Modern Kitchens - What's Cooking on the Block
The World Loves Melbourne was invited to The Block to preview the stunning modern kitchens. We were highly impressed with each kitchen, and it seems The Block showcases the latest in kitchen design and technology. Shaynna Blaze was amazing in her rundown of the kitchens. We did agree with Shaynna regarding her comments on the Jollys kitchen in a recent episode of The Block. We felt like Shaynna that the "black" tiles didn't work. Go Shaynna!
It has always been said that ‘Kitchens sell Houses’ so in kitchen week, more than ever we witnessed the contestants battle it out in a bid to design the kitchen that will have the greatest impact come Auction Day. Kitchen week, saw a number of challenges and dramas for the couples as they fought to get the one up on their competitors. Some contestants even made the drastic decision to relocate their kitchen from original plans in the hopes of producing the winning room, and ultimately lead to the big bucks when their apartments come under the hammer. For the third season on The Block, the professional kitchen designers at The Good Guys worked closely will the contestants to offer their expert advice when it came to both design and appliances.
Now the kitchen experts at The Good Guys offer us an inside look in to each couples finished room.
AYDEN AND JESS: MODERN TRADITIONAL Ayden and Jess have created a kitchen that is right on trend – blending traditional cabinetry with modern conveniences. Ticking all the boxes, delivering an on-trend yet functional kitchen resulted in Ayden and Jess taking out the coveted title of kitchen week champions. This was achieved by blending shaker style doors with state of the art appliances, and a large eat in island. The profiled cabinetry in a Stone Grey brings an element of sophistication and the benchtop choice of Silestone Lyra adds a natural feel to the classically styled kitchen.
Keeping traditions alive in the modern age, the kitchen is a unique layout yet embodies the traditional work triangle - the space between food preparations, cooking and cleaning areas have been place purposefully within close proximity for optimal functionality. The food prep area is perfectly positioned near the beautiful French door fridge with the sink and dishwasher conveniently located in the same vicinity for easy cleaning up.
The integrated dishwasher has also been designed to blend seamlessly into the cabinetry for a beautiful finish. Deep drawers and plenty of storage will appeal to discerning couples and families, whilst the inclusion of a hidden butler’s pantry added another level of functionality and storage and is tucked around the corner to aid the preparation and cleaning process when entertaining. The butler’s pantry is also ideal for storing small appliances that are too stylish to hide away in a cupboard. Designed and built to entertain as the ultimate chef’s haven, Jess and Ayden opted for Electrolux appliances throughout the kitchen.
You simply can’t look past the double pyrolytic oven; not only does it showcase stylish design and innovative features, but offers easy and hassle-free maintenance for those that want to spend more time enjoying life rather than cleaning – who doesn’t! Breville small appliances and Oliveri taps and sinks are also featured throughout the ultimate cook’s kitchen, suitable for all budding chefs. The couple chose to relocate the kitchen to the original lounge area in order to achieve the space and proportions they were after, allowing for ample storage and the butler’s pantry. The decision has paid off in spades and is set to impress.
DEANNE AND DARREN: URBAN GLAM Darren and Deanne designed their kitchen to act as the social hub of the home which was executed through their smart and functional design without compromising on style, with the Double D’s giving the classic palette of white and timber a glamorous makeover. Today the kitchen is the hub of the family household that serves so many of our daily needs. Darren and Deanne’s kitchen was cleverly designed featuring an island, impressive wall mounted ovens and a butler’s pantry for coveted storage space. The kitchen island is an entertainer’s must have as it is where people tend to congregate, doubling as a prep and serving space that means the host always remains a part of the action. Darren and Deanne’s choice of appliances was also instrumental in executing the ultimate entertainer’s delight. The integrated Vintec Wine Fridge ensures drinks are always at the ready without jeopardising valuable fridge and bench space as well as the Bosch 762 litre French Door Fridge, offering ample storage for food platters and groceries.
The incorporation of the Bosch warming drawer was again the perfect choice for any busy entertainer. The drawers are capable of taking the chill off crockery, thawing delicate foods and even keeping food and drinks warm, meaning busy families can have more time cooking and prepping before guests arrive without compromising on space. The built-in Bosch coffee machine and bank of wall ovens is also an impressive feature, again freeing up bench top space and making it possible to cook multiple dishes at the one time.
To add a further element of elegance and style the couple chose Oliveri sinks and taps throughout their kitchen and a select number of Breville small appliances are featured. Despite the impressive end result, it was not all smooth sailing for Daz and Dee who faced a number of challenges throughout kitchen week with the main challenge being the two structural columns at the entrance to the kitchen.
The Good Guys kitchen designers effectively helped the couple to design around these constraints, resulting in a functional open plan living space. The use of colour blocking was also an inventive way to create three distinct zones; appliances, island and workspace. The mosaic tile splashback together with the new dual Silestone benchtops in Cemento Spa and Pulsar brought an intensity and texture to the space, ensuring plenty of ‘wow’ factor for the many guests that are set to step foot in this entertainer’s kitchen.
TIM AND ANASTASIA: MODERN MONOCHROME Tim and Anastasia were able to create a modern, slick, streamlined kitchen through the use of contrasting colours and textures of black and white, gloss and matt and the timeless colour scheme which is set to appeal to broad range of buyers. Focusing on modern elements in the kitchen, handle-less cabinetry streamlined the kitchen into the future while the soft greys of the Silestone benchtops in Lagoon helped provide tonal variety to balance the monochromatic scheme.
Super Matt doors in black injected a designer edge to what otherwise would’ve been an all-white kitchen. The biggest challenge in this kitchen was the layout. The space was unconventional and had to be designed without compromising on design or functionality.
The Good Guys kitchen designers worked with Tim and Anastasia to design a layout that offered ample bench space and natural light. Connecting the terrace with bi-fold windows also meant the kitchen expanded into the outdoors providing a great solution for those with limited space. Tim and Anastasia’s kitchen is a great representation of the Galley kitchen, a cook’s favourite, as it utilises a smaller space whilst keeping appliances and work spaces close together for easy access and efficient cooking.
A bank of wall ovens is a key kitchen trend but given Tim and Anastasia’s lack of space it was not practical, as an alternative, the couple opted for the same concept positioning multiple ovens underneath the bench top. The Delonghi ovens allows families the option to cook multiple dishes at the same time, whilst maintaining the theme of sleek modernity, Tim and Anastasia also opted for a built in combination microwave that freed up valuable space and the positioning of the Samsung 636 litre fridge also meant easy access for the family to enjoy.
For small appliances the couple elected Breville and the sleek taps and sinks featured throughout the kitchen are from Oliveri. Functionality reigned throughout this kitchen by sticking to the basics – eliminating the need for a butler’s pantry. The expansive offering of natural lighting meant Tim and Anastasia were not compromising their design or functionality in an unconventional space and tucking away small appliances out of sight emphasised the monochromatic and timeless colour scheme.
JOSH AND CHARLOTTE: MINIMALIST Josh and Charlotte were able to create a feature packed kitchen in a relatively compact space, whilst still maintaining their signature minimalist style, and the end result is nothing short of stunning. Minimalism continues to remain on trend this year and Josh and Charlotte have executed this style perfectly.
The crisp white cabinetry was offset by the raised café style timber bench and Titanium drawer fronts, while subtle marbling in the Silestone benchtop in Helix revelled in elegance. The benchtop, island drawers and timber top bring warmth to an otherwise stark space. The balance of tall cabinetry at either end also allowed for a lovely workspace in between and the linear design is beautifully complemented by the handless cabinetry. The minimalistic kitchen design lends itself perfectly to adding a seasonal pop of colour with appliances.
The underlying styling in a kitchen like this gives you the ability to update your look in the future without having to invest in a more serious renovation. Josh and Charlotte placed a focus on greater functionality without sacrificing the design executed through elements such as narrow island and raised benches, creating a perfect breakfast bar and offering additional seating for a quick bite. To complement the seamless, sleek design of the kitchen, Josh and Charlotte have utilised Fisher & Paykel appliances that embody a design to match the cabinetry, streamlining their appliances to keep up with the modern theme.
With an integrated fridge, seamlessly assimilated into the kitchen cabinetry, and gas and ceramic cook top, the couple helped provide the best of both worlds to any entertainer or avid home chef. The Fisher & Paykel appliances are accompanied by household favourite, Breville, as well as sleek Oliveri sinks and taps. Open space was a design priority for Josh and Charlotte as they wanted people to be able to move freely around the kitchen in the hope of creating an inviting and practical kitchen. The finished product successfully reflects this, creating a space that is ideal for cooking, working, socialising and entertaining.
Great to meet Shaynna Blaze!
