1. INDUCTIVE REASONING
Electrolux recently introduced a full-induction cooktop range into its premium major-appliance collection. Says Electrolux’s Stephanie Clarke, “It has surface sensors that automatically detect the placement of magnetic cookware, stimulate the induction field and adapt to the exact size of pot or pan. This helps the induction elements to transfer heat directly to the cooking utensils, meaning the cooktop stays cooler, making it easier to clean and touch.” The cooktop is 70 per cent more energy-efficient than gas and 20 per cent more than electric. electrolux.com
2. DANISH MODERN
Muuto’s Hang Around cooking set (shown) and Toss Around salad servers are by Copenhagen-based KiBiSi, an award-winning firm founded by Bjarke Ingles (BIG), Lars Larsen (Kilo Design) and Jens Martin Skibsted (Skibsted Ideation). According to KiBiSi, “The kitchen utensils combine form, function and craftsmanship. The wooden tools are precisely designed and crafted for a sleek modern look and improved functionality. The slit in the back lets you work freely in the kitchen, while your utensils hang out on your pots or pans.” muuto.com
3. BAMBOOZLED
Based in Chicago, Lenova is a leading manufacturer of sinks. Its bamboo double-bowl apron-front kitchen sink is a beauty – and surprisingly durable. Using a painstaking 13-step process, each Lenova sink is carefully crafted from fully matured Moso Bamboo, which is known for its peak density, colour clarity and sustainability; it is finished with a low-VOC binder and water-resistant top coat. Generous proportions allow for ample work space. lenovasinks.com
4. TOUGH CUSTOMER
Duravit’s Cassia is a flexible new series of built-in ceramic kitchen sinks, designed by award-winning Phoenix Design. Cassia sinks are crafted in DuraCeram, the international company’s proprietary ceramic – recognized for its high-impact resistance. Key features include a fine, all-round profile; a flat, flowing form; and a spacious surface area. The collection is available in three reversible sizes and five colours. duravit.us
5. TOUCH OF GLASS
Quebec’s ThinkGlass offers maintenance-free glass kitchen countertops that are as tough as they are attractive. Made from 100-per-cent recyclable glass, each countertop is unique. ThinkGlass offers a huge selection of imbedded textures and handpainted colours; customers can select their glass thickness and edge treatments, and even add LED lights to further personalize their design. thinkglass.com
6. HONEYSUCKLE ROSE
New Jersey-based Bendheim has added Pantone’s 2011 Color of the Year – Honeysuckle – to its line of colour-coated glasses. The vibrant pink hue can be bonded to virtually any type of glass; architects and designers can select from a vast range of glass patterns and textures. Bendheim glass is ideal for many applications, from exterior cladding and interior feature walls to back-splashes and countertops. bendheim.com
7. THROWING A CURVE
LaCucinaAlessi by Alessandro Mendini is a complete kitchen product encompassing a full range of furniture and equipment. Mendini used the curved line as his inspiration – and the result is a kitchen that provides the user the feeling of being wrapped in a warm embrace. It’s available in steel (acciaio), shown here; molded glass (vetro); and Laminate (laminato). The furniture and the hoods are produced by Valcucine; the faucets are by Oras. lacucinaalessi.com
8. REAL SMOOTH
TechLab Italia specializes in the fabrication of kitchen tops made with DuPont Corian. Its Top Bimaterico – a coplanar combination of Corian and stainless steel – comes in a wide range of colours, including a series of white, grey, beige and brown tones. The stainless steel area (available in a range of finishes) seamlessly incorporates the sink and cooktop in one big appliance, without any visible joins. techlabitalia.com
bimaterico.com