The kitchen is the beating heart of most homes. Not just a place to eat, but to socialise and celebrate. In part six of our nine-part series, we are also celebrating the kitchen, and more specifically, the winners in the kitchen category of this year's ICONIC AWARDS: innovative interiors.

The 'best of best' award-winning Downline Infinity BKA 90 DLI hob extractor from berbel quickly, directly and effectively sucks in all cooking fumes, before they spread into the living space and kitchen

Virtual winner's podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (6/9) | Novità

The 'best of best' award-winning Downline Infinity BKA 90 DLI hob extractor from berbel quickly, directly and effectively sucks in all cooking fumes, before they spread into the living space and kitchen

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The kitchen is a special place. It's not just where food is prepared, it's where friends and family get together, where people talk, laugh and celebrate. At parties, the best conversations always seem to take place in the kitchen. For the great architect and designer Ettore Sottsass, the kitchen was even a place of transformation. In his book 'Adesso Però', he poetically formulated his perception of the kitchen:

‘I always think that the kitchen is the place where the infinite encyclopaedia of substances and planetary states is gathered, unites and then assembles, organises, catalogues, proportions, takes shape, assumes a recognisable meaning, transforms itself into something usable, to then design that which is the daily ritual of eating.’

Above, the Ikona Maxxi Pure extractor fan and air purifier by Elica spa and Fabrizio Crisà, which completely renews the air in the room. Below, the Aqittura M91 SodaSystem digital kitchen faucet by Hansgrohe

Virtual winner's podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (6/9) | Novità

Above, the Ikona Maxxi Pure extractor fan and air purifier by Elica spa and Fabrizio Crisà, which completely renews the air in the room. Below, the Aqittura M91 SodaSystem digital kitchen faucet by Hansgrohe

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Without a doubt, the Corona pandemic has intensified our relationship with kitchens in the last two years. For many, the newly prescribed home office could equally be described as the 'kitchen office'. The trend towards merging living rooms and kitchens, – with kitchen islands often standing as a solitary element in the middle of larger open spaces – has meant that we are happy to take our laptops and work where the espresso machine and juicer are within easy reach.

Fortunately, although the pandemic is still ongoing, the wheels continue to roll for kitchen designers and manufacturers. Yes, some major trade fairs have been forced to take a break again this year, but this has certainly not stopped creative minds from developing innovative new products – as evidenced by the designs that received awards at this year's 'ICONIC AWARDS: Innovative Interior'.

With its various design options, Grohe's Eurosmart kitchen faucet is a true all-rounder for kitchens of all kinds (top). Osta's Inselplus kitchen island, meanwhile, boasts numerous functions that can be used symmetrically or asymmetrically (below)

Virtual winner's podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (6/9) | Novità

With its various design options, Grohe's Eurosmart kitchen faucet is a true all-rounder for kitchens of all kinds (top). Osta's Inselplus kitchen island, meanwhile, boasts numerous functions that can be used symmetrically or asymmetrically (below)

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The prize, which is awarded by the German Design Council, already has innovation in its name, and this year's judging process once again brought to light a large number of convincing new design solutions. The German Design Council team identified four trends on the basis of the submissions, one of which, in relation to kitchens, is particularly relevant here, namely, 'Smart together'.

Particularly when it comes to kitchens, the number of elements that are networked and digitally controllable, for example, through the use of sensors or remote control via apps, continues to increase. In addition, there are electronic services, internet-based programmes and real-time control via cloud computing, while touchless controls and active cleaning of the environment around us promote improved hygiene and wellbeing.

Thanks to its impact-resistant design edge, nobilia's Xtra Ceramic worktop can handle the demands of everyday kitchen life (above). Below, Falmec's ultra-thin Light extractor hood invites us to join the flat revolution

Virtual winner's podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (6/9) | Novità

Thanks to its impact-resistant design edge, nobilia's Xtra Ceramic worktop can handle the demands of everyday kitchen life (above). Below, Falmec's ultra-thin Light extractor hood invites us to join the flat revolution

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For example, Italian manufacturer Elica combines several hygienic functions for creating a pleasant, healthy indoor climate with its Ikona Maxxi Pure. The cooker hood, which was awarded 'Best of Best', also functions as an air purifier. The minimalist, tapered design not only eliminates odours and vapours during cooking, it also completely renews the air in the room, and silently, too.

The Aqittura M91 SodaSystem from Hansgrohe SE was awarded the 'Winner' prize. In addition to the standard functions, the digital kitchen mixer can also supply sparkling, medium or still water. The filter and mineralisation technology from MinTec® provides innovative and optimised water enjoyment. And we already know that it is better for the environment if our drinking water doesn't have to be transported at great expense.

Another 'best of best' winner from the kitchen sector ensures effective air purification with centrifugal force and without grease filters. Berbel's Downline Infinity BKA 90 DLI hob extractor quickly and effectively extracts cooking and frying fumes before they can spread throughout the living space and kitchen and is particularly well suited to cooking islands.

Top to bottom: kitchen in motion by Lambert Alexander Latzke – an oval, socially functional kitchen island; Schell's Grandis E tap offers touch-free hygiene; the Reflect kitchen – a collaboration between Reform and Jean Nouvel

Virtual winner's podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (6/9) | Novità

Top to bottom: kitchen in motion by Lambert Alexander Latzke – an oval, socially functional kitchen island; Schell's Grandis E tap offers touch-free hygiene; the Reflect kitchen – a collaboration between Reform and Jean Nouvel

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And speaking of cooking islands, kitchen in motion by Lambert Alexander Latzke, which received the 'Winner' award, is a free-standing unit with extendable seating that allows dynamic switching between sitting and standing. The oval contour of the kitchen island encourages social interaction and the jury also praised the design's ‘high level of formal aesthetics and functionality’.

More information about the 'ICONIC AWARDS: Innovative Interior' can be found at www.innovative-interior.de, while some additional award-winning products can be seen below:

Pipe, Osta's outdoor kitchen, is powerfully sculptural and offered in ceramic and mineral materials (above); Below, Weger's Ventilation system. The South Tyrolean company specialises in ventilation systems for large commercial kitchens

Virtual winner's podium – the ICONIC AWARDS 2022: Innovative Interior (6/9) | Novità

Pipe, Osta's outdoor kitchen, is powerfully sculptural and offered in ceramic and mineral materials (above); Below, Weger's Ventilation system. The South Tyrolean company specialises in ventilation systems for large commercial kitchens

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