The return to furniture-style cabinets gives warmth and individual style to a kitchen. Mix-and-match dressers, stand-alone units and showpiece islands are among the new wave of designs gaining popularity.
Tom Hinton, owner of Cambridge-based Tomas Kitchen Living, agrees that the ‘unfitted’ look is currently on trend: “Tomas kitchens have always had a sense of ‘furniture’ about them, particularly the Modbox Creations. These can be incorporated into the fitted element of the kitchen or used as free-standing pieces. The Tomas solid oak drawers (and, when requested, solid oak carcases) add to the overall sense of ‘furniture’ and bring a timeless quality to a kitchen,” he says.
Advising on how to make the look a practical one, Tom continues: “The unfitted feel can also be translated to wall elements – which look great when cut back and not crammed into every available corner.
“Having said that, it’s important not to lose sight of functionality, and you must ensure there is adequate storage space. For the ultimate kitchen, mix and match pieces with beautifully designed, fully fitted cabinetry. Wherever possible, use built-in appliances and minimise gaps and joints. With the right design and products, you can have your cake and eat it!”
The Loft Kitchen by Wharfside’s Team 7 Kitchens offers a flexible approach to kitchen design with its range of stand-alone pieces. Wharfside’s kitchen expert, David Golding, comments: “Stand-alone furniture lets you vary the layout of the kitchen as the needs of the family change. You can keep up with current trends by changing it around. You can even take the stand-alone pieces with you when you move house.”
The ‘looser’ approach to cabinetry is an indicator of how the kitchen has evolved to be more than just a practical space. Investing in showpiece furniture – such as larders and feature islands – celebrates the kitchen’s place as the heart of the home.
Having offered understated, premium-quality cabinetry from a Cambridgeshire workshop for more than 30 years, Harvey Jones is a leading expert in kitchen design. Chris Mossop, designer at the company, gives his take:
“Investing in an island will play a part in creating a sociable hub for family and friends. When preparing food for a party, for instance, a centrally located island lets you mingle with guests while you work. It can also be used as a breakfast bar, so families can eat together in a relaxed setting. Add comfy bar stools and you’ll also be providing a space for kids to do homework while grown-ups prepare meals. Consider the height and design of your bar stools. Flatter stools can be hidden under the island, creating a streamlined space.”
Jennifer Shaw, design director at Cambridge’s Kitchenology agrees: “The feature island is very popular. Not only does it give a focal point to a kitchen but it is also practical, giving an additional eating area, work space and storage. We find that the combination of handle-less units with quartz worktops is a popular choice.”
Let in light
An airy, light-filled space feels modern, fresh and appealing. A seamless look is best achieved in open-plan designs. There is also a growing preference for bi-fold doors to connect the house and garden, bringing the outside in.
The trend towards open shelving is another element that can lift a kitchen. While they are practical and easy to use, open shelves also work to personalise a kitchen, making it feel warm and lived-in. Make sure you edit what’s on show, and include conventional cabinets so you can hide less attractive necessities.
Gone are the days when the humble spotlight was as adventurous as it got for kitchen lighting. From David Hunt’s pastel-coloured metal pendants to contemporary chandeliers from Flos, feature lighting has become a must-have in the modern kitchen.
Read the full article in April’s Cambridge Edition.
