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Splash Backs - Adding Depth to your Kitchen

 A splashback is important in a kitchen as it helps protect the walls from greasy cooking splashes and other grime. It also adds to the overall look of the kitchen. Mostly located above the stove, you can also have one above the sink and above counter spaces where you do your cooking prep.

You should keep two key things in mind when choosing a splashback: cost and maintenance. Some materials are more expensive than others, while some require more care and cleaning than others. Will you need a standard-size splashback or require a custom-made one? What about plug point cut-outs and installation – all of this will add to the total cost.

Most popular materials

Stainless steel – Modern and sleek, stainless steel is low maintenance and easy to install and keep clean. It's unaffected by grease and steam, but acidic spills (like tomato juice) can cause discolouration. It also tends to show up fingerprints, smudges, scratches, dents and water marks easily. Choose from polished and brushed to powder-coated in a range of colours and shades, including metallic, sparkle and mirror effects.

Glass – A popular choice for its reflective qualities, streamlined look and flexibility, glass is also easy to maintain. Choose from plain glass to textured glass, matte, gloss, frosted, back-painted glass, or a panel with a digitally printed image copied onto the glass. Back lighting for your glass splashback can also be installed to highlight certain areas, create moods or draw attention to an image. Stained or fused glass designs can be made and installed by hand to produce a stunning effect – albeit quite pricey.

Tiles – Most tile types are cost-effective and easy to install. Choose from ceramic and porcelain, to mosaic, glass, metal or stone materials in many different shapes, colours, patterns and textures. They hold up well to heat and most are easy maintain. On the downside, keeping grout clean can be a bother and there's always the risk of cracks and chips over time.

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Ceasarstone Kitchen work tops (Part 1)

Your choice on what to use as a counter top or work top in your kitchen can be a conundrum, seeing that there is so many options to choose from, Caesar Stone is leading the way in the technology and development of engineered stone. Adding more value to any kitchen, or working service.

Since 1987 they have been creating quartz surfaces which are not only beautiful to look at but also exceptionally durable. Whether you're a professional designer or simply looking to create exquisite home interiors, their surfaces can be the starting point for your design and renovation ideas. With three diverse collections – Classico™, Motivo™ and Concetto™, you will be sure to find the look that meets your design needs, whether you're designing a new kitchen or luxury bathrooms. Caesar stone is also suited to more unusual applications such as feature walls, floors and stairways, or even custom-made furniture. They simply provide the tools for you to put your unique stamp on any room, and create an unrivalled and unique, interior finish.

All Caesar stone slabs meet the very highest international standards including ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management. Every single surface meets American Greenguard stringent standards, ensuring safe indoor air quality. We are also certified by National Safety Foundation (NSF), certifying our surfaces are qualified for unrestricted use in the kitchen and food preparation environment.

With the knowhow and experience Caesar stone bring to the industry, its save to say that quality is a given. And is a must have in every kitchen. It is essential for us to assure you that your Caesar stone product will retain its functionality, beauty and give you pleasure for many years to come. Because your peace of mind is a top priority, we provide every client with a suitable warranty for every Caesar stone quartz surface product we supply. This means that we completely support our product and that we are always at your service to answer queries, solve problems and ensure you derive maximum satisfaction from your Caesar stone product. Warranties are provided by the exclusive Caesar stone distributor in your geographic area. Lifetime limited warranty on material installed in residential applications and a 10-year limited warranty on material installed in commercial applications. With a on line warranty activation proving that quality and security for any client at Weizter using Caesar stone. Is a bonus adding value to your dream kitchen. And giving you peace of mind to know you have been given the best.....

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How to plan your walk-in closet

If you're one of those lucky people with the space for a walk-in closet, the planning process can seem slightly daunting. You want this space to be functional and beautiful, and with so much space to work with you might not know where to start. Fortunately, we've compiled the best tips from our design professionals to help you plan the perfect layout for your walk-in closet!

Here are just a few key points to keep in mind:

  • Use space above the hanging areas for storing purses and folded items.
  • Designate top shelves as overflow storage to stow seldom-used items such as seasonal apparel and luggage.
  • Create a focal point by anchoring the space with a built-in dresser or hutch.
  • Use adjustable hanging rods to double the storage space and keep related items close together.
  • Locate shelving and hanging rods near the door to the closet to create an open feel while entering.

By keeping functionality at the forefront of the design process you'll create the walk-in closet of your dreams that's both organized and beautiful!
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Modern TV Cabinets

Wood remains to be the hottest pick among décor lovers and interior designers alike, especially when it comes to TV cabinet units. Wooden finishing confers a textural and visual contrast to the TV stand, blending well with the existing colour scheme of the modern living spaces. Also, wood being a tough material can stand the test of time, proving durability. Irrespective of whether you are a binge watcher or a movie aficionado, chances are high that you might need a functional TV cabinet or entertainment unit in your home.

When it comes to TV cabinet units, wood is the hottest pick among designers and décor enthusiasts. TV units crafted from wood feature visual and textural contrast without compromising the color scheme of contemporary living spaces. Wood being a durable material can stand the test of time.

You buy your new TVs with huge enthusiasm but often get disappointed to see it doesn't exactly fit in with your room décor. A television can be a huge, even clumpy addition to a space. So, you have to make efforts and make it blend with your room fashion without upsetting the feng shui. Discover some inspiring ideas which manage to place TV in your spaces with utmost style and grace.

Purchasing a TV stand can be a difficult endeavour at times. TV and media units help set up television, but scarcely do they get the credit for the purpose they serve. Modern TV Stands offer a variety of options when it comes to practicality and aesthetics. Some entertainment units are thin, while others occupy the entire wall, providing enough storage space. Better still, let Weizter design and manufacture your modern TV media centre.

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Wine cellars

Wine cellars have become increasingly popular over the last decade, I have seen a rapid interest in wine cellars whether in a basement or as a room divider. Solid Wood has always been a popular option, however in the past several years we have seen a rapid change in opinion and chrome and metals have been used paired with glass.

Wine Cellars that are used as room dividers are popular as it serves as a functional space. When used as a room divider this can be functional as well as aesthetically beautiful. Wine cellars are popular as they can store a vast amount of wine bottles but not limited to wine, I have come across clients who pair their wine in the cellar with whiskeys, champagnes and expensive bottles of cognac.

While the traditional wine racks in a cellar are classical and will not date, I have found that majority of clients prefer to go with a no fuss simple design that is both contemporary and streamline, with hints of chrome, glass and accents of wood here and there.

Designing a Wine cellar can be challenging but at Weizter we will design the space to fit your specific needs and desires.

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Ultra modern kitchen perfection

Vision by definition is the ability to think about or plan the future with our imagination. Acknowledging fellow designers and their designs give us the opportunity to learn, grow and gain inspiration to be implemented in designs for our clients. Vision designed to be showcased at Eurocucina 2018. A simple gesture creates a beautiful feeling. The fluid lines evoke user centred ergonomics and pure motion which lends itself to the movements of the user within the kitchen. The soft-lines contrasted with the vertical and horizontal lines appeals to eye, catching it at first glance. The concept encapsulates the necessity for a fluid dynamic space. Surfaces flow into each other and materials are kept simple and sleek. This immediately expresses a sense of clarity and sensuousness. Vision is simply a stunning kitchen masterpiece.

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Mirror Sliding Doors

While framed sliding doors with mirrors are much more expensive than melamine swinging doors with hinges, they're worth it in the long run. They add value to the house and there are many different designs in sliding doors that can complement the decor of the rest of the bedroom and the house itself. The most popular cupboard with sliding doors aside from mirrored doors are constructed from MDF which can be plain or routed and painted to suit the rest of the bedroom. The mirror sections are typically glass with a reflective layer on one side and for safety, and most sliding mirror doors are laminated.

Cupboards with sliding doors are simply moulded into the design of any room, and can choose from various designs and styles as well as finishes, and also sizes that will fit comfortably in the space with the right amount of storage areas for your needs. Also, consider that sliding doors can be a feature of any cupboard or closet in your house where you need extra storage. Subdivisions in your cupboards with sliding doors can help you organise your clothes and shoes and other accessories rather than letting them pile up in one space making them hard to find. Some cupboards come with extra shelving.

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Bathroom Mirror Ideas

Bathrooms have become a very stylish aspect of our homes. They are a feature that can depict any style, era and taste depending on the owners. A lot of thought now goes into the function, look and feel of the bathroom space. One minor aspect that plays a huge role is that of the choice mirrors used in the space and the choices are endless.

A mirror which doubles up as a storage space, this can be very useful in small bathrooms. The mirror can also reflect your unique style; think outside the box with different shapes beyond the square, oval or round shapes. You can also mix and match different shapes to make for an interesting view. Or choose a mirror which matches the decor in your bathroom, eg; tiling. Also think of the way we hang the mirrors this is typically wall hung but a different approach could be suspended from the ceiling or resting on the floor; this adds interest and makes a style statement. The size of the mirror can also make a powerful impact in the space. A full wall mirror if the space allows can make the bathroom appear larger or even grander. Simple back lighting behind the mirror illuminates the entire room and creates a sense of sophistication. Multiple mirrors of different sizes bring a playfulness that can be used for kiddie's bathrooms. The vintage look is also quite popular and has a royal aura about it; if your style permits go for it. The double effect is quite stunning for his and her bathroom; bringing in a separation but linking through the same style mirror.

Ultimately the design decisions are left to you; and the choice of mirror can either compliment or spoil the look of your bathrooms. Be aware and careful of the style your bathroom is designed around. The mirror can be a simple aspect which creates a stunning feature within your bathroom whilst reflecting the beauty within it.

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Luxury Penthouse Kitchen Design

A penthouse is a luxury apartment located on the highest floor of a building, which is usually a building located in the heart of a busy city. But the good thing about these apartments is that besides being located in the heart of the city, you get the chance to feel like you are isolated from the rest of the world, including the annoying noise and traffic jam. Penthouse interiors are always a reflection of style, luxury, comfort, glamour and sophistication. This is true for every room type, from living rooms and bedrooms to bathrooms and kitchens.

Today, we have made a photo collection of 15 Fabulous Penthouse Kitchens That Will Leave You Speechless for sure. You will be able to see how style, comfort and functionality blend together to create a perfect kitchen that every one would love to cook in. The abundance of space is one of the main features of every penthouse interior, so there is definitely a space for everything that you want to have. Also, another feature of such interiors is the natural light that the room gets from the big windows, which most often are floor-to-ceiling ones.

Another feature of these penthouse kitchens are the versatile modern kitchen bar designs with unique bar stools. They serve as a great spot for gathering and drinking a glass of wine or some cocktail. Besides the natural light that these kitchens get from the big windows, they may feature some LED lighting or there can be some impressive chandeliers that can steal the show. And of course these kitchens are fully equipped with the latest and greatest appliances and gadgets.

The color choice and the furniture designs can be versatile and they will mainly depend on the owner's taste. Some of these kitchens may feature a dining area too, but most often penthouses have separate dining room and kitchen. Scroll down now to see the rest of the penthouse kitchen designs that we have chosen for you today and choose which one is your favorite.

These were the 15 Fabulous Penthouse Kitchen Designs that we have chosen for you today and we are sure that they did leave you speechless. You must admit that you would love to have one such kitchen design in your dream home. Tell us in the comments which one from the above kitchen designs is your favorite and of course, don't forget to stay up to date with the content of Top Dreamer to find many other fascinating interior design ideas for your dream home decor.

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Kosher kitchens

Kosher kitchens go much deeper, but covering the basics of the kosher kitchen, this mean that the design of the kitchen is crucial as there are a lot of factors to keep in mind. One is that while planning and designing a kosher kitchen that for the next 10 to 15 years this is going to be a kitchen that will be used daily. Weizter keeps this in mind and we start the design and planning according to principles. The kitchen must be practical, functional, convenient, efficient and aesthetic. There are two sinks, two prep areas, (in some kosher kitchens if space allow it two ovens), two fridges, two or more cupboards for plates, two drawer cupboards and two or more pot drawer cupboards. With all the double cupboards Weizter do the lay out so that everything is within reach while preparing food. And most of all to ensure our client that everything will be according to the Jewish law when it comes to the kosher kitchen. Whoever choose Weizter to do a kosher kitchen can have peace of mind that, as we have the knowhow, solution and the ability to design and deliver a long lasting, value for money kosher kitchen.

At the most basic level, a Kosher kitchen is a kitchen that have two of everything. A Kosher kitchen origin is from the Jews and the kitchen have divided areas for certain foods. Kosher foods are divided into three categories namely: meat, dairy and pareve. Weizter know what the basic principles of kashrut is 'the total separation of meat and dairy products'. Meat and dairy may not be cooked or eaten together. To ensure this, the kosher kitchen contains separate sets of dishes, utensils, cookware, and separate preparation areas for meat and dairy. A third category, pareve, is comprised of foods which are neither meat nor dairy and may therefore be eaten with either. Here is the low down of the three food categories regarding kosher kitchens:

The category of meat includes meat, fowl and their by-products, such as bones, soup or gravy. Any food made with meat or fowl, or with meat or fowl products, is considered 'meaty;'' also called fleishig (Yiddish). Even a small amount of meat in a food can cause it to be fleishig. All meat, fowl and meat parts in any product, including items such as liver pills, must come from a kosher animal that was slaughtered, examined, and its blood drained off according to the dietary laws to be considered kosher.

The category of dairy all foods derived from or containing milk are considered dairy, or milichig ( Yiddish). This includes milk, butter, yogurt and cheese-hard, soft and cream. Even a small amount of dairy in a food can cause the food to be considered dairy. All dairy products require kosher certification.

Pareve foods that are neither meat nor dairy are called preve. This means that they contain no meat or dairy derivatives, and have not been cooked or mixed with ant meat or dairy foods. Eggs, fish, fruit, vegetables, grains, and juices in their natural, unprocessed state are common pareve food. Other pareve foods include pasta, soft drinks, coffee and tea, and many types of candy and snacks. Products that have been processed in any way should be bought only if they bear reliable kosher certification.
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Tips for your home study

A study room in the home reflects the personalities of the family members who use the space. It depicts intellect and should be designed accordingly. This space requires a quiet noise free zone to be created. The space should give a sense of calm and balance to its user in order to work effectively. A table and chair is a necessity in the space however; your table and chair should be customized according to your requirements. The correct height and size to suit; and a comfortable chair to improve concentration and increase work rates. These small elements are a vital part of the space.

Depending on how this space will function, many users require an endless amount of storage space. Storage can be both visible and hidden depending on your style preferences. Visible items would typically be stored on shelves whilst items your rather keep hidden or private may be stored inside cupboard units. A balance should be created by having a combination of both. Think of items that will be used most and have fun whilst organising your space.

Lighting in any space is an important factor and the same would be in a study area. Dull lighting will be bad for your eyes and concentration, so make sure the room is well light and airy. Too dim or bright lights can create barriers or glare within the space. Find a balance that suits your vision perfectly. A table light is also a nice feature that functions well.

 If your space allows create an alternate seating area, this becomes a nice feature in the room and a secondary space for seating. A reading bench by a window is a perfect example; it is quite popular and can be very calming. Wall finishes are also important. Generally a rule of thumb would be to go lighter on your walls and this creates openness to your space. A darker room tends to become intimidating and creates a resistance towards using that particular space. Don't be afraid to bring in a feature wall but bear in mind the balance you are trying to create.

Another pleasant feature is inspirational quotes or artwork and it can be used to motivate the end user. It brings in a feature element that adds life to the space and something nice to look at on those days you need inspiration or become a bit bored. A home study space is not merely about studying or work. It can be a playful space allowing you to relax as well. All the human sensory elements can be engaged to make this space comfortable and relaxing, from touch and texture; to sound and music; or smell and a fragrance. This allows you to take breaks between working hours. Designing your ideal home study can be super fun and a unique experience.

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Kitchen Island Design Ideas

Many kitchen spaces are quite large and this allows for endless design opportunities. One aspect many home owners request in the kitchen area is sufficient gathering space for friends and family as well as extra worktop space. A kitchen island is the perfect tool in providing both. The island design should be based on form and function. Ultimately the size, shape and style of the kitchen influence the type of island to be designed for the space. A few modern island designs to inspire you:

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A GUIDE TO KITCHEN ZONES AND ZONING

What's the best way to set up a kitchen? If you've been cooking for any length of time, you've either figured this out for yourself, in your own kitchen — or you are still looking for that magic solution. This diagram might not be how your kitchen actually looks, but the way it divvies up the space is useful information for any kitchen. Here's what we can learn from it. If you've ever planned out a kitchen, or even just read enough cooking blogs, you've no doubt heard of the kitchen work triangle (the idea that in an ideal kitchen, the line drawn between the refrigerator, hob/stove, and sink creates a triangle within which the cook can easily and efficiently move about).

But some say it's more useful nowadays, given the variety of kitchen sizes and arrangements, to think not in terms of a triangle, but in terms of work zones. You probably can't change the placement of the refrigerator, or where the sink is in your kitchen, but you can change your relation to these spaces and what you choose to store and set up in their vicinity. Here are five things we learn from this diagram that you can apply to your kitchen — no matter its size or shape!

1. Divide your kitchen into five zones.

The basic work zones to think about in your kitchen are as follows:

  • Consumables zone: The area used to store most of your food. This may actually be split into two zones: one for your refrigerator (fresh food) and one for your pantry or food cabinets (dry goods, oils, etc.).
  • Non-consumables zone: The area used to store everyday dishes, including plates, bowls, glasses, and silverware.
  • Cleaning zone: The area that contains the sink and dishwasher (if you have one).
  • Preparation zone: The area where most of your kitchen prep happens. This may be a stretch of countertop, or a kitchen island.
  • Cooking zone: The area that contains the stovetop, oven, or range, and possibly the microwave.

Most kitchens can be divvied up into these areas. Even if you have a tiny apartment galley kitchen, you still probably have the essentials: a fridge (consumables zone), some cabinets (non-consumables zone), a sink (cleaning zone), a little countertop space (preparation zone), and a stove (cooking zone). Once you've mapped out your zones, you're ready for the next step.

2. Store items as close to their related zone as possible.

The point of dividing your kitchen into zones is so you can store things in the right place to improve your cooking flow! For example, knives, mixing bowls, chopping boards, spices, and other prep utensils should be stored where you do most of your prep work, in the preparation zone. Cooking utensils, pots, pans, and bakeware should be stored as close to or near the stove or oven, in the cooking zone.

3. Store your everyday dishes in the cabinet closest to the sink or dishwasher.

Digging into the details on this a little more, this diagram notes you should store your everyday dishes (the non-consumables) right next to the cleaning area, or where your sink and dishwasher are.

This makes a lot of sense when you think about it. What are you normally unloading from the dishwasher? All your everyday plates, glasses, and silverware! So whatever cabinet is closest to your dish rack or dishwasher, that's where you should store your dishes if possible.

4. Create prep space as close to the stove as possible.

Another thing we noticed in this diagram is how the prep area is situated next to the stove. We agree. We note that one of the most important things in setting up a kitchen is to have adequate counter space close to the stove. Ideally you shouldn't have to take more than a few steps to put your prepped food into a pot on your stovetop, or in the oven.

If you don't have a lot of existing countertop space next to your stove, this is where you need to get creative! Whatever space you do have, clear it off and prioritize it as a prep space. Remove the microwave and move the fruit bowl! You need that space to chop vegetables or mix ingredients, so let it be just that.

When that's still not enough, you might consider adding a small kitchen island.

5. Just do your best!

Of course, keeping items precisely within their zone isn't always entirely possible if your kitchen is tiny and you need to, say, store your bakeware on top of the cabinets, or the only available pantry space is in a cabinet across the room from the fridge. But this idea of seeing your kitchen as a collection of zones and grouping things together by their purpose is something to work towards! There will always be exceptions unless you have a perfect kitchen. (Does anyone?)

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Herringbone pattern as an interior finish

One of the most important design decisions when it comes to interior design in the home lies in the selection of your finishes. Every room typically needs the perfect floor or wall finish which becomes a feature or compliments the rest of the elements in your home.

Whether you have a blank space, stuck in an aesthetic rut, want a subtle hint of texture or would like to add an exquisite feature. A simple go to that does not require much thought would be the herringbone pattern.

It is a simple arrangement of rectangles creating a v-shape similar to a weaving technique. It originates from the Roman Empire where they were used in building the roads and some even date it back to the Egyptian jewellery designs. You would think this "ancient" pattern has become a thing of the past but its beauty still intrigues the eye and creates a sense or texture and movement.

This old school design element can be used in a unique modern manner in living rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, bedrooms or even bathrooms. As a wall finish, floor finish, kitchen or bathroom splash back, furniture design or even on doors. Its effect can be manipulated depending on your style through your colour and texture selection of material. Solid, dark, wood grain or light airy. It can also be combined with other patterns or solid colours depending on your preferences. It is a great tool to add a feature in any room. "Art is pattern improved by sensibility".

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Small kitchen design ideas

Have you found the perfect cosy home, in the right area or have you realised your current kitchen simply does not give you enough space? So why not work within this space and make best use of what's available. Depending on your layout you can redesign using the existing parameters to be functionally ideal and still aesthetically satisfying. Whether it is a single wall, u-shape or L-shape kitchen, every space can be designed well.

Planning is essential to a perfect kitchen and is dependent on what works for you. Create zones which can serve singular or multiple functions, for example your wash up and prep area can work as one; your cooking, coffee and microwave area as one; or your pantry, storage and cold area as one. The use of the right finishes and colours will make your kitchen appear visually larger than reality, so stick to light colour tones to bring an openness but don't be afraid to play with different patterns and textures, large scale appears greater to the eye, all applied in proportion.

The correct lighting is vital; a well light room will appear bigger than a dark room. Hang pendant lights if the space allows bringing light and different levels into the kitchen. Adding breakfast seating can double up as a dining area or even movable seating which can be hidden when not used. Removing wall units takes away the bulky looking kitchen but adding shelves to replace them will provide storage. Remember tall units require space and provide storage but keep them to a minimum or a single wall/ area. An island on wheels can be quite useful as extra work surface and can be rolled away to create space in the kitchen. Select slim-line ornaments and appliances to give you space.

Do not clutter! Always remember to keep it clean and simple. – "less is more".

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Unlocking Space: the natural progression of your kitchen!

The evolution of "your kitchen" has taken a fascinating approach in terms of how it started its journey to where we have arrived, at what would be considered your "current-day" kitchen. Without too much of an exaggerated jump in time, if we were sent back a mere 100 years, what would the typical kitchen look like? 

Generally, the space was created with one thing in mind, preparing and cooking food. Essentials took on a different meaning altogether. We didn't have use for the defined storage spaces we have today. Washing machines, dishwashers, and fridges were nonexistent features back then. They needed a large stable workspace, a place to store utensils & cutlery along with a stove and some rudimentary form of refrigeration, usually an ice box (apparently they had ice delivered every few days through the services of "Icemen", read to the end to see one).

Today, the kitchen has become the heart of the home, often, the first room people gravitate towards when entering and in my experience, it's always where the house keys, car keys and cell phones end up. Coffee makers, Tall freezers, Wi-Fi routers, "home telephones" (if they are even still a thing), and all sorts of unique nuances that ultimately develop the character of the space itself have to be taken into account when creating your space in the world today.

Most kitchens designed within the last 50 years have incorporated the peninsula or island element, specifically to create a space to entertain guests, whether it's them helping with the food, doing homework under the keen watch of mom, or just a casual friend enjoying a glass of wine, it's become an essential in most South African homes today.

Since time immemorial and with the  expeditious advances in technology, appliances have had the most prevalent impact, from a kettle that boils your water to a washing machine that cleans your clothes, a trove of appliances is essential and usually makes up a large portion of your kitchen, whether it's through functionality or cost.

The standardisation of cabinets was another huge leap forward, essentially countertops were installed at whatever height was comfortable for that individual. Nowadays, each arbitrarily defined section of your kitchen is extremely customisable, with an emphasis on subjectivity and individual functionality over simple reason.

Every aspect of your kitchen today is highly evolved, from the materials used, to the method of production &  overall installation process followed. Current layouts are defined through decades of improvement and thorough scientific understanding, every detail, every variation, and almost every single option has been refined to maximise efficiency and aesthetic appeal. 

Next time you make yourself a cup of tea or coffee, just reflect and think to yourself, how easy was that?

Iceman circa 1920
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Revamping Bedroom Cupboards on a Budget

There are many ways to turn plain bring doors into interesting and fun features in the bedroom without breaking the bank.
Here are a few ways you can improve the look of your wardrobes.

Mirror doors
Mirrors are known to make a space feel bigger, this is a great hack for small bedrooms or bedrooms that have little to no natural light.


Decorative Molding
Adding frames to your bedroom cupboards and painting them in 2 different colors or applying adhesive paper to the inner panels of your frame will give the cupboard doors a completely chic and new look. A cost effective solution would be to use skirting used for floors, and attached it into your existing doors in a sequence of square frames with "no-nail-glue"

Paint
There's nothing a good paint job can't fix. Simply applying a fresh coat of paint to your bedroom doors is not only a cheap solution but it will make your cupboard doors look brand new. You can also add new handles to give them a whole facelift.


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Smart Appliances 1.0

 What do we have now?

At the moment, we can only brag about basic functions generally considered intelligent, we haven't yet reached the level of what would be considered a clever kitchen but I'm most impressed with the happenings in the appliance sphere, they seem to be making the most headway in terms of bringing us closer towards the "kitchen of tomorrow". 

The dynamic they seem to be pursuing is heavily emphasized by spatial ambiance.


What is spatial ambiance?

"In spatial design, the ambiance of the space is generally created through the room's function, the aesthetic of the space itself with object elements, including the primal elements within that space such as the architecture, lighting, colour, and furniture"

An understanding of the space and how we interact with it. Exteroception is our foundation, using our senses to feel our surroundings and interact with them, playfully on purpose.

Now imagine being where you are, and feeling like the universe is conspiring to make where you are…well, perfect. That's where the "Smart Appliance" comes into play. It knows what you need when you need it.


The general approach, necessary to facilitate an intelligent integration, is in fact determined by the spatial dynamics of each individual node(object) on a network . Needs are directed by function and appeal to us through aesthetic blending. At the moment, the integrations are purely modern in design and would be visually out of place in a traditional or country themed kitchen...maybe that will change but for now we are working within a small spectrum of what's actually possible.


We are at the very early stages of integrating technology in our homes but the era has begun. I for one, am truly excited to be in a position where I get to watch this market grow,  marching onwards into the new future as the world around us becomes more complicated and a lot smarter, allowing us to spend more time on the things that matter to us most.


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Smart kitchens, integrated appliances & Intelligent space!

What makes a kitchen smart? Before we can answer that, we need to define the term.

If you define it through Google, a smart kitchen usually refers to something connected via the "IoT (Internet of Things) technology", Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. But if we got philosophical, we would determine the phrase alone as anthropomorphic in nature, so before trying to understand the relevance, let's look at the extent and functions the idea conveys.

Each area is defined by purpose, through a set of functions and actions. By integrating certain aspects, we can add certain conditions that enhance the purpose, integrations are the key, how connected is your kitchen?

  • Charging stations, wi-fi router
  • Smart appliances / SD hubs
  • Integrated tech (browser facility, calendar integrations, video call tech)
  • "IOT" - Iinternet Of Things

A metric that could be used, is the number of integrations able to communicate together, ultimately, how far your reach is and how automated the systems are. Indulge with me in a thought experiment  and imagine for a moment, you wake up and your coffee is ready, activated by movements tracked in your smart bed. You open the fridge that has already ensured you have the ingredients needed for your health goals to be realized. As you sip your coffee while looking at your schedule through a calendar on an integrated screen, Ding! That's your kitchen notifying you of the online order for the milk that is running low. Life's good you think as you make your way to the automated cupboards that have already prepared your outfit for the day... endless possibilities to make life easier and more efficient.

A few examples of how this could look:

  1. Access to the web - link your accounts and watch cooking videos on YouTube while you cook
  2. Ability to control certain aspects remotely
  3. Safety - prevention and enhancements
  4. Access control and surveillance 

For more information on how smart technology is finding its way into our homes;
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THESE ARE THE TOP KITCHEN DESIGN TRENDS FOR 2019

This year is all about refreshing your cooking space. In the New Year, many homemakers will look to refresh their favourite spaces, often starting in the kitchen. In 2018, we saw everything from banquette-style seating to two-toned kitchen cabinetry, and will continue to see innovative new designs prevail in the New Year. Whether you're planning to remodel your kitchen or get inspired for a simple refresh, there's a whole new crop of design trends to consider for 2019.

CLEVER, CONCEALED STORAGE
Clients continue to gravitate towards concealed and clean integration in our kitchen designs, with maximized and clever storage solutions.

PEWTER AND GUNMETAL HARDWARE
Pewter and gunmetal are the trends we love. They're not as harsh as matte black or as specific as brass or gold, but it gives fixtures some texture and depth.

OPEN SHELVING
A new trend is replacing kitchen upper cabinets with metal, wood or glass shelving. This adds to the overall bold statements many want to make in their homes, forgoing the minimalism that was popular in years past.

VINTAGE VIBE
We'll continue to see traditional elements and forms in harmony with modern design in 2019. Think honed, natural stone, organic basalt tiles, hand wrapped rattan furniture and vintage-inspired fixtures and lighting.

COLORED UPHOLSTERY
In 2019 we are officially closing the door on pure white kitchens. Even if it's just one element of accent color such as blue counter stools, a patterned roman shade or powdered coated island pendants. Pops of colour will be sneaking into the pure white blank slate of kitchens past.

USE OF WOOD
People are increasingly seeking connections from nature. It creates a welcoming and calming environment, and is a timeless, versatile material we love. We see a growing desire for lighter, airier spaces, and wood is a wonderful material to incorporate to achieve this. 

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South Africa

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