Story: At home with NEFF at Studio Wohnglück

Sarah: At the beginning of our relationship, the roles were clearly divided: Felix is as a long-time and enthusiastic cook, and he had a firm grip on the kitchen. When I was single, I never cooked much and only rustled up a bowl once in a while, if at all. I simply lacked the motivation to cook for myself. It wasn't until Felix came into my life that I became enthusiastic about cooking. Ever since we got a brand-new kitchen, even I volunteer to help out and I'm very glad that NEFF's intuitive household appliances make it all so easy.

Felix: Actually, I'm quite happy to be the boss in the kitchen (laughs). I see the kitchen primarily and in the most positive sense as a workplace: everything has to be arranged in such a way that my kitchen utensils and tools are at hand at all times. That's why Sarah and I quickly agreed on a division of labour that I really appreciate: when I'm cooking, I tell her how I'll do it and Sarah supports me with all the things that she can do much better than I can. I especially leave the arranging of the plates and the setting of the table to my wife, she effectively creates the visual setting for our dishes - so we have become a perfect match in the kitchen!

Sarah: Scandi style in particular is characterised by the fact that it doesn't need a lot of accessories or decoration. Good design speaks for itself without looking cold; it’s inviting and cosy. We focus on a clear design language. This is achieved, for example, by the layout of the base units: they are all 60 cm wide and have a closed front, giving it a linear look. The handle-less design adds a sense of calm to the room and the kitchen always looks tidy. We have completely dispensed with tall cabinets to create an open and light character in the kitchen. In addition, all walls were colour-matched to the kitchen fronts, which makes the kitchen furniture look more discreet. As a result, our kitchen appears more spacious, even though it is actually a rather small space.

Sarah: Furnishings are always personal and at best reflect the people who live in a home. Our own lives are incredibly busy so we really enjoy a home environment that is uncluttered and understated. As committed minimalists, we do without decorations, holiday souvenirs and all the clutter that you often have hanging around. My tip: less is more! This also applies to kitchen appliances, which are often placed on the worktop but detract from the aesthetics of the kitchen. So our rule is, all kitchen appliances and helpers are built into cupboards or stored away.

Felix: The induction hob is the highlight for me. Our last kitchen had an electronic hob, which really drove me crazy. I'm not really the planning type when it comes to cooking, and I don't have the foresight to prepare for the fact that pasta water takes 15 minutes to boil. For me, things have to be done faster sometimes!

Sarah: I swear by the integrated extractor fan. I think there's nothing better than a kitchen without wall cupboards and without extractor fan. In our old flat, something always bothered me in the field of vision above the hob, now I know what it was: the fan.

Both: The oven with Slide&Hide® function also won us over instantly. It's so convenient to have the oven at eye level, because you can have a quick look at the food at any time – and the oven door never gets in the way.

Felix: I'd always try to cook something that is easy to prepare. That way I don't have to disappear into the kitchen all the time, but can also enjoy the company of my guests. Antipasti are a great starter, nothing can get cold. I usually have the main course pre-cooked and just put it in the oven or use the practical automatic ‘Regenerate’ programme to warm up the food and make it succulent with steam. For me, warmed plates from the warming drawer are an absolute game changer: you can stage the food elaborately on the plate and have a nice warm dish in front of you for a long time - even during long conversations at dinner.

Sarah: It changes from time to time and always depends a bit on the season. We always like to try out new things and are inspired by what is available in the region. Nevertheless, there are always dishes that regularly make it onto our menu: at the moment it's beetroot gnocchi with walnut sage butter. They are simply unbelievably delicious and are currently a must once a week!

Felix: We've been steaming the gnocchi since we got a steam oven, so they turn out even better and are always al dente. The steam preserves the intense beetroot flavour and it doesn't get lost in the cooking water. My favourite accompaniment in spring is grilled asparagus.

Sarah: For me, the perfect table needs flowers. Both fresh cut flowers and a beautiful bouquet of dried flowers are fantastic for decoration.

Felix: And of course a glass of sparkling wine or Crémant to toast with! After all, you don’t invite people over for dinner every day, and a glass of sparkling wine instantly creates a festive atmosphere.