Rural haven

For some reason, it seems to be rather more comfortable and conducive to good conversation to lean against the kitchen bench and chat with friends or family members than it does to sit on a sofa in the adjoining living room.

To create this ambience, this kitchen, designed by Grant McIntyre of Design Construction Home is located so it forms a central hub in the formal and casual living areas. An extra-large island creates a convenient space for entertaining, with seating where guests can sit and enjoy a drink, or it can become a servery area for the larger informal living spaces.

White lacquered cabinetry is panelled and teamed with a dark granite benchtop. Stainless steel appliances and trim complete the classic but contemporary style of the kitchen.

"The owners were adamant that appliances had to be European and they specified Smeg as their brand of choice," says McIntyre.

The Smeg 90cm-wide freestanding oven, with eight functions including fan forced, has an electronic programmable clock. The cooktop has six burners with heavy-duty trivets and flame failure. The oven is teamed with a Smeg 120cm sensor hood with an extraction rate of 850m³ per hour. The Smeg two-door, side-by-side, stainless steel refrigerator-freezer incorporates a cube and crushed ice dispenser in the door. The two Smeg dishwashers have their electronics on the top edge and integrate seamlessly into the kitchen. These tall tank models accommodate larger-than-standard 35cm diameter dinnerplates.

To ensure the kitchen is easy to keep clean and free of cooking clutter, a separate scullery contains a sink, second dishwasher, steam oven and coffee machine. The Smeg steam oven offers five cooking functions plus a defrost option. Smeg's built-in coffee machine can make one or two cups of short/espresso, medium or long coffee at the same time and it has a steam function. It also dispenses hot water at the touch of a button.

For more information, visit the Applico website: www.applico.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas