The biggest problem usually is where to start first in the design process? Sometimes it’s best to start from the floor up – under floor heating means a stone floor would work really well with a natural wood kitchen (oiled or colour washed) whilst a wooden floor works with painted wood and a granite worktop.

Space is normally at a premium so we must consider very carefully how space is used – areas for cooking and washing etc may be obvious but what about eating, working or simply relaxing? Planning is key so we can help with our free planning and visualisation service.

The Working Triangle

The cooking area, refrigeration and sink are positioned to form a triangle to create optimal working space.

This can be extended further to include a food preparation area.

Traditional or Modern Design?

Traditional design features

A traditional design style allows you maximum flexibility and the ability to create a kitchen as individual as you. On the one hand you can choose a standard or manufactured tongue & groove style doors and then by mixing up groups of old and new furniture, built-in and freestanding storage units you’ll have a traditional look on a budget. Where the budget allows a bespoke kitchen is the way to go – no standard size restrictions and a choice of woods from natural oiled oak, white washed ash to painted poplar or tulip wood. All look great with a Belfast sink in a centre island.

Details make all the difference so the finishing touches such as pilasters, mouldings, cornicing along with open plate racks and wicker drawers complete the look.

The natural elements of wood and stone often dominate a traditional kitchen. Rugged flagstones of natural limestone, Brazilian Slate; (with under-floor heating!); or polished floorboards all look great when complimented by wooden, marble or granite worktops. We think that by introducing some other materials like wicker, enamel, metal or ceramics you can give the look an interesting twist. Alternatively pale painted base units are the perfect complement to sturdy oak worktops.  

Modern design features

The best modern kitchen designs balance the open plan minimalist ideals with practical living / working  space. Crisp, clean lines, sculptural shapes and sleek, shiny finishes will predominate and clutter is banished behind glossy doors so. To ensure the look is sharp rather than stark you should carefully consider a combination of materials such as - timeless stone and wood to stainless steel and Corian.

We would suggest that if you like the modern kitchen’s state-of-the-art appearance you should consider adding a few individual items and choice pieces of furniture to make it warm and welcoming too.

The look and feel of the modern styled kitchen is largely determined by the materials - corian and composite work well when set against the natural beauty of wood. We think it’s well worth spending that little bit more on worktops as they can and do transform a kitchen. Composite worktops can include seamlessly integrated sinks and drainers, while engineered stone, created from crushed quartz and resin, are very hard wearing. Whilst solid wood will add instant character it needs regular oiling in order for it to age well and at the other end of the scale the professional chef will always choose stainless steel for 100% practical reasons!!