Kitchen cabinets

This week we saw our kitchen taking shape with the U shape cabinets.

Laminates used are high gloss white similar to the Wardrobes, while the bottom we are using matt but textured Zebrano. This is also using Eco-friendly glue from EVERGREEN.

Intention for the kitchen is to also maximize brightness cos previously it was really very very dark. this actually brightens up with the white glossy tile & white glossy cabinets.

We had selected the cooking hob & hood & had submitted the brochures for our carpenter to prep the holes.

Also, i had to last minute cash & carry a sink from Sin Siang Choon which our previous sink was FREAKING STOLEN. haiz... long story short, dun leave valuables around during renovation. That stolen sink would easily fetch the thief $100-$200 for selling as scrap. Cos stainless steel is very ex now.

Well, at the 11th hour when the carpenter needs the measurement to order the counter-top, i've to grab 1 off the shelves of Sin Siang Choon during my lunch break and sent it to my carpenter.

To my pleasant surprise, they have quite a decent selection of sinks. [even those really atas one from ALESSI RRP $1.2k].

However, out of those, i found this OLIVERI brand really impressive.
First of all, its Aussie-made.

2nd, its one of the deepest, around 200mm [excluding from those industrial one] Which i think depth is really important cos it reduces splashing on our clothes & can put in pots easily & avoid hitting the Kitchen mixer.

3rd, it squarish & minimal look.

Lastly, it has lots of addition FOC accessories that is really useful. A stainless steel utility tray to thaw the frozen, a solid timber chopping board and a colander to drain your vegetables.

when assembled, all 3 accessories will sit nicely on the 2 opening of the sink.

While browsing their web to find those images, i realized that they have a lot of useful info.

They have this kitchen working triangle design which is very ideal for people who is planing the kitchen layout.

The concept of the kitchen working triangle has been around for years. It's been around so long in fact, that a lot of people have forgotten all about it. Oliveri is bringing it back because the basic principles of the kitchen working triangle are still relevant and effective in creating a functional kitchen that is both beautiful to look at and a pleasure to prepare meals in.

Tips on the kitchen working triangle.

The kitchen working triangle is made up of the three main focal points of a kitchen – the sink, stove and fridge.

• The distance from the sink to the stove to the fridge and back again should be between 3.6 and 8.2 metres.
• Each side of the triangle should measure between 1.2 and 2.74 metres.
• The sink should be located between or across from the stove and fridge.
• Kitchen aisles should be at least 1.1 metres wide to allow people to move around and appliances and cupboard doors to be opened easily.
• Ideally, you should have a work surface either side of your sink and stove to allow adequate room for food preparation.
• For kitchen renovations, existing plumbing fixtures need to be taken into consideration for placement of the sink as to relocate plumbing could be costly.

And also talk about how to select a sink base on Quality, Measurement & etc..

How to select a sink 

It is said you will not appreciate a good sink until you have experienced a poorly designed and manufactured product that is a disappointment for your requirements. We introduce Sinkology: The knowledge to select the best sink to complement functionality and design requirements. The key factors to be considered in the sink selection process are:

Laminate Bench Tops	Solid Surface Bench Tops	Bench Top Width	Bench Top Space
Custom Made Accessories	Bowl Size	Sink Material	Waste Outlets
Cupboard Space	Country of Origin	Tapware

1. Laminate Bench Tops

The traditional high pressure laminated bench top requires an inset style sink. Installation of the sink is via a cut out of the bench top which is slightly smaller than the sink. The sink is inserted into the cut out and is secured by clips supplied with your Oliveri sink. Sealing tape fixed to the underside of the sink ensures that moisture from the bench top can not enter the cut out. It is recommended that the substrate board at the cut out be also be sealed. All Oliveri inset sinks have been designed so that the drain board is of such a depth that it can be installed over the dish washer whilst also being able to fit into a standard 600mm wide bench tops.

2. Solid Surface Bench Tops

Solid Surface work surfaces such as Granite, Composite material, Timber and such are increasingly using the undermount method of sink installation so as to have a clean line appearance. Oliveri has a vast range of sinks that have been designed for undermount installation. Some of these sinks are of extra capacity and require wider than normal bench tops.

3. Bench Top Width 

Most kitchen bench tops are 600mm wide which restricts the width of the sink. The majority of Oliveri sinks fit into this requirement however there is a demand for larger capacity sinks which require a wider bench top which are traditionally installed in wider island style bench tops. Oliveri caters for this requirement with the wider sinks being identified with this symbol.

4. Bench Top Space

There is always a demand for extra bench top space and as such in compact kitchens and solid surface undermount installations there is a trend to use bowl only sinks. Oliveri have a large range of bowl only sinks and to further extend bench space they have developed a range of Stainless Steel Utility Trays that fit snugly into the bowl. This tray is not only practical it is also user friendly in that the stainless steel is encapsulated with a safe plastic rim which also prevents it scratching the sink rim.

5. Custom made Accessories

Custom designed accessories convert the sink into a hygienic food preparation area. The Oliveri range of accessories includes Solid Timber Cutting Boards, dishwasher friendly Colanders, Crockery Baskets & Stainless Steel Utility Trays that can be accommodated in the accessory lip that is a design feature of Oliveri sinks.

6. Bowl Size

The deep drawing process that is used in the manufacture of Oliveri sinks ensures that the bowl capacity is maximised from the rim to the outlet. There is an Oliveri sink with bowl capacity to suit all requirements with most being able to accommodate the largest of kitchen pots, pans, woks and other items that do not fit into dishwashers.

7. Sink Material

Stainless steel has for many years been the first choice of sink manufacturers worldwide because it is hygienic, easy to keep clean & has an attractive metal finish that suits any decor. The smooth non–porous surface is resistant to deterioration from heat, stains & UV light. All Oliveri sinks are made from the highest quality 18/10 – 304 grade stainless steel. 18/10 means that Oliveri sinks are made from stainless steel containing 18% Chromium and 10% nickel. The chromium in stainless steel teams up with oxygen in the air to form a strong, highly protective chrome oxide film. It is this film that makes stainless steel resistant to corrosion and gives remarkable long life. The nickel is the substance that gives stainless steel strength and lustre. Most materials will scratch, including stainless steel. The best prevention is to exercise a little extra care, or even to use one of Oliveri's accessory baskets or bowl protectors. The finish will show wear, but over time the net effect of this ‘scratching’ becomes uniform and blends together.

8. Waste Outlets

Basket type waste outlets have been proven to be the most suitable and environment friendly for kitchen sinks as they are designed to capture any residue that may have collected in the sink. All Oliveri sinks are supplied standard with basket type waste outlets and in many instances they are located to the rear of the bowl so as to locate pipe work to the back and increase usable cupboard space.

9. Cupboard Space

The internal space of the sink base unit will be a major factor in what size sink is suitable for your requirements. Oliveri range strategy that each sub brand of styles are available in various sizes and bowl configurations so as to suit the various size base units used in kitchen design.

10. Country of Origin

Many sink manufacturers will proudly list their heritage in their promotional literature such as: Australian / German / Swiss / New Zealand however this does not mean their products are in part or all manufactured in these countries. If country of origin is a factor in sink selection ensure that you establish where the particular sink you are considering is made. Only Oliveri can lay claim to be Australia’s only commercial sink manufacturer. Part of the Oliveri product offering is sourced from overseas suppliers who manufacture to our designs and stringent quality standards, these items can be identified by the International Collection logo that is displayed on Oliveri literature and product packaging.

11. Tapware

Your choice of kitchen tapware needs to be aesthetically pleasing whilst hard working and reliable as it subjected to as much use as the sink. Oliveri tapware is sourced from World class tap manufacturers who have proven their reliability and are able to produce product that complies with Australia’s stringent standards. All Oliveri taps are manufactured from D R Brass (Dezincification Resistant) to Australian Standards AS/NZS 3718. Each tap has been tested, rated and registered to WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling & Standards Scheme) as is required. In selecting tapware Oliveri not only look for reliability, they also require product thats design compliments the Oliveri sink it is to fitted to, so that your kitchen design is consistent in style and looks.