A colour-changing backsplash may not be a must-have for most homeowners, but it sure would make cooking and entertaining twice the fun.
A colour-changing backsplash may not be a must-have for most homeowners, but it sure would make cooking and entertaining twice the fun. Such unconventional features are just one of the advantages of luxury kitchens, but don’t be quick to call them frivolous. See how high-end kitchens are also defined by their high-functionality designs and ultra-quality materials.
GENIUS LOCI BY VALCUCINE
The Genius Loci hides many secrets in its timeless silhouette – made possible with a design and technology that truly understands the movements of someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen. The Air Logica System maximises every inch of the kitchen, featuring a colour-changing backsplash, and accessories like dish-drainers, electric sockets and kitchen roll holders. It also utilises V-Motion technology, which allows you to reveal or conceal these simply with a wave of the hand.
Visit the Valcucine showroom at #01-01/02, 182 Clemenceau Avenue, tel: 6278-9118.
For a cool minimalist look, the innovative and completely flushed ceramic induction hob by AEG was used.
Inspired by antique desks with secret compartments, the worktop features slim dimensions that belie the amount of storage space its drawer can hold.
The most exquisite materials, including carved wood, stone mosaics and mother-of-pearl, can be chosen and handcrafted for the handles.
When the backsplash panel is closed, the tap swivels in automatically, and the lights are switched off.
“While a regular kitchen uses basic configurations and compartments, a luxurious kitchen features mechanisms to make cooking and entertaining convenient. We’ve used lift systems for hard-to-reach kitchen doors – it opens with just a touch – as well as installed top-hung cabinets that descend to allow easy accessibility. All these are made with top-notch materials like marble, Italian acrylics, and veneer.” – Jeremy Tay and Michael Ong, founders of Prestige Global Designs.
PRINCIPIA BY ARCLINEA
The designer of Principia understands the kitchen beyond its functionality. “It’s how we move inside it and relate to it – it’s emotional,” he says. He pairs the refined – think smooth, bronze-finished stainless steel and thick white marble – with the rough, as seen in the woodgrain on Principia’s worktops and cabinetry. Chosen for their sophistication and endurance, these materials create a warm ambience in this culinary workspace.
Check out Principia by Arclinea at Unique Kitchen Fusion, #01-02 Winsland House II, 163 Penang Road, tel: 6332-3122.
It’s not all about the looks. Principia features useful deep drawers with customisable organisers, allwood larders, and peninsula tables.
The wooden door handles, as well as base units, feature Principia PVD steel. They’re available in black, bronze and champagne finishes.
A suspended base gives the illusion of space and makes way for ambient lighting.
For the kitchen island, ample overhead storage space was combined with functional lighting.
Stainless steel is an essential material in Arclinea’s designs, as it is durable and hygienic. The Principia model widens its range with PVD (physical vapour deposition), a process which treats the steel with colour and makes it less vulnerable to corrosion.
“Choose high-gloss cabinet doors, chrome or nickel handles, and hardwearing quartz tops from trusted brands such as Caesarstone and Consentino. And don’t overlook good lighting – a luxurious kitchen should incorporate two lighting scenes: One for cooking and serving, and a softer scene for dining and after-dinner drinks.” – Ed Ong, founder of The Kitchen Society.
PHOENIX BY VARENNA KITCHEN
A contemporary design that conceals its utilitarian features behind geometric lines, and the stylish alternation between glossy and matte surfaces – the Phoenix model is a deserving recipient of the German Design Award, which recognises both flair and ergonomics. Varenna Kitchen’s versatile components also mean this open-plan kitchen will be truly yours, with your needs and cooking habits all accounted for.
View the Varenna Kitchen gallery at Space, 77 Bencoolen Street, tel: 6415-0000.
The Phoenix base unit is clad in white embossed lacquer, as well as a durable steel worktop. To maintain the streamlined silhouette, Varenna used a retractable downdraft hood, instead of a cooker hood.
The horizontal grooves on the black elm wall panels help break the monotony of plain surfaces.
The tall units not only come with spacious pullout components for better accessibility, but they can also be fitted with an inner multi-LED lighting system. These units can conceal a refrigerator, too.
Varenna’s 12-kitchen system includes compartmentalised waste baskets, making recycling easier, as well as keeping clutter out of sight.
“A good kitchen looks smart and works hard. Solutions that help maximise storage space while ensuring items are within reach – like Varenna’s jar holders, spice racks, and even plant holders with LED lighting to help your herb garden thrive – will complement the lives of busy urban dwellers.” – Eileen Tan, marketing manager of Space.
CODE BY BOFFI
Boffi does not see Code as a new kitchen model, but rather a madeto- measure programme that allows this highly personal space to feature the cleverest of designs. Starting with the current Boffi systems as a foundation, customers can choose from a wide range of finishes and materials, as well as varying configurations of hoods, hobs, and cabinetry.
Discover the Boffi kitchen line at Xtra, #02-48 Marina Square, tel: 6336-0688.
Boffi ’s black topmounted burners are completely flush with the black marble-look worktop, achieving a minimalist feel while maintaining the needs of heavy cooking. An elegant integration!
This organised library of dry goods and crockery combines the charming allure of an open display with the practicality of having everything you need in one place.
Boffi ’s Code mainly uses the Abonos oak, a wood recovered from river beds. Being underwater hardens the wood and gives it a range of colour tones and unique grains.
No matter the size of your kitchen, the right colours and textures – such as this silverblack palette – can create a sophisticated ambience. Opt for materials such as titanium and lead, acacia and pinewood, and black cosmic granite and white Carrara marble.
“When designing a kitchen, pay attention to which appliances and method of cooking you use the most, so as to best plan layout and storage. Next, pick a durable countertop and backsplash that oozes class, such as quartz or engineered wood. The colour and details of these materials, and how you play with contrast, will help create the look and ambience you want.” – Selina Tay, principal designer at Collective Designs
“ BEST KITCHEN OVER £ 100,000” BY DESIGN INTERVENTION
This dazzling array of patterns and hues – expertly put together by home-grown brand Design Intervention – belongs to an International Design & Architecture Awards-winning kitchen, located in a modern Chinoiserie-style home in Tanglin. It’s certainly not what you’d imagine as a “family-friendly kitchen”, yet this gorgeous design was created for a family with four young children and a dad who enjoys cooking.
Check out Design Intervention at 75E Loewen Road, tel: 6468-1942.
Bar stools clad in bronze-gold leather can be easily wiped clean. The seats’ gas lift function also works great for the kids.
The granite island top is the star of the kitchen, and the starting point for its colour palette. Its pink veins, which add warmth to the room, were complemented with rose, gold and copper hues throughout the space.
Functionality – as exemplified by the ample space around the kitchen island to accommodate the family, integrated phone charging stations, and easy-to-clean finishes – was prioritised.
These wooden doors were spray painted white, and fitted with gold-finished handles to complement the mosaic backsplash. Using metallics is one way to introduce glamour to your space.
“To luxe up a kitchen, change the hardware or give it a shot of colour; new shiny taps and handles, or a different backsplash, can give an instant lift to a tired kitchen. When mixing and matching finishes and patterns, remember to leave sufficient plain spaces that give the eyes a rest, and patterns a space to breathe.” – Nikki Hunt, founder of Design Intervention.
