FORM &FUNCTION
The perfect kitchen design is tailored to all practical requirements, while possessing a welcoming and desirable aesthetic
When it comes to designing a new kitchen, it could be argued that there has never been so much choice available. It follows that for many this poses more dilemmas than solutions. Industry experts recommend that a good starting point is to focus and tailor a design around use and requirements. Whether the space is for foodies, families, keen hosts or anyone trying to maximise a small space, a well-thought-out kitchen carefully combines practicalities, from the initial layout and lighting plan through to worktops and seating, while incorporating aesthetic choices such as colours and decorative accessories.
Whatever size or style the kitchen, a good design results in a space that is aesthetically pleasing and works hard on a day-to-day practical level – truly the heart of the home.
A COOK’S RETREAT
For anyone who loves trying out new recipes, experimenting with ingredients and generally being adventurous with food, sleek, integrated looks most likely take second place to practicality and comfort.
While many foodies accumulate gadgets (and will, therefore, need suitable storage to accommodate them) and may wish to include large-scale and unusual appliances with which to create adventurous meals, solid, functional and high-quality equipment will always be the go-to. “The things I feel are the most important to me are a good, reliable gas hob and a large electric oven,” says Helen Parker, creative director of deVOL. “I need a fair amount of preparation space and easy-to-access utensils and crockery. Open shelves, pot racks and hanging rails mean everything is easy to put away and easy to find and use quickly.”
High up on the list will also be shelves for cookery books, a pantry – whether a separate room or a floor-to-ceiling cupboard – and a boiling-water tap to make it easy and quick to cook vegetables and pasta, make stock and more.
Another essential, says Parker, is a kitchen table. “For the keen cook, having friends and family around you as you cook and socialise is absolutely paramount to a happy cook and a happy family. The biggest joy of cooking is sharing the time, the food and the experience with other people,” she adds.
ENTERTAINING SPACES
For those who love to host regularly on a larg
