The snack top takes center stage in the open-plan layout, bridging kitchen and living space. As a multifunctional and central element in contemporary kitchen design, the snack top is a defining feature of the “happy island” concept envisioned by Ulisse Narcisi for the Rastelli R1 collection.
The kitchen, originally conceived as a food preparation area, has evolved into a true social hub, where family and friends gather to share daily moments. The snack top increasingly replaces the traditional dining table, serving purposes from breakfast to afternoon snacks, brunch to aperitifs. Narcisi describes the kitchen as an ever-changing environment, shaped by its users’ needs and routines. He emphasizes that this space serves many functions: “You eat alone or in company; that same table becomes a desk for homework, a place to chat, or watch TV“. The snack counter reflects this dynamic, acting as both a functional work surface and a convivial meeting point, a space where home life unfolds in all its richness.
This layout harmoniously merges the kitchen and living space, embodying a contemporary vision where design meets functionality. The R1 model integrates the snack counter seamlessly within the kitchen system. A wide variety of materials, finishes, and components allow for full customization, enhancing the cohesion of the overall living area.
The snack top remains the focal point of the kitchen, expressing both harmony and vitality. Examples include the round, brushed elm snack top with a Majestic Materika porcelain insert, and the rectangular E-Wood oak Matrix version. In the latter configuration, the bold Corinto Nero leg and the interplay of contrasting materials—the dark snack top with the warmth of wood—evoke an elegant ambiance. This material dialogue reaches new heights with the combination of E-Wood Oak, Majestic Materika porcelain top, and Fenix Nero accents, striking a refined balance between clean geometry and contemporary volumes.
Typically 90 cm high, the snack top is ideal for pairing with stools or elevated chairs. The snack counter’s dimensions and positioning are tailored to the kitchen’s layout and its intended function. Its size adapts to space availability and the user’s needs, supporting both intimate moments and sociable gatherings.
Rastelli’s “happy island” is no longer just a metaphor for a lifestyle; it becomes the true heart of the home, catering to the evolving needs of those who inhabit it.
