Tuesday 4 May 2010

Top 10 tips for a stylish yet practical kitchen

The sheer volume of products, suppliers and literature available on kitchen design, not to mention the ever changing trends, can make the prospect of having a new kitchen a daunting and overwhelming prospect so we have condensed all of the key information for you and compiled our top ten tips for a stylish yet practical kitchen.

1. Lighting – Lighting the space is key and will enhance the overall appearance of the kitchen. Use light to enhance and create features as well as to provide task lighting. Incorporate stylish pendants over an island or use plinth lights for effect. For real “wow” factor why not position a feature chandelier over your kitchen island, cross lighting it to add a dramatic effect.



2. Handles – choose handleless for an über-sleek look; either touch-open or electronic. Alternatively use unusual handles to add glamour and detail to your kitchen. If budget allows, why not have a bespoke handle designed to give your kitchen a completely unique look.
www.turnstyledesigns.com

3. Island – If you have sufficient space, incorporate an island or peninsula into your kitchen. Whether the island is used for relaxed dining/entertaining or for storage it will add a stylish dimension to the kitchen design.



4. Multi-functional Space – Your kitchen should be viewed as a sociable space for all of the family to relax in and the kitchen design needs to reflect this. Incorporating a soft seating area or a breakfast bar will ensure that friends and family gravitate to the kitchen making it the most popular room in the house!

5. Intelligent Storage – Squeeze every last inch of useable storage space out of your kitchen by incorporating pull-outs and corner storage solutions. Magic Corners are ideal for storing large items such as pots and pans and maximise the useable space in a corner cupboard, whereas a pull out larder allows you o easily see and access everything within a tall cupboard, meaning that there is no need o grope around at the back of a cupboard trying to find that elusive item!
www.xn--kessebhmer-jcb.com

6. Fabrics – Soften and style your kitchen with decorative window treatments and upholstered seating. Introducing some gorgeous fabrics into the kitchen will pull the scheme together and should not be overlooked. As long as your window is not next to the cooking area then there is no need to assume that the kitchen blind should be purely functional. There is such a wide range of fabrics available that there will be something to suit every style and budget. The kitchen window treatment should be seem as the finishing detail; the icing on the cake!
www.designercurtains.uk.com



7. Stylish yet efficient appliances – choose energy efficient appliances which will save you money in the long run, but fear not, this doesn’t mean that you have to compromise on appearance. Choose appliances from the same range to give a sleek and stylish look to your kitchen. Make a feature out of your appliances by having a bank of tall units which house you ovens, microwave and coffee machine. Use warming drawers underneath appliances to balance the space and create a streamlined, linear finish.



8. Worktops – Choose quartz as a modern alternative to granite. Quartz is more scratch resistant, stain resistant, and wear resistant than natural granite, and is available in a wide choice of colours.
www.caesarstone.uk.com




9. Flooring – Porcelain floor tiles in large formats are stylish and maintenance free, whereas natural stone requires maintenance to keep I looking at is best.

10. Gadgets – Pop up sockets, which work fantastically on an island and when not in use can be hidden away, integrated waste sorters for all your waste and recycling needs, boiling water taps so that there is no need for a kettle, and taps with pull out nozzles for easy cleaning - the list is endless!

For a stylish, yet effective kitchen, clever planning is the key, as a practical working layout is the fundament of good kitchen design. The layout should be designed to reflect your individual needs and requirements and Concept Interiors will work with you to design, supply and install the kitchen of your dreams!
www.concept-interior.co.uk

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