Page 91 - OX_May_2014.indd
Basic HTML Version
H
91
HOMES
Amanda Hanley
can’t keep an eye on the stove – so consider
creating a freestanding island in parallel with
a longer run of units for maximum efficiency.
Islands are no longer a novelty now, but
seen as an essential. They are today’s
kitchen table, creating extra work surfaces,
storage and a spot for casual dining, as well
as maximising the available floor space and
creating ‘flow’ and focus in larger spaces.
You should also consider installing a smaller
secondary prep sink or a pot-filling tap near
your hob or range – it might sound like a
luxury, but for a keen cook (or a busy one),
it’s invaluable, and saves you crossing the
kitchen to fill and carry heavy pots. Other
space-saving devices to consider include
drawer-style dishwashers, ovens with
retractable doors and deep drawers with pre-
installed plate racks.
TAME YOUR KITCHEN CLUTTER
Nothing kills the feeling of space faster than
too many wall units: make sure your kit is
well-organised and your utensils have a
considered home – then your kitchen clutter
will be a thing of the past.
Opt for low-level drawer units specially
designed to take plates, pans and utensils;
and if you’ve a free wall, install floor-to-
ceiling pantry-style units for dry goods,
smaller appliances and that flatware or
baking equipment you rarely use. Bespoke
cabinetry and storage solutions can tame
the counter-top clutter, but you’ll still want a
knife-block and a few key tools close to hand.
A few shallow, open-fronted shelves can be
an attractive way to store – and access –
the day-to-day essentials or a few beloved
display items.
LIGHT UP THE ACTION
Clever kitchen lighting can hide all sorts of
shortcomings, making small rooms appear
larger, covering awkward architecture and
unhelpful nooks and crannies or making up
for poor natural light.
Light installation needs careful planning(and,
of course, great design) but setting the mood
for cooking, eating and entertaining can
transform the ordinary into the spectacular.
Galley kitchens are best lit with a strip of
spotlights, enabling you to focus on prep
areas. Ensure none of the key worktops is
overshadowed: an extra wall light here or
there can help.
LEDs and wireless systems are perfect for
illuminating dingy niches or drawing focus
to design details; and some eye-catching
pendant lights can transform the table in
an open-plan kitchen diner. Just make sure
they’re not too low, or you won’t be able to
see your guests.
AND FINALLY…
•
You can never have enough sockets – think
about where you do what, and when: make
sure you have enough electrical outlets to run
all your appliances as well as your toaster,
kettle, microwave, mixer, blender, coffee
machine and more…
•
Don’t waste deep corner units – a built-in
carousel is invaluable for accessing those
dark cupboard recesses (though a really
great kitchen layout will avoid this problem in
the first place).
•
Consider the noise factor – if your washing
machine and dishwasher are constantly
running, it’s worth splashing out on the
quietest model you can afford. The materials
and finish of your kitchen can be crucial: a lot
of highly polished surfaces and minimal lines
will reflect sound as well as light.
•
Use grey as a theme colour – this strong
modern neutral works particularly well in
kitchens, especially if you choose natural
products for worktops and floorings. You
can use accent colours or textures to add
personality and interest.
•
Ask the professionals – Remember, kitchen
design is one thing; professional measuring,
fitting and coordination of the trades required
is the essential extra factor for getting
everything spot-on.
ABOUT AMANDA
An Oxfordshire-based interior designer
with 30 years’ experience and an excellent
team of craftsmen, builders and suppliers,
Amanda Hanley has created bespoke
kitchens for high-end clients from the
Cotswolds to London. Born and trained
in London, Amanda ran a property-
development company before moving to
Fulbrook, from where she now runs the
Amanda Hanley by Design Studio
(01993 822385;
Less is definitely more when it comes to kitchen design.
