise on function or space.
Designed by leading Italian architect Guido Canali, the 70cm configuration has a range of stand out innovations including: Thin Film Transistor display with ultra clear graphics, S-Logic interface that provides intuitive, simple control of multiple functions and Smart Sense self-guiding cooking programmes with 50 preset recipes.
The SAP3700X has 10 cooking functions that include: static bake, grill plus fan forced, supercook and fan grill as well as two pyrolytic cleaning functions – eco energy-saving and regular. Key features and benefits also include: A+ European energy rating (20 per cent higher than the highest rating), thermoseal oven technology for accurate, even temperatures in a perfectly controlled cooking environment, cool touch door, an EverClean easy clean enamel interior, fast pre-heating to reduce energy consumption and a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior.
The timeless design of the SAP3700X can be design-matched with cooktops, compact ovens and microwaves, rangehoods and dishwashers – all from the extensive collection of Smeg Italian designed and manufactured appliances. The Smeg SAP3700X, retails for $4690 and is available nationally from electrical retailers, appliance specialists and some department stores. For more details visit their website.
“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.
I’m currently helping my aunt with some design ideas for her new kitchen and while cabinetry, benchtops, flooring and tiles are some of the more obvious elements to choose, there’s no denying appliances are a really important part of the mix. You don’t want your shiny new kitchen let down by ageing appliances or new ones that stick out like a sore thumb or don’t match. The good news is, you don’t have to completely hide and integrate everything behind doors to ensure the finished look is cohesive. Brands like Fisher & Paykel are going beyond simply manufacturing appliances, and taking a more holistic approach to product design that also considers the aesthetics and ‘matchability’ of individual appliances as important pieces that fit together to create the kitchen look.
Years of experience working with architects and kitchen designers have given Fisher & Paykel valuable insight into kitchen design and the importance of offering functionality without sacrificing style. Their ‘Designed to Match’ philosophy underpins the way they design their products and translates into a coordinated look across its entire family of kitchen appliances. Rather than a conflicting mix of styles, the brand boasts one of the only ranges of appliances that are truly designed to match. And when I say match, I mean down to the smallest detail; everything from handles, dials, materials and proportions – across the range of refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, rangehoods and cooktops.
Sleek, contemporary and minimalist styling means they’re unlikely to date, which is important when you consider how much a new kitchen (often the most expensive room in the house) can cost. It’s even more important when you consider how many kitchens are now open plan and extending into the living space.
And you don’t have to follow the traditional advice that your fridge, oven and sink absolutely must be laid out in a triangle (frankly, this has always seemed a little too rigid to me as everyone uses their kitchen differently, right?). In fact, Fisher & Paykel have pioneered a movement away from the traditional work triangle, allowing homeowners to design their kitchen to suit the way they live their life and how they use their appliances. Their unique DishDrawerTM (literally a dishwasher in a drawer), means you can place a dishwasher close to your entertainment area for glasses and one near the sink for pots, pans and plates. The options are endless.
Fisher & Paykel are renowned for their appliance, having been awarded prestigious international Red Dot Awards for three of their latest offerings – induction Touch and Slide cooktops, three-burner Gas-on-Glass cooktop and 60cm Built-In Oven – in the last 12 months alone.
If you’re considering a new kitchen, Fisher and Paykel’s national Designed to Match Kitchen Promotion is running until 12 October 2014 and rewards you based on your total spend on eligible kitchen appliances. Customers who purchase eligible Fisher & Paykel refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ovens, freestanding cookers, rangehoods and/or cooktops in a single transaction to the value of $3,000 or more, receive a bonus Essteele five-piece cookware set worth RRP $800. Customers who spend $5,000 or more on eligible products will be rewarded with the Essteele cookware set as well as an RRP $230 voucher from Organic Meat Online.
For those lucky enough to have a holiday house or in the midst of renovating their first home, freestanding upright cookers are becoming the go-to appliance. Loved for their sense of style, small size and most importantly their ability to complement a simple yet stylish kitchen on a conservative budget, the freestanding cooker seems to be a favourite that’s not going out of fashion.
No newcomer, they have been around for more than a century, but Smeg are presenting them in a newly sleek aesthetic. Featuring richly specified features, which can suit both the contemporary kitchen and the more rustic, the compact design of the upright means there is no need for supporting cabinetry. It can also take up to as little as 60 square cms of space, with other sizes on offer including: 70 and 90cm to 110, 120 and 150cms.
The 90cm models seem to be the favourite, in a choice of designs from the vintage Victoria in black and panna to the semi-commercial style in stainless steel, black and white. Of these, the C9 is a popular choice: eight oven functions, including rotisserie and super fan forced, six cooking zones, a 126 litre capacity oven and static and fan grill. The C9 is truly a versatile option, being available with gas, induction or ceramic cooktop and in an all-gas version (gas oven and cooktop).
Smeg kitchen appliances are available nationally from electrical retailers, appliance specialists and some department stores.
Breaching the divide between high performance professional kitchen appliances and the domestic alternatives, Smeg has released its flagship 90cm pyrolytic (self-cleaning) built-in oven – the SAP3900X.
As the final element in Smeg’s collection of new generation, high performance ovens, the Classic design SAP3900X includes stand out innovations such as: the Thin Film Transistor display with ultra clear graphics, the S-Logic interface that provides intuitive, simple control of multiple functions and Smart Sense self-guiding cooking programs.
Special functions within the cooking programs include proving mode (for baking breads etc), slow cooking, eco-energy-saving fan-forced mode, plus nine other baking functions such as fan assisted, supercook, fan grill and baker’s function.
With the SAP3900X, labour-intensive cleaning is also a thing of the past, with the generous 90 litre capacity pyrolytic oven having a three-hour cycle for heavily soiled oven interiors and an eco-energy-saving 90 minute option that is tailored to lightly soiled ovens.
The Smeg SAP3900X retails at $4990, for a list of stockists and more information visit the Smeg website here.
After releasing their first Combination Microwave Oven in 2010, ILVE are back, this time offering a freestanding edition.
This 100cm freestanding option includes a 60cm multifunction oven paired with a 40cm combination microwave oven.
Featuring a myriad of cooking functions including convection, drop down grill, forced ventilation, automatic defrost by time and weight, and of course microwave capabilities, there is virtually nothing this combination genius fails to master in the kitchen. Triple glazed cool touch glass door and child lock continue ILVE’s dedication to safety.
The Combination Microwave Oven (Quadra PDW 100 MV Series) is available in stainless steel, gloss black or bright white and retails for $10,999.
Last time I let my vacuum cleaner tell me what to do I got into a whole world of trouble. But Smeg clearly thinks I should give the machines another chance and listen to what its new oven range has to tell me. Or at least read what its new oven range has to tell me.
The Smeg Linear SFPA140 comes with a TFT touch screen that will give you recipes tailored to Australian produce, advise you on how you should set up your oven depending on what you are cooking and take care of all the fiddly bits and pieces that would usually be handled by a knob or physical button.
Additional standard inclusions comprise soft close door, Ever Clean enamel, Cool Door Technology and the choice of Pyrolytic or Vapour Clean oven cleaning functions.
The range of gas and induction cooktops is available nationally from appliance specialists, electrical retailers and some department stores. The entire range can be checked out 
