KITCHEN PROJECT

Mornington Shaker Edge kitchen in Stone and Porcelain, from £12,000, Second Nature because there are often eccentricities to the space or the client’s needs which can inspire something that breaks out of these set layout types and makes for something really special,’ advises Howard Miller, of H Miller Bros.

Indeed, as great as the standard kitchen layouts are for guidance, you can really have fun creating something a little bit different. ‘Bespoke requests for custom-made food stores or a multipurpose workstation that would once have been considered “off-plan” have become everyday design considerations in the modern kitchen, changing the typical U- or L-shape kitchen layout to include a space for a home office, for example, a dedicated bed area for the family pet or an integral boot room for storing outerwear or laundry appliances,’ says Simon Bodsworth.

WHICH LAYOUT IS BEST FOR A FAMILY-FRIENDLY KITCHEN?

When designing a layout that works well for a family, an open-plan arrangement is generally seen as the best choice, but

L-SHAPED KITCHEN

A more traditional kitchen layout, the L-shape is usually based around a corner and formed by counters and cupboards running along two perpend ls. there are other solutions if that option doesn’t appeal or work in your space.

‘Open-plan kitchens can be used for anything – from cooking and entertaining to relaxing, working from home and for doing school homework,’ says Sally Hinks. ‘If you are committed to an open-plan scheme, it’s important to consider all the roles that the space will play and understand how you are going to use it to be sure that it will work for you.’

As an alternative, the ‘broken-plan’ look is seeing a rise in popularity for family-friendly kitchen layouts. ‘Something we’re quite conscious of is that if you’re not careful, things can fight with each other for territory,’ says Howard Miller. ‘We’re noticing a shift to what some people call broken-plan layouts that allow families to still be in the same space, but with increased privacy. This defined design layout helps families to differentiate cooking, dining and living areas while preserving the overall open-plan feel of the space. In order to create a brokenplan layout, we use bespoke solutions such as slatted screens, open shelving, and freestanding bespoke furniture.’

Whether you stick with an open-plan kitchen layout or not, a kitchen island is definitely worth considering if space allows. An island helps define zones between kitchen and living areas, as well as adding more surface area and seating. ‘The island unit creates a centrepiece in the kitchen, allowing you to utilise your kitchen as both a work space and social area where friends and family gravitate

U-SHAPED KITCHEN

This kitchen design runs against three walls, creating the classic ‘U’-shape. ‘This is my favourite kitchen layout,’ says Sally Hinks. ‘It allows for a lot of worktop space, which you can never have enough of.’

Corner larder, from £1,103, LochAnna Kitchens

Meltham kitchen in Dove Grey and Charcoal, from £12,000 (furniture only), Daval Furniture

throughout the day,’ says Al Bruce, founder of Olive & Barr. ‘The setup is ideal for gathering the family and the added worksurface allows multiple members of the family to get stuck in and help at dinner time.’

Finally, the other winner for a familyfriendly kitchen is to go custom. ‘Custommade kitchens that enhance both work and social life continue to grow, and we are finding this is inspiring open-plan spaces that are family-friendly and encompass kitchen, dining and living areas in one,’ says Simon Bodsworth. ‘New considerations such as banquette seating, integral breakfast bars and extra power points should be considered at an early stage of planning to ensure the “fundamentals” are planned in.’

WHAT IS THE BEST DESIGN FOR A SMALL KITCHEN?

Small kitchens can be perfectly welcoming and cosy, but finding the right layout is even more important when space is at a premium. ‘When planning a small kitchen, it’s essential to think about your overall aesthetic,’ says Hayley Simmons, director of Commercial Range, Magnet. ‘Some decor suits smaller kitchens, while others can make your space feel enclosed.’

‘Anything that blocks out natural light or makes the room feel overcrowded or cramped is worth avoiding in a small kitchen,’ notes Alex Main. ‘Clever storage solutions like pull-out cupboards in corner units are great in larger spaces for enhanced convenience, but these will leave dead space in smaller kitchens.’

‘To make sure that your space is stretched as far as possible, you should consider investing in furniture and appliances that double up in their functions,’ suggests Sinead Trainor, kitchen category manager, LochAnna Kitchens. ‘Even a small breakfast bar can work as both a storage area and a place for dining. While from first glance an iconic design element has been created for the home, the cupboards that fit beneath the bar are also a useful place to keep pots, pans, or food.’ Storage, particularly, is key in a small

PENINSULA KITCHEN

Cousin of the island kitchen, but a little more adaptable, the peninsula is formed by one counter extending from the wall into the kitchen space.

Soho kitchen in Misty Moors, from £5,388, Magnet

kitchen. ‘We consider that the “front row” of storage is twice as useful as the second – anything where you have to get something out first before you can reach the thing you want isn’t really storage at all,’ says Howard Miller. ‘A wall of full height 300mm deep storage is pretty much as useful as if it were 600mm deep, and 300mm gained on circulation space makes a world of difference.’

Without a large kitchen island to fall back on, you may find yourself quickly running out of counter space in a small kitchen layout, so you need to bear in mind how much prep space you really need. ‘A great tip is to cover your sink with a temporary piece of worktop or a fitted chopping board while it’s not in use,’ advises Tom Howley.

PROJECT DETAILS

WHO LIVES HERE?

Kate Nelligan, a gardener, lives here with her husband Thomas, a chartered surveyor, and their daughter Edie, five. THE PROJECT

Turning a dark, impractical space into a light and bright kitchen in a Victorian semi-detached three-bedroom house in Bromley, south London TOTAL COST £35,241

‘We wanted something contemporary, but not clinical, so that it would be in keeping with the rest of the house.’

Units, £24,000, West & Reid. Opal glass dome pendant lamp shades, from £95 each, Dyke & Dean

KITCHEN PROJECT Brighttimes

REMOVING AN INTERNAL DIVIDING WALL TURNED KATE AND THOMAS NELLIGAN’S KITCHEN-DINER INTO A UNIQUE AND PRACTICAL SPACE

‘I love sitting in the window seat with a cup of coffee.’

Seat in Chintamani, £162m, Ottoline. Juhannus cushion, £80, Projektityyny. Siemens IQ500 oven, £499; oven/microwave, £845, both Appliance City

UNIQUE TOUCH

A window as the splashback allows extra light into the room

THE PROBLEM Small, cramped and impractical, this kitchen was ripe for renovation.

THE SOLUTION

‘Our intention was to transform the unwelcoming kitchen into an open, warm space in which to host family and friends. We knocked two rooms into one and started from scratch, choosing a contemporary pink kitchen from West & Reid. The island was an important feature: it’s a natural barrier between the prep area and the socialising space. We fitted a full-height English elm larder, which is so practical, and although we have fewer units than before, having the deep drawers means that there is actually more storage now. I spent a lot of time deliberating over the flooring. We chose terrazzo tiles over my original choice of parquet, a decision I made late in the day, so the kitchen was installed before the flooring, but I’m so glad I did, as it works beautifully.‘