Kitchen and bathroom designers across the globe are taking heed of the need for more liveable spaces, combining clean lines and creature comforts. New technology and hidden features are fast turning these two rooms into household favourites.
GREY MATTER
Walking into a Pedini bathroom is like stepping into another world, where careful consideration has been given to ensure the ultimate bathing experience. The Wellness collection is a complete system of coordinated and integrated furniture pieces that represent an innovative solution for the bathroom. Contemporary research and durability are crucial: the cool grey tones set the mood for relaxation, and reflect the epitome of efficient design, attention to ergonomics, and beauty in pieces equipped to improve the comfort of living. www.pedini.it
STRAIGHT UP
Having jointly developed the P'7340 – a design that marked a milestone in the history of fitted kitchens – Poggenpohl and Porsche Design Studio have come together once again to create the P'7350. Its architecture departs from the horizontal lines of conventional kitchens – here, the front merges with the carcase in the mitre to form an exquisitely engineered vertical line, while the mitred cut is covered with a stainless steel-effect aluminium profile. With the aid of leading edge, high-precision manufacturing techniques, Poggenpohl is the first kitchen manufacturer to be able to produce this elaborate finish. Meanwhile, the blades – solid, vertical design trims made of brushed aluminium – emphasise the vertical lines and create a special depth effect for a more open and varied design. Offered in three neutral colours, with a matt or gloss lacquer finish. www.poggenpohl.com; www.kitchenchoice.com.au
INCH PERFECT
A rare case in the bathroom furniture world, MOMA Design's architects allow clients to customise products according to their specific project needs – right down to the last millimetre – and the manufacturer deals directly with retailers. MOMA Design's high-end collection is made with only the best materials, including DuPont Corian, tempered glass and the finest selection of woods. The luxurious bathroom seen here features the Double Curve Tank bathtub with curved backs in original DuPont Corian Glacier White, the Piattodoccia shower tray, and shower box model ST503 in 10mm tempered glass. www.moma-design.it
OPERA HOUSE
Brummel products are highly regarded internationally: creations such as the OPERA 30 effortlessly combine aesthetics and function. Square lines play with the imposing and luxurious structure, while luminous reflections create an atmosphere of opulence. The design includes a ventilation hood that becomes a light, crockery cupboard and/or TV support, and a countertop that lifts to reveal space for a glass cupboard. The drawers respond to a light touch, and everything is coordinated with the feature panelling that provides identity and prestige. www.brummelcucine.it
BLACK BEAUTY
The most private room of the home, the bathroom is often treated as
a sanctuary to escape the pressures of daily life. Oozing sophistication and allure, a bathroom dressed in black takes this to a new level – but ultimately, it comes down to the quality of materials. Italian company Kartell uses plastic – one of the youngest materials in human history – to create high-quality furniture and design objects. Swiss bathroom specialist Laufen, on the other hand, is an expert in ceramics – one of the oldest materials used by man. Combined, they have created the Kartell by Laufen collection that debuts the revolutionary material SaphirKeramik. This super-strong innovation can be fashioned along minimal, architectural lines, and permits the creation of wafer-thin yet robust walls, and tight radii of 1-2mm. The result is nothing short of spectacular. www.kartellbylaufen.com
LIGHT SHOWER
Rules are made to be broken, and boundaries are made to be crossed. Nendo architect Oki Sato does just that by reinterpreting familiar objects and placing them in unexpected contexts. Nendo's work with visual effects and transparency is based on the principles of lightness, humour and sophistication in design and material use. Here, the bathroom blends into the living area as though it were completely usual. The LampShower, designed in conjunction with Axor, combines water and light in an unusual way. It brings a homely character to the bathroom, and can be perfectly combined with shower and bathroom products from a range of different collections and styles. www.hansgrohe.com.au
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COOL COMFORT
With the science of ergonomics in mind, Rexa Design has created the ultimate range of comfortable, supportive and aesthetically beautiful bathroom products. Aptly named Ergo-nomic, the range includes bathtubs, washbasins, showers, cabinets, mirrors, shelves and accessories. Controls in the bathtub are elegantly integrated into appropriate spaces, and water can be easily adjusted even when lying back in the bath. Taps are incorporated to guarantee the highest levels of comfort and fluidity of movement. www.rexadesign.it
WONDER WALL
New technology is literally making its mark in the bathroom, with the AFFRESCHI collection. A collaboration between antoniolupi and Pietro Gaeta, and inspired by Michelangelo's David, the environmentally friendly wall art is created through transfer paper, allowing the pigments of the drawing to seep through the pores of the plaster. Applicable on rough cement, scratched plaster, unrefined walls, plasterboard and brick, designs are adaptable to any space, from walls and ceilings to vaults and domes, and can be tailored to the dimensions of the wall. www.antoniolupi.it
HOT CHOCOLATE
What better way to add a level of drama to the hub of the home than with dark-brown chocolate marble? With its Essential collection, industry powerhouse Toncelli has created some serious sophistication in the kitchen. Characterised by primary geometric and linear design, it is enriched with advanced home automation systems that transform the room into a highly innovative and versatile arena. Doors are finished in Spanish Emperador dark marble, with a fine grain and irregular crossed lighter veins, while occasional marks of calcite in cream enhance its beauty. A sliding top hides the washing and cooking area, ensuring a seamless, sleek environment. www.toncelli.it
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STEEL THE SHOW
Think Hamptons-meets-industrial-chic. The Palm Beach project is the exclusive creation of Officine Gullo, and is a true reflection of the brand's belief in living the good life. The customised, heavy-gauge steel kitchen features chrome-plated and satinated brass finishing and edging, a professional P70 cooktop with brass burners, pasta cooker and steamer, and chrome-plated smooth fry top. Completing the design is a large washing area with brushed anti-scratch steel sink and top, a Miele dishwasher, brushed aluminium backplate, and a pyramid-shaped painted metal extractor hook with LED lights. www.officinegullousa.com
FORM AND FUNCTION
Bold functionality, richly textured finishes, and understated design using both man-made and natural materials – Modulnova's bathroom furnishing solutions create oases full of personality and exceptional functionality. The range features Kerlite – a ceramic more durable than stone, lighter than aluminium, and that can be used to create benchtops, basins, drawers and doors for a uniform aesthetic – along with natural timbers and flamed Piasentina stone. Sleek and lineal wall cabinetry with sliding or lift-up doors, integrated storage, and handle-less drawers create a distinct perception of space. www.modulnova.it; www.thenest45.com