Would your kitchen reveal be a 10 out of 10?
So what is a 10 out of 10 Kitchen? This week amongst the plethora of ads for reality TV shows one really caught my attention. “Not one but two 10 out of 10 kitchen renovations revealed on The Block“.
Well since I am in the early planning stages for a new kitchen (and house renovation) I thought “that’s for me!” I am not usually good at reality shows, I find the drama just a little OTT, bordering on pathetic (sorry if I have offended some of you). Anyway, the ad got me thinking “what makes a 10 out of 10 kitchen?” Is it the perfect triangulation between the 3 key factors of kitchen design – sink, fridge and pantry? Are there any aspects of my current kitchen that I would give a 10 out of 10 for and therefore ensure I would take with me into the new design?
So here are a few thoughts. Well I now have a much larger pantry than I previously had and I do love it. To most people it is your standard corner pantry, but to me it now means I can have all my dry goods within easy reach and visible. I can see them all and if I stand on the floor of the cupboard (I left room for my 2 feet!) I can easily reach the top shelf – so that has to be tick (or should that be point) number 1. Hmmm what next gains points?
I like the 900 mm wide gas cooktop I now have, as I can put more than 1 pot or pan on to cook a meal. My previous kitchen had a 600 mm cooktop and benchtop only on one side, as it was shoved into a corner. Meaning pots never quite sat correctly on the hob and if I used my lovely Scanpan for a stir-fry I couldn’t do my rice or noodles at the same time. I am sure that design element was thought of by someone without any kitchen knowledge or at least had never boiled an egg!
But back to the show and what constituted a 10 out of 10 response from the judges. I won’t go through all the drama of the show as it is too emotionally draining. But in a snapshot this is what won the day for Josh and Jenna. They went for the ‘luxurious and wow factor’ for their kitchen. Aimed at the DINKS but one that could appeal to a family should they change direction in life. The standout for me was their vertical garden – herbs on hand adjacent to the kitchen, it looked visually appealing and was unique. It also saved bench space from herb pots inside or courtyard space out. The benchtop was a wonderful white and grey marble, yes it did evoke luxury. I also think it would lend itself well to pummeling your pastry on. They had custom made door handles on their panty (not corner style I may add) that were well integrated and formed the perfect square when closed. The sink and tap of course would be the envy of every visitor and on a hot day could double as a great cool down spot with the hose function. The two aspects that didn’t win me were the sheer curtain, sorry, but to me it would become heavy and a bit skanky from all the cooking going on. But I may be wrong, a quick spin in their new laundry would probably put that one to rest. They also had a full length mirror (hopefully one of those ones that make you look skinnier) so you can check out your rear whilst stirring your risotto. Or maybe just so you can ensure you look your best when cooking up your feast when your guests arrive!
One constant in all the kitchens was ‘white’, it appears that is the colour of choice. My kitchen is white so I am on trend it appears. I know it is a clean timeless colour and one that lends itself to be easily updated with ‘signature’ pieces. However I must ad that I did like Mark and Duncan’s kitchen also, with its amazing fish tank (I think may need one of those) plus their use of whimsy, with their cow hide splashback and matching kettle, plus their use of wood. I feel the wood gave the kitchen a very warm and welcoming feel, not so cold and sterile. Look, to be honest if someone walked into my home and built or gave me any of the kitchens revealed I wouldn’t say no. And neither would you I am sure. So it has allowed me to not only appreciate my current kitchen and allow our family a little more time with it prior to renovating, but also has given me some ideas on what may be a 10 out of 10 kitchen.
I do have one major aspect that is definitely a 10 out of 10 and that is my view. Looking out whilst in the kitchen and seeing a pod of dolphins swim by or seeing a flotilla of sailing boats will always outweigh some cowhide or marble.
So what is it about your kitchen that you would give 10 out of 10 ……or less. We’d really like to know.
Happy cooking
Vicki
