In the third of a six-part series of interviews with the people behind the industry’s top kitchen designs, Miele and The Peak speak to Jasmine Toh, interior designer of Italian Concept.
When individually tailored functionality meets beautiful aesthetics. That, to Jasmine Toh, is good design.
Toh is the interior designer of Italian Concept – a Singapore importer of European furniture and kitchen equipment. Believing that the kitchen is the heart of the home, the company pays special attention to the design of this space, and offers a wide range of systems and finishes to help clients create an area that fits their lifestyle.
To the company, kitchen design isn’t just about looks. It is about creating a living space. Thus, to start the design process, Italian Concept invites customers to the showroom to experience the actual products first-hand. The designers also assess the job based on the kitchen’s site, condition and main functions.
With more people entertaining at home, the kitchen has become an extension of the living space. So, it’s important to find appliances that blend into the overall design. “The linear look is very on-trend now,” shares Toh. “Miele’s new range of handleless ovens, and its counterdepth refrigerators at just 630mm deep that sit flush with the adjacent cabinetry, create a seamless look.
Such integrated appliances also help to free up more counter space.” Beyond creating chic aesthetics, Miele appliances also help Toh address kitchen design challenges.
“We sometimes face space constraints. By offering variations in equipment sizes – such as ovens that range from an extralarge 90cm wide to a compact size of 60cm wide and 45cm high – Miele allows us to find the perfect fit for our cabinetry design.
“The combined functionality often found in Miele equipment – such as its steam combination ovens and microwave combination ovens – also allows users to cut down on the appliances they need, which saves space.”
While some kitchens don’t have much room to work with, some have too much – and in the wrong places. “High ceilings pose a challenge when it comes to installing a hob, but with Miele’s downdraught hob systems that are built into the countertop, ceiling height is not a problem,” shares Toh.
“Beyond that, without a huge hob dominating the space, the kitchen becomes more open, and one can enjoy an unobstructed view of the entire room.” Less is more, indeed.
