The modern kitchen: five must-have features

Posted on 22 July, 2016

The days of kitchens being utilitarian spaces isolated from living spaces have gone. More and more often, the modern kitchen needs to seamlessly blend into their surrounds, and this means a greater emphasis on aesthetics and functionality.

We asked Southern Innovations Fyshwick Showroom Manager, Mark Shepherd, to name his five must-haves for the modern kitchen.

Freestanding cabinetry

Let’s face it – there are practical reasons for building in kitchen components (unsexy but essential things like power and plumbing) but freestanding cabinetry can take a design to the next level.

“The award-winning SieMatic 29 is a fantastic example of how this surprisingly versatile reinterpretation of the traditional sideboard can create a seamless style between kitchen and living areas, especially when customised in materials or colour,” says Mark.

“As well as being used to define different areas in an open plan interior, as functional storage or to display homewares, the S29 also delivers numerous modern kitchen functions (sink, stovetop, exhaust hood, lighting, power outlets, and USB charging stations).”

Clever storage

If you’re a keen cook, you’ll know how life-changing clever storage can be – and we’re not just talking a pull out pantry. These days, even spices have their own place in quiet, soft close drawers, easily organised using dividers and coordinated containers, meaning you’ll never mistake your cinnamon for cumin again!

“As a bonus, all SieMatic drawers have a special seal around the edges to keep any strong spice smells inside, particularly important in open plan kitchens,” says Mark.

Technology at your fingertips

Technology is a part of every facet of our lives, so it makes sense for the modern kitchen to be designed around it.

“The S29 buffet’s utility drawers come with an integrated USB charging station that keeps tablets and smartphones out of the way, making for a clean benchtop with no risk of spills or splatters on your gadgets,” says Mark.

If you’re anything like me, you have more cookbooks than you’ll ever use, and are forever poring through pages trying to find that recipe you remember drooling over. Imagine having them all loaded on one device, with that elusive recipe just a few taps away.

Integrated entertainment

Want to join in the MasterChef masterclass? Now you can. SieMatic allows you to bring the television into the kitchen, with coordinated cabinetry to create your own entertainment unit.

“If you’re looking for more integrated entertainment, opt for a high end audio/video system and internet access — the options are endless: MP3 player, Bluetooth-ready devices, streaming client for web radio, iPod connection and USB interfaces,” says Mark.

Out-of-the-way wine

This is the ultimate for the entertainer (or just the cook who likes a little bit of wine while she cooks!) An integrated bar fridge or wine rack keeps everything within reach and at the perfect temperature — fantastic for dinner parties!

“The two main features of the Liebherr Underbench Built-In Wine Fridge are that it has dual zones and LED lighting. Wine buffs will love having the flexibility of two different temperatures for different wines, and the LED creates a real wow factor — light it up when you have people over, so they can be jealous of your amazing collection!”

But wine fridges aren’t the only appliance you can tuck neatly away — hide away your fridge, freezer and dishwasher for a clean, minimalist vibe.

the essentials

What: SieMatic S29 buffet and SieMatic cabinetry
Where: Southern Innovations, 21 Lyell Street, Fyshwick
When: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 2pm (Evenings by appointment only)
Phone: 02 6143 2680
Web: www.siematic-canberra.com.au

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