Luxury Appliances for Any Kitchen

For many, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where families spend a lot of their time together, and where friends usually congregate – it’s a well known adage that parties usually end up in the kitchen. The combination of this, plus an increasing number of chefs becoming celebrities in their own right and aspirational cooking programmes, has triggered a rise in popularity of cooking and entertaining at home.

It’s no wonder then that most people want their kitchen not only to be ergonomic and well-functioning, but a warm, welcoming and stylish place to entertain.

Functionality of Kitchen Appliances

For some, top functionality is the key requirement from their appliances, so that recipes and techniques can be copied at home. High-function appliances take their cue from professional appliances, integrating the latest technology into domestic gadgets. These differ slightly from ‘designer’ appliances, which often emphasise the design and style over the functionality.

Luxury Appliances for Kitchen

Those that bridge the divide, combining style and substance, are considered luxury appliances, and are well worth investing in. Spending on an appliance that will continue to have the functionality you need for years to come as your skills improve, as well as working with your style, will pay dividends in the long run. And, contrary to many people’s beliefs, can fit in any kitchen, regardless of decor, size or style. The key is finding what’s right for you.

Options for Big Kitchens

For big kitchens, there are lots of options. If you have a lot of room, an American-style fridge-freezer or a range cooker could fit well, as they won’t overpower the room. Many fridge-freezers have technology such as spill-proof shelves, zoned-cooling, ice/water dispensers, to name just a few of the features available. Another luxury would be a standalone wine cooler, which can keep red, rose and white wine all at the optimum temperature.

Options for Small Kitchens

However, if space is tight, these appliances would completely overbear the kitchen and look out of proportion. To maximise the use of space, under counter and integrated appliances are usually best. Some companies take this a step further still, such as Subzero, with their refrigeration drawers. These put everything at your fingertips, and blend with existing décor. They can even be placed elsewhere other than the kitchen – for example in a dining room or study.

Matching Appliances with Decor

In terms of matching appliances with décor, larger american style fridge-freezers and range ovens lend themselves to contemporary styles, whereas more traditional interior design might work better with retro/vintage style free-standing, or alternatively integrated appliances – whereby appliances such as fridge freezers blend seamlessly with existing cabinetry by attaching matching fronts.

Overall, if there’s one thing you do when remodelling your kitchen, invest in appliances. When makeovers can be done well on a budget, don’t scrimp on the things you will use and rely on the most. Not only will they give you years of top-quality functionality, they bring a real feel of sophistication to your kitchen.

Alex Harbour writes about home improvement and offers well researched advice on topics like kitchen appliances that combine style and functionality. He thinks Sub-Zero & Wolf of London offers appliances that lend both decor and substance to a kitchen.