Kitchen

1. Multi-tasking furniture

Opt for built-in banquette seating to house a range of deep drawers and practical pull-out baskets. For similar benches, try a selection, Wayfair. Baskets, from £38 each, Neptune

2. Peg rack to hang kitchenalia

Save critical drawer space by hanging up essential utensils. For a similar rack, try the reclaimed rack, £129, Seagirl and Magpie range, Notonthehighstreet.com

3. Freestanding shelving units

Open shelving are also great storage saviours if you lack cupboard space. Open shelving can look messy, so add trugs, boxes and containers to keep your kitchenalia in check. Shelving, £39.99, Homebase.
Painted crates, £30 for two, Next. Apple crates, £19 each; zinc bucket, £21;
all The Orchard Home and Gifts range, Notonthehighstreet.com

4. Open view wall of shelves
   

Capacious open shelves are a modern alternative to a bulky kitchen dresser – make a style statement by painting them in a dark, striking colour

For a similar paint, try the Pitch Blue Estate Emulsion, £39.50 for 2.5ltr, Farrow & Ball

5. Island unit ledges

Swap deep or cluttered cupboards for in-built island ledges to give your favourite china a place to stand out

6. Slide and hide storage

Whether you want to show off antique buys or shut away clutter, who wouldn’t want this catch-all cupboard with sliding doors? Even shallow shelves can hold plenty when they span a wide wall area

7. Wheel this portable island in when you need an extra prep surface
   
   

Pack bulky jars and bottles into a sturdy wooden apple crate

1. Add a pop of black

Update an all white kitchen with a monochrome scheme. This timeless duo of black and white doesn’t have to belong to a modern space alone; it’s just as much at home in a classic or country kitchen. Matt black finishes rather than anything too glossy works with this look, so go for ceramics with an artisan feel, traditional spindle-back chairs or a simple pendant light.

Blind fabric, Summer Strawberries, £49 per m, Vintage Prints collection, Sanderson at Jane Clayton

Add a vibrant splash of colour with your window treatments. Go for a country look with a vintage style print or add some fresh Scandi tones of blue and yellow. Pick out the accent colours in the fabric for kitchen accessories and ceramics.

 3. Add bright units

More suited to a modern kitchen; a section of bright, gloss units in the mix of all white adds an unexpected blast of colour. Try bold, primary colours for a contemporay finish and striking contrast against existing white units.
 4. Use natural tones

Fresh green plants and herbs bring to life an all white scheme. Furniture, accessories and lighting in either dark wood for a rustic or country finish; or pale, blonde wood for a sleeker, Scandi style warm up a cool, white kitchen.
 5. Invest in colourful appliances

With appliances being such a big investment, you want to be sure you love the coloured appliance you choose, but don’t let that put you off! For a country style, pastel tones are perfect for a subtle injection of colour; go with bold brights for a contemporary or retro style kitchen and strong heritage tones for a traditional kitchen.
 6. Mix and match chairs

Whether you like eclectic, painted wooden chairs; colourful industrial metal chairs or bright designer-style seats, this idea works for any style of kitchen and with a blank white canvas you can go for a whole array of colours.

A kitchen is a considerable investment, so be sure to pick a timeless design that will last. Here are 10 looks that boast both style and staying power

1.Rocking rustic

Reusing or upcycling wood to create an individual yet timeless kitchen is a simple way of bringing your scheme to life, giving it an instant rich history and character. It also bestows a distinct design advantage, adding depth and variety to cabinetry and so avoiding that uniform feel. Keep the look fresh by combining rustic doors with honed worktops in a warm shade of slate grey – a welcome departure from the usual glossy pale stones or matching country-style timbers.

2. White update

The white kitchen is set to stay, but it’s moved on since the days of swathes of clinical alabaster. While it’s still clean, crisp and ideal for creating an open, airy feel, combining white cabinetry with natural materials, such as raw timber and stone, helps to give a more personalised look. Continue the mix of materials on to the floor, eschewing conventional porcelain tiles for a more distinctive alternative, such as polished poured concrete or tactile resin.

3. Industrial vibe

Finishing
touches affect the overall beauty of a design, with the smallest
elements setting the style of the kitchen. Unusual metals, such as
brass, copper and pewter, and utilitarian materials, such as poured
concrete, tap into the trend for muted colour palettes, as well as
providing a layer of texture in even the sleekest of schemes. Part of
the appeal of natural materials is their imperfections, so rather than
hide their flaws, make the material the focal point of your design for a
bold statement.

4. Shaker style

Reusing or upcycling wood to create an individual yet timeless kitchen is a simple way of bringing your scheme to life, giving it an instant rich history and character. It also bestows a distinct design advantage, adding depth and variety to cabinetry and so avoiding that uniform feel. Keep the look fresh by combining rustic doors with honed worktops in a warm shade of slate grey – a welcome departure from the usual glossy pale stones or matching country-style timbers. This kitchen is DeVOL.

5. Marble luxe

Including mottled or richly veined natural stone in your kitchen ensures that not only will your design be unique, but it’ll have a beautiful, tactile quality that brings contrast and timeless style. ‘Once marble is quarried, the same piece will never be found again,’ explains Sam Hart, a designer at Roundhouse. ‘When you find a slab that’s stunning, the cabinets need to be understated to let the stone do the talking. Marble needs no competition, requiring a simple, pared-back design in a neutral tone.’ This kitchen is by Roundhouse.

6. Warm wood

While
timber is a kitchen staple, it’s only recently that it’s thrown off its
traditional overtones. Reinterpreted as a modern material and stained,
smoked or sawn to showcase the grain, oak is a versatile choice for a
contemporary design and blends beautifully with soft-touch lacquers and
matt finishes. While straight runs of oak boards bring warmth and
texture, they’re more impactful (and more sustainable) when combined
with character oak, an intertwined mixture of knots, fissures and
striations. Use door cladding horizontally to give the impression of
width to a room or vertically to add height.

7. Handleless chic

Multiple knobs and bars can make even the sleekest modern kitchen appear cluttered. Opt for discreet finger pulls instead and recess large banks of cabinetry into the wall to reduce their bulk. ‘This streamlined look is ideal for open-plan kitchens,’ says Jamee Kong of DesignSpace London. ‘It allows a smooth transition into the dining-living space as handle details can “interfere” with the style of other furniture in the same area.’ This kitchen is by DesignSpace London.

8. Freestanding style

Unfitted kitchens are the ultimate in informal design, offering the flexibility to adapt the layout as your needs change, add storage or combine different styles for a more eclectic look. ‘Choosing a freestanding kitchen is a great opportunity to showcase materials you would not necessarily use in a modern environment,’ says Keith Turner, associate director design and technical at Pedini London. ‘There can also be greater variety in the layout as the kitchen can be pushed into areas outside the working space, such as a dining or family room, maintaining a relationship with both.’ This kitchen is by Retrouvius.

9. Open approach

Storage in a kitchen is key, but giving acres of wall space over to cupboards and tall furniture can make even a large room feel oppressive. Whether installed from floor to ceiling or in place of wall units above worktops, open shelving creates an opportunity to personalise your space, with displays of treasured dishes or cookery books alongside everyday crockery. Floating shelves give a crisper look, but may need reinforcement for heavy items, while robust brackets can be turned into a feature with antique detailing and aged finishes.

10. Hidden beauty

perfect partner for a combined living space, ‘hidden’ kitchens are the
ultimate in minimalist design, concealing appliances and cabinetry with
sliding or pocket doors. Make the luxe look work by using materials,
finishes and styling that blend well with existing furniture. Neutral
shades, such as grey or taupe, and natural wood finishes are ideal and
can be colour-matched for a cohesive scheme. It’s important the kitchen
is still easy to use, so if full-height doors don’t appeal, try sliding
panels behind a hob to conceal spices or recessed channels at the back
of worktops to hold utensils. This kitchen is by SieMatic.

1. Turn pans into a wall display
   Copper triple-ply saucepans with lids, from £55 for a 16cm saucepan, J by Jasper Conran range, Debenhams

Free up cupboard space and create an interesting feature by hanging saucepans from a length of copper pipe. Support each end with sturdy brackets and use S-hooks to hang up the pans.

2. Cheat an island

Having a smaller kitchen doesn’t mean that an island is out of the question. Make a compromise on size and opt for a butcher’s block instead – it’ll take up far less floor space but you’ll gain an extra prep area.

3. Incorporate open storage

Long rows of open shelving along one wall will create space for a decorative display. Avoid the temptation to overfill shelves with all your tableware and take a less-is-more approach instead by editing the display down to a selection of pieces in one colour.

On a practical level, it’s wise to edit your pick down to those items you use more frequently, so they’ll get washed regularly and won’t sit on the shelves just gathering dust.

Treat walls and shelves as one, and paint both in the same shade for a dramatic backdrop.

4. Make utility beautiful

Falsterbo wall rail with hooks, £15, Ikea. For similar brushes, try the Iris Hantverk range at John Lewis

Instead of hiding cleaning kit away in a cupboard, invest in some well-made, traditional utilityware, such as vintage wooden brooms, bristle brushes and antique linen, then hang it on a peg rail out on display.

5. Create a cubby for a washing up kit

If you’re planning a kitchen refit, factor in extra display surfaces. A niche above the sink or hob makes the ideal spot for storing washing-up kit or cooking oils, and will be an easy ask of your builder before tiles, worktops and finishing touches go in.

6. Add a hint of vintage style

Bring personality to a practical space with characterful reclaimed pieces, from a factory-style metal shelving unit and industrial lighting to salvaged floorboards and reclaimed bricks. The utility style shelves free up cupboard space whilst acting as an easy access point for everyday pieces.

7. Go two tier with wall units

Standard wall cabinets often fall short of the ceiling and leave wasted space above that becomes a dust trap. Utilise every inch of space by taking wall cabinets all the way up to the ceiling, either with extra-tall cupboards or, if your kitchen ceiling is very high, by fitting two tiers of wall units.

8. Display tableware in box shelves

Work extra storage into your scheme with apple crates and box shelves. You could put a wasted gap between units to good use or go full-on with a storage wall of miniature boxes – position display boxes in a staggered arrangement with the odd one here and there fixed ‘box upwards’ instead of outwards to add variation.

There seems to be a kitchen gadget for every occasion but which ones do you really need? See our pick of seven kitchen accessories that will make your life easier.
We’ve all got weird and wonderful kitchen accessories knocking around in our cupboards but what ones are actually useful? Take a look at these fab products that will make your life easier!

Thermospatular, £14.97, Lakeland
This ingenious spatular is a must for every kitchen. The built in thermometer means it’s perfect for baking or when making chocolate based products. Also, the thermometer can easily be removed so you can use it to check the temperature of the meat while you’re cooking a roast so it’s perfect every time!

Poppy silicone lid, £7.50, The Good Cook Shop
These clever lids can be used for a multitued of jobs. Whether it’s keeping food fresh in the fridge or stopping food splattering all over the microwave.
The Fowndry

The ultimate pan to make the breakfast of champions! With individual compartments for each element of your breakfast this quirky piece of kitchen kit will save you lots of time when it comes to washing up!

The Fowndry
The ultimate pan to make the breakfast of champions! With individual compartments for each element of your breakfast this quirky piece of kitchen kit will save you lots of time when it comes to washing up!

Most people have one of these gathering dust in a their kitchen but you can use them to make a number of tasty meals from scratch. Have a go at making your own pesto or get creative and make your favourite curry paste.

Warm and welcoming rustic style to inspire your country scheme

Cream and red is a classic country colour palette. In this sun-filled kitchen, the red strikes a bold note in the form of a painted door and dining chairs – matching beams also offer rustic hanging space. Plain white units provide a cool contrast, while country gingham roller blinds and wooden countertops introduce warmth and cosiness into the room.

Set within an alcove chimneybreast, a classic range cooker becomes a charming focal point –
and doubles up as a warm spot to dry clothes from a traditional ceiling airer! Original features such as wooden beams and stone walling add rustic character, complimented by a country-style dresser and matching island. Both provide plenty of open and closed storage space for pretty crockery and jars, as well as practical cookware.
An open plan layout and fresh white colour scheme create an inviting atmosphere in this kitchen-cum-dining room. Whitewashed furniture and brushed silver accessories create an elegant atmosphere, inspired by French chic. Quirky appeal comes from a mix of antique seating styles, tied together by a large English oak dining table.

A mixture of old and new, retro kitchen gadgets and a classic Everhot cooker sit in harmony with modern accessories for a contemporary take on traditional farmhouse style. Personality shines through with the addition of cute animal prints and open shelves show off stacked cookery books and vintage glassware.
Pared-back, shaker-style units are the perfect choice for a farmhouse kitchen; pale grey provides a neutral backdrop, meaning you can have fun with fabrics and colours! Mix up patterns for a beautifully eclectic look but do pick one dominant hue, such as shades of red here, so that the look isn’t too chaotic. Fresh flowers bring the outdoors in and make the room feel homely
No country kitchen would be complete without a spacious larder for all your dry staples. This reclaimed wooden cupboard has been sympathetically upcycled using soft pink chalk paint, in keeping with the room’s French farmhouse feel. Choose a limestone floor in a complimenting neutral shade for a cohesive look.

Turn your kitchen into a cosy space to gather with a relaxed dining space. Chintzy floral fabrics can be given a modern twist when mixed with smart stripes. Keep an eye out for charming mismatched crockery at flea markets and arrange on a rustic wooden rack for a pretty yet practical display.

1. Your builders may cheat on you

Get used to it, you’re just another number in his black book. Rather like Tom cats, builders will make an initial appearance to whet your interest, shower you with attention only to disappear as soon as your back is turned, off to share their love with some other unsuspecting homeowner.They’ll leave it a few days, just till you’re about to call the whole thing off, before returning, full of remorseful apology, promising it won’t happen again. It will. You are at their mercy. Get used to it. You’ll have a lovely kitchen at the end of the day, so keep your eye on the prize and keep pushing on with the plans.

2. Microwaved pizza actually tastes okay

You better get used to it, because that plug-in reheating appliance that can be moved to the hall will be your best friend, feeding the family with jacket potatoes and ready meals for at least a fortnight. Hang on? Didn’t they promise things’d be back to normal in a week? They lied. It’ll be two, at least.

3. Hitches happen

You know that handy planning spreadsheet you set up? The one with all your dimensions, delivery times and contact numbers for all the contractors on it? Tear it up. Because whatever can wrong, will go wrong.

There’ll be a snag with the worktop. The imported taps will be stuck in customs. You’ll be delivered a cupboard short of a wall unit. Even if you aren’t, chances are the electrician won’t be able to fit the lights till the plumbers been and he’s been called out to a flooding emergency (see #1). The trick is to breathe deeply.

4. A newer model will come out six months after the job is finished

The man in the showroom assures you you’re getting the most up-to-date of everything. Yeah, right. Within weeks of you signing-off your new state-of-the-art cooking space, there’ll be new models of all your appliances. A more efficient hot-water tap, an American-style fridge freezer that talks back. Kitchens are like new cars, the minute they’re out of the traps, they start losing value. And they’re the software of the home, too – there’s always an upgrade right around the corner.

5. Bespoke beschmoke

Apparently everything’s being made to measure. Your dimensions have been taken three times, checked and triple checked. So how come there that awkward gap between the larder unit and the external wall?
No doubt something to do with your walls not being square, or room needed for expansion in the changing climate. Whatever. Get over it. It’s somewhere you can put a cookbook. (You did remember to leave somewhere for one of those, didn’t you?)

6. It may never be actually finished

Every project has a snag list, and getting that last 10 per cent done will haunt you. Once the oven’s fitted, and your water’s restored, don’t be surprised if it takes months for the builders to come back and do that final top coat, screw on the handles (or even collect their tools).
You may well end up having to do these bits yourself, out of sheer frustration. You have been warned.

• Luxury homes

The ingredients you need for a kitchen that will never go out of style

Yes, you’ve been dreaming about designing a sleek cooking space for years, but before you commit yourself to months of takeaways, there are a few things you need to think about before you get started.

Here’s how to create a timeless kitchen that will stand the test of time with these few steps.

1. Paint in neutrals

Painting kitchens in neutral hues will help them stand the test of time. That doesn’t mean you have to paint your kitchen all-white, though, you could try a light grey, and add texture and life with beautiful blooms and tiles.

2. Go for shaker cabinets

The clean-lined Shaker cabinets are a classic and will give a contemporary country look.

3. Create a classic look with marble countertops

Marble has timeless appeal. It will bring a classic touch to any décor, with the white stone making small spaces appear more open, and green shades adding freshness to homes.

 4. Opt for a Butler sink

This classic sink design will give character and a timeless elegance to kitchens.

 5. Let in the light with glass doors

Whether it’s glass cabinet doors or ones that lead out into the garden, it’s a great way to open up your kitchen and let the natural light bounce into the room.

Spend your life in the kitchen? Then you need these bad boys…

While there’s nothing better than spending a seriously productive session in the kitchen whipping up something truly fabulous that you’re proud as punch to serve up at the dinner table, cooking for yourself and your family day-in day-out can feel like you’re on a bit of a treadmill.

Luckily there is now a gadget available for pretty much every ‘I wish they would invent…’ thought you’ve ever had, and they certainly deliver. Here are a few of our favourite game-changing gadgets that need a place in your kitchen…

Speed up with perfect peeling
This nifty little number from
Joseph Joseph speeds up – and improves – your peeling prowees. The Rotary Peeler comes with three different blades – standard, serrated or juliienne – which you select by rotating the peeler’s hub until the blade you need appears.
The peeler makes light work of every fruit or vegetable on the block and comes complete with potato-eye remover. Clever, huh? Not that we’d expect nothing less than Joseph Joseph, which launched in 2003 with a range of brilliantly useful appliances to make life that little bit easier.

Spruce up your steaks

Cooking the perfect steak takes time, effort and energy. Speed up your prep (without taking away from your flavour) with the brilliantly named ‘Flavouriser’ from Joseph Joseph. You can use the all-in-one for tenderising or flattening your meat, grinding spices for rubs or juicing to make marinades.

Keep chilli at bay
 Serious flavour requires fresh pack-a-punch chillies. Cutting them is a chore and nearly ALWAYS results in chilli in eye, despite your ‘I will not get chilli in my eye’ cooking mantra.
The answer? A Chilli Mill which allows you to store and chop dried chillies ready for any dish or seasoning.

Style it our with a spiralizer
 A spiralizer is the gadget of the year – and it’s easy to see why. It whizzes veggies and raw food into thin spaghetti, ribbons, thick noodles or curly fries. Try this Spiralite Vegetable Spiralizer from Amazon.

Speed up your chopping

When you’re preparing a fest your chopping board tends to take the brunt of the prep. This Quirky Mocubo Bamboo Chopping Board with Storage Drawers lets you slice, dice and organise like the chef you know you can be.

Feed your coffee addiction with these super stylish buys

If you’re like us and you need a cup of coffee to feel human in the morning, you’ll love these fab buys. Whether you’re a hardcore coffee fanatic with the latest coffee machine or you like a freshly filtered cup of coffee over breakfast at the weekend we’ve found some of the great coffee accessories on the market.
Barista & Co milk jug in Gun Metal, £12, Amara

If you’ve got one of the latest coffee machines with a built in milk frother, make sure you kit out your kitchen with stylish coffee accessories like this fab milk jug.

Personalised message coffee stencil, £12.50, Sophia Victoria Joy at Not on the High Street

This would make the perfect stocking filler for a coffee addict. Create a personalised message for a coffee stencil and use cocoa powder or cinnamon to write a message in a loved one’s coffee!

Serve up coffee in these colourful cups. They’ll look great stacked on a worktop for a retro vibe in your kitchen.
Be on trend with this copper cafetiere. Check out the gorgeous matching accessories like the milk jug and coffee stencils.
Get your coffee fix for the morning commute and save yourself from spending money on takeway coffees with this travel cup. Available in several designs.