Entertainer's paradise

For those with a love of entertaining, a kitchen has to offer three things a strong visual presence, broad work surfaces, and a plethora of highly efficient appliances to make light work of cooking and clean up.

This sleek kitchen was designed by owner-entertainer and professional stylist Linda Brander. Created as part of a whole house remodel, Linda wanted the kitchen to pick up the sense of the ocean which is enjoyed from most rooms in the house.

"An important part of creating that ambience was choosing the retro-look, mint green Fab 32 Smeg refrigerator," says Brander. "Its 50s curves bring a playful contrast to the kitchen's mainly clean lines.

"I also added aqua glass splashbacks to complement the refrigerator and these tones are contrasted by the warm wood floor and veneer cabinet faces."

Besides an eye-catching aesthetic, the kitchen also had to perform to a high level.

"Pride of place in the kitchen for me is the wall of three Smeg ovens," says Brander. "Between the ovens and hob, I have a broad range of cooking options."

"The Linear steam oven allows me to prepare a broad range of meals this could range from a risotto to a steam pudding," says Brander. "I even steam a couple of trays of Chinese dumplings for moist delicious aperitifs."

Below this, the Linear multi-function oven offers the broad range of cooking options that are expected but with some surprising, helpful inclusions.

"The 12 cooking functions include a Baker's Function, suitable for crisping delicate pastries, and a Supercook option that brings precise temperature control through an air-tight Thermoseal feature.

"Lastly, the Linear microwave convection oven offers two cooking methods in one modest-sized appliance. "

However, design evolutions in Smeg appliances have gone beyond good looks and improved cooking options.

"The induction hob has been a major plus for this kitchen," says Brander. "Its metre-wide size means the individual zones are all in a line and easily accessible, with no arms reaching over hot pans."

Induction technology works using an electro-magnetic field, so the actual cooktop does not heat up. When the pan is taken off the surface, heat generation stops.

For rapid clean up, the integrated 90cm Smeg dishwasher has been set at hip height for easy access.

For details, contact Smeg Appliances, phone (02) 9384 5678, or visit the website: www.smegappliances.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas