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  1. Kitchen styling: our top five tips

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    Interior styling is basically ‘dressing’ a room so that it looks as good as it possibly can while still being functional and expressing your taste. This includes things like adding new textures to a room, clever storage solutions or statement lighting. Here are out top 5 tips to get your kitchen ready like it’s going to be photographed for the pages of a magazine.  

     

    Make use of soft furnishings 

    Soft furnishings in the kitchen are just as important as solid materials and components, as softer elements like upholstery, cushions and rugs can elevate your kitchen and tie the whole design together. 

    For cushions and seating, avoid light colours or delicate velvets that will stain and mark easily. Instead choose darker or patterned fabric with a tight knit that will be easy to clean when spills eventually happen. Leather is another good option, and the patina can look beautiful over time.  

    Rugs are probably not the first thing that spring to mind when styling a kitchen. But despite the risk of grease stains and red wine spills, rugs can be useful for zoning, adding colour and a little cushioning underfoot in a space where you spend a lot of time on your feet. 

     

    Mix textures and materials 

    Mixing materials and textures is a tried-and-true way to add depth and character to your home. And the kitchen has many opportunities for using different materials. Instead of matching the finish on fixtures, try mixing metals, such as pairing stainless appliances with black cabinet handles and a bronze faucet. A sleek marble countertop would pair beautifully with a butcher block island, while warm wood or cork floors provide a contrast to sleek Nordic-style cabinets. 

     

    Style your sink 

    It might seem a little odd to focus your energy on the sink, but it’s one area that can easily look messy and disorganised as most of us will have brushes, sponges, dish and hand soap hanging around there. So, why not turn this area of the kitchen into a stylish arrangement with a few easy steps? 

    Simply start with a base such as a tray or trivet – you could choose something bamboo for a natural look, or a metallic base for a more sophisticated look. 

    Next, look for soap products in unique packaging or dispense them into soap pumps that coordinate with the design of your kitchen. Add interest with an indoor plant or candle, and you can also add texture with an item such as a natural bristle brush. 

     

    Less is more in your kitchen 

    A kitchen is a space that is heavily used, but it doesn’t have to look cluttered. Keeping bench tops clear of unnecessary things keeps it looking elegant and minimalist.  

    Removing everything from your kitchen counters and assess what are essential only items – think the kettle, toaster or coffee pot. Then work out what you’d like to be on display, perhaps knives or pots and pans, and elevate them off the counter tops.  

    A pegboard, metal rail with S-hooks or floating shelves can all be put to work to store utensils, spices and knives, within reach but out of the way. 

    And what about the humble microwave? If you’re not able to store it out of the way or in a butler’s pantry, consider investing in a combination oven which gives you the power of a microwave and an oven in one – a saviour for bench space. 

     

    Display art 

    A print or a framed picture can be all it takes to elevate an ordinary kitchen to something special. If you don’t have the wall space to hang a large picture, choose a smaller print and rest it on the countertop or a shelf for a contemporary look. 

    About NEFF  

    NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to creative meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.  

    Learn more about NEFF here.   

  2. What does the kitchen of the future look like?

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    The true heart of the home 

    While the kitchen has always served as meeting place in the home for families and guests, it really became a sanctuary for many during the pandemic, and this is something that will become even more prevalent in the future. The design of kitchens will become more relaxed to facilitate real connection and warmth as people continue to cook and entertain more at home. This means we’ll see kitchen design that leans more on personal style over design trends to create a habitat that is personal, liveable and accessible. Whether elegant or down-to-earth, the ultimate effect will be the same – you and your guests will feel comfortable in the room. 

      

    Connected, smart appliances 

    The kitchen has always had technology at its heart, but it will transform into a technology hub, with appliances connected to the internet and manageable from mobile devices wherever you are. 

    Imagine brewing your morning coffee while you’re still stretching out in bed or being alerted that you’re running low on dishwashing tablets. Actually, you don’t need to imagine these advancements as they are already working their way in to people’s kitchens! Many NEFF appliances are smart appliances and work with the Home Connect app. For example, with the NEFF Fully Automatic Coffee Machine you can start the brewing process with a simple tap within the app and as soon as you get to the kitchen, the coffee is ready and waiting for you. 

    If you’re forgetful in the morning and want to come home to clean dishes, simply send the command through the app to your smart Home Connect dishwasher while sitting in the office. The tab counter on the app also tracks your consumption since your last purchase and informs you via push notification when you’re down to your last five tablets. 

      

    Sustainability in the kitchen 

    Sustainable practices will become a cornerstone of kitchen design, from creating a designated place for herbs to grow to having somewhere distinct for composting. A sustainable approach to design will also become commonplace, with natural light, recycled and non-toxic materials and energy efficient appliances key. 

    For instance, controlling the temperature of your fridge and freezer or limiting the energy used by your microwave as well as regulating the temperature and water pressure of your taps. 

      

    A more professional space 

    While the kitchen of the future will be a relaxed, informal space, the same can’t be said for appliances. Domestic kitchens will be filled with ovens, dishwashers and fridges that to date could be found only in professional kitchens. 

    This is driven by enthusiastic home cooks that want to create restaurant quality food at home. Appliances that have innovative product features will become the norm, such as NEFF CircoTherm®, which ensures food is cooked evenly on all levels and allows you to cook, roast and bake simultaneously, or Slide&hide® where the door tucks in smoothly under the oven cavity, giving you better access to baste, taste, and monitor your dishes. 

    With constantly evolving technologies and smart additions to our kitchens – even if future kitchens look similar to today, what’s hidden under the hood is a whole new world of possibilities. 

     

    About NEFF  

    NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to creative meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.  

     Learn more about NEFF here.   

  3. Get the look: industrial style kitchen

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    There are few places in the house which revel in the beauty and unassuming ease of the industrial style as much as the kitchen. What began as an efficient work environment in professional kitchens decades ago, has morphed into a distinct style that can be found in all types of homes where enthusiastic cooks live. Here’s how you can get the look in your own home.

     

    Embrace exposed surfaces

    Exposed brick works perfectly in an industrial scheme offering the unfinished look that this style is known for. So, if you can remove the plaster to expose brickwork, do so. Make sure you test a patch first to ensure the condition and type of bricks are suitable.

     

    Make concrete a feature

    If brick isn’t your style, or isn’t an option, then exposed concrete is another great option, and it needn’t be real concrete – faux poured concrete, which is applied like plaster and looks incredibly close to real concrete, is now widely available and looks polished and contemporary in the kitchen.

    Concrete also works well for worktops adding a sleek sophistication and practicality to the space. Reclaimed wood is a striking material to use for your kitchen island and shelves – adding to the industrial décor. For more inspiration, check out our NEFF customer kitchen here.

     

    Appliances are the star of the show

    Impressive appliances are the hallmark of an industrial-style kitchen. In pursuit of that commercial aesthetic, choose a five-burner cooktop such as a NEFF Gas cooktop that has a wide spectrum of heat settings to really finesse your cooking. Double ovens also work perfectly. As mentioned above, mixing and matching materials is key, so why not select something a little different when it comes to your appliances? The NEFF Graphite Grey range is a new line of stainless steel strips and handles for our built-in appliances and this dark, sleek shade would contrast wonderfully with a brick wall.

     

    Maximise open space

    Ideally, your industrial kitchen will have a high ceiling and lots of wide-open space, giving an airy feeling. But you can still achieve the look and maximise the feeling of space by installing clever storage systems to open up work surfaces. Built in appliances such as NEFF built-in ovens are ideal as they save a huge amount of space and give you the flexibility to install them wherever you like in the room.

     

    Go big with your sink

    When choosing the kitchen sink, the larger the better. Selecting a large sink will allow you lots of space to work in and can handle any industrial-sized mess you make. A traditional Belfast sink with a metallic twist is a great option as is a farmhouse sink (despite the name) as the straight sidewalls and flat bottom offer more usable space as well as appearing contemporary.

     

    Try adding some black metal finishes

    Many industrial kitchens feature a strong use of black, and an easy way to incorporate this in your kitchen is by adding metallic elements such as black metal chairs, pendant lighting or even tapware. If you want to go all out with the black theme, you could install black steel cabinets and even black steel worktops.

     

    Mix and match materials

    Another key character of industrial style is the merging of different materials – think leather furniture combined with stainless steel appliances and tapware, metal floor lamps, bar stools, and concrete worktops. You don’t have to boast all the elements of an industrial space to achieve the industrial look. You can still get the overall effect using the raw, unrefined, eclectic materials that define this style.

     

    About NEFF

    NEFF is a German-engineered kitchen appliance brand, with a product range that includes ovens, cooktops, rangehoods, coffee machines and dishwashers designed to make life in the kitchen a daily pleasure. For people who love to cook, NEFF gives you the tools to creative meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.

     

    Learn more about NEFF here.

  4. The ultimate country escape, complete with NEFF appliances

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    Set in Australia’s beautiful snowy mountains, Tinkersfield is a wonderful place to escape the everyday. It’s nestled in the alpine valley, surrounded by beautiful gum trees and native grasses making you feel at home in the wilderness.

    During the winter months, you can hit the slopes in Thredbo or Perisher. While in summer you can explore the alpine region by bushwalking or hiking. In any season, the Snowy Mountains offer an incredible opportunity to rest, reflect and reconnect with nature. That’s why we couldn’t say no to the opportunity to collaborate with Tinkersfield.

    NEFF x Tinkersfield

    Tinkersfield have a collection of rustic, hand-crafted houses that have been designed with a mix of vintage, modern and industrial style furnishings. You can choose from the intimate charm of The Post Office, the rustic comfort of the spacious Barn or the sweeping, mountain views of the Field houses that overlook secluded valleys. But there is one thing all these beautiful rooms have in common – a gourmet kitchen fitted with luxurious NEFF appliances. This includes our dishwasher, microwave oven and induction cooktop which means you can cook up a storm, no matter which room you choose.

    What rooms can you choose from?

    Tinkersfield know that every adventure requires a different home-base. Their unique high country homes have different arrangements, sleeping upto 11 people. So whether you want an intimate getaway for two or a larger escape with the extended family, there is a house that suits your needs.

    Check out some of the accommodation options below:

    What else can you do in the Snowy Mountains?

    Make the most of the fresh country air by exploring the beautiful Snowy Mountains. Located in Crackenback Valley, Tinkersfield is exactly half way between Thredbo Village and Jindabyne meaning you can get the most of both of these destinations.

    Here are some cool things to do in the area:

    • Ski or snowboard on Perisher or Thredbo
    • Explore the mountain lakes on a canoe, kayak or standup paddle board
    • Test your endurance by climbing up Mt Kosciuszko
    • Make a gourmet meal in your NEFF kitchen and enjoy the beautiful views with a glass of wine
    • Go horse riding in Australia’s beautiful high country
    • Catch a fish in the alpine streams
    • Get your heart-rate up by mountain biking through the rocky trail

    Click here for more activities that you can do in the Snowy Mountains.

    Next step? Relax, unwind and enjoy your beautiful mountain escape.

  5. Our Favourite NEFF Kitchens

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    Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing house, creating a new kitchen can be exhilarating. You have a blank canvas to work with and the ability to make your cooking space completely your own.

    You can choose from a variety of styles, materials and colours to truly personalise the space and make it work for you and your family. Some people like classic designs with shaker cabinetry and gold tapware, while others gravitate towards industrial style kitchens with dark panels and matte black fittings.

    The good news is that NEFF appliances are sleek and can suit any style of kitchen. From dainty to art-deco, here are some of our favourite NEFF kitchens from across the country.

     

    Industrial meets art deco

    This industrial style kitchen is every entertainers dream. It has nine NEFF appliances, including three Slide&hide®️ ovens, a glass gas cooktop and a butler’s pantry with a dishwasher, compact microwave and warming drawer. Tucked away behind a sliding door, this is the perfect space for food preparation. The dark laminate panels used throughout the kitchen contrast against the white benchtops and light timber shelving, creating an industrial look and feel that will never go out of fashion. Click here to check out the NEFF Kitchen.

     

    Contemporary Hamptons style kitchen

    This Hampton style home has an open plan kitchen with an impressive marble island bench that sits at the centre of the room. The white marble benchtop with intricate veins adds a touch of luxury to the understated design. The contemporary kitchen features six NEFF appliances, including three steam ovens, a built in coffee machine and fully integrated dishwasher. Because the cooktop sits on the island bench, a ventilated product has been chosen, so the setting is not obstructed by a rangehood. Click here to check out the NEFF kitchen.

     

    Luxurious Industrial

    This modern kitchen has a monochrome theme with a black, grey and white colour palette used throughout the splashbacks, benchtops and cupboards. Black tapware, appliances and stools provide a sleek, modern finish with each element integrating into the kitchen perfectly. It boasts seven built-in NEFF appliances, with the star of the show being NEFF’s ventilated cooktop that automatically adjusts power levels. It also has three ovens with integrated steam and microwave functionality. These are built into the wall, saving precious bench space. Click here to check out the NEFF kitchen.

    Do you have a NEFF kitchen that you want to add to the list? Email us at MEL-neffau@bshg.com to find out how.

     

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