Kitchens: inviting functionality

A KITCHEN SENSATION

The design of your kitchen needs to be strategic when it comes to space, ensuring it is as ergonomic as possible. Good storage systems are invaluable, so maximise on space by considering the areas both overhead and underneath the worktop. Having an organised kitchen is not only more aesthetically pleasing: it is more hygienic and offers better functionality. Think about how you move around the kitchen and place your storage in convenient locations for ease of access while cooking – and make sure the doors swing open easily without obstruction. If you have the space for a kitchen island, they can serve not only as a preparation worktop and cooking area but also as a bar or casual dining place. If you have a high-gloss kitchen, introducing natural materials such as wood or stone can bring warmth and ambience into the space, making it look more inviting. Adding interesting details such as glass cabinetry, wine storage units and display shelving breaks up the monotony of the layout and creates an overall look that is visually more attractive. All in all, making sure that your kitchen caters for your own personal requirements will make cooking a more pleasurable experience. Speaking to an expert about design layout, materials, furniture and appliances will pay-off, so have fun designing your kitchen. After all, it is widely considered to be the beating heart of the home.

Opposite Page Elements is Falmec’s functional new furniture collection for kitchens. Shown here is their Monolith hood, which stands elegantly on the worktop and opens slightly to enhance functionality and suction. Falmec is available from Decodan Studio in Avda. Juan Carlos I in Estepona and the Marmorin Design Center on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.decodanstudio.com).

The Granada kitchen from leading German kitchen manufacturer Häcker comprises state-of-the-art technology. It features the classic colour combination of black and white with wooden features to soften the contrast, giving this kitchen its timelessly beautiful look. Novo Küchen, situated in Avda. Juan Carlos I in Estepona, is an exclusive retailer and installer of Häcker (www.novokuchen.com).

This elegant kitchen from Ballingslöv combines smooth cream with light oak wood. The Bistro cabinet serves not only as storage but also as a worktop and bar area. Ballingslöv is situated in CC. Plaza in Nueva Andalucía (www.ballingslov-marbella.se).

The Structura kitchen gives you the feeling of being connected with nature, with the natural look of Havana oak décor providing a calming aesthetic. A workspace has been integrated to harmoniously blend into the open kitchen and living area. Available from Grupo Monasterio in Avda. del Mediterráneo in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.grupomonasterio.com).

Top The new V2 kitchen system from Vipp combines dark oak with jura marble that merges the roots of this Scandinavian brand from Denmark with Japanese design to achieve a simple and refined look. Vipp kitchens are available from High End Homes in Puerto Banús (www.high-endhomes.com). ising doors. This sophisticated kitchen combines state-of-the-art technical features with fine materials to create a timeless look. The doors feature a titanium-painted aluminium frame with a laminate, HPL, Fenix-NTM, wood, glass or Laminam panel. The doors open easily thanks to an integrated grip handle at the top or bottom. Arredo 3 is available from Decodan Studio in Avda. Juan Carlos I in Estepona and the Marmorin Design Center on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.decodanstudio.com).

Left The KV1 single-handle mixer with ceramic disc technology has a double swivel spout and water-saving aerator (www.vola.com).

Below The Catris-S Flexo flexible spout from Blanco skilfully combines professional features with a beautifully balanced design. It offers a large range of action and is simple to detach and re-attach to its magnetic holder. It has a dual spray that switches between an aerated stream and a jet spray. Blanco is available from Fernando Moreno on the Ctra. de Ronda in San Pedro de Alcántara (www.fernandomoreno.eu), Decodan Studio in Avda. Juan Carlos I in Estepona and the Marmorin Design Center on Marbella’s Golden Mile (www.decodanstudio.com).

CREATING CUSTOM-MADE KITCHEN FURNITURE FOR STYLISH HOMES

INTERVIEW WITH CONSOLACIÓN OSUNA Director of Grupo Monasterio

What is your company’s background in the industry? Grupo Monasterio is a Spanish company with more than 25 years of experience in the design and manufacture of kitchen furniture. Our identity is defined by three key factors, quality, service and design, with the added value of German-made kitchen style and expertise. We have our own team of architects, designers and interior designers.

Grupo Monasterio is relatively new to the Coast but has been operating in other areas of Spain for many years. What made you decide to come to Marbella? Marbella is a charming city, which we were already familiar with as manufacturers of kitchen furniture, and where our products and services fit in very well. From this magnificent focal point of the Costa del Sol, Grupo Monasterio can develop projects for the homes of clients anywhere in Europe.

What areas of design do you specialise in? We only specialise in the area we know best and which we are passionate about: the integral design of kitchen furniture. It is wonderful to enter an uninhabited space – where nothing exists, perhaps some walls – and project an idea with its own character, and featuring an exceptional, functional and ergonomic design.

The interior design industry is booming at the moment. What services do Grupo Monasterio offer that make you stand-out from the rest? Throughout my career as a designer specialising in integral kitchen furniture, I have acquired knowledge that can only be achieved through training com plemented by experience. That is why at Grupo Monasterio we are committed to high quality, of the brands we represent and the designs we create – and the impeccable installation of our furniture products. In short, we always aim to provide the best service to our customers.

You work with a major German kitchen brand. Tell us more about this and why you chose to work with them. As I previously noted, our overriding objective is to offer quality products to our customers, which is why we place our complete trust in Nobilia, the largest European manufacturer of German kitchens.

What are some of the more interesting projects that stand out for you, and why? All projects, or almost all, are especially interesting for us. However, above all else we are flattered that clients choose us for our service and professionalism. Also, as part of our “Be Smart” concept – highlighted by innovative designs, with resistant and sustainable materials – we are committed to digitisation and introducing cutting-edge technological elements in our designs.

Grupo Monasterio Avenida del Mediterráneo Edif. Corona, Nº 4 (Local 19) San Pedro de Alcántara (Marbella) Tel. (+34) 951 669 889 / (+34) 604 406 374 administracion@grupomonasterio.com www.grupomonasterio.com