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Kitchen metallics

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REAL KITCHEN

REAL KITCHEN

Elevate a monotone scheme by mixing different finishes and textures, like metallics and natural flooring, into the overall design. Contrast is key to keep things interesting and fresh. Grained collection in Dove Grey, available from £5,800, LochAnna Kitchens

Metallic hardware

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For a super speedy and effective luxe kitchen update, switch in some defining details with metallic hardware. Consider it the jewellery to your kitchen’s ‘outfit,’ and transform cupboards from drab to fab with shimmering doorknobs and handles in minimalist designs. Graeme Smith, head of retail and commercial design at Life Kitchens, says: ‘New innovations within the sector have opened up the possibilities beyond traditional chrome, so explore brass and copper, too, as these can create lots of visual impact.’

Alex Main, of The Main Company, comments: ‘We’re seeing many more homeowners experimenting with materials to create truly innovative and unique kitchen designs. Exposed beams and distressed brickwork continue to remain popular, but these are cleverly offset by metallic accents, highspecification appliances and eye-catching lighting.’

Kath Pinkham Edwards

@pink_at_ twentyone ‘I’m a bit of a magpie so knew I wanted to incorporate metallic elements in some form into our new kitchen. As we’d created a small side-return extension – just enough for two occasional chairs and a table to rest a wine or cocktail on – I wanted the connecting area, which was now open plan, to feel glamorous. I had taken inspiration from hotels and loved the idea of a copper-clad ‘bar’ along with foxed mirrors, so took this concept to a local kitchen company who were brilliant in running with my vision.

‘The foxed mirror splashback ties in with the grey of the units on the opposite side of the kitchen, and bounces light around the once dark room. The copper looks glamorous and a little unexpected; it also picks up on my collection of brass convex mirrors you can see through into the dining room. You don’t have to stick to one metallic – just go for it! ‘In conjunction with mirrored appliances from Smeg and a brass light fitting made by my husband, the space feels welcoming and relaxed. The kitchen is eight years old now, and I know I can switch it up by painting the units and changing the wall colour, but the metallics will be staying.’

Subtle copper- toned flooring, an aged mirrored splashback and burnished brass pendant lights blur the boundaries between classic and contemporary, for a rich aesthetic that’s full of depth. Tegola elite click tile luxury vinyl, £49.99 per m2, Carpetright

Decadent lighting

Metallic lighting dancing with shiny nuances is an easy way of elevating your scheme, creating an inviting golden-hour feel that glows with effortless elegance.

To make a wow-factor focal point, zone an island, breakfast bar or kitchen table with a pair or trio of metallic pendant lights that dare to dazzle. If ceiling height allows, opt for oversized, sculptural designs for added glitz and glam.

Graeme Smith, of Life Kitchens, says: ‘Lighting in the kitchen is key; it can literally make or break the overall look and feel to the room. This can be overhead under cabinet lighting, wall lighting, ceiling lighting and task lights that will focus on specific areas of the kitchen, and can highlight areas of architectural interest.’

Choose a metallic splashback for a functional feature that shimmers. Material choices include toughened glass, tiles, and even metallic paint, depending on preference and budget. A verdigris or hammered copper finish lends a lived-in look, rich in character. For a modern twist, continue the splashback design throughout the kitchen space Glassworks tiles in Copper Leaf, £64.96 per m2, Original Style

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Pick up the chosen metallic trim on other features, like appliances (bonjour, brass-coloured kettle and toaster!) and taps, to build a cohesive look RE AL HOMES.C OM

For an eye-catching design element that doesn’t overwhelm the entire scheme, try metal framing. It makes a glimmering finishing touch on units and/or open shelving, while adding unexpected interest at every level. Kitchens, from £20,000, Life Kitchens

Three-in-one roof window, from £1,550 excl. VAT, VELUX

WORDS ELLEN FINCH/HEBE HATTON COVER PHOTOGRAPH DOMINIC BLACKMORE/FUTURECONTENTHUB.COM Rooflights, roof windows, skylights… whatever you like to call them, these glazing solutions are a way to inject extra daylight into a space. In an extension, they can brighten up the darker middle part of the house, or provide extra sun to a living or dining zone; in a loft, they’re a crucial addition to take the space from gloomy cavern to stylish master suite or home office. Whatever you’re using them for, they’re worth investing in, offering up to 40 per cent more natural light than a traditional window.

From a practical point of view, there might be structural issues to factor into the positioning of a rooflight, such as beams or electrics. Consider the direction of the windows and when you might need the most amount of light in a particular room. Maybe you’re installing roof windows in a kitchen extension and you want plenty of light flooding in in the mornings? In that case, you’d be best installing east-facing windows if possible. On the other hand, for better light in a living room later in the day, you might look to install westfacing roof windows. Read on to find out what you need to consider when you’re getting started – and check out some of our favourite looks. TOP TIP TYPES OF GLAZING Do you want your windows to be energy saving, heat controlling or noise reducing (or all three)? If you’re working with an east- or north-facing room, energy-saving glazing will keep the heat in during winter months. For rooflights positioned facing to the south or west, glazing that controls the temperature will help prevent a greenhouse effect.

Do I need planning permission?

Rooflights and skylights usually come under permitted development, provided that: >They don’t protrude more than 150mm beyond the plane of the roof slope. >They’re no higher than the highest part of the roof. >They’re obscure-glazed, if they’re in a side elevation roof slope, and either non-opening or more than 1.7m above floor level. As ever, check with your local planning authority if you live in a listed building or designated area. Any rooflight will need to follow building regulations; visit planningportal.co.uk for details.

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CHOOSE YOUR ROOFLIGHT The most cost-effective type is a fixed flat rooflight, or you can upgrade to an opening version for ventilation. Roof lanterns are larger, conservatorylike structures that work well on flat roofs. If you’re in a Conservation Area, you might need a conservation rooflight. These are low profile and sit flush with the roof, so won’t detract from the character of a building.

Add privacy and flair to your rooflights with our guide to roof blinds

Above XP Skyview skylight, POA, Express Bifolding Doors

Right Timber roof lanterns start at £2,275, Aliwood

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SIZING UP The bigger the window, the more light – but be sure to balance the size of your rooflights with other practicalities and the overall feel of your space. It might be tempting to fit huge skylights, but this could result in a room becoming too bright or too warm.

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