Interview: Poggenpohl

Luxury kitchens with Poggenpohl

Please tell us a little about the background of Poggenpohl? As the world’s oldest kitchen brand, Poggenpohl has put its stamp on generations of bespoke kitchens. Since being founded in 1892 by renowned cabinetmaker German Friedemir Poggenpohl, it has not only garnered a reputation for precision engineered contemporary kitchens but also world firsts. Consistently at the forefront of innovation, the company produced the first solid wood kitchen - which single-handedly shaped the aesthetic of fitted kitchens - as well as the first white lacquer furniture and the first island kitchen. Today, it is represented in more than 70 countries.

What are clients most popular requests at the moment in terms of ‘must have’ features in their kitchens? Clean lines and handless kitchens are very popular. We have seen an increase in the demand for discreet extraction and hidden storage as the kitchen has become a multi-use area for cooking, socialising and relaxing.

In terms of overall style, what’s top of the charts right now for the Tunbridge Wells customers…Country, ultra modern, industrial? Modern contemporary look, sometimes using multiple textures for frontals.

You must work with architects and interior designers often in your job, how does this differ from working directly with homeowners? Working with professional/experts allows a straightforward design process as they often have very strong views as to look and layout. When working with homeowners there is more freedom for design as often they are looking for additional inspiration.

It’s well known fact in the real estate industry that a kitchen can help sell a house perhaps more than any other room is there a project that you’ve worked on that stands out from the rest? We are currently working on a project in Kensington with a dated dark timber “shaker” kitchen with free standing appliances and the odd curved unit. In its day no doubt an expensive on trend look however it is not the desired kitchen now. To improve the sale of the property we are working with the developer, designing and installing a light coloured matt finish modern, handless style with a marble look composite worktop. No curves and all integrated appliances. This gives the required look and usability.