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The kitchen has evolved into the heart of the home. Where food preparation used to be confined to a separate space away from the rest of the house, it has now become a key social activity – and kitchen design has responded accordingly.
Befitting its newfound status as the hub of the home, the kitchen is becoming bigger and more design orientated.
Current trends favour curves, islands and high-gloss finishes, according to Tony Lamb, managing director, Under One Roof. “Curves are currently extremely popular to create a flow to the scheme, often in contrasting colours to the main kitchen for added interest,” he noted.
Islands, meanwhile, are “an invaluable place for storage, food preparation and cooking. Simply position some stools and you can dine, read, chat or simply chill out,” he said.
Cherry, maple and white alder remain popular choices when it comes to cabinetry, but there is a growing trend towards combining colours in the kitchen space, agreed Mohammed Junaid, head of sales at Palmonade. “Mixing and matching colours is also very much in vogue, for instance designing a kitchen in dark oak veneer with high-gloss white lacquer doors,” Junaid explained.
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With sleek and streamlined kitchens proving popular, the trend is also towards intelligent design and gadgetry. Recessed handles, pull-out larders, swing corner cabinets and glass bottom drawers are all becoming increasingly prevalent.
Sustainability is also having a notable impact in the kitchen. “Energy-saving light fixtures have made great strides, as seen in CFL and LED fixtures. Water-saving faucets are in vogue with the standard ones phasing out and the pullout and pot-filler faucets stealing the limelight,” noted Mohd Omar Shareef, assistant manager, sales and operations, of Mac Al Gurg.
Over the next few pages, Commercial Interior Design speaks to leading kitchen suppliers about these trends and asks them to unveil some of their latest offerings.
CID speaks to Julia Dickerson, interior designer, Obegi Home.
Tell us about your company.
Established in 1973 in Lebanon, Obegi Home has been a cornerstone of design for over three decades. Since opening its Dubai showroom in 2007, Obegi has forged a unique reputation, partnering with the world’s leading manufacturers and designers of quality contemporary and classical/contemporary furniture for the home, as well as kitchens, wardrobes, lighting and outdoor furniture.
Obegi Home is committed to only working with manufacturers that produce an all-encompassing level of quality and design, providing the highest levels of comfort and durability over time. These brands include Baker from the US and Giorgetti and Poliform from Italy.
What kitchen products do you offer?
The 100% made-in-Italy Varenna kitchen collection by Poliform comprises six different contemporary styles and, within this, a plethora of finishes, colours and materials. It offers a freedom of composition and personalised solutions for different lifestyles.
Latest trends?
The kitchen is an ever-evolving part of the home – from the era of being outside the house, where food preparation happened completely independently of the family, to now where we see the open plan kitchen taking hold. It is the hub of the home, a place for all to gather, where cooking and food preparation is an event for the whole family. Varenna offers the range, selection and flexibility to create a kitchen that not only functions for the unique needs of individuals but features materials that truly reflect personal styles.
What’s new?
One of the latest additions to the Varenna family is Twelve, designed by leading international architect Carlo Colombo. This new solution from Varenna is a unique design that features a 12mm thick worktop, including glass top, and components, pioneering the slick slimline trend in kitchens. Moving away from the traditionally chunky kitchen, Twelve’s essential concept boasts minimal horizontal thicknesses and maximum width of surfaces. With a notable absence of handles, Twelve functions with an intelligent electronic sensory opening system.
How do we contact you?
Visit our showroom on Umm Al Sheif Road, off Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai. Tel: +971 (0)4 394 8161; email: dubai@obegihome.com; website: www.obegihome.com.
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FEATURED COMMENT
well, i like your kitchen design so much. it's giving me a modern feelings too. but it could be much more better if adde