A dream of a kitchen !

Something for everyone ! Laboratory, congenial or professional style, it is like the person who uses it. Designers are having a ball recreating the good old kitchen !



At Luxury Kitche, the Italian manufacturer Armony has a place of honour with essentially contemporary models. “Linea”, “Quadratika”, “Omega”, “Ginger”… invest this living space aiming to meet today’s needs while reflecting current trends. Design opts for purity, practicality is still omnipresent, modularity becomes self-evident. Luxury Kitche also offers a department with bathrooms and dressing-rooms featuring Delpha, Edone, Domelia... 63 route du Plan-de-la-Tour, Sainte-Maxime (04 94 97 35 71).

“Haute couture” cookers finally have a showcase on a par with their elegance. Recently opened in Cannes, the boutique Cook & Toques presents two brands that are essential for anyone wanting to install the Rolls Royce of ovens in their kitchen. First, Aga, which just celebrated the 80th anniversary of its first model, second, La Cornue, whose career began in 1908. Today, they share the same showroom, together with their last-born. From Aga, discover “L’Hybride”, a combination of a traditional cooker which accumulates heat in its cast iron and a conventional cooker or “module”. Which gives appreciable flexibility in everyday use and the possibility of roasting, simmering, braising, frying… The latest offering from La Cornue called “Château 150” boasts two vaulted ovens, one gas, the other electric. Awarded top marks by chefs all over the world ! 30 bd de Lorraine (04 93 68 71 61).

For more than half a century, Alno has interpreted the kitchen differently. By taking into account comfort, simplicity, rigour and top-quality manufacturing, as well as protection of the environment (now very fashionable). So, no compromises ! By way of illustration, “Alnosquare” from the “Home” collection presents classic wood in a highly modern version, with a pleasing blend of colours and materials. Alno, 2567 chemin de Saint-Claude, Antibes (04 93 74 03 00).

With “B3”, everything starts over : light, ergonomic and practicality. Its wall defines the main areas. Elements can be hung on it. An approach obeying just one rule : an airy layout. Bulthaup, 6 rue Constantine, Cannes (04 93 38 00 39).

Elmar. For “Modus”, every detail has been designed with an eye for elegance. Furniture elements with stainless steel profiles, no knobs or handles. The accent is on horizontal lines, with grey oak to complete the picture. Elmar, sales outlets 00 39 04 22 84 91 42.

In “One”, Lino Codato proposes a basic kitchen concept with the emphasis on colour. A model which encourages fantasy and creativity. Wood, glass, steel and a flashy panel… everything combines to redefine the kitchen as a cheerful place where cooking is a genuine pleasure. Bontempi, sales outlets 01 45 48 76 76.

They originally existed for practical purposes. The purposes haven’t changed, the hoods have. And when a designer starts to work on them, they become innovative, more like sculptures, and even play at being the stars of surprise and charm in the kitchen. This new collection was designed by David Lewis. The “Menhir” island hood combines ergonomics, practicality and esthetics. As for “OM”, it is simply defined as a work of art. Take a square containing a circle, all in glass, and add functions which are almost of secondary importance ! Elica, sales outlets 00 39 07 32 61 01.

“Convivium” plays on openness, conviviality and contrasting materials. Oak is a backcloth for stainless steel and aluminium, adding subtlety to stark purity. The central island makes for easy cooking : everything’s right on hand. For extra elegance, electrical appliances have been discreetly stashed away. Arc Linea, chez Artes Domus, 112 cours Sextius, Aix-en-Provence (04 42 21 06 34).

This is the friendly “Bretenière”. With its solid oak doors, blue stone sides and worktop, stainless steel dresser and aluminium splashback, it is a successful medley of today’s most popular materials. Cuisines Philippe, 400 allée des Terriers Nord, Antibes (04 93 74 38 54).

Cool and clever MAISTRI. “Accademia” opts for light oak and white lacquer. A clever blend of hues and materials for a kitchen of finesse and unusual harmony. Nothing superfluous, but a high-tech approach for even the tiniest details : drawers that open 100 %, door handles with a comfortable grip… Maistri, by Cattelan Interni, 30-32 Corso Matuzia, San Remo, Italie (00 39 0184 668 318).

“Bastide” is a real family kitchen. All in harmony, it plays on the soft tones of antique patinas and furnishings in mellow hues. Totally efficient, it nevertheless inspires restfulness while playing on warmth as its predominant feature. It clearly conveys the soul of the entire home. All the artistry of De Tonge, precursor of colour in the early ’nineties and recent winner of the gold medal in the 2005 “Cuisines et Bains d’Or” contest. De Tonge, 93 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 39 20 00). D35, Valbonne (04 93 95 80 00).

With its façades in whitened oak and white lacquer, its extractor hood and home appliances in stainless steel (designed by Amana and Gaggenau), this kitchen offers top-level ergonomics and irreproachable esthetics. L’Atelier de Saint-Paul, 1186 chemin Saint-Bernard, Vallauris (04 92 95 14 34). 5 avenue Auber, Nice (04 93 88 00 27).

“Iride” owes its design to Studio Kappa & Partners. It blends steel, aluminium, solid beech and silver birch. Its assets are linear simplicity and well-balanced forms, the choice of the colours and clever details. An inviting spot for watching the chef and sampling goodies ! Novatis, 11 chemin de l’Industrie, Le Cannet (04 93 69 47 48).

“Ricicla” leaves lots of room for creativity. With its rounded shape, the island has become sensual and very functional. Everything has been grouped together at a central point to make food preparation really easy. The link with the rest of the kitchen is made via a bridge-cum-table, which serves as a work surface or for a snack. Pedini, Ideal décor, 169 rue de Breteuil, Marseille (04 91 81 26 26).

BINOVA. Paolo Nava and Fabio Casiraghi christened it “Continua W”. If you look closely, you’ll notice its horizontal design, the emphasis on wood, with slender shelving and hidden lights. With this model, the brand re-looks the kitchen in wood thanks to the refined colour of the oak, always warm to the touch. To open the doors, the designers have opted for practical grooves. And because the kitchen of today is sophisticated enough for professionals, the steel work surface is a must, just like the welded sinks. A monolithic block, for easy maintenance.Binova, chez Mobelem, 221 avenue Saint-Just, les Plantades, La Garde Toulon (04 94 08 07 06).

Boffi’s “Zone Kitchen” and “Case System 2.3” are signed Piero Lissoni. The first obeys your every command : it can be placed against a wall or in the middle of the room, and accommodates drawers, open or closed storage spaces. The system can also be combined with other Boffi creations. And with “Case System 2.3”, one really gets back to basics : no door handles, but a choice of standard or suspended modules. Boffi Studio Cannes, 127 rue d’Antibes, Cannes (04 93 39 32 16).

Schiffini. “Spezie” was designed to achieve a more harmonious blend between façades and work surfaces. It has a gutter to catch breadcrumbs and a seal for easy cleaning. Schiffini, by Danand, 173 rue Paradis, Marseille (04 91 37 68 25).