HARDWORKING KITCHENS

Find beauty in utility with our edit of exquisitely crafted kitchenalia

Find the beauty in utility with our curated selection of exquisitely crafted and exceedingly efficient kitchenalia

W ith most of us spending more time in our kitchens over the past 12 months, priorities have shifted when it comes to updating them. Good investments are more important than ever: it’s time to seek out things that you’ll use and love for years, ideally even for life (heirloom pieces can find a home in the kitchen just as well as in other parts of the house). Classic range cookers and sturdy farmhouse tables are good examples, but smaller accessories can be long-lived, too. It’s worth seeking out well-made gadgets, cookware and utensils that are tried and trusted, sustainable and designed to be repaired rather than replaced (try buymeonce.com for a curated selection). Investing the time in making the right purchase now means that your kitchen will give you joy for many years to come.

OPPOSITE Solid-wood chopping boards acquire a delightful patina as they age. The Conran Shop has designs in oak, ash and walnut, from £42 THIS PAGE An Aga, from £3,231, is a lifetime purchase: you’ll be rewarded for the initial outlay with something that makes cooking a pleasure and keeps your kitchen warm. This cast-iron model in cream is a classic colour