TOP
W I N TE R 2 0 1 2
kitchens 10
Ideas and
inspiration from your neighbourhood
NEW! THE MUST-HAVE MAGAZINE THAT EXPLORES 10 LOCAL HOMES
designer style
FREE
DIRECT TO YOUR DOOR!
“SPACE, LIGHT AND CLEAN LINES... IT’S EVERYTHING I HOPED FOR.”
33
steal the style S H OPPIN G IDEAS
HAMPSTEAD
●
CROUCH END
●
H I G H G AT E
●
MUSWELL HILL
●
KENSAL RISE
CONTENTS WELCOME
Welcome…
inside…
TO TOP 10 KITCHENS MAGAZINE ISSUE 2 It’s been three months since our first issue hit the streets, and if the feedback we’ve received so far is anything to go by, we’re certainly not the only ones who enjoy having a good look at other people’s kitchens. Thank you so much for all the positive comments we’ve received. We’re especially thrilled that we’re proving to be such a valuable resource to those of you who are just about to install a new kitchen of your own. The message we’re getting loud and clear is that it’s great to hear how real people have planned their kitchens, overcome certain challenges and, perhaps most importantly, how well these ‘real’ working kitchens are standing the test of time. With this in mind we looked a little further afield for this issue, and now cover a larger area of North London in order to bring you the very best selection of kitchens in various styles, shapes and sizes. Thanks once again to the owners of this issue’s gorgeous kitchens, each of them special in their own way. Could yours be in the next issue? Get in touch and we’ll let you know! See you in May...
06
30
THE KITCHENS 06
KITCHEN 01
Class Act
12
KITCHEN 02
Style Icon
18
KITCHEN 03
Room With A View
26
KITCHEN 04
Sharp Chic
30
KITCHEN 05
Amazing Space
36
KITCHEN 06
Cool & Calm
40
KITCHEN 07
Pretty In Pink
46
KITCHEN 08
Warm & Welcoming
54
KITCHEN 09
Small Wonder
60
KITCHEN 10
Living The Dream
FEATURES 24
TOP 10 TABLEWARE SETS Find the perfect style to suit you
44
GRAND DESIGN A top kitchen designer reveals his visionary plans for a Regency Villa
44
NEED TO KNOW: How to create an eco-friendly kitchen
REGULARS 4
KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL Local news, recipes and shopping ideas
57
STOCKISTS INFO
Jeanette 24
DO YOU HAVE A TOP 10 KITCHEN? OR KNOW SOMEBODY WHO HAS? IF SO, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH AT EDITOR@TOP10KITCHENS.CO.UK TOP
kitchens 10
M E D I A
Junction 4 Media Ltd cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Junction 4 Media Ltd take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved. ■ Editor: Jeanette Baker (editor@top10kitchens.co.uk) ■ Creative Director: Lisa Duke (design@j4media.co.uk) ■ Advertising Director: Lara Peperell (advertising@j4media.co.uk) ■ www.j4media.co.uk Enquiries: editorial@j4media.co.uk or advertising@j4media.co.uk. Printed by Polestar UK Print Limited (Wheatons) Distribution Gold Key Media Ltd.
Want to see some more? We are able to bring you this magazine for free thanks to the support of our advertisers, so if you make any enquiries about the products or services seen on the following pages, please make sure you mention where you read about them – and we’ll see you for the next inspirational issue in May 2012!
WINTER 2012 I TOP 10 KITCHENS
1
TOP 10 KITCHENS LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Fall in love…
…with these Valentine-inspired gift ideas
TOP BUY
Avoca Loopy Love Heart cushion by India Jelly, £35, John Lewis
Emma Bridgewater Sampler round tin set, £30, www.emma bridgewater.co.uk
Grey and white wooden hearts, from £3.50, www.milk-and-honey.co.uk
Kitchen confidential
Love of my life mug, £15.95, www.sweetwilliam designs.com
Sagaform heart bowl with ladle, £32.50, www. cloudberryliving.co.uk
Food & interiors news, trends, events and shopping in your neighbourhood
Big night out!
Make this a Valentine’s Day to remember by treating your other half to a meal at one of these suitably romantic London restaurants...
WEST END: CLOS MAGGIORE Officially London’s most romantic restaurant (Harden’s London Restaurant Guide 2012), at Clos Maggiore you can dine in an intimate, blossom-filled conservatory with a view of the stars. Head chef Marcellin Marc has created a beautifully presented, five-course tasting menu with a glass of champagne on arrival for £125 per person and £164 with paired wines.
Indulge in
RUSSIA a N Romance is most definitely in the air at The Folly MARTIN where they’re offering a special three-course I Valentine’s Day meal with a Russian Rose Martini for just £19.95, and you can round the evening off with a box of heart-shaped truffles or brownies. Available 14th February only.
ROSE
41 Gracechurch St, EC3V 0BT 0845 468 0102 www.thefollybar.co.uk
NORTH: GAUCHO, HAMPSTEAD
www.clos
Lit by the flicker of candles, Gaucho provides the perfect intimate dining experience for Valentine couples who will be treated to a full a la carte menu of Argentine specialities including prime cuts of Argentine beef prepared using Gaucho’s celebrated grilling methods. 64 Heath St, Hampstead, NW3 1DN 020 7431 8222
maggiore.com
www.gauchorestaurants.co.uk
33 King Street, WC2E, 020 7379 9696
2
CITY: THE FOLLY
TOP 10 KITCHENS I WINTER 2012
Reader confidential
■ Name: Jenny Tucker ■ Lives: Crouch End
■ Guilty pleasure: Taking my notebook to The Haberdashery in Crouch End for coffee and pretending I’m doing some work. ■ Favourite kitchen gadget: My supersonic Vita-mix 5000 food blender. It can make icecream and hot soup. It’s magic. ■ If I could have any kitchen in the world: A bigger one with a huge dinner table for friends,and snow-white units that are easy to clean off grubby finger marks! ■ Where I shop: Jamie Oliver online. He has gorgeous kitchen kit at a decent price. ■ Favourite cookbook: Jamie Oliver again – The Return of The Naked Chef (Michael Joseph), although I tend to Google his recipes on my iPad for emergency ideas. I make his Party Cake for the kids every year on their birthday. ■ Essential ingredient: Anchovies. I put them in a tomatobased pasta sauce and it’s instantly delicious.
KITCHEN TABLE FLORIST
Create this stylish arrangement using this season’s favourite flowers… YOU WILL NEED:
3 bunches daffodils (currently £1 per bunch from Marks & Spencer) approx. 30 stems String Scissors Vase with a fairly narrow neck – jam jars can work well too Short length of ribbon & a bobble-headed pin (optional)
METHOD
A snow-white ‘wipe-clean’ kitchen from Kütchenhaus
We want...
THIS FAB RETROSTYLE VINYL RECORD WORKTOP SAVER… …£14, from Joseph Joseph. Go to www.josephjoseph.com
1 Cut a length of string approx. 50cm long and have this to hand. 2 Very gently remove the thin, brown, paper-like skin from the daffodil heads. 3 Start with one stem in your hand – holding it close to the top. 4 Place a second stem next to the first making sure that the flower heads face outwards. 5 Continue to add stems one at a time in circles around the first flower making sure all the heads face outwards. 6 Try to create a slight dome effect and aim to keep all the
stems as straight as possible to create the topiary tree “trunk”. 7 After adding the last flower tie the string around the bunch just below the head, then trim the stems to the same length – the final height will depend on your choice of container. Cut the tree shorter and place in a lower round vase for a “domed” effect. 8 Optional – place a small length of ribbon over the string and secure with a bobble-headed pin. Remember to top up the flowers daily to prolong the life of the arrangement. WINTER 2012 I TOP 10 KITCHENS
3
TOP 10 KITCHENS LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
great idea!
FUNCTIONAL AND STYLISH… … what’s not to love about this extremely clever Arena self-draining dishrack, £40, from Joseph Joseph. www.josephjoseph.com
5 £5
OF ISSUES OR OLIVE F
Speedy suppers:
Want to create reate a quick & tasty meal this evening? Try this great recipe from Olive Magazine
Quick tortilla pizza ■ 4 flour tortillas ■ 1 ball mozzarella , sliced ■ 50g rocket ■ 1 jar of pepperonata , Sacla do a good one, or use about 150g marinated roasted peppers
1 Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Put 4 tortillas on a large baking sheet, scatter the mozzarella over and some of the pepperonata and cook for 5-7 minutes until turning golden at the edges and the cheese is melting. 2 Top with some rocket, and drizzle with a little oil from the jar. Cut into wedges and serve. SERVES 2
Subscribe to olive and enjoy 5 issues delivered direct to your door for just £5! Call 0844 848 9747 quote code OLKT312 or go to www. buysubscriptions.com/olive and enter code OLKT312 *This offer is available for UK delivery addresses and by Direct Debit only.
4
TOP 10 KITCHENS I WINTER 2012
OWEN’S FOOD STORE, MUSWELL HILL Opened in November 2010 by local residents Simon and Sarah, this great little deli sells some wonderful produce including Artisan bread, Pecorino Dolce Fresco, Honey & Mustard Glazed Ham, as well as organic fresh meat and chickens.
“I wanted it to be a proper local shop serving the local community,” explains Simon who has been a chef for over 30 years. For a real treat, pick up one of the dishes he prepares in the in-store kitchen, or see him in action at one of his monthly cooking demonstrations which highlight something quick and seasonal. Owen’s Food Store 020 8374 4444 www.owensfoodstore.co.uk
Style 01underStAted finsbury park
Class act
Discreetly tucked away within an open plan living area, Jane Gifford was keen for her contemporary kitchen to complement the original period features of her beautiful home.
“I didn’t want the kitchen to dominate the space. I wanted it to fit in with existing architecture in a very simple way.”
6
top 10 kitchens i winter 2012
PHOTOS: Darren Chung
To keep things clean and simple, the extractor fan was integrated into the run of white units and this also allows us another bit of storage
hen artist Jane Gifford approached the designers at Roundhouse Kitchens, her rather unusual brief was for them to ensure that her new kitchen didn’t look too, well, ‘kitcheny’! “I know it may sound bizarre, but the kitchen was going to be part of an open plan multi-purpose living area and I didn’t want it to dominate the space – I wanted it to fit in with the existing architecture in a very simple way, and blend in.” Having trained as an architect, Jamie Telford, the designer from Roundhouse, could see that the best way to meet Jane’s brief
was firstly to take out a wall which separated the kitchen from the living area, and then to block up a doorway on another wall in order to accommodate a long run of units which could be discreetly tucked away. Where the doorway had been (on the other side of the wall) he then located a neat little utility area.
Finishing touch: StAINLESS STEEL WORKTOP “I personally love stainless steel worktops. My one came in one huge piece, including the upstand and with the sinks welded in. It was incredibly heavy and we only just managed to get it into the house through the window! A lot of people don’t like stainless steel because it scratches and shows finger marks, but you soon get used to that and it builds up a patina, and it’s an incredibly functional work space. You can put anything on it, it reflects light and it lasts forever – what’s not to love?” winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
7
Style 01underStAted finsbury park
“I chose the Macassar Ebony veneer because it’s very graphic - it almost looks as though the lines have been drawn on with black charcoal.”
8
top 10 kitchens i winter 2012
The ceiling in the kitchen is actually taken right back to the plaster which creates an unusual finish.
“I was really pleased that Jamie saw further than just installing cabinets and appliances,” says Jane. “He made me realise that by making some relatively minor structural changes I could make the absolute most of the space.” Also at Jamie’s suggestion, Jane chose white for most of the cabinetry, along with the distinctive Macassar Ebony wood veneer. “I think it was the first time that Roundhouse had used this particular veneer, but I was more than happy to be a trailblazer! I chose it because it’s very graphic – it almost looks as though the lines have been drawn on with black charcoal, and I love the fact that it’s bookmatched and so the pattern is continuous and flows from one section to another.” Facing this run of units, and next to the original elegant Carrara marble fireplace is Jane’s most prized item in her kitchen – the
Because this larder is white, it blends into the background, and I love the shelves next to it where we display favourite objects and books
winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
9
style 01understated finsbury park
These cabinets were made using the same Carrara marble as the fireplace in the kitchen to create continuity between the two rooms
I’ve realised pull-out storage is by far the most efficient use of space
almost invisible white pull-out larder that sits next to shelves where she can display beautiful objects and her favourite cookbooks. “For anyone who’s thinking about installing a new kitchen, I would say if there’s one thing you should ensure you incorporate into your plans, it’s a pull-out larder. They’re so brilliant for storing all your dry goods because you can see everything so easily.” 10
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
In fact Jane is a fan of pull-out storage full stop. “Whether it’s big, deep drawers for pans or crockery, or small ones for tins and jars, I firmly believe that well-planned, well-designed and well-built storage is the key to good kitchen design,” she says. “That’s definitely what you get from Roundhouse because they have their own factory in the UK where all their furniture and cabinetry is made. Because of this they
“I discovered that if it’s well organised you need less storage - everything can still be put away to leave a beautiful space uninterrupted by clutter.”
Like the main run of kitchen units, the small utility area is neatly tucked away so that it doesn’t encroach on the living space
can create bespoke furniture in any colour with any materials, and can offer different sizes of drawers and units specifically to fit the space you have to work with, which is what they did for me. i soon discovered that if it’s well organised you need less storage and everything can still be put away to leave a beautiful space that’s uninterrupted by clutter. it’s proved to be a great kitchen to work in and live with.”
sEEn soMEthing You LiKE? hERE’s WhERE to BuY kitchen ‘urbo’ (handleless) kitchen in Macassar ebony and matt lacquer (white) finishes from roundhouse Worksurface Stainless Steel, from roundhouse Flooring existing original pine floorboards, sanded & varnished Fridge freezer liebherr KGt ves 5066 oven Miele multi-function oven H5240B SS oven Microwave Miele 8261 clean steel hob Smeg ‘Piano’ P705 700mm 5 burner gas hob sinks Blanco Classic 8s Double Bowl stainless steel sink supplied by roundhouse tap Hansgrohe Axor Stark Single lever Kitchen Mixer extractor elica B180uHS integrated Black 720w Dishwasher neFF S5543 X2GB 600mm table designed and made by roundhouse. chairs ron Arad tom Vac from Vitra ltd For stockists see page 57
winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
11
Plan living 02OPen hampstead
Style icon
Having embarked on a top-to-toe redesign of his elegant mews house, all that was left for Michael Nathenson to do to complete the stunning interior was create a stylish kitchen worthy of the rest of the house. No pressure then…
great idea!
“I’m really pleased with the filter under the sink which gets rid of the chemicals in the London water before it comes out of the tap.”
12
top 10 kitchens i winter 2012
PHOTOS: Darren Chung
winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
13
plan living 02open hampstead
A
s a seasoned environmental designer, Michael Nathenson is more than qualified to know what to look for when planning a new kitchen. Having re-designed the entirety of his fourstorey mews house (which he completely gutted, excavated down a level, and built up a top floor) he worked alongside the team at Kitchen Architecture to create a room that incorporates all the design elements he holds dear: space, light and clean lines. “The kitchen had to blend in with the minimalist look of the rest of the house,” Michael explains, “and for me good design is paramount. Rob and his team at Kitchen Architecture understand that totally. They’re very professional and take a personal interest in every detail. They’ve created several kitchens for me in the past and when we work together they have ideas, I have ideas and when we bring those together we usually come up trumps.” The open-plan, sociable family-living area that
accommodates the kitchen was designed to maximise space and natural light and comprises kitchen, dining and soft seating, leading out onto an outdoor BBQ terrace and dining area. In a large sociable space like this, it is crucial that everything flows for all users, hence the double island layout which works perfectly for the shape of the room as it provides the main
This oak breakfast bar and seating area allows relaxed communications between cooks and non-cooks
14
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
Finishing Touch: ‘floating’ islands “To accentuate the beauty of the Dinesen floor we raised the islands onto curved, beautifully engineered, matt steel legs. This provides the impression of individual blocks of furniture that float above the living space. I love my ‘floating’ islands. We could have saved money by bringing them all the way down to the floor, but if we had I would have been thinking ‘why aren’t they floating?!’ every time I looked at them!”
I love the sleek flush fit Gaggenau induction hob which is housed in a bulthaup 1cm laser-edged clay laminate worktop.
preparation area in the middle, and gives all-round, easy access to work surfaces. The cook is able to keep one eye on the hob, face out towards the light on the terrace and communicate effortlessly with people in the rest of the living space. It also allows for several cooks to work at the same time. “I always love having two islands,” says Michael. “Any time I have the chance to put two islands into a kitchen I will because it makes sense. You have the sink in one and the hob in the other which means you can work between the two, and having the storage units to the sides of the islands makes it all very efficient. The handleless cupboards and drawers housed in the island are opened via recessed grips allowing easy access to anything from crockery to oils and spices. “We decided against push catches for these storage units because when I had them in a previous kitchen, every time your bottom accidentally leant against a cupboard, the door
would spring open and it drove me crazy,” explains Michael. “The push-catch idea is a great design concept because there are no handles to break up the lines, making the island elevations look minimal and clean, but in practice it doesn’t work for me, so Rob came up with a clever system of drawers and recessed handles that meant the units weren’t forever popping open.” Kitchen Architecture also came up with the idea of building a bulkhead to accommodate the tall graphite units at the far end of the kitchen so that it made them appear flush with the wall. These units provide easy flow from the main working area but also allow for other users to access fridges, wine coolers, raised dishwashers, cutlery and crockery drawers and the tea/coffeemaking area. The small appliances are stored out of sight in the shutter unit or on stainless steel pullout appliance trays. For the finishes, the durable bulthaup b3 were chosen with warm-coloured
Above left: A lightwell provides natural light throughout the property, including bedrooms on the lower ground floor
winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
15
plan living 02open hampstead
These fully retractable Douglas Fir sliding doors, soaped white to match the floor, open out onto the decked barbeque area.
‘clay’ fronts for the islands, and sleek ‘graphite’ for the tall elements to contrast with the stunning, white-soaped Dinesen wide-planked floor. As the kitchen took shape, Michael ensured that his three key elements of a great kitchen – design, functionality and the appliances – were adhered to. With regard to the functionality, Michael was determined that the kitchen would work, not just for him, but for his wife as well. “Angela is quite short so we positioned the eye-level dishwasher at a height that worked well for both of us, and made sure the oven was at the correct height. The worktops are also a little lower than standard.” For Michael the choice of appliances was a complete no-brainer. “I always go for Gaggenau – not only are they extremely high quality, but they are also, I believe, the most beautiful.” With all the essential elements in place, the finished article provides a stunning sociable and functional kitchen that works well and will look as good in 10 years time as it does today. 16
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
Seen something you like? here’s where to buy Kitchen design Kitchen Architecture Ltd Kitchen furniture, sinks, taps and worktops all by bulthaup, available from Kitchen Architecture Appliances including induction hob, extractor, wine cooler, fridge freezer, oven, steam oven and warming drawer all by Gaggenau Bar stools and dining furniture by B&B Italia Flooring wide-planked, white-soaped oak floor from Dinesen For stockists see page 57
Cheshire showroom. 7 - 17 Church Street. Wilmslow. Cheshire. SK9 1AX. T: 01625 544 890
03contemporary MUSWELL HILL
Room with a view When the time came to plan her new kitchen, garden designer Jilayne Rickards simply had to look out of the window for inspiration…
S
tarting from scratch with a massive refurbishment of her new home, it made perfect sense for Jilayne to take ideas and themes from her own stunning garden design and incorporate these into the interiors. “From the very beginning of the project we briefed our architect that we wanted the garden to be the focal point of the home so that when you opened the front door you were naturally drawn through the house and transported to the outside space,” Jilayne explains. “Initially we planned to have the lounge in the middle of the house, but that would have stopped the flow. Putting the kitchen there instead works really well and certainly makes the most of the views outside. It’s the hub of the home and where everyone ends up congregating.” To ensure the garden became an integral part of the home, and vice versa, Jilayne used her landscape design as a starting point, which in turn helped to inform her choice of colours and finishes for the kitchen. “I’ve always been drawn to deep, dark red as a colour - I use it a lot in my planting - but I didn’t especially go looking for it for the kitchen. The design actually began with the wooden floor we chose for the dining area. The house we lived in before had the same 18
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
pHotoS: MARtin BLAck
“Locating the kitchen in the middle of the house definitely makes the most of the views out to the garden.”
Winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
19
03contemporary MUSWELL HILL dark wood and we loved the way it worked with cream walls.” However, Jilayne and her husband Simon knew that to accompany the neutral wood floor and cream walls, they’d want an injection of colour somewhere. “When we visited the Lambert Welch showroom and saw the options available, red was the colour that really grabbed us because it tied in so well with the garden. We then chose the glass splash-back to link in with the glass water feature located on the adjoining patio, once again echoing themes from the outside.” Jilayne and Simon were also clear about other aspects of how the kitchen would look and work, including functionality. “We explained to Kate from Lambert Welch that it had to serve a family of five and so we needed plenty of space and plenty of storage. We then left it to her to work out where everything should go and how it would all fit in.” as well as being user-friendly, Jilayne was also determined that her kitchen would remain an uncluttered and seamless space that you could walk through. “Having an entire wall of storage down
“As a family of five we needed plenty of space, and plenty of storage. Having an entire wall makes that possible.”
20
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
We wanted the same make of appliances throughout, and we wanted them to be good quality so Kate recommended Siemens. We love the plate warmer – it’s one of those things that you don’t know you need until you get one!
winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
21
03contemporary MUSWELL HILL The extractor is great – I’m tall and this design means I’m not forever banging my head on it!
The hob is positioned to one end of the run and it works really well because you can work between the sink and the hob and they’re both within easy reach
one side makes that possible. We were initially going to have a doorway into the next room on that wall, but decided to remove it so that the units could run the whole length. This meant we could have an additional tall cupboard for mops etc, which was definitely the right decision.” Another good decision was to take on board Kate’s suggestion about the positioning of the island. “Originally we were planning to have a central island, but with hindsight that wouldn’t have worked as it would have completely stopped the flow of the kitchen,” explains Jilayne. Instead the island was moved to the end of the main work-space run, creating an L-shape that provides extra storage as well as partially separating the kitchen from the dining room. “This is where everyone hangs out now,” says Jilayne, “and as well as being a great working space it also links the kitchen to the dining area and the garden. It was Kate’s idea to put it here, and she was right – it’s the perfect place from which to appreciate the views onto the garden and I get so much pleasure standing here looking out.” 22
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
The kitchen floor is marmoleum and it gives the space a seamless feel that helps the flow
Seen something you like? here’s where to buy Kitchen designed by Lambert Welch Interiors Kitchen furniture from the Schuller Next collection. Door fronts in NL602 Natural Walmut and NL501 Magnolia and Ruby Red Worktop Compac, colour choice Vanile Sink Franke KBX 160 34-16 Appliances All Siemens including: dishwasher SN66MO53GB; single oven HB78AB590BS/STEEL pyroklean; oven/microwave HB86P272B; warming drawer HW1405P2B; fridge K142FP60; freezer GI138NP60; induction hob EH975SK11E; extractor LC98KB40B Hydro tap (boiling and chilled) by Zip Flooring ‘Arctic Marble’ Marmoleum from Brocklehurst For stockists see page 57
Lambert Welch Kitchens Beautifully practical kitchens
www.lambertwelchkitchendesign.com 59 Muswell Hill Road, London N10 3JB Tel. 020 8444 6777 l Email: info@lambertwelchinteriors.co.uk
07801 946878 www.jilaynerickards.com photography Š marianne majerus
fro m
£7.50
2
PIP STUDIO TABLEWARE
From John Lewis. Available in blue, pink and khaki. Prices start at £7.50. For details go to www.johnlewis.com or call 08456 049049
fro m
£7.50
1
COSMIC BY DENBY
from Debenhams, House of Fraser and leading independent china and glass retailers, or www.denby.com. Prices start at £7.50
TOP TEN
tableware sets Whatever your style there will be the perfect set of tableware to suit your kitchen. Here’s our round-up of ten of the best... fro m
£5
3 4
CITIES IN SKETCH LONDON from Heals.
Prices start at £5. For details go to www.heals.co.uk
WEDGWOOD JASPER CONRAN CHINOISERIE GREEN RANGE from
John Lewis. Prices start at £22.50. For details go to www.johnlewis.com or call 08456 049049
24
TOP 10 KITCHENS I WINTER 2012
fro m
£22.50
SHOPPING
fro m
£6.12 fro m
£5.75 fro m
£10
7
5
ZEPHYR DINNERWARE
from Heals. Available in cobalt, platinum and plum (as shown). Prices start at £5.75. For details go to www.heals.co.uk
6
VERA WANG FOR WEDGWOOD NATURALS RANGE (GRAPHITE) from
John Lewis. Prices start at £6.12. For details go to www.johnlewis.com
fro m
£7
SANDERSON DANDELION CLOCKS
from John Lewis and other independent retailers. Prices start at £7. For details go to www. sanderson-uk.com
8
ORIGO RANGE BY ITTALA from Skandium.
Prices start at £10. For details go to www.skandium.com
fro m
£12.95 fro m
£6
10
SAMPLER BY EMMA BRIDGEWATER
available direct from www. emmabridgewater.co.uk or branches of John Lewis. Prices start at £12.95.
9
GEISHA TABLEWARE from Marks & Spencer. Individual prices start at £6 or £85 for a 12-piece dinner set. For details go to www.marksandspencer.com WINTER 2012 I TOP 10 KITCHENS
25
lineS 04 cleAn kensal rise
Sharp chic
How far would you go in the quest for your ideal kitchen? For Kala it meant a hop across the channel to discover exactly what she was looking for…
PHOtOS: MARtin BLAck
“As soon as I spotted the gum-tree veneer I fell in love. I’d been searching and searching, and considered lots of options, but this was definitely it.”
26
top 10 kitchens i winter 2012
These glass panels conceal electrical sockets and at the same time provide storage space for hand-blenders and small grinders etc.
hen it came to choosing the perfect finish for her new kitchen, Kala was prepared to go the distance – literally. “When I first visited the Modus showroom I saw an orange kitchen which I loved, but then decided it might be a bit much,” Kala remembers. “I was then stumped about what look to go for, so Modus arranged for me to visit the Warendorf factory in Germany. That’s where I saw the gum-tree veneer. It was a brand new finish and as soon as I spotted it I fell in love. I’d been searching and searching, but this was definitely it.” Once she had decided on the sleek veneer, Kala realised that to make it stand out she should limit the other colours used in the kitchen. As a consequence the floor to ceiling units are high gloss white, as is the worktop. However she couldn’t resist just one more splash of colour. “There are green panels on the wall that divide the kitchen from the living room and these are actually cupboards set into the wall,” Kala explains. “They conceal the TV as well as leaving space for me to store my cookery books, candles and other bits and pieces.” Set within a black surround, the splash of
3 things I love about my kitchen
The light on the island is just beautiful. It changes colour and at night it’s very calming. These drawers are touch sensitive which means they can be handle-free
1 the way the pattern of the veneer flows the length of the island 2 The food warmer – my cooking isn’t wasted if my husband’s home late! 3 The pure white worktop which gives this kitchen an immaculate finish. winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
27
lines 04 clean kensal rise
I love traditional fireplaces but as my house is modern, this seemed a good compromise.
green really has impact, and on the opposite wall is another clever idea suggested by the designers. “The ovens are actually a bit deceptive,” says Kala. “On the left-hand side I have a steam oven and warmer drawer which I love, and above it is a lift-up door with a microwave behind it. On the right-hand side at the bottom I’ve got a fanassisted oven, and above it another lift-up door so that it matches with the left-hand side. This is where I keep my kettle and sandwich-maker etc. ” Central to the kitchen design, however, and definitely the star of the show, is the impressive island featuring that veneer. “I knew I wanted to make the island the main feature of the kitchen, but we did decide to reduce the width of it slightly so that there was reasonable space between it and the wall. This allowed room to appreciate the beautiful pattern of the veneer that runs the whole length of the drawers.” As a keen cook who frequently entertains, Kala is thrilled with the finished result. “When hosting dinner parties, the open plan aspect of the kitchen enables it to be the centre of social interaction. We can spend hours in the kitchen without realising it. I also love how amazing the kitchen looks when it’s all clean and tidy – it’s really sharp and a great environment to be in.” 28
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
Above: wide deep drawers offer Kala plenty of storage options Left: The bright cabinet doors conceal the TV and additional storage
Seen something you like? here’s where to buy Kitchen Design Modus Kitchens using lacquer, glass and veneer cabinets all Warendorf White quartz worktop Silestone blanco-zeus All appliances Miele including Single oven H5681BP; steam oven DG5080; microwave M8201 1; Lift-up cover door MLT5060; Warming drawer ESW5080 29; Integrated refrigerator-freezer KPN9758; integrated refrigerator-freezer with automatic ice maker KFN9755ide; Integrated dishwasher x 2 G1272; Induction hob KM5954 Stainless steel undermount sink Blanco Taps Dornbracht Extractor Blanco-Gutman For stockists see page 57.
A fitted kitchen that fits perfectly with your lifestyle. By taking an architectural approach to the use of space and light, and working with you to gain a deeper understanding of your lifestyle, we help you create a kitchen that becomes a living environment. A Modus kitchen is designed to be the centre of the home; a place for recreation as well as a place where you can create. Our commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the tiniest detail.
By combining the uncompromising standards of award winning German kitchen manufacturers with the Modus approach to design, we create exceptional kitchens that fit in flawlessly with the way you live. That’s why you’ll never want to leave them. Visit our showroom on the rise opposite the train station at Kensal Rise, or visit us online at www.moduskitchens.com
OFFICIAL DEALER
Modus GB Limited 95 Chamberlayne Road Kensal Rise London NW10 3ND T +44 (0)20 8969 8848 F +44 (0)20 8969 6125 E info@moduskitchens.com
to measure 05made muswell hill
30
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
PHotos: GAReth GARDneR
great idea!
“We’ve got an additional sink next to the hob which is great for draining hot water when you’re cooking.”
Amazing space
Faced with a big, beautiful, empty expanse just waiting for a kitchen, Jane and Adam were left wondering exactly what they should put where! Luckily help was at hand… Winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
31
to measure 05made muswell hill
3 things I love about my kitchen
e started completely from scratch with this room,” explains Jane, who doesn’t mind admitting that she wasn’t exactly bursting with ideas when it came to the planning of her new kitchen. “We had extended at the back of the house and now had all this incredible space to play with, but I was happy to hand this blank canvas over to a designer because I have no idea about anything like that.” Despite not being confident about her own design abilities, Jane knew what she liked when she saw it and had been impressed by a Tim Moss kitchen she had seen at a friend’s house. “We invited Tim to have a look at the space we had to work with and asked him what he would do with it. I knew I wanted an island, and I knew I wanted to be able to have the hob on the island and be cooking facing out into the dining area, but that was about it. When Tim came back with the plans we were totally happy with what he came up with.” Now that it’s fully operational, Jane has 32
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
1 The space. my son plays cricket and uses the length of the room as a wicket! 2 facing into the room when I’m cooking. it means i can still be part of the evening when entertaining. 3 The underfloor heating – It keeps a big space cosy. discovered that this kitchen isn’t just a pretty face. “The design of the working space is absolutely spot on - the classic triangle – but it works so well and that’s become more apparent the more I use the kitchen. I did ask for the island to be slightly further away from the run of cupboards than usual,” Jane explains, “because I knew that I wanted to be able to walk past comfortably if the dishwasher door was open, and not have the kids under my feet tripping me up if they were round that side too.” Initially Jane did consider not having wall units in the kitchen, but realised that in this case practicality should overrule aesthetics. “I think Tim would have preferred us not to have them to create a more open feel, and I know what he means,’ Jane explains, “but I knew I’d need them. We’re too messy not to have the storage where I can hide everything away!” Tim was also responsible for coming up with the subtle colour scheme for the room.
i didn’t go for really high-spec appliances, just the most basic versions of a decent make. i’m glad i stuck to that and spent the money on the design and the kitchen itself
“The design of the working space is absolutely spot on. It works so well and that’s become more apparent the more I use it.”
“He was brilliant. He didn’t insist, but simply suggested that this would be what he’d do,” remembers Jane. “We had visited his studio where he showed us one or two alternatives, but he had a vision and we’re glad we listened. i would never have chosen the darker walls in a million years without his advice but i love it. it’s different and original and really easy to live with.”
finishing Touch: narrow island “With all the space we had we could have had a wider island, but we wanted the curved cupboard at the end which restricts the width we could go to. Now that we’ve got it I’m really glad that it’s narrow because I can reach right across when I’m cleaning up and when the kids all sit on one side, so they can easily pass stuff across to me.”
seen someThing you like? here’s where To buy kitchen designtim moss Kitchens Bespoke cabinetry plain framed kitchen with tulip wood doors and frames finished in Farrow & Ball ‘elephants Breath’ oil eggshell. Beech venereered carcasses finished in clear lacquer. Worktop silestone ‘amazon’ leather finish Appliances neff stainless steel undermounted sinks Kohler taps ‘atlas’ by abode in b Wall colour Chemise by Farrow & Ball Flooring travertine tiles chairs from John Lewis Bar stools Bombo from John Lewis extension design Chris Jones at Jones associates. For stockists see page 57
Winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
33
EXPERT ADVICE SPONSORED EDITORIAL
BELOW: On the left is the ground floor as it is currently, and right, with Tim’s proposed changes
The new kitchen would provide ample space for a dining area as well as a breakfast bar at the generous island.
Grand design
“I’d like a lovely working kitchen that benefits from the morning light, so I’d move it to the front of the house which has a beautiful outlook.”
If you were to become the owner of a rare and beautiful Regency Villa in Muswell Hill, what kind of kitchen would you install? Sometimes it’s hard to leave everything to the imagination, which is why award-winning local estate agents JHK called upon the services of top kitchen designer, Tim Moss The project: Currently on the market, this imposing late Regency Villa will undoubtedly make someone an incredible home. However, if the new owners wanted to bring the house in line with the way many modern families live today, what changes could be made to the layout, and what kind of kitchen would work in such a unique property? 34
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
The designer: Tim Moss is a much sought-after designer whose reputation has grown from local word-of-mouth success to attract clients across the country. His work is characterised by an understated simplicity of line, and a natural pallet of quality materials. Styles range from the classic to the contemporary, many featuring Tim’s trademark fine steel-mesh panelling. So what kind of kitchen would he create for this extraordinary house? Over to Tim…
The plan: “It’s a beautiful house but the layout doesn’t really reflect the way we live our lives today with the kitchen separated from the main living areas. To remedy this I would suggest extending the house in order to incorporate a spacious hallway, a generous downstairs cloakroom and shower,
a home office and a large formal dining and living area. While the new kitchen would still be a separate room it would be more fluid with wider openings making it a more social house. “I approached this design from my own personal taste, and because I’d like a lovely working kitchen that benefits from the morning light, I’d move it to the front of the house which has a beautiful outlook. “The kitchen I’ve created incorporates everything you’d need: ovens; steamers; big fridges; two sinks; a huge island with plenty of work surface, and it’s all very ergonomic. It has a contemporary feel but it still feels right for this building. I’d use neutral greys and blues – not necessarily from the Regency palette per se, but I would allude to them with gentler versions to create a kitchen worthy of such a special house.”
Central Muswell Hill
For more info call:
JHK 020 8883 5485
£2,500,000 Freehold
A rare opportunity to acquire this imposing double fronted “late Regency” villa, circa 1830’s, incorporating a wealth of architectural features, combined with a smart and tasteful modern restoration. 4100 sq. ft. of living space provides a delightful family home for the 21st Century. Situated right in the heart of Muswell Hill, in a conservation area, nestled behind established trees, is a deep, secluded 80 ft. front garden and carriage driveway, leading to this impressive house, Set on a large plot of 1/3 rd of an acre, which is spread over 3 floors and has 5 double bedrooms - one with an en suite bathroom and a large, adjacent dressing room - 4 expansive reception rooms, including a drawing room, a spacious study/morning room and a separate formal dining room plus a family sized kitchen/breakfast room. There is a large playroom/ games room - on the lower ground floor - with a utility area and a wine cellar. The house also provides a stunning, approximately 200ft. long, south westerly facing garden - benefiting from all day sunshine - and a generously sized garage, opening from the ample parking spaces on the carriage driveway.
Winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
35
STYLE 06NATURAL Crouch End
Cool & calm From a dark, dingy basement to a bright family kitchen, Lucy has created a chilledout haven at the heart of their home...
hen Lucy and Mark first moved into their elegant Victorian house, it was in dire need of some T.L.C. Having been divided up into several bedsits and a flat for many years, their challenge was to restore it to its former glory as a family home. Perhaps the biggest part of this challenge was to transform the basement into a kitchen and dining area. “It was originally a flat down here,” Lucy remembers, “and where the kitchen is now used to be a bedroom. It was all really disgusting and everything had to be ripped out 36
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
to create a blank space in which to work.” When it came to filling the blank space, Lucy had a clear idea of how things should look. “I used to work on interiors magazines and I still work in that area for TV, so I pretty much knew what I wanted, then Funktional Kitchens helped me to make the most of the space.” One of the challenges the designers at Funktional had to deal with was a chimneybreast along the main wall which, for structural reasons, couldn’t be removed. “They suggested we put half-depth storage units in front of it so that we could have a flat-
PHOtOS: MARtin BLAck
“I wanted to make the room as light as possible, so white was the obvious choice.”
fronted run of units the entire length of the room,” explains Lucy. “it means the chimney-breast disappears, which for this style of kitchen works well. if i’d wanted a more traditional kitchen then it might have been nice to feature the chimneybreast, but for the contemporary design it was better to disguise it.” With this problem solved, the next priority for Lucy’s new kitchen was to incorporate as much storage as possible. “the house we lived in before had a really small kitchen and i was fed up with having nowhere to put anything. now i’ve actually got a
cupboard that just has plastic bags in it! it makes it really easy to keep the room looking neat – a quick wipe over and it looks great because everything can be stored out of the way.” Being a north-facing basement space, when it came to colour choices for the kitchen and walls, Lucy realised there was only one way to go. “i wanted to make it feel as light as possible, so white was the obvious choice.” Winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
37
STYLE 06 NATURAL Crouch End
The table and chairs are hand-me-downs and a bit scruffy now, but I like the mix of old and new.
I love the vibrant colours of this poster and the fact that it adds a bit of character and humour to the room.
Finishing touch: designer extractor “I’m not keen on big solid hoods, especially over an island because they interrupt the flow of the kitchen and block out quite a lot of light, so I chose this one as it works as both a light and a recycling extractor. It’s by Elica, the same company who make the big crystal ones but this is the simplest one that they do. It has different light settings on it which can change the mood of the kitchen and has proved to be one of my favourite things in here.” Another successful design feature of the finished kitchen happened pretty much by accident. “I couldn’t decide what kind of splash-back to have and then I realised that we had some floor tiles left over,” Lucy explains. “Using four of these on the wall seemed like the cheapest and most effective solution, and because the light hits it in a different way to the floor it doesn’t look exactly the same.” The mirrors above the wall units were then introduced to throw some light around the room, add some depth and make the ceiling appear a bit higher. ”Originally the idea was to have colour up there because we do have a lot of colour elsewhere in the house, but I was keen to keep this room neutral and calm.” The only exception to this plan was the 38
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
I knew I wanted an island with a breakfast bar because I knew it would make life so much easier being able to feed the kids up here
introduction of a bold colour to the dining room wall along with the vibrant framed poster. “I tend to change the dining room wall colour fairly regularly,” says Lucy. “It allows me to update the look of the room quickly and easily. If I fancy a change or fall for a new colour it’s so easy to paint - in an hour or so it’s done which is very satisfying.” Seen something you like? here’s where to buy Kitchen design Funktional Kitchens using Hacker Systemat kitchen in Antique white with inset handle M200 Worktops Silestone Blanco Zeus. Extractor Elica platinum pendant Appliances Siemens Sink and tap Blanco Subline siligranit sink with Blanco eye BM5300 tap in brushed steel Flooring and splashback: 80cm polished limestone from Checkalow Poster from Little Paris, Crouch End. For stockists see page 57
PHOTOS: MARTIN BLACK
colour 07bold BELSIZE PARK
The glossy acrylic Parapan cabinetry is moisture and fade-resistant, plus it’s a solid surface so any marks can be polished out, making it really practical
40
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
If you’d like more information about Belinda’s art and exhibitions, go to www.belinda.org.uk
T
here’s no question that opting for a pink kitchen was a bold decision by Belinda, but it’s certainly one she doesn’t regret. “I moved into the flat 15 years ago and the whole place was very white and minimalistic, but when I retired I took up painting and as a result my flat became very colourful because I displayed my work on the walls. I also seemed to be drawn to pink in particular and began introducing elements of it into my kitchen. I painted the walls pink, I started buying pink accessories, and it developed from there.” When Belinda then decided it was time to give her kitchen a revamp last year, surely there was only ever going to be one colour choice? “Actually, originally I was going to have white units and keep the walls pink, but when
Pretty in pink As an artist, there was one thing Belinda Nathan definitely wasn’t afraid to use when planning her new kitchen… colour!
winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
41
colour 07bold BELSIZE PARK
the kitchen design company i was working with told me about a range of hot pink kitchen cabinetry, i had to go for it. they might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but as i’ve only used them on one run of cupboards they’re not overpowering and it makes me smile every time i walk into this room.” As well as having a positive effect on her mood, belinda’s new kitchen has other advantages. “i didn’t have much workspace before but moving everything around has allowed me to accommodate more. i’m not into having lots of fitted cupboards, “I realise so instead i use open shelving it won’t be
everyone’s cup of tea, but it makes me smile every time I walk into this room.” i bought this table from habitat. it looks great and i use it as an extra work surface because it’s so easy to clean.
style Steal the
BeLoW LeFt: kenwood lMix Boutique 2-slice toaster, pink, £39.99, John Lewis
kitchenaid Artisan stand Mixer, Rasberry ice, £419, John Lewis
Lima pedal bin, £20, habitat
spindle table lamp base, £60, habitat Mug, £9.99, Gettingpersonal.co.uk
42
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
where i can display my possessions. i love the simplicity of it and they provide ample storage.” the result is a contemporary, comfortable and functional kitchen with quirky touches that set it apart from the crowd, and having lived with it for a over a year now, belinda is more than happy with the decisions she’s made. “the only negative thing is that i used to paint in here and now i don’t because i wouldn’t want to make a mess! However, it makes up for that by providing a pretty good gallery space in which to display my art!”
casa Dining table, from £945, heals
kartell Frilly chair crystal by patricia Urquiola, £128.50, heals
Berber stripe cushion, €35, paul costelloe. Union Jack cushion, £45, John Lewis
SEEN SOMETHING YOU LIKE? HERE’S WHERE TO BUY hot pink parapan units by Kitchens Kitchens. Worksurface, blanco Zeus Silestone. splashback, 8mm stainless steel, Alco. classic undermounted single-bowl butler sink in white, Shaws of darwen. ionian Bridge mixer tap in nickel with deck mounted porcelain levers, Perrin & rowe. Mini triflow c-spout filter tap in chrome, Franke. Dual-fuel single-oven range cooker in stainless steel, Smeg. Freestanding Microwave, Whirlpool. Freestanding fridge freezer, Smeg. Fully integrated dishwasher and fully-integrated washer dryer, both neff. Artisan stand Mixer in cranberry, KitchenAid. chairs in Fuchsia, Patricia urquiola for Kartell from John lewis. classic radiator, bisque. For stockists see page 57.
great idea!
“I was thrilled with the chandeliers when I first spotted them as I knew they would work perfectly in the room.”
FINISHING TOUCH: MIXING OLD WITH NEW “The bench is an heirloom from my grandmother and I remember hiding in it as a little girl during games of hide and seek. I’ve always made space for it in every home I’ve lived in and I love the fact that it now has pride of place in the kitchen. It’s also very practical as the seat lifts up to provide extra storage.”
Marie therese chandelier, Multi-coloured, £70, tesco Direct
creative tops ‘iced Fancies’ Large cake tin, £15, Debenhams
Winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
43
NEED TO KNOW
HOW TO…
create an eco-friendly If you’re planning a new kitchen as part of a building project, this could be a good opportunity for you to ‘up’ your green credentials and save yourself money in the long run
F
or local couple Paul and Miri, their eco-friendly kitchen adventure began when they bought a house in Muswell Hill that was in need of total refurbishment. They knew they wanted to do this in as sustainable and environmentally friendly way as possible but they also wanted to live in a beautiful, stylish and comfortable house without spending a fortune. Here are some of the ways they achieved their goals…
HAVING A GREEN AUDIT
Faced with such a massive project Paul and Miri called in architects to help draw up plans for the re-fit, and with these in place they turned to the Low Impact Living Initiative (LILI) for advice. “LILI have a great website and they offer advice on how to make your home as green as possible,” explains Paul. “They suggested we conduct a ‘green audit’ via a company called Make My Home Green which lets you know how the house is currently performing and what you can do to improve its efficiency and low“The whole impact status. They then advise where house was a bit of best to concentrate your efforts. In a case a ‘green disaster’, so the audit was a great way like ours the whole house was a bit of to prioritise where to a ‘green disaster’,” says Miri. “We had target our resources to our work cut out and limited budgets, so the audit was a great way to prioritise get a maximum where to target our resources to get the return.” maximum impact in terms of the return.” 44
TOP 10 KITCHENS I WINTER 2012
BUILDING WORK With the help of their contractor, Ed Windsor from Urban Design Build, Paul and Miri saved a lot of money and reduced their use of concrete by employing a new technique for building a one-storey extension. “Building regulations usually demand that you dig down at least 3m for the foundations of a new one-storey extension,” Ed explains. “This would have meant moving tons of mud through the house into skips and then having it removed, as well as pouring tons of concrete. This method could have taken weeks and would have cost approximately £16,000. Instead, with Building Regs approval, we used a metal rod piling system that meant we didn’t have to dig down at all. The rods get hammered into the ground and you then build the extension on the top of that. This reduced the cost to under £7,000 and we did the whole thing in three days.” INSULATION One of the biggest heat losses in any house is through the external walls, so Make my Home Green suggested that Paul and Miri should insulate the internal walls before replastering them, as well as insulating under the floor.
kitchen HEATING A new boiler with an external weather compensator was installed which offers fuel savings by taking into account the external temperature and reducing the boiler heat output accordingly. The radiators also all have thermostats and aluminium backing, both of which help improve efficiency.
LIGHTING All new lights installed within the house are eco-friendly and efficient too. Standard halogen lights are approximately 50 watts and will last between 3-4000 hours. The lights Paul and Miri installed are 7 watts and will last for 45,000 hours! “That’s a huge cost saving in terms of your electricity bill and you don’t have to do any maintenance on them,” Paul explains. SOLAR PANELS Builder Ed Windsor is convinced that within six year’s time the cost of installing Solar Panels will drop dramatically and the techniques for installing them will also improve. “They have already come down by about 30% so even without grants, in another two year’s time there will almost be parity with what you’re paying on the grid. If you’re having your roof re-done anyway it’s a no-brainer to stick PV solar panels on as it’s less than an eight-year payback.”
It’s hard to believe that this is the same kitchen! Now that it’s finished, Paul and Miri can enjoy their new home with a clear conscience.
RECYCLING
MORE INFO: Low Impact Living Initiative: www.lowimpact.org lili@lowimpact.org
Throughout the build, Paul and Miri tried to re-use materials as much as possible. “The amount of wood that’s ripped out of a place on a re-fit is incredible,” explains Ed, “so it made sense for any waste wood to be stacked outside ready for Paul and Miri to to use for their new woodburner. This meant we didn’t have the cost of £600-700 in skips and Paul had ‘free’ wood.” “We also re-used the original floorboards in the dining room even though it wouldn’t match the new floor in the kitchen,” says Miri, “but that doesn’t bother me. I’m happy with that compromise.”
Make My Home Green: www.makemyhomegreen.com 020 7502 0999 info@makemyhomegreen.com Urban Design build: www.urbandesignbuild.co.uk 01923 253 866 info@urbandesignbuild.co.uk Muswell Hill Sustainability Group: Join the online forum http:/mhsgroup.ning.com or go to the website, http:/mhsgroup.org.
THE FINISHED RESULT “Many people are put off trying to adopt a ‘green’ attitude when it comes to home improvements because they assume it’s all or nothing,” says Miri. “What appeals to people when they hear our story is that they realise you can just take on board the elements that work for you, which is better than doing nothing at all. It’s simply about incorporating the green aspect into your plans along with your considerations for budget and style. We didn’t feel pressured by LILI into doing everything green, they just helped us to make decisions we were comfortable with.”
WINTER 2012 I TOP 10 KITCHENS
45
friendly 08family muswelL HILL
Because there are so many of us, it’s great having a double sink. I also like the fact that it’s in a traditional ‘butlers sink’ style combined with the modern worktop
Warm & welcoming 46
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
PHOTOS: MARTIN BLACK
i
It looks beautiful, it’s functional and it has all the mod cons, but for Celia, one of the best things about her kitchen is that it often plays host to some very important guests…
t’s not unusual to want a kitchen where you can relax and entertain guests, but for Celia having a space in which to do this has proved to be especially rewarding. “One of my children has learning disabilities,” Celia explains, “and I felt extremely isolated during her younger years. I would have loved some kind of support, so as soon as I had the opportunity to do so I started a weekly session called The Challenge Group held at the local church hall. Mums (or dads) can come along with their children with additional needs and it’s a place where the kids can have a winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
47
friendly 08family muswelL HILL
normal playgroup experience, and the parents can relax, chat, have a cup of tea and some homemade cakes, and even get a free massage while someone else looks after their child. It’s a huge thing for these parents, because it’s time when they can switch off or get things off their chest. In the holidays when I haven’t got a big enough team to hold the group at the church, I invite everyone to my home and the kids play in the room next door while the parents hang out in the kitchen – that’s when this space really comes into its own.” Having a sizeable kitchen was important to Celia for other reasons too. “We’re a big family with four children,” she explains, “and when the kitchen was more of a squashed set-up we didn’t spend much time together. When the kids came home from school they’d just whizz up to their rooms and disappear. Since we’ve had the new kitchen it does feel much more like the hub of the home. Now all the kids come in here to do their homework and we spend a lot more time together.” However, achieving this family-friendly and welcoming environment was no mean feat – it required extending the back of the house. “We realised that we either had to go ultramodern with the extension and kitchen or aim to keep it in line with the rest of the house which is turn of the century. We’re not really ‘ultramodern’ people so we aimed to keep things traditional and tried wherever possible to match the existing style of the original house. Marston & Langinger designed the extension and they recommended the builders, D&M Building Contracts, who were fab.” With the light-filled and airy extension in place, the time came to install a kitchen to complement the space. “We wanted something simple but homely, and not too cold-looking. We chose John Lewis of Hungerford to design the kitchen, and I enrolled the help of local company, Sally Bourne Interiors, to help me with the colour choices. It was lovely to be able to use local companies.” With a big space to work with, on the 48
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
My husband George made this big table and it was great to be able to finally move it in here so that we could use it together as a family.
Finishing touch: ACCENT WALL “Putting the wallpaper on one wall was my idea. I was driving home from school with the kids when I saw this paper (Wisteria by Farrow & Ball) in a shop window in Hampstead. Because we have a lot of wisteria growing around the back of the house and the colours were a perfect match with the rest of the kitchen, I guessed it would look great there, and I’m really pleased that we did it - it looks great with the mirror.”
“Since we’ve had the new kitchen it does feel much more like the hub of the home. Now we seem to spend more time together as a family.”
3 things I love about my kitchen
1 thE Light AnD thE coLours - it ALWAys sEEms VEry rEstFuL AnD cALm For such A busy room 2 i LoVE thE EyE-LEVEL oVEns Which mEAn you Don’t hAVE to constAntLy bEnD DoWn to gEt things in AnD out 3 it’s thE PErFEct EntErtAining sPAcE – it’s homELy AnD WELcoming AnD hAs A grEAt AtmosPhErE Winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
49
friendly 08family muswelL HILL
The Miele hob is much bigger than the one we had before which is a real bonus.
surface it appeared to be a fairly straightforward job, but apparently the biggest challenge for Jacinta, the kitchen designer at John Lewis of Hungerford, was that Celia and her husband George had a habit of changing their minds. “Jacinta was amazing though,” laughs Celia, “and extremely patient and accommodating when we’d say, ‘what if it was likes this? Or how about like that?’. Originally we thought about having the kitchen more L-shaped, so she drew up plans for that – then we realised that we’d prefer it this way. Thankfully she didn’t mind going back to the drawing board, and it was the right thing to do because now it has a great feeling of space and openness, so we’re glad we persevered. I couldn’t be happier with the finished article.” 50
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
If you’d like to find out more about The Challenge Group or would like to donate, please go to www. challengeplaygroup. org.uk for details.
I love the pull-out larders and cupboards – it means that tins and jars don’t get abandoned at the back.
Seen something you like? here’s where to buy Framed Shaker Cabinetry by John Lewis of Hungerford in JLH Earl Grey and Hardwick White by Farrow & Ball Worktops Light coloured with mirror flecks, New Diamante, Quartz Hob Miele Ovens Neff Extractor Elica Ceramic double butler sink John Lewis of Hungerford Phoenician mixer tap with lever handles and separate rinse in a brushed steel, finish, Perrin & Rowe Mirror and chandelier from Of Special Interest in Crouch End Wallpaper Wisteria BP 2203 Farrow & Ball. For stockists see page 57.
manOr HOUSe Grey
elle 12 Arm French silver chandelier, £375, from Alexander & pearl
HardWiCK WHite
Farrow and Ball paints from £32.50 for 2.5 litres
style lime WHite
Steal the
great idea!
newgate camden Market clock, £75, Leekes
e if you’re on th d io er p r fo t n u h r accessories oyo ur y tr , gs in furnish n local auctio house provencal slim Mirror, £325, the French Bedroom company BeLoW: kris Dining table, from £1595, and bench, from £795, both heals
Wisteria Bp 2203 wallpaper, £88 per roll, Farrow and ball
LeFt: Dualit 2-slice toaster, £142, heals FAR LeFt: Wooden heart, £6, Matalan
nespresso 190 citiZ and Milk coffee Machine by Magimix, cream, £179.99, John Lewis
Winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
51
Central Muswell Hill
£1,950,000 Freehold
Situated in one of Muswell Hill’s most prestigious Avenues, is an impressive Edwardian semi linked, house, spread over 3 floors, which retains masses of original features, including stained glass windows, decorative fretwork, door features and fireplaces. The house has 5 double bedrooms - one with a fitted en suite bathroom and a white fitted utility room/kitchenette - and another a huge loft bedroom - with an abundance of extra potential - 3 reception rooms and a spacious dining room leading to a smartly fitted kitchen. Also an interesting hallway with a large original stained glass panel, a family bathroom, a downstairs bathroom and a separate downstairs shower room, gas central heating, a Tradesmen’s entrance, an approximately 65ft. long, South Westerly facing, split level, landscaped garden and off street parking for 2 or 3 cars at the front of the house.
Central Muswell Hill
£1,900,000 Freehold
In one of the most prestigious of Muswell Hill’s tree lined crescents, only moments walk from the heart of the Broadway, is an expansive Edwardian double fronted and semi linked house, retaining many original features and fireplaces, which is priced to allow for some updating and redecoration. The house has 8 bedrooms - 2 currently kitchens, with good potential to convert into en suite bathrooms - 3 generous reception rooms, a kitchen/ dining room, 3 bathrooms and 2 separate loo’s, gas central heating and a wide, approximately 40ft. long, Westerly facing garden.
Muswell Hill N10
£1,499,950 Freehold
In a tree lined road, is an expansive 1920’s built, “Arts & Crafts style” semi-linked house, retaining many original period features and fireplaces, which has 4 good sized bedrooms - one with a dressing room and en suite shower room - 3 spacious reception rooms, a large kitchen and a separate dining room. The house has an impressive entrance hall, a family bathroom and a downstairs loo, a huge loft - with potential for conversion to an extra bedroom with en suite - and gas central heating. Also a spacious garage and off-street parking for 2 or 3 cars - and a wide, 137ft. long, South Westerly facing garden, with a large “Summer house”. The house is situated within walking distance of good local schools, Muswell Hill Broadway, and close to bus routes towards Alexandra Palace Main Line Station, or Bounds Green Tube Station for speedy journeys to the City and West End.
Muswell Hill N10
£950,000 Freehold
A semi detached, 1920’s built house, which has been totally refurbished to a high standard, and encases 5 bedrooms - one with an en suite shower room - 2 reception rooms - one opening to the raised dining terrace - and a lovely, white fitted kitchen/diner. There is also a family bathroom, gas central heating, an alarm system, a North Westerly facing lawned garden - with a useful pathway to the single garage, plus off street parking. The house is conveniently situated to good local shops and bus transport and also within ‘uphill’ walking distance of Muswell Hill Broadway with its associated shopping and transport facilities, including bus routes to Highgate and East Finchley Tube Stations - for speedy journeys to the City and West End
GALLEY 09STYLISH MUSWELL HILL
Small wonder
Thanks to a clever extension and some smart design, David and Amanda’s galley kitchen has been transformed into a light and welcoming space...
L
ooking at David and Amanda’s kitchen now, it’s hard to imagine it as anything other than light, bright and inviting. “It was a fair bit smaller before and not connected to the garden,” David explains. “A friend who hadn’t been round for ages came to see us the other day and he said, ‘I can’t remember exactly what it was like before but it always seemed rather dark.’ Now we have these lovely big windows that open up onto the garden and sky, and the way the sun moves round we now capture a big chunk of it.” With the help of architect Oliver Burston the small, dark kitchen certainly underwent some big changes. “We knew it wasn’t ever going to be huge, but as much as possible we wanted to get a light and airy feel to it, which in turn drove a very simple design with no fussiness,” says David. “We were also concerned about it appearing tunnel-like, so we added curved kitchen units and worktops to ensure it flowed through to the garden which seems to have worked quite well. Beyond that, we wanted to keep things fairly neutral, so we chose a lot of grey colours to go with the oak doors, then spiced it up a bit with the coloured chairs at the end. They’re a brand called Frovi and are actually for the commercial market, but I think they work very well in here.”
54
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
We love the window at the end as it gives an ever-changing view into the garden making it a great feature.
The fact that the ceramic flooring isn’t completely plain is quite a plus as it doesn’t show up every last little piece of dirt.
PHOtOS: MARtin BLAck
“The paint on the walls is actually a very, very pale grey - not white which creates a feeling of space without being too clinical.”
Winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
55
GALLeY 09StYLiSH MUSWELL HILL
to finalise the design, David and Amanda chose C&C Kitchens. “We decided fairly early on that we wanted to use oak because we wanted a timeless look,” Amanda explains, “and C&C Kitchens use the manufacturer Burbridge who we knew were very good quality. they were one of several companies we talked to who came up with designs, but they were the people we felt most comfortable with.” Victoria, the designer at C&C who worked on the kitchen, suggested that the wall units should be framed with elliptical pilasters which softened the corners, and to the right of the hob and at the end of the sink run they also finished with a curved base unit to soften the corners as you walk into the room. Clever storage solutions included two 35-litre bins in the base unit to the right of the sink, and a 500mm-wide tall tandem larder unit to the left of the oven for all foods. to make the absolute most of the storage space available, tall and wall units were used at maximum height and the space between the ceiling and furniture was minimal. “it was tough doing without a kitchen for a while,” Amanda remembers, “but the results are worth it.”
great idea!
Completed last September, the kitchen has since been put through its paces and is living up to expectations. “We cook and entertain a fair bit and it’s a great space to work in,” says David. “We also love the fact it’s ended up very much as we intended it. it’s a clean look and it’s got a decent quality to it. it’s also timeless and as we’re not in the business of changing things at the drop of a hat, we’re confident that it will last the course.”
“The curves at each end of the units give the kitchen a much softer feel.”
SEEN SOMETHING YOU LIKE? HERE’S WHERE TO BUY Architect Oliver Burston Architects cabinetry Burbridge Lansdowne natural Oak supplied and fitted by C&C Kitchens handles Boss, stainless steel effect Worktop Silestone ‘Chrome’ Platinum range Appliances neFF Double oven U15e42nOGB; Microwave C54L70noGB; Gas Hob t66S66nO; extractor D79M55nOGB DW. sink: Blanco Supreme 1.5 um bowl tap Blanco Linus S with pull out spray Chrome finish ceramic flooring from Checkalow. For stockists see page 57
56
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
stockists DESIGNERS/Architects/Builders l Burston
Architects 46 Cromwell Avenue, N6 5HL 020 8365 2202. www.burstonarchitects.co.uk l C&C Kitchens 797 Great Cambridge Road, Enfield EN1 3PN. 020 8363 7244. www.candckitchens.co.uk l D&M Building contracts Ltd 4 Mineral Close, Barnet, Herts, EN5 2PQ. 07939 916 335 l Funktional Kitchens 142 Crouch Hill, Crouch End N8 9DX. 020 8341 2020. www.funktionalkitchens.co.uk l John Lewis of Hungerford 108 Fortis Green Road, Muswell Hill, N10 3HN. 020 8815 0732. www.john-lewis.co.uk l Jones Associates Architects Studio 25, Bickerton House, N19 5JT. 020 7281 3634 www.jones-associates.co.uk l Kitchen Architecture Ltd 145 - 149 Lower Richmond Rd, Putney, SW15 1EZ. 020 8785 1960; 274 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7DY. 01865 426990. www.kitchenarchitecture.co.uk l Kitchens Kitchens 75 Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park, NW3 4SL. 020 7483 0201. www.kitchenskitchens.co.uk l Lambert Welch Kitchens 59 Muswell Hill Road, N10 3JB. 020 8444 6777. www.lambertwelchkitchendesign.co.uk l Marston & Langinger 194 Ebury Street, SW1 8UP. 020 7881 5700. www.marston-and-langinger.com l Modus Kitchens 95 Chamberlayne Road, Kensal Rise, NW10 3ND. 0208 969 8848. www.moduskitchens.com l Neil Lerner Kitchens 487-489 Finchley Road, NW3 6HS. 020 7433 0705. www.neillerner.com l Roundhouse 146 Upper Street, Islington, N1 1QY. 020 7704 8260. www.roundhousedesign.com l Tim Moss Kitchens 326 Dukes Mews, Muswell Hill, N10 2QN. 020 8444 9911. www.timmoss.co.uk
SUPPLIERS
l Elica
www.elica.co.uk 01252 351111 & Ball www.farrow-ball.com 020 7351 0273 l FCI www.contemporary-furniture-london.co.uk 020 8961 7780 l Franke www.franke.co.uk 0160 436 6280 l Gaggenau www.gaggenau.co.uk 0844 892 8988 l Habitat www.habitat.co.uk 0844 499 1111 l Hansgrohe www.hansgrohe.co.uk 01372 472001 l Heals www.heals.co.uk 0870 024 0780 l House of Fraser www.houseoffraser.co.uk 0845 602 1073 l InSinkErator www.insinkerator.co.uk 0800 389 3715 l John Lewis www.johnlewis.com 0845 604 9049 l Joseph Joseph www.josephjoseph.com 020 7261 1800 l Kohler www.kohler.co.uk 0844 571 0048 l KWC www.swisslinelondon.co.uk 020 8675 9335 l Liebherr www.liebherr.co.uk 0844 412 2655 l Little Paris www.littleparis.co.uk 020 8340 9008 l Marks & Spencer www.marksandspencer.com 0845 609 0200 (furniture) 0845 302 1234 (other products) l Miele www.miele.co.uk 01235 554455 l M&S Aluminium Ltd 01491 680 600 l Next www.next.co.uk 0844 844 8000 l Of Special Interest www.osi.co.uk 020 8340 0909 l Neff www.neff.co.uk 0844 892 8989 l Perrin & Rowe www.triflowconcepts.com 01708 526361 l Quooker www.quooker.com 0845 164 5507 l Sally Bourne Interiors www.sallybourneinteriors.co.uk 020 8444 3031 l Shaws of Darwen www.shawsofdarwen.com 0844 840 4529 l Siemens www.siemens-home.co.uk 0844 892 8999 l Silestone www.silestone.co.uk l Smeg www.smeguk.com 0844 557 9907 l Skandium www.skandium.com 020 7935 2077 GUARANTEE l Sterling www.sterlingdistribution. YOUR NEXT COPY co.uk 01684 299555 OF TOP 10 KITCHENS! Top 10 Kitchens magazine is distributed l Vitra www.vitra.com to selected houses in Hampstead, 020 7608 6200 Highgate, Muswell Hill, Crouch End, l Whirlpool www.whirlpool. Kensal Rise and East Finchley as well co.uk 0844 815 8989 as selected venues. If you would like to guarantee that each issue is delivered l Zip www.zipheaters.co.uk l Farrow
l Alco
www.alcoeng.co.uk 01805 622 461 l Abode www.abodedesigns.co.uk 01226 283434 l Bisque www.bisque.co.uk 020 7328 2225 l Blanco www.blanco.co.uk 0844 912 0100 l B&B Italia www.bebitalia.it l Caleido www.caleido.bc.it l Checkalow www.checkalow.co.uk 020 8347 0396 l Corian By DuPont www.corian.co.uk 0800 962 116 l Danetti www.danetti.com 020 3026 6394 l Debenhams www.Debenhams.com l Denby www.denby.co.uk 01773 740899 l Dinesen www.dinesen.com 020 7455 2140 l Dormbracht www.dormbracht.com
Don’t forget…
directly to your door, please contact us at editor@top10kitchens.co.uk for more details.
We are able to bring you this magazine for free - and will do so in the future - thanks to the support of our advertisers, so if you do make enquiries about any products or services you’ve seen in this issue, please make sure you mention that you read about them in Top 10 Kitchens magazine. See you for another inspirational round-up of local kitchens in May 2012!
WINTER 2012 i top 10 kitchens
57
58
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
59
10multi-functional STANMORE
Living the dream Michelle always knew what she wanted from the perfect kitchen, and now she had the opportunity to put those plans in place…
Photos: Jake Fitzjones Stylist: Diana Burtt
All the appliances are Gaggenau – we’ve got a steam oven, a combi microwave and a main oven
60
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
E
very morning when i come downstairs it’s a such a treat to walk into my new kitchen,” smiles michelle. “it really is a dream fulfilled.” having lived in their house for six years, michelle and her husband mark decided it was time to embark on some major home refurbishments which involved some ambitious plans for their kitchen. “We didn’t have any external work done,” michelle explains, “but we did knock down internal walls and moved the kitchen from one side of the house to the other so that we could incorporate an open-plan seating area.” the prospect of embarking on such a big project might have intimidated some people, but not michelle who relished the opportunity of getting stuck into the scheme. “i enjoyed doing it because i love taking on interiors projects - i have a real passion for them. We employed an architect to draw
up the official plans to send to the council for building regulations, but we instructed him as to what to do as we had a very clear idea of what we wanted.” this clear vision extended to the kitchen design. michelle knew she wanted as much workspace as possible and that she would keep to neutral cream colours with one accent colour. “When i think of a kitchen i think of salads and fresh fruit such as green apples and limes,” she explains. “i think lime green is such a ‘kitcheny’ colour so i chose that as my accent colour.” to help create her new dream kitchen, michelle worked with designer eve turner from neil lerner Kitchens. “i was confident about where everything should go and what appliances i wanted so that side of things all fell into place quite naturally, but eve can take 100% of the credit for the display and storage on the back wall and around the tV. i knew i wanted built-in cupboards there, but i didn’t want something that looked too boxy.
great idea!
Being able to sit around the breakfast bar on all sides is good for casual dining
the mirrors were displayed like this in our last tV room so we just transferred them into the new space. they work really well as they reflect the rest of the kitchen.
all the furniture in the living space we had from before. it’s modular so we could re-jig it to work in the new space.
Winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
61
10multi-functional STANMORE
i love this wenge wood panel behind the tV as it provides contrast to the off-white cupboard doors
62
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
“Now I have extra space to put away all of my grandchildren’s toys when they’re not playing with them.”
“Eve came up with the quirky idea of it not being totally symmetrical. They are push-front cupboards which give me loads of storage room for my crockery and glassware, plus extra space to put away all my grandchildren’s toys when they’re not playing with them.” Another family-friendly idea is the breakfast bar located at the end of the island. “This is a real bonus, especially at the moment as I have my daughter, son-in-law and baby granddaughter living with us and we often find ourselves perching on the breakfast bar together for casual dining. Because we can sit around it – not in a line – it makes it far more sociable. It’s also great for when friends pop round for a coffee. I enjoy having people in my home, I enjoy entertaining, and my house is usually filled with people. Now I have the perfect kitchen in which to welcome them.”
Finishing Touch: Decorative storage “This dark wooden shelving unit is located opposite the door to our formal lounge/dining room and I didn’t want to come from that room into the kitchen to see a plain white wall. I wanted something decorative to give impact, but something more than a picture. Eve from Neil Lerner came up with this design which is simple, but I think very effective. I knew I wanted to introduce some wood into the kitchen and this seemed to be a great way to do it. I can move things around and chop and change the ornaments when the mood takes me. Sometimes when I’ve bought flowers I’ll put those in there too.”
Seen something you like? Here’s where to buy Kitchen installed and designed by Neil Lerner Kitchens Taps Gessi Ovale monobloc mixers from Sterling Sinks BlancoCaron 450-U sink and BlancoCaron 180-U undermounted from Blanco Worktop CaesarStone Latte 2350. Green glass splash from Neil Lerner Kitchens Bar stools, dining table, dining chairs, sofas and armchairs all from FCI Seating Collection Flooring Pietre Etrusche Tuscania porcelain floor tiles from Checkalow Appliances All Gaggenau including BO 250 single ovens; WS 262 warming drawers; BS 270 combi-steam oven; BM 271 combi-microwave oven; CI 481 induction hob; RF 413 freezer with ice and water dispenser; RC 472 fridge; RW 404 built-under wine cabinet Boiling water tap Quooker Pro3-VAQ Modern Waste disposal unit Evolution 200, inSinkErator. For stockists go to page 57
winter 2012 i top 10 kitchens
63
10multi-functional STANMORE handmade green glass diamond decanter, £65, www.jasmineway.co.uk koloni pear Mug by Lotta kuhlhorn, £11.50, heals umbra Mosh Multimirror, £64, www. redcandy.com
style
Lsa curve vase, lime green, £42, heals
Steal the
Fluid pitcher by Georg Jensen, £295, skandium
Glass swirl ice cream bowl, lime, £19.50, www. iapetus.co.uk top and bottom: hand-stitched cushion covers, £32, www. fairwindonline.com Middle: heal’s Discovers symmetree cushion, £55, heals
Georg Jensen cobra candlesticks, £95, John Lewis
64
top 10 kitchens i Winter 2012
Malmo chair, black, £89, John Lewis palocco high stool, £165, habitat
Tim Moss Tim Moss Bespoke kitchens Bespoke kitchens showroom at 328 Dukes Mews /
London N10 2QN 10am — 5pm showroom at /328 Dukes Mews / N10/ 2QN / 10am — 5pm 020 London 8444 9911 furniture@timmoss.co.uk / 020 8444 9911 / www.timmoss.co.uk furniture@timmoss.co.uk / www.timmoss.co.uk