4 minute read
The Kitchen Wishlist
Create a dream space in the heart of your home, from bold decor to elegant designs
Whether remodelling your kitchen or starting from scratch, the capital’s designers have a smörgåsbord of style ideas for the heart of the home.
A calming space in which to cook, eat and relax is the dream, and thoughtful planning is key when it comes to creating a kitchen that is both beautiful and practical.
“It’s all about design,” says Daniela Condo, Head of Design at The London Kitchen Company. “The layout is the first consideration: I ask my clients how they use their kitchen and how they cook. Once the layout is decided, we talk about style, colours, finishes and then, finally, we choose the appliances.”
Currently, Daniela’s clients favour hand-painted cabinets that are a modern take on the ‘shaker’ style, and timber flooring in a herringbone or chevron design rather than traditional planks. In large London properties, she suggests that a kitchen island is incorporated into the plan.
ISLAND HOPPING
“If people have space, we always go for an island rather than a U-shaped or L-shaped kitchen and often, those with a very big room will want two islands. One will be a cooking area with a sink and hob and the second will be an entertaining area with stools where you serve food and drinks,” explains Daniela.
Wherever the sink is situated, a boiling water tap is a bonus and can do much more than make you a cup of tea. Stephen Johnson, Managing Director at market leader Quooker says, “Boiling water can be instantly dispensed, along with chilled and sparkling alternatives; it is easily one of the most useful kitchen appliances. From blanching vegetables and cooking fresh pasta in minutes, to making carbonated cocktails and juices, a Quooker makes cooking swift and easy.”
THE PERFECT PANTRY
Designers report that wanting a pantry is at the top of the 2022 kitchen wishlist. “Everyone wants one,” says Daniela. “Perfectly organised racks for spices and a worktop where there are plugs so you can use small appliances like a toaster, coffee machine and juicer.”
Richard Moore, Design Director at Martin Moore says, “No longer a secondary ‘add on’ to the kitchen, pantries are increasingly becoming a design focus in themselves. They are created to be seen and, as such, clients are looking for full view, without any doors or visual obstructions. They are opting for luxurious materials such as marble and natural wood, as well as decorative finishes like patterned tiles, brass fittings and hand-painted cabinetry.”
A BIGGER SPLASH
Statement materials throughout the kitchen are fashionable this year. Richard says, “Think highly dramatic granite, quartz and tiles for worktops, splashbacks and cupboard interiors. People are layering bold colours and patterns to great effect.”
“The stronger darker colours are very much on trend at the moment,” says Graeme Smith, Head of Retail and Commercial Design at Life Kitchens. “We have just introduced a carbon colour to our range of doors, and it is proving extremely popular, as are dark blue and dark green. People are wanting a richness and depth that you can’t find in monochrome kitchen schemes. In addition, there has been a surge in people using contrasting hues in the kitchen, highlighting specific areas within the space, as well as architectural details, to help create a unique look and feel. Colours such as chalk white are a neutral classic and will work in most rooms to bring an air of sophistication.”
The perfect kitchen is a carefully curated combination of considerate design, time-saving technology, bold decoration and of course…a pantry.
@quookeruk @thelondonkitchencompany @martinmooredesign @life_kitchens
OUR KITCHEN COLLECTION
Fitzwarren Gardens, N19
£1,384 pw
A new build house which has been designed across three floors. This remarkable home has three bedrooms, an open plan kitchen and a south facing garden.
Dexters Highgate 020 8545 8585
Queens Avenue, N10
£3,200,000
Retaining period features throughout, this double fronted five bedroom home has a generous family area, formal reception room and a cinema.
Dexters Muswell Hill 020 8444 2388
Earls Way, SE1
£3,650,000
Located in a luxurious riverside development, this apartment with two double bedrooms has a wraparound terrace with views of Tower Bridge.
Dexters London Bridge 020 7650 5100
Duke Street, W1K
£8,950,000
An elegant five bedroom apartment in a red brick building located on one of Mayfair’s premier streets. The three reception rooms have impressive ceiling heights and large windows allowing the rooms to be flooded with natural light. With Grosvenor Square and Oxford Street nearby, this home is perfectly placed for the most exclusive shops and restaurants.
Ashburton Place, W1J
£6,750 pw
Moments from Piccadilly and Green Park is Clarges, one of London's newest luxury developments. This third floor apartment has plenty of space for entertaining with a generous reception room and two bedrooms, each with an en suite bathroom. Residents have access to a round the clock concierge, a wellness centre, swimming pool and private cinema.
