When your car is a top-of-the-line European, your handbag is this year's designer special, and your wardrobe is full of High Street labels, then you wouldn't dream of a kitchen from anywhere other than elite Italian manufacturers. Aucklanders head to a handful of exclusive custom kitchen stores which import classic
contemporary cabinetry from Europe.
Designer Antonio Citerrio has put his name to fine products all around the home. In the kitchen it's through the Arclinea range (marketed here by Matisse). The company blends technology and creativity to create more than mere kitchens: These are stimulating environments in which to cook, dine and entertain. Attention to ergonomic details is visible in the form of appliance positioning, benchtop height and depth, recessed plinths and handles. But hidden details such as stainless steel and marble bench tops with drip guards, specially designed utensil and knife drawers, and removable, dishwasher proof cutlery inserts are what make these kitchens covetable for those who can afford them.
The Varenna range, marketed in New Zealand through Studio Italia, a division of Poliform, is also fabricated in Italy. Auckland designers customise plans for clients, measure up and order from the specialised plant in Italy. Good things take time: manufacturing and shipping take up to 14 weeks, although sometimes benches are fabricated in New Zealand.
Looks are veering away from the chocolate/Wenge wood to a grained, greyed Oak wood or a mid-toned African palm with the look of Zebrano or Walnut. Gloss white or taupe lacquers are still strong at the top end of the market, teamed with pale or neutral marble such as Carrara. Home owners are bravely veering into asymmetrical layouts, though still focused around the versatile large-scale island.
Designer names do not come cheap. Expect to pay from around $25,000 up to $80,000 for these designer name kitchens. Don't skimp on the appliances, which could set you back several thousand more. But watch how those dollars become worth it when you can name names to help you sell your designer pad.
Matisse ph 302 2284
Studio Italia ph 523 2105 or www.studioitalia.co.nz
