Of all the rooms in the house, the kitchen must surely be the hardest working. Prepping, cooking, eating and socialising make for plenty of use, so surfaces need to be able to withstand wear and tear,

Compact kitchens can feel grand when thoughtful layouts, smart storage and standout materials are involved

Olivia Botrie has brought modern comforts and family-friendly functionality to her early 20th-century home – all while respecting its original character

The trends, launches and expert advice you need to know

Planning and designing a kitchen that functions beautifully for all daily routines, as well as being a joy to spend time in, is a matter of considering how the room will be used by the whole family. ‘

A very clever (and small) extension has paid big dividends for Janet and Pete Hanson