There are people out there who know kitchens, but not like Susan Serra, CKD, CAPS, author of thekitchendesigner.org and scandinaviankitchens.com. She curated this lovely kitchen design trends roundup for us from the 2011 LivingKitchen Show in Cologne, Germany.
The intricate and modern lace work of the Gutmann Arte hood is functional beauty with a sculptural quality.
By Blanco — Foreground: Stunning integrated stainless steel countertop and sink. Note the thin (great new look) countertop, chic drain cover and seamless design. Background: Cutting board in slotted section at right of sink slides into sink section to a) conceal sink mess when entertaining b) serve as extra counter space c) serve as cutting board over the sink (it is in two pieces).
Laminate textures are hot! Not normally seen on cabinetry, it’s a new look and often seen in neutral shades.
Trend Alert: Thick countertop sections, a mix of natural materials with greige and/or strongly textured laminates (faux wood) as seen in the oven section. Greige is the neutral color story from lights to darks.
New technology by Hettich — MOVE THE BURNER LOCATION WHERE YOU WANT IT! It’s developed for appliance manufacturers and changes cooking forever!
Highly stylized pink hood by Tecnowind — hoods as sculptural decorative pieces were seen throughout the show.
Trend: Dining tables with angled legs. Contrast in colors and materials which accentuates an organic feeling.
Cool fridges by Liebherr.
Glass cabinet fronts in an artistic and organic motif create the strongest visual statement and feels warm at the same time!

11 Comments
Mariela on 01.26.2011 at 10:23 AM
Amazing kitchen, everything looks great, love the burner, great technology.
Woodale Designs on 01.26.2011 at 17:04 PM
I read Susan’s post the other day. I think everyone is amazed by Gaggenau’s new induction hob! Being able to place a pan anywhere within the hob area is an excellent innovation.
Susan Serra on 01.26.2011 at 20:45 PM
Yes, that’s a cool technology and the one above by Hettich is equally awesome and drew a crowd! Just move the burner around with your finger…what a concept!
Alex on 01.27.2011 at 20:28 PM
Ah, sounds like a great idea…until you burn your finger. Nothing will ever be better than a gas burner.
PLee on 02.24.2011 at 15:28 PM
Anyone wondering about how, and how often one must, clean that intricate hood? Me, I’m a fan of functional design.
Susan Serra, CKD on 02.25.2011 at 17:11 PM
That’s a great question…I asked it of the manufacturer and if I get an answer, I’ll put it up here.
Susan Serra, CKD on 02.28.2011 at 09:39 AM
Here is what I received back from the manufacturer on cleaning:
Cleaning and care
Cleaning the surfaces
Danger due to electric shock! Disconnect the extractor hood from the power supply by pulling the plug out of the socket or by switching off the fuse.
When cleaning, make sure that no water penetrates the device.
Regular cleaning of the surface saves laborious removal of stubborn contamination.
Only use conventional detergents or universal cleaning agents suitable for cleaning stainless steel/ aluminium. Never use abrasive cleaning
agents or steel wool. After cleaning the hood, treat the stainless steel surfaces
After-run, green LED
Setting 1, green LED
Setting 2, green LED
Setting 3, green LED
Intensive setting, green LED
Filter saturation indicator, red LED with a stainless steel care product.
Painted surfaces should only be cleaned using a mild detergent solution and a very soft cloth. Only use a soft damp cloth to clean the operating panel.
On hoods fitted with a panel below the filter (edge extraction), grease deposits occur at the edge of the panel. These deposits occur for physical reasons and are not due to a malfunction of the hood.
Please clean the panel underneath the filter regularly to prevent the formation of stubborn residues.
Cleaning and care instructions
When cleaning the grease filters, also remove any grease deposits from the accessible housing components. This will prevent a fire hazard and maintain an optimum range of functions. Use hot soapy water or a mild window cleaning agent to clean the hood. Do not scratch off baked-on deposits. Soften them using a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive agents or scouring pads.
Note: Do not use alcohol (spirits) on plastic surfaces, as dull spots may result.
Caution: Ventilate the kitchen sufficiently, no open flame.
Only clean the operating panel with a soft damp cloth (mild detergent solution).
Do not use stainless steel cleaners for the sliding switch/pressure switch.
Stainless steel surfaces:
Use a mild and non-abrasive stainless steel cleaning agent. Do not clean stainless steel surfaces with abrasive scouring pads or with cleaning agents containing sand, soda, acid or chloride!
Clean in direction of polish only.
We recommend our stainless steel cleaner no. 461731. See the enclosed service booklet for the order address.
PLee on 02.28.2011 at 09:52 AM
LOL!
Susan, thanks for doing all that research.
My guess is people who buy that hood hire people to clean it for them.
Susan Serra, CKD on 02.28.2011 at 10:04 AM
Of course…don’t you have a special hood cleaning employee on staff? ;) Actually, I just saw more information. The pieces detach, must be cleaned every two weeks, can go in the dishwasher but there is no liability by the mfr for discolouration caused by the use of aggressive dishwashing agents and/or if temperatures exceed 65 degrees celcius.
John Batt on 09.09.2011 at 10:59 AM
Love the Hettich technology – what a great idea! The perfect way to eliminate hob juggling – though it looks as if you’d need to be careful not to burn your fingers.
Richard on 07.13.2012 at 05:27 AM
The technology here is incredible. As a kitchen designer I am definitely taking more inspiration from swedish manufacturers!
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