The kitchen is having its “all in” moment. The living room isn’t what it used to be now that everyone is on individual screens while bathrooms and bedrooms are more intimate spaces, hidden behind closed doors.
But the kitchen; that’s where we come together to connect over shared tasks and shared stories. It’s jumping in to slice the tomatoes for a Caprese salad as the homemade pasta simmers. Or preparing a charcuterie plate as whole snapper steams in the oven.
These are the interactions that get a good night going. And, if perhaps you’d like to introduce a little dazzle into the entertaining equation, the kitchen is where luxury touchpoints can enhance the shared experience. In the spirit of going “all in” and “all out”, these are out top five investment pieces that will up the ante.
1. The steam oven
Things are getting steamy in the kitchen, and we mean that in the most wholesome possible way. Chefs love steam cooking for the delicate way it treats seafood, vegetables and silky desserts. Nutritionists love it for retaining nutrients and reducing the need for oil. Topping our luxe list is Falcon’s Nexus Steam Induction Range Cooker, Australia’s first range cooker with a dedicated steam oven. The steam oven, with its pre-programmed settings for the preparation of vegetables, fish and meat, is big news for passionate cooks with a penchant for the classics. With this appliance, there’s a choice of gas or induction.
2. Induction cooking
Induction, which directs electromagnetic energy directly into compatible cookware is a buzzword in cooktops. It’s flameless, slick and offers immediate temperature control (so much so we’ve seen chocolate tempered without a double boiler). Once the hallmark of sleek minimalist kitchens, the technology is now being applied to artisanal aesthetics. Take for example Falcon’s Classic Induction range cooker, which unites a cutting-edge hob with the coveted styling of a traditional statement oven.
3. Dusted vacuums
In a power move that says, “don’t worry, I’ve got this”, a ducted vacuum system installed into underbench kickers is one of the great wonders of high-end kitchens. Simply tap your toe and the system zooms up crumbs and mess. No more sweeping means less stress and more time to connect.
4. Minimalist rangehoods
More of a “non-feature” in the most swoon-worthy kitchens, this unsung hero opens the door more beautiful (and less utilitarian) atmospheres overhead. We love clean-lined rangehoods and integrated undermount rangehoods, that slips under joinery almost out of sight. Or watch out for downdraft extraction, which pops up from benchtops, putting on a show.
5. Mood lighting
As kitchens take centre stage they need to be able to shift from cooking to cocktail hour with ease. Consider lighting your best transformation tool. Luxurious lighting is zoned on multiple circuits (with dimmers, of course). Flick one switch and prep spaces are spotlit for cutting and cooking. Flick another and marble and timber surfaces are warmed up, complexions are aglow, and the atmosphere is set for aperitivo hour. Now just cue the music.
This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.
