Form function

1–Ship shape
Alno debuted its newest kitchen, Marecucina, at Eurocucina this spring. The very nautical looking island counter seems to float in the middle of the kitchen and features sleek white skirting cabinets, wood details and modern chrome hardware. A “mast” that runs up from the centre incorporates built-in lighting. For more modest-sized kitchens, Marecucina has been translated to a more standard configuration, with the counter against the wall. alno.de

2–Warm up

During New York’s ICFF this past May, Italian company GD Cucine previewed its new showroom. Among the products introduced to the North American market is Fiamma, a system designed by Giancarlo Fabro, which merges warm sepia-toned walnut with clean modern lines. Fiamma is characterized by large, unbroken expanses of wood and wide, horizontal, almost slatted banding of the walnut. gdcucine.com

3–Thinned out
The LAX series, from L.A.-based MASHstudios, has introduced a new dining table created to be the perfect table for eating and entertaining. Seating up to eight, the table is composed of sustainable engineered English walnut, with thin lines of white powdercoated steel peeking out at the joints. A super-thin edge is achieved by using integrated metal stiffeners to reinforce the tabletop. laxseries.commashstudios.com

4–Single-handed
Kohler’s Purist collection of bathroom faucets and fixtures has been a favourite from the company for years. This spring, a kitchen version was unveiled. Boasting the same minimal and modern design the other Purist components are so well known for, the kitchen version features a single-lever handle on the side of the faucet, with a pullout spout and push-button diverter. It’s available in Polished Chrome, Vibrant, Polished Nickle, Matte Black and Vibrant Stainless finishes. kohler.com

5–Pocket it
Bulthaup introduced an extension to its b3 system at this year’s Eurocucina. The b3S is a tall unit with pocket doors that operate with a sliding mechanism and hinges from a manufacturer that also makes hinges for Ferrari and Porsche. With a simple touch, the unit’s doors will smoothly slide internally. With no plinth panel, the doors reach close to the floor for a seamless look. Inside, aluminum housing to conceal appliances is an available option. Lignum drawers and/or shelves are also available in oak or walnut. The b3S is versatile and beautiful enough that it could be used in any room of the house, not just the kitchen. bulthaup.com

6–Combination lock
Miele’s CombiSets allow for custom configurations of cooking surfaces, giving the user the option of gas, electric and induction heat all in one kitchen. Wok burners, grill surfaces and even Tepan Yaki iron griddles are further options. The matched depth of each available component creates a streamlined application. With one or two to infinite components installed, the CombiSets are ideal for the tiniest to the largest kitchens. miele.com

7–Warm welcome
Tribe, designed by Marcello Cutino of BCFdesign, is one of Scavolini’s newest systems. Displaying a contemporary architecture in the bright colours and strong forms the company is known for, Tribe also incorporates some features that may be unexpected from the Italian manufacturer. Bronzed finished metal (for door hardware), matte granite countertops and doors optioned in a Dark Brown Oak veneer are some of the warm new elements. The system also offers coordinating tables and chairs. scavolini.com

8–Act natural
Boffi’s Aprile system was designed by Piero Lissoni with CRS to exhibit the value of using natural materials, with treated wood finishes, stainless steel and stone in a variety of thicknesses. Carcasses are anthracite grey or graphite oak wood effect, while doors are in M+ Lacquer or Silcover, in the company’s full range of colours, wood veneer, thermally treated acacia, polyester and Corian. Tops are also in many variations, including stainless steel, black granite and Carrara marble. boffi.com

9–Fluid movement
Fluid has added two sinks to its product line-up: Arc and Point (shown). These sinks are efficiently shaped and sized to maximize counter space and feature rear-positioned drains that allow plumbing below to increase usable space below. Manufactured from high-quality 316-gague stainless steel, they offer green points as well — the Burnaby, B.C.–based Fluid is part of the Sustainable Solutions International family of companies. fluidfaucets.com

10–Laser show
Last year, Thermador launched Sensor Dome, a new technology for induction cooktops. The patented feature utilizes infrared sensor technology to monitor the temperature inside the pan or pot, and then adjust heat accordingly to maintain the perfect level. The Sensor Dome is available on the entire induction cooktop line, which is now offered in a silver mirrored finish as well as classic black. The knob retracts when not in use to maintain a smooth surface. thermador.ca

11–Open door
New this year for Bosch is the French Door with VitaFresh refrigerator model. The VitaFresh system ensures ideal temperatures are maintained, and features drawers that each allow individual temperature control. The split, glass shelving is fully adjustable and the fridge also features LED lights and hidden hinges. bosch.com

12–Colourful character
Faucet maker Zucchetti has introduced some new finishes for its kitchen faucets that are ideal for a contemporary aesthetic. The six innovative colours and textures are: White lacquer, Sky lacquer, Black lacquer, Madras red lacquer, Gold and Ruthenium. zucchetti.com