Bella Cucina: 8 Italian Kitchen Systems

By Janet Hall | Remodelista – Wed, 21 Jan, 2015 11:00 AM EST

Here's a look at the latest modular kitchen systems from Italy: practical, precisely engineered, and, yes, pricey. Theadvantages? Modular systems offer the entire package, with an all­of­a­piece design so you don't have to cobble togetherelements from different sources (cabinets from here, counters from there). And most of the companies featured here havebeen in the business for decades and cater to a worldwide market. The drawbacks? You sacrifice a certain amount ofaesthetic control, and most of these designs are pricey. Interested? Here are eight good examples of Italian kitcheningenuity:Alpes Inox

Alpes Inox Kitchen System | Remodelista

Above: Alpes Inox's freestanding, stainless­steel kitchen systems are multifunctional and made to come with you shouldyou move—none are built­ins, so they can be rearranged as needed, and most designs are available on wheels. See Race­CarStyle Appliances for Compact Kitchens.

Based in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, Alpes Inox is a family­run business; it's been fabricating kitchen equipment since 1954using high­nickel stainless, which has a durable, bright, white shine. For more information and prices, see AlpesInox, and contact Mr. Passalacqua in the company's export department at commerciale@alpesinox.com.Arclinea

Arclinea Kitchen, Remodelista

Above: Arclinea's Convivium Kitchen System is an open­living design, a "true center for rapport between the cook and theothers."

Arclinea was founded in 1925 in Caldogna, Italy, where it's still based. Since 1986, Italian architect and industrial designerAntonia Citterio has directed the company's designs. There are 13 Arclinea Distributors in North America, includingArclinea showrooms in San Francisco, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington, DC. Boffi

Boffi Kitchen, Remodelista

Above: The Boffi Aprile Kitchen, designed by Piero Lissoni, integrates rustic materials in the design: Its cabinet doors aremade using wood staves of varying widths and thicknesses.

Situated north of Milan and in business since 1934, Boffi has a worldwide presence, including Boffi North AmericanStudios in Washington, DC, New York, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. In addition to kitchens, it offers

bathrooms, storage systems, and a range of interior items, such as lamps. The company's long list of contributing designersranges from Marcel Wanders to Claudio Silvestrin. Dada

Dada Kitchen, Remodelista

Above: Dada's INDada Kitchen System, designed by Nicola Gallizia.

Dada Kitchen, Remodelista

Above: Dada recently introduced the linear Vela Kitchen System.

The region around Milan is home to several notable kitchen system manufacturers, including Dada (which has been part ofthe high­end furnishings group Moldeni since 1980). Dada offers seven kitchen system designs, all of which are on view inthe company's New York and Miami flagship stores, and at In­Ex in Los Angeles. Poliform

Poliform Kitchen, Remodelista

Above: Poliform's Artex Kitchen offers ample work surfaces.

Poliform Kitchen, Remodelista

Above: Storage details in a cabinet from Poliform.

Poliform started in 1942 with a focus on bookshelves, wardrobes, and other home furnishings. Situated in the Brianzaregion of Italy and still family­run, it added kitchens to its repertoire in 1996 through the acquisition of the Varenna brandand now offers nine kitchen system designs. Poliform's North America Network includes more than 40 dealers, and there

are dedicated Poliform stores in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Miami.Schiffini

Schiffini Kitchen, Remodelista

Above: The Cinqueterre, the first all­aluminum kitchen, was designed in 2000 by Vico Magistretti for Schiffini. Photographvia DesignSpace London.

Schiffini was established in the 1920s to supply nautical fittings to the Italian Navy dockyard in La Spezia and laterspecialized in the furnishings of military and civil ships. In the 1950s, Schiffini reoriented itself to kitchen furniture design,and claims to be the first Italian company to produce a series of modular offerings. Still located near La Spezia (thinkItalian Riviera), Schiffini is available in the US through McDuffee Design in Chicago.Snaidero

Snaidero Kitchen, Remodelista

Above: The Code Kitchen by Snaidero features open, modular shelving, and is available in a range of colors and

configurations.

Founded by Rino Snaidero in 1946 as a bedroom furniture manufacturer, Snaidero of Friuli, Italy, has been focused since1959 solely on modular kitchen furnishings. It offers a portfolio of 18 modular kitchen systems and has several USShowrooms.Valcucine

Valcucine Logica Kitchen, Remodelista

Above: The fully equipped back section of the Valcucine Logica System Kitchen comes in aluminum or stainless steel, andcan be fitted against a wall or used in an island. Clutter averse? The unit can be fully enclosed with cabinet fronts.

Valcucine SineTempore Wood Kitchen | Remodelista

Above: The Sine Tempore system features a modern farmhouse spirit; see more at Modern Italian Rusticity fromValcucine.

The youngest of the Italian companies in our lineup, 35­year­old Valcucine is known for revolutionizing kitchenergonomics with its 1996 Logica Kitchen (picture wall units with lift­up doors and cabinets with removable drawers). TheLogica was updated recently and remains one of the more technologically advanced modular systems available. If you arelooking for something with less drive, Valcucine offers several other kitchen systems, too. Valcucine US Dealers are locatedin New York, Minneapolis, Tulsa, Chicago, and Dallas.

For more on modular kitchens and kitchen cabinetry see: Remodeling 101: Five Questions to Ask When Choosing Kitchen CabinetsCopenhagen's Coolest New Kitchen SystemKitchen: Bulthaup WorkbenchAnd consider the American­made Henrybuilt and Viola Park Kitchen Systems.

Binova Regula Ad Kitchen, Remodelista

Above: Coming next? Binova is an Italian to watch. We're hoping its kitchens, including the Regula Ad design, shown here,will soon be available on the US market.

For more Italian kitchen design inspiration, see: 11 Italian Kitchens, Dolce Vita Edition16 Made­in­Italy Kitchen Essentials7 High­Style Italian Kitchen Ranges

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