Smart Choices

Technology and style combine effortlessly in a resort-style Brisbane house. By Jessica Matthews

The kitchen of The Retreat, a new home in inner Brisbane, incorporates a range of Miele integrated appliances, many of them hidden behind custom cabinetry. Photography courtesy of Miele.

Located by a nature reserve in the inner-Brisbane suburb of Coorparoo, a three-storey home named The Retreat has been crafted with luxurious simplicity in mind. Everything about the design — from its crisp white exterior to its abundant natural materials and curved details — creates an effortless resort-style feel. Underpinning it all is an advanced technical capacity that adds to the easy lifestyle the house affords. “The builder incorporated an automated lighting system, heating and cooling system, and security features into this new home,” says interior designer Ashley Maddison of AM Interior Studio, who worked on the project alongside Mati Constructions and the building design firm Koda Design. “Additionally, Miele connected appliances such as the fridges, rangehood and dishwasher were installed, adding to the clean and minimalist interior.”

The Retreat, a new home in inner Brisbane sleek facade. Photography courtesy of Miele.

Maddison says such details are now often a priority for homeowners. “There’s definitely a growing trend among clients showing increased interest in the concept of a smart home,” she says. “As technology continues to advance and become more integrated into daily life, many of my clients are seeking ways to incorporate smart devices and systems into their homes for convenience, efficiency and enhanced living experiences.”

In the Coorparoo house, this is perhaps best highlighted in the state-of-the-art kitchen. The open-plan, marble-swathed space features a range of sophisticated Miele appliances. The Gen 7000 series ovens have features such as TasteControl, which prevents overcooking by automatically cooling the oven once a desired heating time is reached. This ensures perfect results every time and enhances convenience for the user, says Miele projects business development manager Paige Amos. With their clean lines, the ovens blend seamlessly into the kitchen’s minimalist aesthetic.

Alongside them is a Miele induction cooktop, the frameless glass surface of which is both elegant and easy to clean. The frameless design allows for a flush installation with the countertop, Amos points out. Innovations such as TempControl (which ensures consistent cooking temperatures) and PowerFlex zones (to accommodate various pot sizes) add to the cooktop’s utility.

Finished in muted walnut and white tones, the kitchen joinery conceals Miele refrigerators. “They are designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with options for fully integrated units that disappear behind custom cabinetry,” Amos says. 

Miele refrigerators optimise food preservation with features such as PerfectFresh Pro, which maintains food for up to five times longer, and DynaCool, which ensures uniform temperature distribution. “Additionally, the SmartFresh system helps maintain optimal humidity levels, preserving the quality of fresh produce,” Amos says.

A view of the kitchen showing the integrated ovens. Photography courtesy of Miele.

Completing the technical specs is the Miele Smart Home Integration system, which provides cohesive functionality across the property. “The ability to control appliances via the Miele app enhances the modern, connected aesthetic,” says Miele consumer data and product engineering manager Matthew Slater. “Homeowners can control and monitor their appliances remotely, receive maintenance alerts and even get cooking assistance through their smart device. This adds a level of convenience and efficiency, enhancing the overall living experience.”

The Miele@home system means appliances throughout the property can be controlled and monitored from a smart device. Photography courtesy of Miele.

For Miele, contemporary residences are all about the ability to augment day-to-day living. “Miele defines the modern smart home as a place where household appliances are seamlessly integrated,” Slater says. “Appliances can interact with other appliances, undertake routines and perform functions with minimal effort.” The brand has developed technology that gives homeowners a more personalised experience than ever. “A truly smart home is one where appliances and applications learn from user habits and respond with individually tailored solutions,” Slater says. “These responses create experiences that simplify everyday life.”

For Maddison and her clients, the benefits are wide-ranging. “Technology not only offers convenience and control but also contributes to energy savings and improved security,” she says. “The trend towards smart homes reflects a desire for modern living solutions that align with the digital age and enhance the overall quality of life of homeowners.”mieleexperience.com.au/kitchen  

This is an extract from an article that appears in print in our twelfth edition, Page 106 of Winning Magazine with the headline: “Smart Choices”. Subscribe to Winning Magazine today.