The latest kitchen designs deliver function and grace.

Thanks to the proliferation of open-concept living spaces, everyday kitchen tools are being designed to hide their utilitarian purpose. Italian company Elica’s range hoods are a perfect example: they offer venting systems that look more like beautiful light fixtures than a standard issue hood. (This one does double duty as a lamp, too.)

Elica Aria Nuova, Grace. Stainless steel and glass. 20″ diam. Available through Coast Wholesale Appliances and A.G. International Inc. 

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Save space with a two-in-one appliance.

Induction cooktops, which are faster and more energy efficient than electric burners, have been on-trend for a while. With this new model from Frigidaire you get an induction cooktop combined with a stove, offering an affordable way to enjoy the best of both cooking capabilities.

Frigidaire Slide-in Induction range. 37″ h. x 30″ w. 28″ d. $2,799. Through Frigidaire. 

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Inject life into your kitchen with one bright statement piece.

Break away from predictable stainless steel and set the decorating tone of your kitchen with one bold appliance, as Vancouver based artist Bobbie Burgers did with her canary yellow Bertazzoni stove. If primary colours aren’t for you, try one of the softer tones from Viking’s selection like seaglass or the rich navy blue fridge shown here.

Viking Quiet Cool VCBB536 bottom mount refrigerator/freezer. Stainless steel with Viking blue finish. 84″ h. x 36″ w. x 24″ d. $8,650. Through Viking. 

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Hidden appliances are hot in Europe.

The Eurocucina section of the  2010 Milan Furniture Fair (Salone Internazionale del Mobile) featured primarily high-tech kitchens in which hidden sinks, cutting boards, grills or plate warmers popped up at the push of a button, and stand-alone cabinets hid appliances. Not all of the Jetsons-like technology will be applicable to everyday life, but contained kitchens in a beautiful oak finish like this B2 system from Bulthaup are an embraceable trend. The wardrobe-like units offer tons of storage and can accommodate an oven, dishwasher and fridge. (The worktable/island shown contains the sink.) If you have to skip clean up, simply close the doors and the mess is out of sight!

Bulthaup B2 Kitchen Workshop. Through Bulthaup.

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Toaster ovens have come a long way.

Challenged for space but still love to entertain? That’s no problem with the new breed of countertop ovens, such as this one from KitchenAid’s Architect series. It bakes, broils and toasts, essentially duplicating the capacity of your oven for large dinner parties. It also uses less energy than a traditional oven — perfect for condo dwellers or if you’re cooking for one. Silver, retro good looks will work in most kitchens, too.

KitchenAid Architect countertop oven. Stamped metal. 11″ h. x 16″ w. x 20″ d. $170. Through KitchenAid. 

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From faucets to sinks to stoves, black is replacing stainless steel as the new kitchen must-have.

The Electric Legacy range from Aga offers two trends in one: a traditional statement stove in dramatic black — a hue that will instantly update your kitchen. Aga’s professional-style cooking appliances are a chef’s favourite for performance and a designer’s ideal for style, making this a timeless investment.

Aga Electric Legacy. Ceramic cooktop, convection oven. 36″ h. x 44″ w. x 26″ d. $8,499. Through Aga. 

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Today’s units deliver power, efficiency and polish.

Newer, modern kitchens feature primarily low cabinets and islands that keep sight lines clear. Drawer-style appliances visually blend in to these spaces and are often easier and more ergonomic to use than vertical fridges and dishwashers. This Fisher & Paykel model has an easy-to-clean stainless steel finish, high energy and water efficiency and a large capacity with adjustable racks.

DishDrawer. EZKleen stainless steel. 36″ h. x 24″ w. x 23″ d. Approx. $1,699. Through Fisher & Paykel. 

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The ultimate accessory for foodies and design fans alike.

French company La Cornue is known for its professional quality stoves and their iconic, traditional metal design. The most recent collection, called CornuFé, is still pricey but more affordable than the original. Consider it an investment piece that will make a culinary and style statement in your kitchen for many years to come.

CornuFé C1VF ivory white. Porcelain enamel with metal trim. 36″ h. x 43″ w. x 28″ d. $8,600. Through Maison La Cornue, Montreal. 

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GE’s new line automatically adjusts to the price of power, working in off-peak hours to save money and energy.

Home appliances account for about 85% of a home’s total energy consumption and most utility companies charge more for electricity during peak hours. Smart meters can help you manage your use but imagine if your clothes dryer reduced its wattage during peak hours or your fridge automatically delayed its defrosting capabilities and your dishwasher didn’t start its cycle until off-peak times? This is the new generation of appliances with a ‘set it then forget it’ mode of conserving energy. Look for GE’s Brillion smart appliance line (pictured), coming to Canada soon.

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