Julia’s kitchen in south-west London was designed to be a traditional space with a contemporary twist. “Our kitchen is very much the heart of the house and we love gathering around our big, square wooden table, watching TV or helping the kids with their homework,” Julia says. “Whenever friends come round we always head straight to the kitchen where we can savour cake and coffee.” Photograph: Andrew Shaylor/Guardian
Julia Deppen’s stylish and traditional Scultura Pump Espresso coffee machine (£199) offers an authentic, barista experience at home. You can use it with ground coffee or easy-serving espresso pods and, by using the milk frother, you can create lattes and cappuccinos. “In gunmetal grey, this machine fits perfectly into the kitchen in terms of the minimal style and its performance,” Julia says. “Other coffee machines we’ve owned have never made a really creamy cappuccino like this.” Photograph: Andrew Shaylor/Guardian
Vanessa runs cookery classes and a B&B from her beautiful vintage home in Northamptonshire. She wanted a kitchen that would work as the perfect family space but also as a classroom for up to six students; a kitchen with a chic and glam look, but relaxed atmosphere. “The Prima Donna S fits really well with the vintage style of my kitchen thanks to the colour and timeless design, and I’m thrilled that I can pour Fair Trade beans into it. Plus it has a brilliant energy rating, making it eco-friendly, too.” Photograph: Andrew Shaylor/Guardian
Vanessa’s Prima Donna S in coconut white (£1,095) is a premium, bean-to-cup machine that makes the best-tasting and most authentic coffee using fresh beans and fresh milk. It has an internal coffee grinder and a unique De’Longhi milk carafe, which has an auto-clean function and can be stored in the fridge after use. “The machine is so intuitive,” says Vanessa. “Simply press a button and a latte is made; if you fancy an espresso, it’s equally easy. And my children squeal in delight as I top up their hot chocolates with fresh milk bought from a local dairy farm, which I froth in the machine.” Photograph: Andrew Shaylor/Guardian
“We bought this house as a project and we’ve transformed most of it,” says Simon Boyley, who lives in Hither Green with his partner, Adrian McKeen. “We wanted a shaker-style kitchen cabinet with a modern twist and to have utility items concealed.” Simon and Adrian love a cup of coffee to start the day and find their stainless steel De’Longhi Prima Donna XS Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine fits effortlessly with the look and feel of their kitchen. Photograph: Greg Funnell/Guardian
Perfect for small kitchens, or those with limited workspace, Adrian and Simon’s Prima Donna XS Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine (£995) is the slimmest, most compact bean-to-cup machine in the De’Longhi range. Although it is just 19.5cm wide, it combines style, versatility and performance – and the “My Coffee” function memorises the lengths and strengths of everyone’s favourite coffee. Adrian says: “Our friends love this machine; people keep popping in to sample the range of coffee shop favourites we can make, from cappuccinos to latte macchiatos.” Photograph: Andrew Shaylor/Guardian
When Emily and Philmoved into their new Hackney home 18-months ago they needed a kitchen that could accommodate their two children, Arlow, three, and Betsy, six-months, as well as their home-based business; they run Bold & Bold (http://boldandbold.com/), a graphic design company. “The result is a dual functioning kitchen,” Emily says. “A working kitchen runs along one wall while the other side is a social space, perfect for play-dates or lunch-meetings. We love to start the day with a latte and Phil and I discuss our projects over a coffee – it’s a big part of our daily routine.” Photograph: Greg Funnell/Guardian
The Magnifica Super Compact Bean-to-Cup Coffee Machine (£499.99) lets you recreate coffee shop favourites – including cappuccinos and lattes – at the touch of a button. The machine has a small footprint, and “doesn’t take up loads of work surface”, Emily Bold explains. “I love the fact the machine cleans itself – it’s like having a little robot in your kitchen. And the drinks come out hot and tasty and exactly as you’d expect them to.” Photograph: Andrew Shaylor/Guardian
