The versatile kitchen: space, function and beauty

The kitchen has always been the heart of the home, but more so than ever, it is a place we are using differently – whether that be for entertaining large groups, as an intimate family space, or as a multi-use area that incorporates the home office. And in smaller areas, the kitchen can be a space that folds away to become part of another room.

The central paradigm of kitchen design begins with the working triangle. “This is a concept that aims to create a synergy between the three most important areas of any kitchen,” Häfele’s Simon Lount says. “The three main spaces are the cooking zone, incorporating the oven, the fridge and pantry or consumables area, and the cleaning zone. Getting the synergy between these three areas right is vital to create a well functioning kitchen, and isn’t always the most obvious solution with the huge range of layouts we now see for kitchens from configurations with islands, long spaces or square.”

“Getting the distances right between the three areas to ensure accessibility is important, but you also need to consider how the kitchen will be used and how many people will use it at once to ensure there is enough space for one person to cook without cramping someone else who may be working at the same time,” Simon says.

Incorporating the latest technology in kitchens is another reason to plan the kitchen properly, with many of the most sophisticated appliances and accessories best included in the early plans to achieve the best outcome. “In regards to lighting and speakers, these are some of the most popular new technological aspects of kitchens we are seeing specified,” Simon says.

In particular, the Häfele Sound System allows designers to effectively make the kitchen a speaker.  “The system is behind the cabinetry and links to a mobile device, with the sound travelling through the MDF or board and turning it

into a speaker. It’s great particularly if a kitchen is going to be used for entertaining.”

Lighting is another key area where planning and design is important. “The latest lighting products make a huge difference when designed into the plans at an early stage,” Simon says. “Lighting is such a central part of kitchens that people often used to overlook but they make such a difference to the visual appeal as well as function. We’re seeing people wanting to incorporate lighting into automated systems.”

The Loox Lights that Häfele manufactures are a range of LED lighting that is built into the cabinetry, and shortly will be launched with an intuitive app that will allow them to be operated remotely from any mobile device. “It’s a popular concept because it’s efficient, subtle, and saves power with sensors and programmed operation. At Häfele we inspire beyond what seems possible and this is proven with our continual innovation and development of our product offerings,” explains Simon.

But kitchens aren’t just spaces for cooking and entertaining anymore. As we live in higher density situations and more of us work remotely, they’re becoming areas of the home that need to be versatile and work within a larger space.

“People no longer have to sit in an office in another area of the house when they’re working. They can sit anywhere and the kitchen is often the area where people will sit and work, which is why incorporating the right technology and lighting is important,” Simon says.

And in apartment living or smaller houses, the ability to effectively fold the kitchen away is an emerging trend. “The concept of pocket doors is a popular one. The Concepta range of bi-fold doors was designed to allow the cabinet fronts to fold away so the kitchen can become part of the lounge or other area in smaller homes.”

The concept of the white kitchen is now a thing of the past, with clients and designers alike moving towards a more natural look, Simon says. “For us, that means a lot of anthracite tones and natural wood grains. Because Häfele is at the forefront of European design and innovation, we’re able to provide the latest styles and completely customise them to suit each individual kitchen design. This is no better utilised than through our Nova Pro Scala soft-closing drawer system that allows the consumer to completely individualise the drawer sides with décor profiles that suit the mood and feel of their home.”

Häfele is the largest supplier of kitchen hardware in New Zealand offering completely customisable and functional kitchen solutions.

Get in touch with Häfele on ArchiPro here to discuss the latest in European kitchen innovation and style.