5 minute read
PLAN THE PERFECT
from Hhujuu
by elloco2019
renovation IMPROVE | EXTEND | CONVERT 2022 Kitchen Special
◆ TRENDS (THAT WON'T DATE) ◆ LAYOUT TIPS ◆ REAL MAKEOVERS ◆ CLUTTER- BUSTING TRICKS
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HEATHER YOUNG, EDITOR
‘When it comes to flooring, it’s important for a space to look great and function well, too,’ says Natalie. Tegola Elite Click Tile luxury vinyl in Copper, £44.99sq m, Carpetright
| PLAN THE PERFECT | Kitchen upgrade
LOOKING TO UPDATE YOUR KITCHEN IN 2022? WE ASKED THE EXPERTS TO SHARE THEIR INSIDER TIPS
MEET THE EXPERTS
ROD GASKELL, DESIGNER AND OWNER OF KÜTCHENHAUS, RAINHAM, KENT
MIKE TURLEY, TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, MEREWAY KITCHENS
NATALIE HOLDEN, DIRECTOR, NATALIE HOLDEN INTERIORS
KEY INGREDIENT
The pantry has become a feature that’s made for showing off. Hoxton kitchen in Metallic Midnight, from £3,600, Magnet
Planning a new kitchen this year? We’ve done the research for you and chatted to three experts – two from kitchen brands, one an interior designer – to help you create a kitchen that’s on trend and right for you for many years to come.
START WITH CABINETRY
Handleless or classic Shaker remain the popular choices, but it seems we are embracing more colour. ‘Of course, people want practicality, with matt doors in an anti fingerprint finish highly desirable – but we’ve added a blue and green to our range for 2022,’ Rod explains. Natalie says, ‘Right now, many of our clients are keen to introduce bolder and darker shades through their cabinetry, such as teal blue, forest green and anthracite grey.’
It seems we are paying lots of attention to handles too, and warmer metallics are a popular choice for many right now, which is not surprising as they are great for teaming with blue or green units. Stone effect doors are also a sought after feature, as Rod explains: ‘We might see more new sandstone or earthier finishes coming through, reflecting our concentration on nature and the environment.
‘Storage seems to be focusing on the practical rather than clever gizmos,’ adds Rod. ‘Customers want large easy access storage, such as pan drawers in islands and big opening larder units.’ Natalie says, ‘We’re being asked to maximise storage. One project recently had a compact floor space, but really high ceilings, so we designed one tall wall of storage, with integrated fridge freezer, butler’s pantry and pull-out larder.’ Mike says open units for things like books are common, helping to keep worksurfaces clutter-free.
PAIR PRACTICAL WITH BEAUTIFUL
When it comes to worksurface material, Natalie says they tend to specify quartz. ‘It’s extremely durable and easy to clean and maintain. Our suppliers have an amazing selection of colours, some of which look like real marble,’ she explains. Of course, it depends on budget. ‘Discussing contrast is a great starting point when planning a kitchen,’ says Rod, ‘such as light doors with a dark worksurface or vice versa.
But worksurface choice is about how hardwearing, heatproof and stain resistant it is. Those on a budget
NORDIC CHIC
Scandi-influenced kitchens echo our love of natural materials. Nordic Nature kitchen, from £5,388, Magnet
People want VALUE for money and REASSURAN that internal fittings will stand the TEST of tim “
ROD GASKELL, KÜTCHENHAUS
SPACE SAVER
‘We always try to make full use of a room’s height,’ says Natalie. Arbor kitchen, from £25,000, Harvey Jones can look at combining a wood-effect laminate for main kitchen with a stone for an island.’ Mike like see cabinetry, doors and worktops matching: ‘It g streamlined look,’ he says. Natalie says there are more sustainable options, too. ‘One of our suppliers makes worktops from recycled brick rubble and concrete, and another, Cosentino, uses a new technology, Hybriq, combining recycled glass content, 100% renewable energy and 98% recycled water in its factory.’
GOING FOR GRAIN
For flooring, wood – real or not – remains popular. ‘Wood-effect is the easy-to-clean and easy-to-maintain option,’ says Mike. ‘Laid in a herringbone pattern, it’s great for open-plan kitchen extensions that have lots of natural light streaming in,’ says Natalie, ‘as it brings a sense of warmth and texture to the space, yet doesn’t fade in sunlight, and is very easy to clean.’ Another practicality in today’s kitchen is the utility room. ‘Most of our projects have these,’ says Natalie, ‘particularly open-plan kitchens. A utility space provides somewhere you can shut things away, such as washing and coats.’
‘A pantry is also a lovely addition, especially if you have the space for open shelving floor-to-ceiling,’ says Rod. ‘They allow you to make great use of multi-buy deals on non-perishables.’ Mike agrees, saying, ‘If
Open shelving for books, varied worktops and zoned flooring make this a cool kitchen. Fitted kitchen, from £30,000, in Azure Green by Little Greene, price on request, Neptune at Woods of London
NEED TO KNOW… Marble surfaces
Natalie Holden, director, Natalie Holden Interiors (natalieholden. com) shares her expertise
n Marble is so versatile – it suits both traditional and contemporary kitchens. It’s natural so each slab has a unique veining – hand-select from a stonemason if you can, as pattern and colour will vary between each piece. n Marble is expensive, but you can get the look with composites that are also non-porous. Think about using a lower-priced worksurface in your utility room or area, leaving more budget to splash out on marble in the kitchen. n To really work a marble look, take it from the worksurface and use up the walls as a splashback, or go down to the floor on the sides of an island.
‘Lighting makes me really excited, as I’m drawn towards uniquely-shaped lights,’ says Natalie. Rossio pendants, £98 each, Iconic Lights
