The kitchen is now arguably the most important room in the house – a place for friends and family to gather. So it’s important it looks and functions the way you want it to
Function and beauty
Daniel Barr, owner of Anglia Factors in Martlesham, knows all about designing a chic yet practical kitchen that reflects your personality and works for your lifestyle. “We’re working with more and more clients who are creating unique and interesting spaces centred on beautiful, functional kitchens. Vaulted ceilings, unusual shaped-spaces, colours, textures and layouts all play a part in creating a hub for your home that’s full of character.
“This beautiful brick and white kitchen contrasts the rustic charms of brick and beam with the clean, white lines of smooth handle-less units. A bank of four KitchenAid ovens and induction hob combine with a downdraft extractor to minimise clutter and make this kitchen a cool, modern oasis nestled within the warmth of traditional textures and colours. The natural ceramic tiled floor adds to the effect and blends well with the brickwork.
“This is the perfect example of kitchens becoming a core part of the living space, rather than a utility area that’s hidden away behind closed doors. This step change over the last couple of decades has seen kitchen sizes increase considerably and open plan become mainstream. This, in turn, has influenced kitchen design – islands have become more commonplace and play a more prominent part.
“Lighting can add atmosphere and act as another expression of personal style. In this case it is provided by elegant blue-grey pendants, as well as under-shelf LEDs over the sink.”
34 Gloster Rd, Ipswich IP5 3RD
01473 610192
A timeless classic
Classic Shaker kitchens never seem to date and are by far the most popular design. Simple changes can be made to bring the design up to date, such as adding minimalist slim handles, contemporary lighting or leathered granite worktops.
Whatever your preference, the first step to creating a truly unique interior is through a conversation. Moore & Stone designers can work from plans or conduct a site survey, but in either case every project starts with a meeting at the company’s showroom or in the client’s home to discuss and understand their vision. After outlining the brief, the designer then puts together a design proposal that is practical and complements the client’s lifestyle and tastes.
Many kitchen refurbishments require some element of building work. Whether it’s moving a window or building a full extension, Moore & Stone’s professional and knowledgeable staff can provide help and guidance, co-ordinating a team of fully qualified tradesmen so the project goes smoothly.
Barton Road, Bury
St Edmunds, IP32 7BE
01284 77 11 36
Clean and clutter-free
A contemporary kitchen design can be minimalistic and without clutter when done correctly. Modern kitchens are all about space-saving, innovative storage and technology without scrimping on style.
Richard Knight, manager of Benton Kitchens of Stellisons, says: “One of the common mistakes made when designing new kitchens is to try and fill the room with units leaving a cramped and cluttered look. Kitchens today need to offer much more as they need to meet current demands of family living and provide a solution to today’s modern requirements of open-plan living. Schuller is one of the leading German manufacturers of kitchens in the UK. These kitchen units are cleverly designed with space saving devices as well as deep, wide drawers allowing the contents of your cupboards to be easily located but also stylishly hiding all the usual clutter, thus allowing the kitchen’s clean lines and style to shine through.”
23-27 Moulsham Street
Chelmsford, Essex
CM2 0XQ
01245 256680
Vision in black and white
This luxury Bryan Turner Kitchen was designed for a contemporary extension in Pakefield, Lowestoft. Featuring double height windows and bi-fold doors, the kitchen is light filled and spacious, a stunning contrast to the original Edwardian home.
The owners, Natasha and Tony Prendergast, had a clear vision of their kitchen – modern, clean lines and highly functional. It was to be the heart of their home, a warm, welcoming place for friends, family and informal entertaining. An excellent workflow was also a priority to complement Natasha’s love of cooking. Senior designer Jonathan Turner was involved in planning the extension from the outset.
“Listening to clients is always the first step,” he says. “Kitchen design is all about individual lifestyle.” Limestone flooring and granite work surfaces in River White immediately enhance the sense of space and light and there’s plenty of room for a large, under-lit island in the centre of the kitchen.
The cabinetry throughout is the Bryan Turner signature Shallow Shaker, a minimalist take on the classic Shaker style. Handmade at the Bryan Turner Kitchen Furniture workshop in Wymondham, it is finished in light grey, reflecting the seaside location. Behind a secret door in the rear bank of floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, there is a fully equipped utility room. The seamless integration of the garden, sunlight and the kitchen was central to the design concept. A dining zone – a striking black table with seating for eight – looks into the garden through the bi-fold doors. For informal dining, there is a generously sized, oak breakfast bar alongside the island.
Appliances include two Gaggenau ovens, a Fisher & Paykel Cool Drawer, and the eye-catching extractor, custom designed by Jonathan and manufactured by Westin.
Bryan Turner Kitchen Furniture Ltd
Fitzmaurice Court
Station Road
Wymondham
Norfolk
NR18 0NN
01953 601567
