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Culinary Conditioning

Ideas for a practical yet stylish kitchen

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By Houseandgarden.co.za | July 19, 2016 | Interiors

In The Zone (Above)

For ultimate efficiency, one must bear in mind the concept of the work triangle when designing a kitchen. Having the cooker, sink and fridge in comfortable proximity to each other allows for one to move easily through the space.

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Use one of the above elements in an island and complete it with Caesarstone’s Classico ‘3100 Jet Black’>.

Hide, Not Seek

Photograph: Karl Rogers

Stay organised by having a designated place for everything. Having compartments for cleaning materials will also keep one’s space looking tidy, whilst keeping the necessary items within easy reach.

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This design by German brand bulthaup, which has showrooms in both Joburg and Cape Town, gets it just right.

In Good Light

Photograph: Joe Fletcher Interior Design: Malcolm Davis Architecture

If you have floor to ceiling windows, float your sink in front of the glass to avoid losing natural light in your kitchen.

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Visit Optima Kitchens for a stainless-steel solution that can be customised to fit your space. Alternatively, choose from a range of beautiful sink options by Franke Kitchen Systems.

Double Take

A double bowl sink will revolutionise your washing up sessions – with one bowl for washing and the other for rinsing, you will save time and unnecessary water spillage.

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Smeg’s range of double-bowl sinks come in an array of sizes, are available with or without a drainer and can be installed in a variety of ways , including countersunk.

A Perfect Match

Photograph: Elsa Young

A variety of stove tops, along with easy access to all the necessary utensils, is a great way to customise your cooking zone to your own tastes.

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This bulthaup space combines a two-plate gas stovetop, electric top and frying surface, all by Gaggenau, making sure every cooking need is met. The bulthaup multifunction wall allows you to hang a selection of different shelving and utensils, using special hooks, in an attractive fashion. 

Building Blocks

Photograph: Karl Rogers

To save space and centralise cooking functions in your kitchen, consider stacking appliances such as your convection ovens and microwaves.

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bulthaup does it best with this elegant arrangement of built in ovens, a combo-microwave and a warming drawer, all by Gaggenau. When the cabinet doors are closed, the units are completely concealed and when they are open, the doors fold away neatly.

Curveball

Interior Design: KC Design Studio

Installing a functional and visually-pleasing focus point in one’s kitchen can transform an otherwise bare space into a creative hub.

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Go to EasyLife Kitchens for tailor-made island solutions.

Industrial Design

Photograph: Hey! Cheese Interior Design: House Design Studio

Creating a multipurpose island that functions as both a workspace and a casual dining space can transform the kitchen into a vibrant communal space in one’s home.

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A thick concrete slab is the perfect no-mess, no-fuss top. Contact Blu_line or Slavin & Company Kitchens & Furniture for information and advice.

Straighten Up

Clean and straight-lined islands are timeless centrepieces which will never go out of fashion.

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The Phoenix kitchen by Poliform Varenna illustrates this with the elegant design of this steel-topped option. It has been built against one of the walls to control the flow of traffic.

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