Kitchens: How to balance practicality with appearance
Tullio Orlandi designed his own kitchen to mix functionality with streamlined cabinetry where utility products are behind closed doors.
It's easy to be seduced by a dreamy kitchen with utilitarian aspects hidden away for a seamless finish.
But what do you do when waking to a whiff of burning plastic, leading you swiftly to an overheating integrated fridge billowing steam, only to find you can’t unplug it because the socket is behind it and on/off switch won’t cooperate?
This flurry of excitement recently had me killing all the electrics at the fuse box and waiting for the appliance to cool down and help to remove it.
Admittedly, it was an older appliance, original to the house, but thanks to it being a reputable brand installed before built-in obsolescence became a scourge of our times, it earned its keep until springing a leak.
So, does this mean having to opt for freestanding white goods so moving them in and out as needed is easy, but spoiling the kitchen design and possibly having it encroach on the kitchen floor?
The good news is there’s no need to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality according to Tullio Orlandi, owner and lead designer of Limerick-based Tullio Orlandi Design.
“Personally, I would always lean more toward a more streamlined, clutter-free space,” he says.
“A lot of what I design incorporates concealed spaces that help with those days when you have surprise visitors and no time to clear away the daily mess.
“To achieve that streamlined look I always lean more towards integrated larger appliances which keep a uniform look. It’s important to have easy access so keeping your sockets underneath your cabinetry behind kick boards that can be easily removed, or above the appliances on a shelf, can help with quick access if required.”
With the lifespan of the average appliance considerably shorter, when it comes to advising his clients, Tullio says paying that little bit more can go a long way, having fallen victim to a TV purchase.
“Something I don't watch often, I didn't feel the need to splash out on and just outside of the 12-month warranty the TV decided to give in.
“I understand that sometimes budgets do not permit extravagant appliances but I best advise my clients to aim for middle of the road if this is the case. More times than other that little bit more you spend, that bit extra you have to fall back on with regards to warranties and product replacement and servicing.”
Denise O’Connor, managing director, architect and interior designer at Dublin-based Optimise Design also picks up on paying a bit more for higher-quality appliances.
“This may cost more upfront, but it will save money in the long run,” she explains. “It's also worth looking for products with a long warranty or guarantee. This can give you peace of mind that the product will last and the company stands behind its quality. It's also important to read reviews and research before purchasing any appliances.”
Often, though, we can find ourselves overwhelmed by technology, balancing budgets and making quick-fire choices to meet immediate needs.
“The choice of appliances available now is very different to what was on offer ten years ago," says Denise. "There are lots of new terms like induction, non-drip hoods or downdraught extractor that many people won't be familiar with. Allowing adequate time to bring yourself up to speed with the latest innovations is essential. Without this kind of planning, you risk falling into the trap of picking similar appliances to what you currently have. By taking the time to research the latest innovations and their benefits, you can ensure your kitchen is functional and stylish for years to come.”
When it comes to finding the best way to achieve a balance between practicality and aesthetics, she stresses the importance of looking at how the appliances will be laid out and other features such as storage, an island or pantry.
“Do you want a range cooker? Are you planning on getting a big statement fridge, or do you want to go with fully integrated appliances? Do you want eye-level ovens or a particular set-up for your hob? It's essential to consider these things as early in the design process as possible.
And for any emergency situations with misbehaving appliances, she says, “It’s a good idea to install an easily accessible isolation switch for integrated appliances. This way, you can maintain the streamlined look and quickly shut off the power if needed.”
- Instagram.com/tullioorlandi/
- Instagram.com/optimisedesign/
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