Feature: Soul Kitchens

Linda C. Lentz

09/01/2007

Scavolini
About to open its first U.S. corporate headquarters in New York, this Pesaro-based Italian manufacturer—with numerous dealers stateside—takes pride in its service, quality and generous design options. According to export director Roberto Gramaccioni, "We have more than 35 lines that go from very cutting edge to warm, traditional looks, and each has a selection of near-infinite finishes." The new Mood series, for example, comes in eight exotic wood finishes, 38 matte or glossy lacquer colors, and 35 laminates. Plus, he adds, "We were the first to introduce a totally glass kitchen last year—crystal."

This innovative spirit, along with a keen sensitivity toward each market’s needs and aesthetics, are the driving force behind the 45-year-old company’s popularity in many of the world’s trendiest luxury developments. "We are currently supplying 800 kitchens each to condos in Shanghai and Toronto, 400 to Trump Tower in Miami and 250 to the Rowan Lofts in Los Angeles," reports Gramaccioni.

When it comes to the U.S., "The big seller is wood, cherry and walnut, with contemporary accents," he observes. "As for appliances, our connections here are very strong with Miele and Elica, because they feature European styling in American sizes."

Average Cost: An average price for cabinetry would range from about $20,000 to $60,000, including installation, freight and design services.
Inquiries: +39.0721.443.333, www.scavolini.com

Clive Christian
This manufacturer of quintessentially British bespoke kitchen furniture does not follow marketplace trends or the industry standard. According to company spokesperson Eve Merrill, "Luxury, timelessness and beauty are the defining qualities that link the facets of a truly unique design house set to endure. Our network of global retailers works closely with clients and their architects and interior designers to create custom designs and personal hand-drawn artwork."

Most notable for its signature Victorian-style collection, Clive Christian has recently delved into modern interiors with Alpha—inspired by the decadence of Stanley Kubrick’s film Eyes Wide Shut. A refreshing departure from typical contemporary motifs in solid walnut, its linear furniture is laced with platinum-leaf marquetry and scrolls. Colored LED lighting is built into freestanding pieces to provide a distinct aura and a compelling overall look.

In the United States, the company’s New York design director, Jacqueline Weeman, says many of her European clients are selecting Alpha. That, she adds, or they go to the other extreme with the Regency style, touched with ornate gold-leaf details. Either way, Weeman advises fully integrated refrigeration, whether it be Sub-Zero, Thermador, Gaggenau or the new Miele. What’s the ideal cooker? "We love the look of La Cornue," she says. "Other than that, Viking and Wolf are still in the running."

Average Cost: Installations start at around $60,000 to $65,000 for a small space, $90,000 to $130,000 for a mid-size.
Inquiries: 212.570.6371, www.clive.comDownsview
"We still build everything in-house," claims Gianni Casiraghi of Downsview. "That is the only way we can maintain quality control." Armed with the rare ability to provide individual attention to detail, along with styles that range from ultra-contemporary to classically English, it is no wonder the 40-year-old Ontario-based manufacturer is a favorite among top designers. "Of course we have standard sizes and components," he explains. "But we are very flexible in the way they can be modified. And we have a large custom shop for what we call the focal points, like hoods, special cabinetry, consoles or armoires to make every room unique."

In regard to the style preference of North America’s elite, Casiraghi says it has always been about a 70/30 traditional over contemporary ratio. These days, he is seeing a reverse shift, with cleaner lines replacing ornate decoration. "White and high gloss are back strong, too," Casiraghi says, adding that "the fully integrated Sub-Zero is probably used in 80 or 90 percent of our kitchens." As for ovens, Miele and Gaggenau are popular for au courant designs, while Wolf and Thermador star in more time-honored decors.

Average Cost: Between $50,000 and $100,000.
Inquiries: 905.677.9354, www.downsviewkitchens.com

Poggenpohl
Full-service project design, breadth of product and pre-cision German engineering are what make this 115-year-old kitchen pioneer a standout. "The Poggenpohl design team includes a dedicated kitchen designer, technical designer, project management team and factory trained installers to make the project run smoothly and efficiently," says Theodore Chappell, founder of Poggenpohl U.S. On the form and function front, he cites recent innovations, such as aluminum edges and drawer glides, as well as soft closing doors and +Motion self-closing drawers—motor-driven to assure long-lasting consistent operation.

"Now more than ever, architects, interior designers and affluent consumers are specifying kitchens with a green design theme," says Chappell. "From water-based lacquers to industrial-engineered exotic woods, we are responding by producing environmentally friendly cabinetry that adheres to strict European environmental standards. The new teak finish is one example of wood decor styles we offer, along with light and dark oak, nut tree and zebrano." In terms of compatible appliance pairings, Chappell prefers Miele. "They offer seamless integration into Poggenpohl cabinetry and a sleek, modern look that complements our design," he says.

Looking ahead, Chappell offers a sneak peek into the not-too-distant future: a Porsche-designed "Kitchen for Men" to be introduced this fall at the Porsche factory in Leipzig, Germany.

Average Cost: "Our approximate average price would range from $40,000 to more than $150,000," says Chappell.
Inquiries: 973.812.8900, www.poggenpohl-usa.com

St. Charles
An icon of mid-20th-century kitchens, this classic all-metal cabinetry was top choice for the ranks of such noteworthy American homes as Fallingwater and Mies van der Rohe’s Farnsworth House. This enduring manufacturer, launched in 1935 and recently acquired by Viking Range Corporation, has just revealed a 21st-century interpretation of its timeless design.

According to general manager Jim Gregory, "Our consumers are interested in innovation, attentive to design and embrace unique materials and product features. They are also looking for eco-friendly products and hypoallergenic materials for their living spaces." To that end, he notes that all the steel used is 60- to 70-percent recycled content and 98 percent recyclable. "Cabinet door options include stainless steel, zero-VOC powder-coated steel in 23 colors, and eight tempered-glass patterns," he adds. Metal-edged glass shelves and soft-close hardware are also standard features.

Perhaps most unique, says Gregory, "Our clients now have the opportunity to design a seamless look by specifying Viking appliances with St. Charles Cabinetry." While the new collection coordinates with any appliance, the color palette was specially developed to match the full range of its sibling brand.

Average Cost: Competitive with premium cabinetry brands.
Inquiries: 662.451.1000, www.stcharlescabinets.com