How to achieve your ideal kitchen
Words Virginia Bishop, designer & director, Virginia Bishop Interiors
Photography Francoise Baudet Photography
No matter the size of your kitchen, it’s the finishes you choose and the layout that best dictates how you use the space that creates true luxury.
Time Is The Ultimate Luxury
You may have the most on-trend kitchen, but if it doesn’t function well, it will never feel luxurious. Does the space work for you? Or are you working for it?
Make sure your kitchen is set up in zones for time efficiency. Cooking zone, prep zone, food storage, general storage and a cleaning zone. Locate the bin drawer right next to the sink and dishwasher so that in one motion you can wipe-rinse-stack.
You might also want to consider dishwasher drawers so that you are not constantly bending down to load and unload the dishwasher. Locate the dishwasher a pivot away from cutlery and crockery drawers to lessen the unloading time and perhaps reduce barriers to others helping with chore completion.
In the cooking zone, position the cooktop and the ovens close by so you can easily move pans off the stove and into the oven and vice versa. Ideally ovens work best at bench height or above. You could also consider brands that have non-traditional openings, such as doors that slide out of the way under the oven or open to one side for easier access.
Budget Concerns
You do not need a bottomless budget for a high-end outcome. A well-positioned original piece of art goes a long way in elevating a space and giving it the character you are hoping for.
You may already have a special piece in mind. This should be integrated into the layout at the design planning stage of your kitchen.
Original art does not need to blow the budget. Visit your local galleries to find an artist whose work you admire. Alternatively, there are affordable art fairs and online art platforms where you can find beautiful pieces.
Curves are still a leading trend, but they can be expensive. There are ways to incorporate them that won’t break the budget. Instead of a curved stone island, for example, consider a small tile or laminate on the curved vertical surfaces instead.
When it comes to finishes, the use of natural stone is an enduring luxury. However, there are some harder-wearing natural options you may wish to consider in order to better fit the budget. A granite or quartzite can be a hardier option that is also more stain- and chip-resistant.
A place for everything
Open plan is here to stay, along with the desire to “put things away”. The simple luxury of a clutter-free bench cannot be overrated. A butler’s pantry is still a much-needed zone in family homes, especially for being able to leave everyday appliances out or have the breakfast station ready to go in the early mornings.
Alternatively, pocket doors that disappear into a dedicated narrow cabinet on either side of the space allow you to open up a work area. This can be ideal for a busy family.
Measure Twice
If you are nervous about fully seeing the vision of your space, ask your designer for a three-dimensional render to “walk through” virtually. Additionally, there are suppliers that can set up a full-sized white carcass version of your new kitchen so that you can experience it in real life and interact with it to see if the new layout feels intuitive for you.
These options are all achieved before you finalise the plans, providing you with the opportunity to make changes before finishes are applied. Once the trades are on site and all your fixtures and finishes are purchased, things start getting expensive to change.
Luxury Trends To Look Out For
Thankfully there is never just one trend. This leaves room for personalising your space.
Colour is making a comeback. Nothing says luxury like colour-drenching your entire room, ceiling included, in that one bold colour you just love. Equally, the use of a kaleidoscope of bold colours being used in the one space is on the rise. Goodbye to real estate white!
This year, at the Solone design fair in Milan, there was a resurgence of stainless steel. Reflective surfaces are making a return. We saw more mixed metals used in cabinetry and rangehoods, along with the return of mirrored surfaces to reflect light and views.
Finally, with the rapid rise in AI and technology, the shift we have seen to the natural and textural is here to stay. The uniqueness of stone will be around for a long time yet. In addition, locally crafted bespoke items will always have a unique story to tell and will become the luxuries of the not-so-distant future.
Don’t Be Left In The Dark
When it comes to lighting, consider smart lighting that follows the colour temperature cycle of the day. This will further enhance natural circadian rhythms, improving sleep cycles and overall health. There are many smart home devices that fit all budgets that can help with this.
Look to incorporating a device station or drawer with a power source so that devices can be put away to charge – preferably over mealtimes so you and your family can enjoy a meal without digital distractions.
The True Luxury In Life
The kitchen is the centre of most homes and the backdrop to your life. It’s where families and friends gravitate for sustenance of the stomach and the soul. When a kitchen is designed and built well, it will be a joy for all every time it is used.
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