Island kitchen on Lake Constance: this kitchen truly shines

June 21Ergonomics, Storage space, DesignKitchen
Eine blonde Frau mit weißer Bluse und ein dunkelhaariger Mann in blauem Hemd kochen an einer Kochinsel
Melanie Raff and Marco Hornung teamed up to make their dream come true: a kitchen that combines both aesthetics and functionality and perfectly reflects their lifestyle. The couple show us around the kitchen at their home on Lake Constance and tell us about the detailed planning that went into it.

The little town of Allensbach on the German shore of Lake Constance offers a splendid vista across a landscape filled with apple trees, rolling hills and meadows, stretching to the Alps on the horizon. "We both feel very much at home in these surroundings," says Melanie.

Ein Mann in blauem Hemd wischt hinter einer Kochinsel ein Messer ab, eine Frau in weißer Bluse bringt einen Salat zu einem Tisch

Modern kitchen with a direct view of the lake

"The kitchen is the absolute heart of our home," says marketing expert Marco. "We really wanted to make our dream kitchen a reality. So we took a careful look at our everyday routines during the planning stages and then worked with our kitchen planner to come up with the perfect kitchen."

Melanie, who works as a model, likes things to be natural in her private life and yet thinks it's important to introduce contrasts. So the couple's island kitchen is full of stylish statements. The minimalist white fronts radiate a wonderful calm.

Eine Frau blättert in einem Kochbuch und unterhält sich mit einem Mann, der ihr ein Glas Wein reicht
The striking worktop area is a special highlight. "We discussed the material at great length. We didn't want conventional stainless steel because you can see all the fingerprints. We wanted a slightly industrial feel," explains Melanie. The two of them found the solution in Northern Germany. A 5-mm worktop of hot-rolled stainless steel that was produced in a single piece.
Eine blonde Frau mit weißer Bluse und ein dunkelhaariger Mann in blauem Hemd kochen an einer Kochinsel
Ein Mann entnimmt ein Messer einer Schublade in einer Kochinsel, eine Frau lehnt gegen die Insel

Everything runs like clockwork

It was very important to the passionate chef to have perfect workflows. The layout of kitchen cabinets has been geared to their everyday routines so that everything is within easy reach and distances are as short as possible. "And we don't get in each other's way when cooking together," says Marco with a wink.

Functional solutions enhance workflows down to the last detail. The large drawer under the worktop in the middle of the island, for instance, provides ample space for kitchen accessories – and they're exactly where they're needed. The worktop between hob and sink has a nice width and depth, so there's plenty of space for chopping up vegetables and rolling out dough. Easy!

Melanie loved the elegant, clear-cut design of our kitchen from the start. And I had to have the practical knife holder and film/foil dispenser.Marco

Making full use of the storage space available

The waste bin pull-out is directly under the sink and has been equipped with the electrical motion support system. All you have to do is nudge it with your hip, knee or foot and it opens by itself. It closes again softly and effortlessly with integrated soft-close .

"Ideal for a multi-tasker like me," chuckles Marco. "My hands are always wet or full. So this pull-out really pays off every day." And Melanie adds: "And if our guests happen to lean against it, it stays closed."

There's even an extra switch for turning off SERVO-DRIVE if you want to, which is ideal for cleaning.

Eine Frau in weißer Bluse und ein Mann in einem blauen Hemd stehen neben einem geöffneten Einbachkühlschrank

The couple was so enthusiastic about their new freedom of movement that they even had their refrigerator retrofitted with SERVO-DRIVE flex.

Ein geöffneter Unterschrank einer Kücheninsel gefüllt mit diversen Kochutensilien und Töpfen

The slim and clear-cut design of the LEGRABOX drawers (made of stainless steel with anti-fingerprint coating) and the AMBIA-LINE inner dividing system contributes to the fine synergy of aesthetics and functionality.

Ein Mann entnimmt ein Gewürz aus einer geöffneten Innenschublade hinter einem großen Auszug mit Töpfen

"I can't complain about not having enough storage space either," adds Marco with a grin. "When we planned the kitchen, we worked out exactly where everything should be kept. For example, we put the spice drawer right next to the hob."

There's just one question that remains to be answered…

Did either of them have to lower their expectations? "No, no," says the couple reassuringly. All their ideas and wishes have been implemented to the full in their new kitchen. "Melanie's sense of aesthetics and my affinity for functionality do not exclude each other. On the contrary, our requirements complement one another to produce a perfect kitchen," says Marco. "We're simply an unbeatable team!" confirms Melanie.

Highlights at a glance

  • The island kitchen was designed with smooth workflows in mind – no move is wasted.

  • Sufficient storage space is included for tableware, herbs and spices and food.

  • Thanks to SERVO-DRIVE, the handle-less fronts open effortlessly with just a touch.

  • Inner dividing systems such as AMBIA-LINE keep everything neat and tidy inside the drawers.

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