Kitchens: versatile harmony

Opposite Page The Bossa handle-less kitchen in walnut from Leicht discreetly hides storage solutions behind the genuine wood front. The warm wood blends into the dark colour concept with a new carcase colour in carbon grey. Leicht is available from Decodan Studio in Avda. Juan Carlos I in Estepona and also the Marmorin Design Center on the Golden Mile (www.decodanstudio.com).

KITCHEN

SOPHISTICATION

There is a lot to consider when updating a kitchen – from materials, storage and appliances to layout. Optimum functionality is key but, if you also choose a design that you will not easily become tired of, your investment will go further. Islands have become especially popular in recent times, offering not only added workspace but also a bar area for casual dining or drinks – very useful if you don’t have a dining room. Well thought-out cabinetry is a gamechanger, keeping the space orderly and clutter-free, and don’t scrimp on the quality of your materials as a sound investment in this area will pay-off in the long term. Do your research and consult an expert to determine the best solution for your particular needs.

This stunning Swedish wooden kitchen in solid oak exudes natural luxury, with warm tones inspired by the fifties and sixties. From Ballingslöv, the kitchen is economical on price and built to last. Ballingslöv is situated in CC. Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.ballingslov-marbella.se).

Bulthaup’s b3 combines a multi-functional kitchen and living area system with a wide range of layouts that offer great design freedom for creating a space that is perfect for the homeowner’s needs. Bulthaup is situated in Avenida Cánovas del Castillo in Marbella (www.bulthaup.com).

This kitchen from Modulnova features a minimalist and contemporary aesthetic that is typical of the interior design company’s dynamic style. The design offers versatility and a harmonious feel that is both functional and luxuriously refined. Modulnova is situated in Avda. Salamanca 12 in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.modulnovamarbella.com).

The refined Glass 2.0 kitchen from Arredo 3 comes with a glossy, matt or HPL finish. It features aluminium doors with glass fronts and a grip-profile opening. The snack bar enables the household to come together and dine within the kitchen space. Arredo 3 is available from Decodan Studio in Avda. Juan Carlos I in Estepona and Marmorin Design Center on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.decodanstudio.com). Above This versatile kitchen from Vipp is a modular concept where units can be added to suit the space available. Shown here in the warm grey version, Vipp kitchens are built to last and offer practicality with expert craftsmanship. The design simplicity is what gives a great aesthetic appeal. Vipp is available through High End Homes in Puerto Banús (www.high-endhomes.com).

The Bali Walnut Laser Soft Black kitchen from Häcker offers elegance in its simplicity. The combination of deep rich colours and modern technology results in a space that harmoniously integrates working with living, reinforcing the concept of the kitchen being the heart of the home. Everything is stored behind cupboard doors to maintain a calm and orderly aesthetic. The black metal shelving matches the worktop and is lit by an LED light strip that beautifully showcases what is stored within. Novo Küchen, situated in Avda. Juan Carlos I in Estepona, is an exclusive retailer and installer of Häcker (www.novokuchen.com).

The dynamic Levante extractor hood from Falmec comes with a remote control and has perimeter suction with LED lighting. There is a metallic grease filter which is removable and washable, and it glides up and down smoothly via a lift system. Using their Circle.Tech technology and Carbon.Zeo filters, fumes can be extracted effectively and almost in silence. Falmec is available from Decodan Studio in Avda. Juan Carlos I in Estepona and Marmorin Design Center on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.decodanstudio.com).

Below The Bora Professional 3.0 is a modular system that comes with a wide range of cooktops, from surface induction and gas through to the Tepan stainless steel grill – all of which can be combined with the extraction system. The Tepan stainless-steel grill has a unique and precise temperature control and within five minutes it can reach a temperature of 250 degrees, saving time and energy. The cover flap opens and closes automatically when the extractor is used. Bora is available from Grupo Monasterio in Avda. del Mediterráneo in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.grupomonasterio.com) and Decodan Studio in Avda. Juan Carlos I in Estepona as well as the Marmorin Design Center on the Golden Mile (www.decodanstudio.com).

A UNIQUE CONTEMPORARY HOME OFFERING SOUL AND SERENITY

SENSES... THE ACOOLA CONCEPT VILLA

Acoola Living, the forward-thinking interior design and outdoor living company, has just launched its new Acoola Concept Villa Senses in the prestigious area of Marbesa, east of Marbella. The idea behind the launch is to offer renovation clients an inspirational tour around this newly-built property so that they can experience the Acoola Living spirit in a real home setting. Great attention to detail was taken with respect to the build and design, which is why Acoola decided to show others what is possible when you implement the same design language across the board, turning a brick house into a cosy home. According to Cathelijne de Vilder, Dutch Acoola Partner and Head of Interior Design, “When the beachside property in Marbesa was bought some years ago, the house offered very little in terms of views, and the style of the build was old-school Andalucian. Then it was decided to carry out a huge project working closely with a well-known architect and a high-quality builder to realise our vision. “For planning purposes we wanted to maintain the exact plot orientation and instead build upwards so that the property could benefit from the feeling of space and air, and in doing so the property would gain open sea views as a result. The new build took 15 months to complete. Of course, no project this size goes without some bumps in the road, but thanks to the professionalism of everyone involved it was quite a problem-free exercise and we are so happy with the outcome.” Steering away from the “square box” white minimalist style seen typically with other new-builds in Marbella, the design of this house is more toned down. Though the property blends perfectly into its surroundings, it is unique in its innovation and design acumen, which allows the home to enjoy the sea views that it was previously starved of – offering a sense of peace and tranquillity for those living inside and looking out. Though the plot size is not particularly large, when you enter the home you are struck by the height of the ceilings, and because of this there is such a great sense of space. “As we didn’t want to extend the property outwards,” says Cathelijne, “adding a few centimetres onto the height of the ceiling was a very important factor in making the house feel airy and free. As we are surrounded by other buildings and trees, by building upwards it also allowed us to enjoy the sea and mountain views beyond. “Traditionally, living rooms are situated on the ground floor but we decided to design the home so that the living room was upstairs and the main living space offered the spectacular views that make this home extra special. This truly contributes to Acoola’s Inside Out Living mantra.” Also, great attention was given to privacy by providing each bedroom with its own terrace or hideaway corner, contributing to the overall “boutique hotel” feeling of the villa. Unlike the sparkling white walls of many contemporary properties, seamless micro-cement in a soothing oatmeal tone is applied throughout the home, and all corners are smoothed round for a gentle warm feel. Oversized win-

dows connect the inside with the outside without any aesthetic interruption, making the most of the natural sunlight and beauty that surrounds the property. When it came to the interior design, natural earthy tones throughout the house were added to continue the organic theme that Acoola wanted to achieve with the construction. Tactile fabrics, natural materials and homely touches were all carefully selected to create a cosy and inviting ambience. As Cathelijne notes, “The design has been very much inspired by our travelling experiences. We love design that takes cues from nature. For this home we wanted to only use organic colour palettes and materials for a harmonious and peaceful feeling – hence the name “Senses”. Even though the property has been newly built, we wanted the house to feel warm and cosy – this was very important to us – so we meticulously thought through every detail to make sure we achieved this feeling as soon as you enter the home. Adding a contemporary wood fireplace as an eye-catcher in the living room was a must to feel, hear and smell burning wood during cold winter evenings.” At the same time, the house comes with many innovative features. Several lights, thermal alarm cameras, (underfloor) heating/cooling and solar panels are App-controlled, and there are access keypads on various levels, so no keys are necessary. As the property sprawls over four levels, a small lift has been installed to facilitate the transport of groceries, laundry and wood logs, for example, between the floors, even up to the remarkable rooftop terrace with a whirlpool. Clever hidden storage solutions ensure that the home can easily stay organised and clutter-free – all contributing to the overall sense of serenity and tranquillity.

· Four double bedrooms with ensuite bathroom + two guest toilets · 367 m2 built · 40 m2 pool + rooftop jacuzzi · 200 m2 terraces on three levels · 622 m2 corner plot · Walking distance to beach · Price on application

For more information about the Acoola Concept Villa: Acoola’s showroom is located in Pol. Ind. San Pedro de Alcántara, Carril de Picaza 30, Marbella. Open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Tel. (+34) 951 162 542 info@acoola.eu www.acoola.eu