There are so many elements to designing a kitchen that I’d need a double page to do it justice. So, I’m fast forwarding to the exciting bit – choosing your cabinetry.
I’ve been fortunate enough to design a few kitchens in recent years, says Catherine Watson, of Bert & Wills.
The most recent has a blend of two different coloured units that has produced a most aesthetically pleasing effect.
To achieve this modern look I’ve mixed a bank of gloss grey units with matt white wall units that frame the hob and extractor fan.
The worktop is a 22mm laminate (40mm is the norm) in a light oak finish. For the flooring I’ve chosen a lovely, yet durable vinyl called ‘Alaskan oak’.
Grey colour ways have been around for a while now and nothing looks nicer than a grey kitchen.
Anthracite, dove grey, platinum, cobble grey and many other shades in between take you from a light colourway, through to darker hues.
Grey works well in both a modern kitchen and a classic shaker design. The most popular choice of handle colour is chrome, but to add a bit more of a statement, choose copper or gold. If you’re a total minimalist, go handle less.
Navy and indigo colours look amazing in a kitchen. A friend of mine has gone for a contemporary navy kitchen and it looks fabulous.
Silestone worktops and smoked glass splashbacks complete the look.
For a more traditional, yet slightly edgy look, choose a navy shaker cabinet, complemented with white worktops and gold handles – you can get gold taps too!
The new trend coming through is for dark green cabinets. Again, this would look great with chrome, gold or copper accessories.
There are some fantastic integrated appliances on the market for those who like the odd indulgence or two – steam ovens, wine fridges, warming drawers and barista inspired coffee machines – make your kitchen all about you.
As with every design scheme you need to consider lighting, flooring and accessories.
Crockery, kitchen utensils, electrical appliances and storage canisters can bring colour into your scheme, or add some warmth with wooden options.
Some people like to keep all worktops clear and hide all kitchen equipment away in cupboards – it’s totally up to you.
