Not All Appliances Are The Same

When designing a small home or guest house, every decision counts - especially in highly functional spaces like bathroom, laundry and the kitchen. In our new guest house, getting the appliances right was a key step in making the space feel both practical and inviting. To start with I did what I always advice my clients to do: pinpoint the uses and needs of the household, then went to a showrooom with a large display of appliances and brands. For my own home, as well as for the Guest House I searched Signature Appliances website to peruse their range, then went to their showroom and asked for guidance. It doesn't matter how much I now as a designer - technology continually evolves and new products arrive on the market every day. Nobody knows better than the salespeople.

James' practical appliances selection for a 60 sqm Guest House

Kitchen Appliances:

In a 60 square metres home, the kitchen can't be huge, and I knew that most guests wouldn’t be cooking up big family roasts or baking every day. That’s why I opted for compact, efficient appliances that still feel generous in function. A 600mm cooktop and under-bench oven were the perfect combo, saving valuable bench space while still delivering what’s needed for everyday meals. And because this is a space that different people will be using, it was important to choose appliances that are easy to operate and easy to clean. An undermount rangehood gives a seamless look, while also avoiding the bulk and extra cleaning of a canopy model. Plus, by keeping finishes consistent (in this case, black), the space feels cohesive and thoughtfully styled.

The fridge and dishwasher follow suit in both form and function. I chose a black stainless-steel upside-down fridge, easier access where it’s most needed, and a simple, quality dishwasher with economy settings. Nobody wants to spend their holiday doing dishes, right?

Laundry Appliances:

I also made sure to include a laundry nook - small but essential. With the beach just minutes away, a quality washing machine makes sense to cope with those beach towels. It’s also a design-conscious choice, with its sleek looks matching beautifully with the rest of the finishes of the house.

Watch this short video to know more about my choices.

So, if you're selecting appliances for a compact space, here are my overall tips:

1. Function first – think about who will use the appliances and how.

2. Scale wisely – choose sizes appropriate for the kitchen footprint.

3. Style smartly – align finishes with your overall design for a seamless look.

   
   

Next time you need to purchase a new piece of technology for your home, do as I did: check Signature Appliances website to find what you like, and if you can, visit their showroom to touch and feel :).

Remember: not all the appliances brands or models are the best for what you need, no matter how good or fancy they are. In the end, the right choice is the one that satisfies both your household's needs and your house's style, no matter how small or large your space.

note: Some of the Guest House appliances are from from Bing Lee (Microwave and Television)

James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. Learn more from James' knowledge via his FREE online shows James Bought A House (a renovation) and James Bought A Guest House (a brand new build).