SMART WAYS TO ELEVATE YOUR COOKING SPACE – THE HEART OF THE HOME NEVER LOOKED BETTER
IN THE RIGHT VEIN
Maximise the impact of a striking stone, such as Arabescato Corchia, with an integrated apron-front sink. ‘It turns a necessary object into a sculptural centrepiece,’ says interior designer Kaitlin McQuaide, owner, McQuaide Co. ‘While the raw beauty of a stone sink is undeniable and it will never rust or dent, marble is porous and requires re-sealing, so we tend to recommend them for light use.’ For daily use, consider a washing-up bowl or line the base in stainless steel. Kitchen design, McQuaide Co.
SHADOW PLAY
Don’t overlook the impact of perfectly pitched shadow lighting. As well as creating a relaxing feel, hidden LEDs can be used to show off materials, such as this striking Jade Onyx. Luxury kitchen specialist Extreme Design incorporates concealed lighting in its kitchens, especially in open-plan spaces. ‘Such kitchens should elevate in the evenings and become a beautiful backdrop to the interiors they sit within,’ explains creative director Marcello Cuconato. Kitchens, from £60,000, Extreme Design.
ABOVE AND BEYOND
Overhead storage takes design to a whole new level – literally. ‘Using the space above an island is an excellent way to store pans and other utensils, saving valuable cupboard space,’ says Charlie Smallbone, founder, Ledbury Studio. Here, a bespoke shelving rack displays decorative objects and plants. ‘The rack is coach-bolted to timber pattresses on the ceiling, which are connected to a load-bearing structure,’ he explains. ‘Brass tender rails prevent items from falling off.’ Kitchens, from £70,000, Ledbury Studio.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
When the flooring is on point, the rest will follow. In this simply structured kitchen by Studio Seiders and Ryan Street Architects, the strong, graphic floor certainly grabs attention. ‘Decorative wood flooring is a great way to infuse character and dimension into a space while staying consistent with the feel of the rest of the house,’ says Emily Seiders, principal designer, Studio Seiders. ‘Choose one stain that matches the general wood flooring, then have fun with the pattern and colours from there.’ Kitchen design, Studio Seiders and Ryan Street Architects.
TAKE IT TO THE TOP
Soaring splashbacks are reaching new levels of sophistication. ‘Not only are they visually stunning, they also protect from splashes and stains that would typically mark traditional emulsion paints,’ says Jack Butterworth, creative manager, Charles Yorke. ‘When planning this detail, try to source a material that is large enough to fabricate from a single slab and in the correct thickness to reduce joints and keep the weight lo
