INDUSTRY NEWS
This view is shared by Elizabete Nelson of Gaggenau: ‘Gaggenau bases
every design decision on a practical benefit by taking seamless kitchen
appliance design one step further. It focuses on attraction, not distraction.’
For Lisa Greenwood of Siemens, the seamlessness of integrated appliances
means less stress for the property owner – the ultimate outcome of a
kitchen that is flawlessly co-ordinated and extremely pleasing to the eye.
Integration is just one facet of the prevalent design aesthetic, which
favours open-plan living. The accent is firmly on minimalism, and with
this comes the desire for simplicity. Ironically, as our options expand,
the need to consolidate becomes more salient – and integration
undoubtedly creates a more streamlined look. It’s a prime example of a
straightforward idea that immediately uplifts a space, so that the whole
really is greater than the sum of its parts. Or, as Kloeck puts it, it’s the
difference between walking into a kitchen and seeing the gaping holes
where appliances will one day go, or walking into the same space and
seeing sleek, beautifully designed items that add to its slick appearance.
The final word goes to Gush: ‘The appliances selected by developers
have a high aspirational value. They’re brands that are recognised
globally both for their design and efficiency – so it’s not merely a case
of making sure that, by supplying every gadget they could possibly need,
purchasers have one less thing to think about. It’s also about upping the
pizzazz and wow factor of the space.’
over their competitors, making the homes easier to sell, and developers
are able to incorporate the cost into the selling price,’ he notes.
Aesthetics are definitely a consideration – hence the increasing
popularity of Smeg as a top choice for developers. But other brands are
chosen on the basis of their reliability and after-sales service. Bosch is a
case in point here, according to Amdec’s Clifford Oosthuizen, managing
director of Westbrook, while others recommend Siemens or Miele.
Pixley House
Managers of the sought-after brands agree that a sound track record
is a major selling point for any developer. It’s about cohesiveness and
sophistication, says Ashveer Jaganath of Bosch Home Appliances,
adding that ‘integrated’ doesn’t mean ‘prescriptive’. On the contrary,
there’s a great deal of flexibility and customisation.
Gold Coast Estate
Lisa Witepski
22