Must-haves vs lust-haves: Kitchen
LUST-HAVE
Your shopping list could expand to include a double oven, built-in coffee machine and separate wine fridge. Even must-haves, such as the oven and fridge, now come with gorgeous new finishes and flashy technology, such as LG’s new Instaview feature. “Instaview is the new take on the door-indoor feature, where you knock twice on the door to see what is inside without having to open the fridge,” explains category marketing manager Costa Avgerinos of LG Electronics. To the tech list, interior designer Darren James adds: “Electronic opening drawers, LED strip lighting under the overhead cabinets and sensor controlled LED cabinet lights.” A butler’s pantry is a lust-have that could easily move to the essentials list, but as we’re dreaming, let’s add a second fridge, a deep sink and beautiful storage for displaying your best.
“An under-bench wine cabinet is a splurge that won't necessarily break the bank”
~ Luisa Volpato, interior designer
MUST-HAVES
Aside from having maximum storage, plenty of bench space and task lighting, kitchen necessities will be made up of things that make this a space to linger, such as a large island bench where the kids can have breakfast, or where guests can chat with the chef. On the appliance list might be a double fridge, a large oven or an induction cooktop.
COMPROMISE
If space or budget won’t allow for a butler’s pantry, try to integrate its features into the main kitchen. This might mean having an appliance cupboard to keep the benchtops clear, a large, deep sink for hiding dirty dishes, and putting a lot of thought into storage. Splash out on things that will make a big difference, such as soft-close drawers, and on the appliance side, a good-quality oven and quiet rangehood.
Aimee test-drives her new Blum cabinetry. Magic!
