Whether remodelling your kitchen or starting from scratch, the capital’s designers have a smörgåsbord of style ideas for the heart of the home.
A calming space in which to cook, eat and relax is the dream, and thoughtful planning is key when it comes to creating a kitchen that is both beautiful and practical.
“It’s all about design,” says Daniela Condo, Head of Design at The London Kitchen Company. “The layout is the first consideration: I ask my clients how they use their kitchen and how they cook. Once the layout is decided, we talk about style, colours, finishes and then, finally, we choose the appliances.”
Currently, Daniela’s clients favour hand-painted cabinets that are a modern take on the ‘shaker’ style, and timber flooring in a herringbone or chevron design rather than traditional planks. In large London properties, she suggests that a kitchen island is incorporated into the plan.
“If people have space, we always go for an island rather than a U-shaped or L-shaped kitchen and often, those with a very big room will want two islands. One will be a cooking area with a sink and hob and the second will be an entertaining area with stools where you serve food and drinks,” explains Daniela.
Wherever the sink is situated, a boiling water tap is a bonus and can do much more than make you a cup of tea. Stephen Johnson, Managing Director at market leader Quooker says, “Boiling water can be instantly dispensed, along with chilled and sparkling alternatives; it is easily one of the most useful kitchen appliances. From blanching vegetables and cooking fresh pasta in minutes, to making carbonated cocktails and juices, a Quooker makes cooking swift and easy.”
Designers report that wanting a pantry is at the top of the 2023 kitchen wishlist. “Everyone wants one,” says Daniela. “Perfectly organised racks for spices and a worktop where there are plugs so you can use small appliances like a toaster, coffee machine and juicer.”
Richard Moore, Design Director at Martin Moore says, “No longer a secondary ‘add on’ to the kitchen, pantries are increasingly becoming a design focus in themselves. They are created to be seen and, as such, clients are looking for full view, without any doors or visual obstructions. They are opting for luxurious materials such as marble and natural wood, as well as decorative finishes like patterned tiles, brass fittings and hand-painted cabinetry.”
Statement materials throughout the kitchen are fashionable this year. Richard says, “Think highly dramatic granite, quartz and tiles for worktops, splashbacks and cupboard interiors. People are layering bold colours and patterns to great effect.”
“The stronger darker colours are very much on trend at the moment,” says Graeme Smith, Head of Retail and Commercial Design at Life Kitchens. “We have just introduced a carbon colour to our range of doors, and it is proving extremely popular, as are dark blue and dark green. People are wanting a richness and depth that you can’t find in monochrome kitchen schemes. In addition, there has been a surge in people using contrasting hues in the kitchen, highlighting specific areas within the space, as well as architectural details, to help create a unique look and feel. Colours such as chalk white are a neutral classic and will work in most rooms to bring an air of sophistication.”
The perfect kitchen is a carefully curated combination of considerate design, time-saving technology, bold decoration and of course…a pantry.
