7 important tips for designing a kitchen you’ll absolutely love By Liz Connor, PA Want to start the summer with a fresh, updated,
feel of a kitchen. Aim to shed light on the parts of the
modern kitchen? Liz Connor hears spend-smart tips
kitchen you will use regularly, such as the cooker and
from the experts.
worktops, but play with shadows in the rest of the
Full-scale kitchen renovations can be expensive,
space to create an atmospheric and zen place to relax.”
which is why it’s important to make sensible, practical choices during the planning stage, that you won’t
3. Opt for matt cupboards if you have small children
regret in the long-run.
Lynskey continues: “Nobody wants jammy hands all
While it’s tempting to opt for style over substance,
over their kitchen cabinets. Choose a matt finish as
the kitchen is arguably the most important room in
opposed to gloss, as they are easier to clean and
the house, and for many families, it’s a space that
disguise visible marks better.
needs to function as an office for homeworkers, an entertaining hub and a stand-up breakfast spot. Consider these tips when planning your revamp for
“Matt also has a timeless appeal, so your kitchen will remain fashionable for years to come.”
a space that’s both beautiful and functional… 4. Go for practical materials 1. Suss out your storage needs early on
Laura Davie, marketing manager for Cosentino UK
“If you’re partial to a crockery collection or two and
(cosentino.com) says: “Consider a kitchen surface that’s
have a pantry bursting with exotic ingredients, storage
suited to your lifestyle and the way in which you use
is going to be particularly important,” says Stephen
the kitchen.
Lynskey, head designer at Hammonds Kitchens
“For instance, keen cooks will benefit from a heat
(hammonds-uk.com). “What many people don’t
and scratch resistant surface, such as a composite
realise is that storage options are decided right at the
surface. It’s ideal for those wanting to recreate a
beginning of a kitchen plan, when the blueprint is
specific look, such a marble or wood, without wanting
being mapped out.
to worry about the hassle of maintenance.
“Think about whether you need more drawers or
“As for splashbacks, composite surfaces offer the
cupboards, whether a display unit is specifically
opportunity to use a large, single slab splashback,
important and how big your pantry needs to be at this
making a real design centrepiece, while being easier
stage, to avoid disappointment later down the line.”
to clean with no awkward tile grouting.”
2. Lighting is really important
5. L-shared islands are great if you like socialising in
“Lighting is so important when creating a cosy
your kitchen
atmosphere in a kitchen. I recommend focusing on
“If you’re the type of household that loves having
three different kinds when creating your perfect setup:
gatherings in your home, thinking about elements
top lighting, task lighting and ambient lighting,”
such as seating in the kitchen, is essential,” says
advises Lynskey. “All three need to come together
Lynskey.
perfectly to create the mood you find most relaxing. “Thinking about where to have shadows and where to cast light can have a surprisingly large effect on the 42 | www.thejerseylife.co.uk
“Kitchen islands are a great opportunity to create a sociable space, but rather than having seating down just one side, why not opt for two sides so that your
