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81C Ronald Avenue, Toronto,
Ontario M6E 4M9

 

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Ontario N0H 1J0

 

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SKÖNA Design

News IN YOUR HOSTING ERA
Skona Design in Your hosting era

Create a hosting haven by getting your kitchen prepped for holiday dinner parties to create unforgettable gatherings. Today’s kitchens are more than just a place to cook. It’s the heart and soul of the home…a place where stories are told, memories are made and moments are shared with those you love.

Hints for Kitchen design of your dream

A social kitchen draws people in, putting the focus on comfort, relaxation, connection and interaction. Here are 10 ways to achieve it…

  1. A generous island with stools acts as a social magnet, drawing people to a central gathering spot. Make your island a feature by selecting a colour and/or material that contrasts with the rest of your kitchen cabinetry.
  2. An open floor plan makes everyone feel connected and encourages guests to move freely through the spaces.
  3. Built-in seating, such as a bench or banquette, is a savvy way to add extra seating. Top the bench with plump cushions for extra coziness and comfort. Short on storage? Add deep drawers underneath or a lift-up lid on the bench seat to store platters, cookware and linens.
  4. A butler’s pantry will keep clutter at bay. It’s the perfect hideaway for dirty dishes and countertop appliances while giving you useful extra counterspace to prep meals…all the while keeping your main kitchen pristine for guests. If you don’t have room for a separate pantry, then consider concealing a mini pantry behind sliding, bifold or pocket doors.
  5. Drown out the noise! When entertaining, the last thing you want is for your guests’ conversation to be drowned out by the sound of the dishwasher or hum of the refrigerator. When choosing appliances, opt for ones with a low decibel (dBA) rating. A quiet dishwasher will run at about 40 dBA and a fridge at 35dBA.
  6. Two appliances are better than one. If you’re an avid cook and entertainer, you may want to consider a second oven so you can cook two dishes at different temperatures simultaneously. It’s a game changer!
  7. Step it down. Create an area for guests to sit and relax while you finish cooking. A step-down (chair height) section on the island creates a subtle change in elevation to define the area, making it feel like a cozy nook. To create a seamless look, use the same countertop color and material across both levels or, for visual drama, make the stepped-down table in warm wood attached to a stone island.
  8. Bevvie stations always start with a wine or beverage fridge. Not only does it keep beverages handy for social kitchens, but it adds a touch of hospitality. Position this fridge away from your main prep/cooking areas (i.e. end of kitchen island facing towards living room or at the end of a run of cabinetry), so guests can help themselves without getting in the way of the chef.
  9. Add the WOW factor! Create a focal point…a single standout feature such as bold artwork, a striking light fixture or a backsplash in a unique or richly patterned stone. It will infuse your kitchen with personality and can also be a great conversation starter.
  10. Light it right. A layered lighting scheme will create a warm environment that fosters socializing. This can include a mix of task, ambient and accent lights. Undercabinet LEDs will brighten work surfaces, a dimmable pendant light over the island will transition smoothly from prep zone to meals area, and wall sconces (or directional downlights) can highlight special features such as art.
  11. A sweet treat. Let’s end the evening on a high (and sweet) note. Try this recipe for a classic Danish Dream Cake, inspired by our love for all things Scandinavian. Let’s dream of a wonderful and prosperous new year ahead.

Danish Dream Cake (Drømmekage)

Ingredients:

3 eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ¾ cups all-purpose or cake flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2/3 cup whole milk

¾ stick butter (3/8 cup), melted

For the topping:

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter

1 ½ cups dried shredded (unsweetened) coconut

1 ¼ cups dark brown sugar

1/3 cup whole milk

Pinch of salt

Cake Preparation:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Prepare a 9” cake pan (springform, round or square), greased and lined with baking parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer on high speed for a few minutes, until light in colour. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, sift the flour and baking powder together.
  3. Carefully fold the flour into egg mixture. Mix the milk with melted butter in a small pitcher and carefully pour into the batter, folding it until fully incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  4. Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until almost done. Do not open the oven door for the first 20 minutes of baking time.
  5. To make the topping, put all the ingredients in a saucepan and gently melt together.
  6. Remove the cake from oven and carefully spread the topping all over the cake. Return to the oven. Turn up the heat to 400°F and bake for a further 5 minutes
  7. Leave cake to cool before eating, so that the caramel of topping seeps into the cake.
  8. Serve this simple yet luxurious cake topped with ice cream, whipped cream or crème fraÎche. As they say in Danish…Nyd det (Enjoy it).
Droemmekage DANISH DREAM CAKE preparation

Allow SKÖNA to custom design a stylish and functional kitchen for you that brings people together! On behalf of the SKÖNA team, we wish you and yours a safe and healthy holiday season. All the very best for 2025.