Over the last few years, we have seen kitchen designs move towards more open-plan, multi-functional designs. The kitchen is the hub of the home and is used as a place to do homework, take work calls, cook family meals and entertain. As such, this space needs to be functional and versatile, as well as having cleaner lines and a more hidden design aesthetic. From placement to functionality, open and broken plan kitchen designs require careful consideration when it comes to appliances, which is where Fisher & Paykel’s unmatched design comes in.

Jo Jackson, product marketing manager at Fisher & Paykel, shares her tips on how to best use appliances in an open plan kitchen. From creating a unified and seamless look with integrated appliances, to mixing and matching styles for maximum impact, Fisher & Paykel has an option for every kitchen space.

UV protected wine storage

Jo advises, “Open plan spaces are often used as the primary entertainment space, our wine columns provide the theatre associated with a statement design and also ensure that wine collections are kept in the optimum state. One of the major problems with open plan designs is that they are often as very light open spaces with sky lights or bi-fold doors and hard stone floors with under-floor heating. These kitchens are stunning and become the centre-piece of people’s homes. They do add level of complexity when you’re looking to install a wine cabinet, as both the light and the heat can affect the storage of wine. UV light can create hydrogen sulphide compounds in wine, which affect the tannins and the colour of wine, but if you source a good appliance with UV tempered glass and dimmed LED lighting you can protect against this.”

Vented hobs

“Homeowners want an unobstructed view through the kitchen and often through bifold doors into garden space and outdoor eating areas, this has meant that the traditional hood often no longer works in an pen plan kitchen with an island, and so the need for vented hobs has risen in their place,” says Jo.

“This product offers so much flexibility since everything you need is within one place and the compact design allows more counterspace for prepping food as well as the ability to place the hob on a kitchen island, so we are expecting venting hobs to become even more popular over the next two to three years. As venting hobs are still relatively new to the market, these are currently positioned at the top of the market. However, as this product becomes more popular, it will become more affordable and widely available.”

Integrated appliances

“Everything in an open plan kitchen can be seen from other rooms so it is important to consider whether you want products which make a statement, or appliances that blend into the kitchen cabinetry and become invisible. If you do want to make a statement, one option is to contrast your cabinetry with stainless steel panels and handles,” Jo comments.

One way to create flow through an open plan design, is to opt for appliances which can blend seamlessly with the rest of the home. Fisher & Paykel are known for iconic integrated appliance design such as their DishDrawer™ and Fridge Freezers, which can be designed to match your cabinetry, offering the freedom to blend in easily with the space.