Luxury flat kitchen
When Susanne and Peter acquired their well-worn luxury flat on the 4th floor, they made a firm decision to embrace their personal style without being concerned about market appeal. The outcome is a truly one-of-a-kind kitchen that beautifully reflects the flat's history, their family's affinity for vibrant colours, and their dynamic everyday life with two young children.
Susanne's creative kitchen renovation
Susanne, a 32-year-old copywriter, embarked on a renovation project in March 2020 when she and her husband Peter took over a spacious and historic flat on the 4th floor. With their creative vision and dedication, they have completely transformed the 130-square-meter space into a remarkable home for their family of four, including their two children, Wilma and Georg. The renovation process has resulted in vibrant and unique design solutions that reflect Susanne and Peter's personal style.
"We're not worried about making our home neutral and saleable like others. We want it to reflect our personal style."
-Susanne
Transforming two rooms into one
To expand the size of their kitchen, Susanne and Peter made the decision to combine their original small kitchen with an adjacent children's room in their apartment.
Susanne emphasizes the importance of having ample floor space, stating, "Cooking is a significant part of our lives, and we wanted our kitchen to be a space where we can gather together."
Once the kitchen frames were installed, the couple focused on optimizing storage space. Peter explains, "We had to work with the available space we had, so we carefully considered how to maximize storage capacity."
One of their solutions was choosing a freestanding refrigerator instead of an integrated one, as they didn't want to compromise on storage capacity for refrigeration. Additionally, they selected tall cabinets that extend all the way to the ceiling and a pull-out pantry cabinet that provides excellent organization and easy access to pantry items.
Embrace the Big Apple Vibe
"After a visit from a carpenter, we were inspired by the idea of a New York-inspired wall, which set the tone for our kitchen style. This led us to make various colour choices throughout the flat. Our process begins with a piece of furniture, object, or quirky detail, and we find a complementary colour. From there, the design evolves and gains momentum," Susanne explains.
Get inspired by the New York look
Materials and colours
When Susanne and Peter envisioned having a raw brick wall in their kitchen, they used it as a starting point for the overall design. They carefully selected colours and materials that would complement and enhance the natural beauty of the bricks.
Washing machine in the kitchen
Creative solutions are needed when you don't have unlimited space. In the bathroom, the couple prioritized a bathtub and instead hides the washing machine behind a kitchen cabinet door.
A blue kitchen
The blue kitchen was chosen for multiple reasons. It harmonizes with the overall colour scheme of the flat and complements the yellow bricks. Moreover, the couple's daughter, Wilma, has a fondness for the colour blue, adding a personal touch to the decision.
Kitchen
Budget-friendly kitchen dreams
Susanne and Peter initially began their kitchen journey with a craftsman kitchen dealer. However, as unexpected challenges arose during their apartment renovation, they decided to reassess their priorities.
Susanne shares, "We came to the realization that investing a large sum of money in a kitchen wasn't our top priority. There were other important projects that needed attention in the renovation process."
This change in perspective led them to HTH, where they were initially captivated by the Shape concept. However, after careful consideration, they ultimately chose the Base Blue model, allowing them to fulfill their kitchen dreams at a more affordable price point of approximately 10.000 EUR.
Factors Affecting Kitchen Price
Design consultation
Be inspired by Susanne and Peter's kitchen journey
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Durable cabinet doors for long-lasting use
When selecting the kitchen doors, Susanne and Peter were in agreement about their preference for matte surfaces that provide a pleasant tactile experience and create a serene ambiance in the kitchen. They opted for the Base Blue doors, which are coated with Base Laminate. This high-pressure laminate is highly durable and requires minimal maintenance, simply needing to be wiped with a damp cloth.
Susanne remarks, "We haven't encountered any scratches or stubborn fingerprints on our kitchen doors, even when there have been incidents involving a scooter or doll pram crashing into them. It's fantastic for a family with children. The doors can withstand some rough treatment."
"Embracing the patina that develops on brass is a part of its unique aesthetic."
-Susanne
Finishing touches
Brass Quooker
Susanne and Peter are thrilled with their brass Quooker, finding it to be a standout detail in their kitchen. Its convenience is unmatched, saving them time compared to a traditional electric kettle. Susanne describes it as "absolutely brilliant" for quickly sterilizing bottles and pacifiers while tending to a crying child.
Lighting
Carefully chosen for their materials and colours, the beautiful wall lamps in Susanne and Peter's kitchen not only add aesthetic appeal but also serve a practical purpose. With excellent task lighting capabilities, they complement the ceiling spotlights, ensuring a well-illuminated workspace.
Handles
The search for details began with the beautiful handles, leading Susanne on a time-consuming quest. "Consistency was important to us, so once we decided on brass, we wanted all the accompanying details to match. It has been a challenging process," Susanne explains .
Kitchen
Maintenance-free worktop
When selecting their white CoreStone worktop, Susanne and Peter had specific criteria in mind: they wanted a surface that not only felt pleasant to the touch but was also easy to maintain.
CoreStone, a composite material known for its durability, emerged as the perfect choice. One of the notable advantages of CoreStone is its ability to repair any scratches, allowing the worktop to regain its pristine appearance through polishing.
Susanne explains their decision, saying, "With just a damp cloth, we can easily clean the worktop on a daily basis, and when the children are older, we can sand and repair it as needed. We wanted to avoid the upkeep of a wooden worktop; we've tried it before, and it just didn't meet our needs."
"The kitchen should radiate the same vibrant energy and charm that permeated the rest of the flat."
- Susanne
Kitchen
The invisible extractor hood
Susanne and Peter made a deliberate choice to forgo wall cabinets in their kitchen, and they were equally uninterested in a bulky wall-mounted extractor hood.
"After extensive research, we discovered the perfect solution with an integrated extractor hood that met all our requirements," explains Susanne. "Not only is it easy to clean, but it also features a convenient rinseable filter. In case of any spills or overflow, the water is collected in a container that can be easily emptied."
The hob with the integrated extractor hood in Susanne and Peter's kitchen is the EICO Nikola Tesla Switch.
Explore Our Extractor Hood Guide
Susanne and Peter's top renovation tips
1: Learning what people love about their kitchens can help you discover features and elements that could enhance your space.
2: When designing your kitchen, consider its function in your daily life. Assess how you use the kitchen and the activities that occur there.
3: Don't overlook practical aspects when designing your kitchen. Strategically place appliances, such as the dishwasher, for easy access and unloading. Organize your kitchen items in a logical manner to maximize convenience. Allocate sufficient space and designated storage areas for specific items like tall glasses and pots.
4: Create cohesion in your kitchen with materials and colours. Use a consistent material like brass and incorporate it into various details for a harmonious aesthetic.