Keeping kids safe in the kitchen

When renovating/designing a new kitchen, it is important to consider how every member of your family will use the kitchen, especially children. Families with young children should consider safety in a kitchen a priority.

• Sharp and square bench top corners can be a hazard for young children. Install rounded counter tops to avoid bumps and bruises.
• Estimate your children’s height and install appliances at ‘out of reach’ levels.
• Heat-generating appliances should be equipped with a ventilation function to ensure they remain cool to the touch.
• Use child-friendly materials to increase safety and reduce cleaning times. Avoid using materials such as stainless steel which attract fingerprints. Opt for durable, low maintenance bench tops and finishes.

 

Kitchens

Compare state-of-the-art kitchens from New Zealand’s top manufacturers.

• designer bench tops,
• cutting edge cabinetry and architectural hardware,
• sleek surface finishes,
• innovative smart appliances and
• creative flooring options.

Be sure to bring along your plans and sketches to realise your kitchen dreams!

You'll find complete stylish kitchens, the latest bench tops and surface finishes, a world of international kitchen appliances, state-of-art tap ware and sinks, and more.

 

Splash Out

Money spent on kitchens and bathrooms is always a good investment

The two rooms which absorb the biggest part of the renovation
budget are the kitchen and bathroom. So it is important to choose wisely.

So what are the key trends people want in their kitchens and bathrooms?

• Timber and stainless steel benchtops are out and stone benchtops are in.
• Glass splashbacks are the number one choice for the kitchen. This is
  because they are easy to clean.
• High-end quality finishes are favoured because they are considered a huge selling asset for any home.
• Neutral tones are preferred as they outlast any colour fad.
• Twin sinks are considered a must for the main bathroom and are also
  popular in master bedrooms’ en suites.
• Free-standing baths add a luxurious touch to bathrooms and are
  becoming more common.

Here’s a quick snapshot of European kitchen trends:

• Homeowners are looking for energy efficiency when they buy electrical
  appliances and white goods. A growing number of consumers are
  becoming increasingly aware of the need to save both energy and water
  – not only to save money, but to protect the environment.
• Energy-efficient and quiet kitchen appliances will become standard.
• The latest trend in the kitchen sector is towards open shelving and lots
  of glass for cabinet doors, work surfaces and wall tiles.
• The “live-in kitchen” is the most conclusive proof of all that the
  various areas of the home are merging and people’s expectations of
  their interiors are changing. Kitchens are evolving from being just a room
  we cook in and eat in — to becoming the heart of the home, a space where we entertain, relax, work and play.

Kitchen and bathroom renovations are the most effective way to add value to a property. So, for the right advice, speak to the experts and designers at the Auckland Home Show and see the widest range of products on display.