Kitchen confidential
The trend for eat-in kitchens looks unlikely to abate, but how do you design one thatõs appropriate for your house? Arabella Youens investigates
THE Americans call them the ‘90% room’ because of the amount of time we tend to spend in them and although no one’s stipulating that you have to match your kitchen to the period of your house—polished concrete contrasts well with exposed brick walls in the same way that smooth laminate lines can set off period features—different room shapes and ceiling heights play an important role in determining the design of today’s kitchens. workspace is crucial,’ he explains. ‘Purpose-designed dedicated furniture such as pantries and appliance cupboards can be incredibly space-efficient.’
Black granite and all dark, shiny granites are giving way to pale worktops on timber cabinetry. Composites, such as quartz, are gaining popularity because they have a bright, uniform appearance.
For the latest on-trend look, eschew chrome taps for copper, antique brass and rose-gold finishes—the latter introduces a shimmering metallic glow and co-ordinates well against both a classic white or stronger colours.
In terms of appliances, the latest must-haves include Quooker boiling-water taps, warming drawers, wine fridges, steam ovens and, finally, sous-vide drawers (for the uninitiated, ingredients are cooked ‘vacuum packed’, with no loss of nutrients, vitamins and minerals, at a consistently low temperature to ensure the natural flavour of the food is retained). Finally, a word of warning: ‘Don’t make the central island too large or put the main washing-up sink onto an island: you’ll live with piles of stuff in the middle of the kitchen forever after,’ advises Richard.
Try The Umbrella kitchen tap in rose gold by Villeroy & Boch features a slim, arched spout similar to the shape of an umbrella handle. In the flex model, a hand-held spray fitting is concealed inside. £295 (0333 011 3333; http://westonebathrooms.com)