The kitchen edit: The art and function of kitchen decor

Like jewellery, accessories for the kitchen create an added allure; they’re the finishing touches to a well designed space – the memorable moments in beautiful kitchens. 

Here’s a look at the latest designer pieces available in New Zealand. 

Tableware Decor

Bright colours are introduced to traditional tableware by world-renowned chef Yotam Ottolenghi in his new collection with artist Ivo Bisignano.

You may know the British-Israeli chef from his world-renowned cookbooks, and due to his new collection of tableware, you can enjoy Yotam Ottolenghi’s recipes just as he does, on a plate of an abundance of colours, vegetable prints and ‘positive vibes’. 

The various sizes in plates, the vibrant colours and different patterns all evoke the typical Ottolenghi feeling of outrageous casualness.

Bold colours in circular forms add a textural dimension to the dining table.

The Pinto Placemat explores the interaction of colour and texture, making a bold statement at the dining table. Designed in New Zealand by Città, the placemats are handwoven in India using natural seagrass. 

The morning brew

In glass and stainless steel, this classic teapot will last a lifetime.

The Mono Classic teapot, designed in 1983 by Tassilo von Grolman, revolutionised tea preparation with its synthesis of form and function. 

In this design, the strainer is almost as large as the teapot to give the tea leaves more room to develop their aroma. The strainer is made of durable stainless steel and the pot is carved from borosilicate glass. 

Designed by Danish ceramist Erik Magnussen, this French Press introduces a subtle elegance to the ritual of coffee preparation.

This coffee maker is a Danish take on the classic French Press, designed by ceramist Erik Magnussen for Danish design company Stelton

This minimalist teapot by College is a simple addition to the table.

Cast-iron in a matt-black finish, and with a glossy enamel interior, this teapot is reminiscent of days gone by. Taking cues from traditional Japanese ceramics, this simple adaptation by Collage features a beautiful fine handle and elegant curvature.

The nightcap

This cognac glass, not dissimilar to a child’s spinning top, has been designed to enhance the experience.

Breaking the classic convention of glassware design, this cognac glass by Rikke Hagen for Normann Copenhagen is a beautiful combination of function and beauty. The shape of the glass has been constructed with consideration of the liqueur’s aroma, temperature and volume, enhancing the experience for the drinker. 

The Corky carafe, which can be used for any cool beverage, is a simple, timeless design.

The Corky carafe, designed by Andreas Engesvik for Muuto and made in Norway, is a straightforward combination of glass and cork that can be used for wine, or as a water or milk jug. The simple and familiar form of the bottle is emphasised by the oversized detail of the cork which sits on top, keeping the beverage fresh. 

A sous chef

The original ‘anti-drip’ oil cruet by Nanimarquina offers an elegant solution for the everyday chef.

This iconic oil cruet, which has routinely been copied due to its ingenious design, solved the issue of dripping oil with the transparent funnel that guides drops back into the bottle. The transparent, stable and precise product offers the essence of classic Spanish design. 

Designed by celebrated firm Zaha Hadid Design, these traditional salt and pepper grinders consider ergonomic efficiency.

The Duo Salt and Pepper Set by Zaha Hadid Design twists playfully upwards, from a curved three-pointed base to a triangular peak. The tower-like geometry provides an architecturally-inspired addition to any table setting and mimics the twisting hand movements that occur when in use. 

Hand-poured in Aotearoa, New Zealand with sustainability at front of mind, this cast-iron pan will last for generations.

Made in Aotearoa with the highest grade of recycled iron, this handy piece of cookware has been designed to withstand at least 100 years of daily use. This local company ensures all  cookware is free of toxic chemicals, dyes and enamels, opting for a safer product for the household and the planet.

Functional art

Turn the kitchen into an art gallery with Dolce & Gabbana’s latest collaboration with Smeg Appliances.

Smeg has collaborated with Dolce & Gabbana to introduce the Italian designer’s iconic motifs of Sicilian decoration to everyday appliances. Inspired by the landscapes of Southern Italy, ornamental friezes of architectural ruins, and the brightly coloured fruit of the region, this toaster is a work of art.

The Alessi Plisse kettle is reminiscent of a haute couture dress, a beautiful object to be left on display.

Designed as a nod to couture, this Alessi Plisse kettle is a statement piece as much as it is a functional kitchen appliance. The minimalist pleated design reveals Michele De Lucchi’s architectural background and passion for sculpture. 

The Samsung Bespoke Refrigerator offers a range of colours to customise the design.

Samsung’s new Bespoke French Door Refrigerator enables a kitchen to be highly customised with a range of colours and finishes available, ensuring the fridge becomes a central design feature in the heart of the home. 

The Bespoke French Door Refrigerator is available in a four-door configuration with two finishes – glass and metal – colours include white, pink, navy, and charcoal. 

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