2 . STORAGE IS KING
– the vision of a magazine-style kitchen with everything neatly in its place is often distanced from the reality of a busy family kitchen . Kitchen storage is one of the hottest topics in kitchen design with a plethora of great options to ensure everything has its place . Opt for long drawers rather than cupboards as they can house more and offer access more efficiently . If you have space choose a large larder with drawers , wire baskets and in built power and light for easier use . For those awkward corners look at Le Mans or corner drawers . Never underestimate the benefits of special storage solutions in drawers for spice racks , knives , plates and every item of kitchen paraphernalia .
" Opt for long drawers rather than cupboards as they can house more and offer access more efficiently ."
BATHROOMS & KITCHENS
4 . WORKING OUT THE WORKTOP
– before choosing a worktop , decide what it will be used for and whether it is food preparation , dining , plating up or a combination .. From ultra slim 10mm tops up to chunkier 200mm thick tops , there is a huge variety on offer but be mindful of the finished height of the kitchen worktop and how it ergonomically suits your requirements . Consider if the top will adopt a discerning role in the design complimenting the furniture , or whether the worktop will be a statement within the kitchen design . Handle less kitchens provide another detail for the worktop to compliment . Engineered stone offers durability and a huge choice in colours and finishes while natural materials such as granite , marble or wood offer a more traditional look .
3 . ISLANDS TO THE FORE
– the island is the connection between the cooking areas and the rest of the room or home so the design must be sympathetic with the whole room design . Curved or organic shaped islands work well where you want to soften curves and make it more pleasing to the eye . If possible , incorporate a dining space , such as a breakfast bar , as the island will become the focus of the room . Housing the hob and / or a sink on the island will make it a more sociable space with the user able to socialise with others more easily in the rest of the room .
5 . CHOOSING THE CABINETS
With such an era of choice , consider the texture and colour as well as the detail or simplicity of the cabinet fronts . As a rule of thumb , framed doors generally look better in a wider and taller format . If the door is too small , by the time you add the framed detail there is very little space left in the centre panel , and in such cases a flat panelled cabinet door would look better . Use bold colours as an accent rather than for the whole kitchen , as it is easy for colour to go out of fashion . Greys , beiges and warm tones are very ‘ in ’ and will ensure longevity of the design . Try including some display units – either glass fronted or open shelves – as these provide excellent displays for stylish crockery or ornaments .
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