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  1. Get the look: Scandi kitchen

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    Characterised by minimalist design, and a white and natural-toned wood colour palette, Scandi kitchen design makes your space appear brighter, lighter and all around more sophisticated. Here’s how you can get the look. 

     

    Choose a neutral colour palette for classic Scandi design 

    White as a kitchen colour scheme underpins Scandinavian design, and this goes for cabinetry as well as the walls. To avoid erring on the side of clinical, choose shades of white that carry subtle peach, pink, or yellow undertones and warm up the space with wooden flooring and countertops. 

    Choose light coloured wood like beech or ash and make sure to avoid stained or varnished woods for countertops – the raw, natural, untreated look is much more in-keeping with Scandinavian style. Finally, bring in some houseplants to add colour and welcome the outdoors in. 

    Cabinetry makes a difference 

    One of the primary elements of a Scandinavian kitchen is the cabinetry.  A Scandi-style kitchen can work with various types of cabinetry, but a plain door really speaks to the cleanliness and simplicity of Nordic design. Opt for push-to-open mechanisms or finger pulls over door handles to preserve that streamlined look. 

    Lighting is king 

    Unsurprisingly, the use of light is very important in Nordic design as the days are extremely short in winter. As a result, many interiors focus on creating bright, well-lit spaces. 

    To achieve this, a variety of different light sources should be used including dimmable LED downlights, task lighting under cupboards and pendant or overhead lighting over dining areas. You won’t use them all at once, but each play a crucial role at some point. Remember that a layered lighting scheme is always preferable to a single source in any style of design. 

     

    Choose integrated appliances 

    To achieve the sleek, clean lines of the Scandi kitchen design, make sure to choose appliances that can be integrated into your cabinetry. From dishwashers, to ovens and rangehoods to cooktops, NEFF Kitchen Appliances work wonderfully with this style. 

     

    Pay attention to the details 

    Functionality is important in Scandi style, but form comes a close second. When considering furniture for your kitchen, pieces should be pared back to their simplest form. Whether it’s a table, a kitchen chair, or a storage unit, look for items that have clean-cut lines and a simple, elegant aesthetic. Avoid anything overly ornate or with lines and features that detract from the otherwise minimalist design of the room. 

     

    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. 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.   

  3. How to design an eco-friendly kitchen

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    Building and renovating plays a huge role in the world’s carbon footprint. So, the more sustainable choices you’re able to make when designing your kitchen, the better it will be for the planet. There’s not a one-size-fits all approach when it comes to creating an eco-friendly kitchen – you might decide to make smaller choices such as using recycled materials or opting for non-toxic paint, or, you can go all out and ensure all of the elements of your kitchen are sustainable.  

    Here are some steps you can take to design an eco-friendly kitchen. 

      

    Reface cabinetry 

    By refacing kitchen cabinets you’re doing exactly what it says on the tin – the body of the cupboards are kept in place, and you just replace the ‘face’ of them, the cabinet doors and handles, to match the design of your new kitchen. Not only can you reduce waste by refacing cabinets, but it’s also a great way to save money as you’ll pay a fraction of the cost to achieve what appears to be a brand-new set of cabinets. 

      

    Choose sustainable materials 

    When selecting materials for your countertops, cabinets, tiles and furniture there are few things to consider:   

    • What is the material made from and how renewable is it?
    • How far does it need to travel to get to you?
    • Is the material fit for purpose, and will it last a long time? 
    • And can this material be reused, recycled or repurposed down the track?

    For countertops you could consider wood, which has relatively little environmental impact and is easily cleaned with soap and water, or quartz, which has much less impact than mining for granite and doesn’t require toxic sealants. It will also last a lifetime without cracking or chipping. 

    For cabinets, solid timber, plywood or bamboo are all positive options. A great bonus is that solid timber doors can be repainted and repaired, unlike laminate or vinyl-wrapped doors. They’re a great choice for durability and longevity in an eco-friendly kitchen. 

      

    Avoid VOCs 

    Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a group of carbon-based chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature. Many common household materials and products, such as paint, flooring and furnishings, give off VOCs. Formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, is particularly common in adhesives and resins, making them bad for both your health and the environment. 

    Keep your kitchen healthy by painting walls and cabinetry in low or zero VOC paints. Choose flooring that’s low in VOCs, such as cork, linoleum, reclaimed hardwood or bamboo. For splashbacks, opt for eco-friendly tiles such as recycled glass. 

      

    Choose energy efficient windows and doors 

    According to government figures, 40% of all the energy consumed in Australian homes is used for cooling and heating. So any solution that minimises the need for cooling or heating can substantially lower energy consumption, and your bills! Choose high-quality, efficient windows and doors that will help minimise heat transfer between the inside of your home and the outdoors. There are various types of glass available so make sure you do your research and choose the best for your kitchen. 

      

    Consider a timeless design 

    Being eco-friendly is all about creating projects that minimise our impact on the environment. The ultimate sustainable kitchen is one that features a long-lasting, timeless design. While following trends can be tempting, if your kitchen needs to be rebuilt in five year’s time then it is not following eco-friendly principles. Think about the layout and the materials that you select and how they will look 20 years from now. 

      

    Check your appliances 

    Energy-efficient dishwashers, ovens, rangehoods, microwaves, and refrigerators are other great ways to reduce your environmental footprint as you spruce up your new kitchen. And it’s a good idea to check their functions and settings to ensure you’re using them to their full advantage. For instance, NEFF has various product features that aid an eco-friendly kitchen:   

    • NeffLight – Our NEFFLight oven lighting feature uses a specially designed prism located in the oven door to evenly distribute light, making sure you get a good view of anything cooking, even the muffin in the very back corner. This means you don’t have to open the oven during the cooking process which preserves energy.
    • EasyClean – For a quick clean that is also easy on the environment, NEFF ovens’ EasyClean function makes cleaning a breeze. This self-cleaning method is great for a lightly soiled oven and uses a mixture of water and washing liquid to loosen the food residue.
    • Eco50 dishwasher programme – This programme is designed to be particularly environmentally friendly. Dishes are cleaned at the lower temperature of 50 degrees and uses less water and heat.
    • CircoTherm – With CircoTherm you can cook, roast and bake on all levels of the oven simultaneously, meaning you can create a three course meal all in one go, saving a huge amount of energy during the cooking process. 

      

    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. Kitchen Lighting Solutions: Types of Lighting Explained and Planning Your Space

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    In order to achieve that effortless effect, it’s worth the time to research different lighting options and to understand how they’ll work for your kitchen. To make it as painless as possible, we’ve provided a guide that explains your options and the process of choosing for your specific space, so that spending time in your kitchen feels joyful and relaxing.

    Choose Multiple Light Sources

    To create an appealing, peaceful ambience in your kitchen, it’s best to combine a variety of light sources. These four types of lighting are ideal for the kitchen: ambient lighting, task lighting, accent lighting and decorative lighting. Here’s what you need to know about each type.

    1.   Use ambient lighting as a base

    Ambient lighting, also called general lighting, provides overall illumination for a room and is intended to create a uniform light level throughout a space. It’s the foundational layer of lighting in your space. As with other rooms of your home, it typically originates from the ceiling. Wherever you’re likely to walk or stand within your kitchen is where you’ll want well-lit space. You may opt for recessed lighting, which is a popular choice, to cover spaces not already lit by pendants or undercabinet lighting.

    2.   Add practical task lighting

    Task lighting provides increased light for specific tasks in a room that may already have some ambient light. Its primary purpose is to illuminate workspaces. Whether you’re slicing up cucumber or grilling eggplants, you don’t want to be working in dim lighting. Consider where you’re working and what the source of light is above you. While your countertop is key, undercabinet lighting is also useful to the functionality and the ambience of your kitchen. Sometimes, appliances have intelligent lighting built into their design, such as the NEFF integrated and slideout rangehoods that use energy efficient LED lighting.

    3.   Use accent lighting for dining

    Accent lighting highlights a particular area or object, for example a piece of artwork. Common types of accent lights include wall sconces, floodlights, recessed lights, torchère lamps, or track lighting.

    Having laid the foundations to ensure your space is lit for safety and functionality, accent lights are the design flourish. Commonly, accent lighting is placed above an open countertop, such as an island, the kitchen counter, or the dining table in open plan kitchens. The rule of thumb is to place the light 30 – 36 inches from the surface, but this can be adapted to your height. You might opt for a pendant, a directional downlight or a sconce. Depending on your design aesthetic, you might combine various bold options, or take a minimal approach and blend the lighting into the existing palette of your kitchen.

    4.   Customise your space with decorative lighting

    Used to create mood and/or interest in a room, decorative lighting enhances aspects of your space. Design begins with your floorplan. Since you have likely already planned your foundational lighting, decorative sources of light are used to contour the space and play up the textures and colours of your furnishings. This is where you’d play with the idea of pendants, linear suspension lighting or chandeliers (why not?).

    Positioning for perfection

    To ensure that you’ve got clear vision of your space, and to complement the colours and textures of your kitchen, the right placement of your lighting is fundamental. Pay attention to the height of your cabinets, pantry and benches to ensure your lighting highlights these surfaces and adequately lights the full space.

    As a general rule, lighting should be placed 12 inches away from tall elevations, such as your fridge or cupboards, to ensure it isn’t obstructed and sheds light.

    In galley-style kitchens or around an island bench, single rows of spaced recessed lights are a good choice. The spacing depends on the height of your ceiling and the strength of the lighting.

    Point In the right direction

    Consider the orientation and sources of natural light in your kitchen and how this changes over the day. North-facing rooms are likely to get little light; east-facing rooms receive less light in the afternoons; and south and west-facing kitchens tend to stay light well into the afternoon.

    Where  do you need the light when you’re in the kitchen? Focus on how to best light those areas. When you’re whipping up fudge brownies, inhaling the steam from a fresh brioche, or putting your groceries away, you’ll want lighting over the cooking area, the cleaning area and the food preparation area.

     

    Shapes and Textures

    The most creative aspect of lighting is in your chandeliers, pendants, cord lighting and lamps. There’s so many options available that it is impossible you won’t find something to suit your tastes: geometric forms, round, textured brass, smooth ceramics, organic materials and fabrics, pastel or bold colours. The options are endless! Take into account the overall colour scheme and the fabrics and textures you’ve already used when deciding upon your fittings, but don’t be afraid to make a statement with colour and shape.

    Intelligently lit kitchen appliances

    Is there anything more tiresome than having to open the oven to check on your meal? Intelligent built-in lighting means you no longer need to spoil your cooking in your search for light. NeffLight is located in the oven door, which helps to evenly distribute light so that you can view every corner of the oven. Some of the rangehood models, such as the NEFF integrated rangehood, have a convenient dimmer function, while the NEFF slideout rangehood and the NEFF integrated rangehood use energy-efficient LED lighting.

    With better lighting built into your kitchen appliances, you can better prepare your food in all lighting conditions.

  5. The Top 6 Kitchen Colour Schemes for your Kitchen Reno

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    From timeless white to the latest emerald green, via sultry black-on-black, our guide to the top six kitchen colour schemes will help you choose a palette that works for you.

    Bright white

    Fans of the light and airy vibe will love a bright-white kitchen. In fact, there are so many advantages to this kitchen colour scheme it’s difficult to know where to start. All-white kitchens are classic and timeless – goodbye dated dark-wood cabinetry! They’re also a great option for petite or boxed-in kitchens, as they make the space look noticeably larger. Better yet, white kitchens can be updated at a moment’s notice. Introduce a pop of colour with small appliances, soft furnishings like tea towels and pot holders, and artist prints or paintings. And don’t forget to include a few verdant pot plants for their mood-boosting and air-freshening benefits. Boring white? Not on our watch.

     

    Neutral

    A neutral kitchen colour scheme introduces a warm and calming vibe into the heart of the home – perfect for busy families juggling midweek meals and encroaching chaos. Natural kitchen appliance colours like beige, stone and cream look beautiful when combined. And if the budget stretches to a real marble or granite benchtop, so much the better! Much like a white kitchen, a neutral colour scheme ages gracefully and makes a space look larger. It can also be updated or personalised easily if the mood strikes.

     

    Blue and grey

    Lucky enough to live by the water – or simply wishing you did? A blue-toned kitchen reflects water like some sort of magical painted mirror, sending out cosy or cooling vibes, depending on the play of light. A blue kitchen also suits a variety of interior design styles, from classic to contemporary. And you know what else? A blue colour palette also pairs wonderfully with sleek metallic appliances, provided there’s contrast between the shades. Colour us impressed.

     

    Timber

    The popular Scandi-style kitchen combines lashings of timber with pops of white for a look that’s both tranquil and uplifting. It’s crucial to choose a timber or laminate that’s pale and natural in colour – dark or reddish timbers will date and darken a kitchen – and to use it judiciously so as not to overwhelm the space. Introduce a minimalist pot plant or three and, hey presto! A kitchen colour scheme the whole family will adore.

     

     

    Black-on-black

    A black kitchen is a bold statement, beloved of design professionals for its sultry and enduring appeal. But proceed with caution – a black colour scheme can shrink and darken a kitchen if you’re not careful. For those ready to commit, consider introducing lustrous details like polished brass cabinet pulls and glossy finishes to up the light. Then slide that five-spice pork belly into your NEFF oven, pour a glass of deep-dark shiraz and watch them come.

     

     

    Emerald green

    You didn’t think we’d forgotten about colour, did you? Emerald green is the latest kitchen colour scheme on the block, and the perfect choice for chefs and families who prefer to live their life out loud. Keep in mind, an emerald green palette works best in a galley or more closed-in kitchen, as it’s unlikely to vibe with the rest of the house. Already decided? Then you may as well go all in with glossy brass detailing – the colour combo works a treat. Bonus points for including a moody floral wallpaper.

     

     

    Happily, NEFF has two oven ranges to suit your lifestyle; from classic Stainless Steel to sleek Graphite Grey. Both varieties pair seamlessly with any kitchen colour scheme, ensuring your hard-working appliances blend in beautifully with your overall design.

     

    NEFF Stainless Steel Oven

     

     

    NEFF Graphite Grey Oven

     

     

    Has our guide to kitchen colour schemes got you cooking? Check out some of our NEFF Appliance customer kitchens from around Australia here.

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    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 create meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.

     

    Learn more about NEFF here.

  6. How to Create the Ultimate Entertainer’s Kitchen

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    As an enthusiastic home chef who regularly entertains hungry hordes, you’ll want an entertainer’s kitchen that functions like a well-oiled machine. But just what is the perfect kitchen layout for entertaining? From well-utilised space to seamless functionality, the key design elements we explore below will help you create the ultimate entertainer’s kitchen. Now go forth and make merry! 

     

    Open plan layout

    Legendary entertainers need the space to saunter through their kitchen with ease – topping up drinks, munching on some fresh bread and dips while chatting to friends and family. An open-plan design is perfect for this. And if your kitchen flows through to an outdoor entertaining space, so much the better! Entertainers with boxy or closed-in kitchen layouts may want to consider removing walls to open up the space if budget allows – it’s that important.

     

    Island bench

    What do the ultimate kitchen layouts for entertaining have in common? They all include an island bench. A kitchen island grants guests and family a front-row seat to your cheffing magic, while boosting valuable bench space and doubling as a dining table and bar. There really is no down side to incorporating an island bench into your kitchen design! Need help designing the perfect island bench? Check out our article here.

    Incorporate durable materials

    If you host friends and family frequently, then you know that after waving goodbye to your last guest, the last thing you feel like doing is spending the next few hours cleaning your kitchen before you’re finally able to put your feet up and enjoy a night cap. 

    Cleaning up is never fun, but you can make the aftermath easier by choosing the right materials. Opt for durable, low-maintenance surfaces like porcelain tiles, engineered stone benchtops and stainless steel appliances. These materials are an entertainer’s best friend. They’re a breeze to clean, so you can spend less time worrying about the mess and more time enjoying yourself. 

     

    Modern ovens with steam or microwave functionality 

    For passionate entertainers, having appliances that promote ease and convenience in the kitchen are worth the splurge. 

    An oven that also has steam or microwave functionality is something you must consider. Throw away your steamer, rice cooker and microwave because steam ovens do it all for you while also acting as a normal hot air oven. This means your kitchen will be less cluttered (perfect to impress  guests). 

    NEFF steam ovens are great because they offer all your normal oven functions plus steam functions in one. They are German made with a four year warranty and come with the option to obtain a free cookbook to get your started. 

     

    A cooktop with integrated ventilation (meaning no rangehood above required!)

    You’re looking to mingle effortlessly with your guests, so the last thing you want is bulky appliances getting in the way. The NEFF Vented Cooktop is the ideal solution for an island bench setting with nothing overhead, with the rangehood and ventilation integrated into the flat cooktop – no overhead rangehood necessary! Alternatively, place the integrated cooktop and rangehood on a wall (considering the all-important ‘work triangle’ between the oven, sink and fridge) and include shelving overhead – perfect for displaying your collection of antique copper pots.

    NEFF vented cooktop

    Built-in coffee machine

    The great thing about a NEFF Coffee Machine is that you can save all your friends and families favourite coffee orders under their name! Then simply find their name, press the start button and the machine will prepare their favourite sip.

    A warming drawer 

    Warming drawers are a nifty appliance used to warm up cups and plates so they’re at an optimum temperature when you’re ready to serve hot drinks and dishes. They also keep pre-cooked food at the right temperature if you’re waiting on guests to arrive or in between courses. At NEFF our built-in warming drawers are designed to be installed with our ovens, and feature Push & Pull – one gentle touch opens and closes your drawer. 

    NEFF Warming Drawer

     

    Appliance with Wi-Fi capabilities

    NEFF smart appliances are a suite of Wi-Fi-enabled kitchen appliances that can be managed remotely with our Home Connect app via your smartphone, tablet or voice control.

    Dashed out to buy flowers for the dinner table? No problem – with smart appliances and intuitive controls, you can monitor and control your appliances no matter where you are. Preheat the oven. Start the coffee machine. Or let the oven send you notifications when dinner is ready. Entertaining just became a whole lot easier and more convenient.

     

     

    Invest in mood lighting 

    Lighting is integral for setting the scene and mood for intimate dinner parties and bigger celebrations. And with the right lighting, you can create the perfect ambience whatever vibe you want to create. Depending on the style and design of your kitchen, you could choose oversized pendants, chandeliers or cabinet lightings, to add impact. Or you could consider installing dimmable downlights, as they are great for illuminating and softening the room when needed. LED strip lighting that runs along the base of the island and wall cabinets can also set the mood; you can even purchase ones that change colour.  

     

    Ready to use our different kitchen layout ideas to create your own dream entertainer’s kitchen? Visit https://theneffkitchen.com.au/ for more tips and inspiration.

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    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 create meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.

     

    Learn more about NEFF here.

  7. Kitchen storage ideas for your dream kitchen reno

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    Well-utilised kitchen storage promotes seamless functionality, enabling your kitchen to function like a well-greased baking dish. From leveraging vertical space to incorporating inbuilt cabinetry, our savvy kitchen storage ideas will inspire you to go forth and renovate.

    Sliding shelf space

    Sliding shelves can be whipped out a moment’s notice and closed with the nudge of a knee, allowing busy home chefs to get on with the task at hand. And with the latest gliding systems ensuring smooth and whisper-quiet roll-outs, this savvy kitchen storage idea is also beautifully functional. Win, win.

    Leveraging vertical space

    Fervent foodies who value bench space will want to maximise vertical storage with floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. Under-utilised spaces above appliances or windows make perfect storage spots for bulky or rarely used items like ice cream makers or slow cookers. Just don’t forget to consider how you’re going to access these high cupboards. A fold-away stool will suffice, though a rolling library ladder in the kitchen provides a fabulous talking point.

    cookware set on floating shelves

    Inbuilt cabinetry

    Custom inbuilt cabinetry is every passionate foodie’s dream, allowing easy access to small appliances and utensils where you need them most. From corner cupboards that utilise awkward space to pop-up shelves and hidden drawers, bespoke inbuilt cabinetry is one of our best ever kitchen storage ideas. Perfect for home chefs undertaking a full-blown kitchen reno. While you’re at it, you can utilise integrated appliances like your dishwasher and rangehood for a perfectly seamless finish.

    two cooking pots on kitchen island

    Floating shelves

    Floating shelves – the very name sounds dreamy and full of possibility. Happily, this most aesthetically pleasing form of kitchen storage is also a smart space-saving idea. Even better? Floating shelves create the illusion of spaciousness, making them a great way to open up a small kitchen. Just remember that there’s nowhere to hide with this kitchen storage idea, so messy home chefs may like to reconsider.

    brown wooden shelf

    Utilising the space under your sink

    Cupboards under the sink are hard to access and usually contain an awkward array of pipes. But that doesn’t mean they can’t double as savvy kitchen storage. Assess the space you have available. Would it work better as a single tall cupboard, filled with difficult-to-store items like vases? Or would it be more practical to insert a shelf and have two smaller cupboards to work with? We suggest you consider storing your cleaning products elsewhere (see below) – constantly bending over to retrieve them won’t do your back any favours.

    Storage extras

    So you’ve maximised most available storage space in your new kitchen. Now it’s time to think about those final clutter-busting extras. Adding racks near the sink for cleaning products will free up extra space and make them easily accessible, while racks for foodie essentials like oils, vinegars and spices save precious pantry space. Looking to add warmth? A row of pot hooks near the oven are a space-saving kitchen storage idea that doubles as a stylish design feature – perfect for home chefs who relish both charm and practicality.

    Once you’ve packed your kitchen with seamless storage ideas, it’s time to apply this space-saving approach to your hard-working appliances.

    Space-saving NEFF kitchen appliances

    NEFF Slide&Hide

    The NEFF Slide&Hide oven door is perfect for small kitchens that need to maximise space-saving measures. The disappearing door enables multiple people to move easily around the kitchen, while better access to the oven cavity allows for flexible cooking – letting you baste and taste that melting lamb shoulder without impediment. The kicker? The retractable oven door is available on all NEFF 60cm ovens, so there’s sure to be an option that’s right for you.’

    Integrated and Slideout Rangehoods

    Rangehoods are the often forgotten kitchen element that is really an essential. But you’re not pinned down to the bulky rangehoods of days past. NEFF rangehoods include integrated, slideout and even benchtop rangehood solutions that will work perfectly with any kitchen design.

    For more kitchen reno inspiration, read our articles on planning the perfect layout and buying your new kitchen appliances.
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    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 create meaningful connections, express your creativity and make memories. Because real life happens in the kitchen.

    Learn more about NEFF here.

  8. How to create a timeless kitchen

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    Sturdy, quality materials

    Investing in quality fixtures and fittings – especially when it comes to high-use items like the oven, sink and tap – will save you time and money in the long run. NEFF appliances feature a 4-year warranty, ensuring your timeless kitchen remains just that. Smaller considerations like cabinet hinges and drawer pulls are also important. Shoddy fixtures will need replacing in a few years, whereas quality materials will function beautifully for years to come.

    neff-innovation 

    Functional layout

    It’s impossible to create a kitchen that will age gracefully if the layout isn’t functional or suited to your family’s needs. Start by asking yourself how you want to use the space. Are you a social home chef who loves being surrounded by your nearest and dearest as you create? An open-plan layout with a generous island bench is an entertainer’s dream. Prefer to lord it over your domain solo? Then a galley kitchen may be more your style. Whichever layout you decide on, nut out the all-important ‘work triangle’ (the space between the sink, stove and fridge) before proceeding. Long-lasting kitchen designs require effortless functionality, so keep this in mind from the get-go. Need some more help deciding on a suitable layout? Read our guide here.

    All-white or neutral palette

    Choosing a classic white or neutral colour palette is an investment in your kitchen’s future. Not only do neutral kitchens look fresh and bright, they stand the test of time far better than the latest colour fad. Better yet, an all-white colour palette allows you to add your own personal touch with styling and accessories. Printed tea towels, fresh flowers in gorgeous vases – even small appliances like the kettle and toaster can be switched up periodically, creating a new feel to your kitchen each time.

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    Subway tiles

    Who doesn’t love the ageless beauty of a good subway tile splashback? The clean lines and fresh finish of subway tiles make them a great option for creating a kitchen design that will last. Subway tiles also work back with multiple design schemes, meaning you won’t need to update them if you decide to give the rest of your kitchen a bit of a refresh.

     

    Clean lines

    What do fussy finishes and decorative decor have in common? They date. So if you’re looking to create a timeless kitchen, it’s best to stick to clean horizontal lines. NEFF kitchen appliances combine sleek design with seamless functionality, ensuring your beautiful new kitchen will stand the test of time.

    Natural materials

    Fancy high-tech finishes may be the next big thing, but they’ve got nothing on the timeless appeal of natural materials like wood and stone. The warmth of polished floorboards will integrate wonderfully with the rest of your home, while a Caesar stone bench top can’t be beaten for its endurance. Natural materials also age gracefully, ensuring the initial investment pays dividends in the long run.

     

    Thoughtful lighting

    A well-lit room is a thing of joy, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the hard-working kitchen. For abiding appeal, combine task lighting like ceiling spotlights and hidden countertop strips with mood lighting like a statement pendant light or chandelier. Let there be light!

     

    Like an enduring sourdough starter, these tips will help you create a timeless kitchen that doesn’t date – the dream of any passionate home chef.

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    NEFF Appliances. Made for a lifetime of moments.

     

    With NEFF appliances, every meal in your kitchen is a meal worth sharing. Celebrate together with premium ovens, cooktops and more.

     

    Find out more here.

  9. Our new showroom in South Melbourne

    Comments Off on Our new showroom in South Melbourne

    The NEFF Kitchen is a place of discovery. It’s where passionate home cooks go to find inspiration for new recipes and cooking techniques. Now, it has a more permanent home on Coventry Street in South Melbourne. Opening in February, the NEFF showroom will help you see (and test) the full range of NEFF appliances including ovens, cooktops, rangehoods and dishwashers, so you can find the perfect appliances for your dream kitchen.

    Want to know more about our new showroom? Read on…

    Will the showroom be open to the public?

    The NEFF showroom will open in February 2020. This newly refurbished space will be open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday every week, allowing you to come in and check-out the appliances at your own pace, five days a week.

    Will all appliances be present in the new space?

    Yes, the new showroom will be equipped with the full range of NEFF appliances including our ovens, cooktops, rangehoods and dishwashers that come in a range of different sizes. This means you can test every piece of equipment and decide if it is right for you.

    Tell me about the live cooking demonstrations

    The NEFF showroom will be another venue for our live cooking demonstrations, with a full equipped kitchen and large communal table, perfect for learning. During these presentations, home economists with real world cooking experience will provide tips and tricks for using your appliance to its full potential, including various features that are unique to NEFF.

    Best of all, you can enjoy tasty food, fresh out of the oven, including delicious warm bread and oven-baked risottos. Click here for more reasons you should attend a NEFF product demonstration.

    How do I book myself into a session?

    Simply click this link and type ‘NEFF Showroom’ in the search box, find a time that suits you and reserve your spot.

    Where do I park?

    Parking is available at the Clarendon Centre and nearby streets surrounding the showroom.

    We are looking forward to welcoming you into our new home. Keep an eye out on our social media channels and website for some exciting upcoming events that may be activated in this brand new space.