I acquired a query from a reader asking me to share some footage and concepts about my kitchen.
She advised me she was in the course of a house revamp herself: “Congratulations in your stunning dwelling.
“I’ve been searching for pictures of your kitchen in every single place. I like it. I’m in the course of a renovation and would vastly recognize it should you would share some pictures of your kitchen and even the supplies you used?”
Pricey reader, thanks to your query and type phrases.
As my reply grew in size I realised I’ve loads of ideas to share on kitchen design and so I made a decision to make it the subject for this week’s column.
The kitchen was crucial space for me to get proper. Every thing else on this area — the lounge, eating room, and backyard — was designed after the kitchen had been finalised. I actually imagine the kitchen is the guts of the house.
I like baking and cooking and so I spend loads of time in it. I additionally put loads of thought into the format and design, and so I hope you discover the next useful.
LAYOUT
I used to be adamant that my kitchen wouldn’t have overhead cupboards. On this small space (my kitchen is roughly 6.5 sq. metres) I really feel they might have made the area claustrophobic.
It was essential to me to have a way of openness at eye degree in order that the room felt bigger and spacious.
This required fastidiously planning storage within the remaining area accessible, which I’ll cowl later.
I additionally selected a down-draught extractor hob (Bora Pure — like it) in order that I wouldn’t have to put in an overhead extractor fan.
The temptation would have been to place in a conventional U-shaped kitchen towards the three partitions right here, which many kitchen suppliers proposed as I used to be procuring round, nevertheless that format felt tight and cramped to me.
It additionally would have compelled me to lose one of many sliding doorways, which deliver a lot mild and openness into this area, and which I like to throw broad open in summertime to deliver the surface in.
So after many iterations the perfect format was lastly made attainable, because of Daybreak Guidera in Savvy Kitchens.
I’ve no overhead cupboards or extractors.
I’ve the peninsula which presents wonderful countertop area and creates a separation from the eating space.
And which means I can have my beautiful second sliding door to usher in all the beautiful sunshine we get right here in Eire. The small area feels open and ethereal with out having misplaced performance or storage.
STORAGE
Eschewing overhead cupboards meant being additional intelligent with the remaining area, and so listed below are my high ideas for creating storage within the kitchen:
Go ground to ceiling
Assuming you don’t have additional excessive ceilings, it makes absolute sense to fill the hole historically left above kitchen cupboards.
There may be loads of accessible area left over above full-sized kitchen home equipment comparable to fridge freezers. That is the place to retailer your lesser-used cumbersome objects — simply keep in mind to purchase a stepladder.
Use the corners
Nook models supply loads of area, and pull-out Le Mans models are wonderful for giving easy accessibility to that awkward space.
Attempt pocket doorways
Pocket doorways slide again into themselves permitting you quick access to cabinets and extra countertop area. I can not suggest these extremely sufficient.
Don’t ignore slender areas
Most kitchen models are normal sizes, and so that may imply you find yourself with some gaps as these models are fitted into your area.
Sometimes these are panelled over however this can be a waste.
I’ve a 10cm area beside my fridge which has as an alternative been changed into a brush cabinet, and I can not let you know how a lot stuff I’m able to squeeze in right here.
Use open cabinets
Reasonably than being behind closed cupboard doorways, I’ve open shelving for glassware and books. I even have a peg rail above the hob which supplies hanging storage for objects comparable to pots and pans, with out taking on area.
MATERIALS
The fashion of my kitchen was the very last thing I thought of. I wished a daring color, and I wished a cottage really feel balanced with a contemporary fashion.
Had I the finances I might have chosen actual wooden panelling, however I didn’t, so I’ve as an alternative mimicked the look utilizing MDF doorways with a V-groove carved in. I additionally would have splashed out on strong wooden cupboard interiors with dovetail joints, however once more this was out of finances so I’ve extra MDF which does the job adequately.
My cupboards are painted with Railings by Farrow and Ball, and I additionally had the interiors of my pantry cabinets painted India Yellow (additionally by F&B) which provides an additional splash of color when opened. The paint is completed with a matte high coat, which provides a classy end and makes the panelling seem extra lifelike (I believe anyway).
My countertop is Delecatta Carrara Quartz (from Full Home in Limerick by way of Savvy Kitchens).
Some say you possibly can’t use Cif or bleach on quartz however I’ve been utilizing each with abandon and thus far so good. It’s a sturdy and simple to wash countertop and I’m very proud of it.
Different choices that I thought of (out of my finances on the time) had been an engineered stone like Neolith — nearly indestructible — or a elegant terrazzo countertop.
Lastly my kitchen backsplash is Zellige tiles from the Mosaic Manufacturing facility.
At first look these might seem arduous to wash because the floor is uneven, however the truth is they’re ideally suited as there may be barely any grout between them they usually have a clean floor. I like them!
My remaining tip on supplies is the sink — I’ve a normal stainless-steel sink in gunmetal gray, and it’s a dream to maintain clear. I used to be talked out of getting a ravishing Belfast sink for this very cause, for which I’m now grateful.
