Kitchen Style - The Chelsea Magazine Company

Kitchen Style
A SUPPLEMENT TO
ENGLISH
HOME
The
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Island layouts • Open-plan designs • Ideas for smaller spaces
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For most homeowners, investing a large
proportion of one’s decorating and renovation
budget in a beautiful, inviting kitchen from
a quality brand is money well spent. Not only
is it the space in which we tend to spend the
most time, a well planned kitchen is also
pivotal in setting the tone, mood and practical
backdrop for the modern requirements of
home life. Today, more than ever, the kitchen
is both the hub and heart of the home. Little
wonder, then, that a recent survey* revealed
that 15.9 per cent of us place an island kitchen right at the top of the list
when seeking a new home, to act as sociable gathering space for family
and friends. Architects tell us that open-plan spaces are also enormously
popular. Our kitchen style guide seeks to offer inspiration to aid you
in honing your design aspirations to a clear vision and reducing the
significant months (even years) of research that can be spent dreaming
and planning this core room. We hope it offers plenty of food for
thought for planning and layout considerations to discuss with a
designer, to ensure you have confidence to push for the best possible
design for your lifestyle and budget.
With warmest regards,
Kerryn Harper-Cuss, Editor
CONTENTS
4 TREASURED ISLANDS From simple rustic options,
to grand units incorporating dining and preparation
areas, kitchen islands offer invaluable extra workspace.
10 HIGH SOCIETY Our curation of dining chairs and
kitchen bar stools, for the best seat in the house.
12 WIDE OPEN SPACE We explore the design aspects
required to create the perfect open-plan kitchen.
17 TABLE TALK At the heart of family meals and the
setting for dinner parties with friends, a stylish dining
table is a crucial element in any kitchen/diner.
20 COMPACT KITCHENS Smaller, narrower spaces can
be just as elegant once the right design and finishing
touches have been employed.
26 HIDDEN ASSETS From extensive larders to secret
drawers, a combination of clever kitchen storage is
available for almost every nook and cranny.
29 STYLE DIRECTORY Our comprehensive list of
companies to create the perfect stylish kitchen.
Editor Kerryn Harper-Cuss
Deputy Editor Jill Shearer
Features/Commissioning Editor Vivienne Hambly
Art Editors Jeremy Bird, Claire Hicks
Sub Editor Angharad Moran
Staff Writer/Digital Coordinator Katy Mclean
Staff Writer Suzanna Ball
*STRUTT & PARKER HOUSING FUTURES SURVEY, SPRING 2015
EDITOR’S LETTER
The Charles Yorke
Porto range draws on
the simplicity of the
Shaker style.The
furniture shown here
is in a painted Pale
Mortlake finish with
accents of American
Black Walnut and
quarter cut Walnut
veneer. Prices start
from £20,000.
TREASURED
ISLANDS
Unless a kitchen is particularly
starved of space, many modern
homeowners see an island unit as
an essential requirement of
a brand new layout
F
lick through any kitchen design brochure
and the popularity of the ‘island unit’ is
immediately apparent. The concept of
a centralised unit that can work as a
multi-functional work zone, breakfast bar, and even an
entertaining area has become a hugely desirable one.
This is no great surprise given the opportunities it
affords for creating an attractive focal point, as well as
offering a highly versatile and practical fitting. Quality
kitchen brands can create completely bespoke islands,
which, as well as functioning as a food-prep and
cooking zone, can incorporate neat storage, hidden
appliances, open shelving for cookbooks and even
the kitchen bin. What particularly appeals to many is
the ability to prepare food whilst facing into the room
and converse with guests, rather than face a wall.
ERGONOMICS
Island units can be free-standing or fully fitted; they
can be rectangular, square, circular or organically
irregular in shape. An island might be free-standing
– from a large butchers block to a sophisticated
large-scale table with additional storage attributes
(like the much-admired island table in Mrs Patmore’s
kitchen in Downton Abbey). Or – with the help of
a bespoke cabinetmaker – an island can serve as a
fully-fitted cupboard-clad centrepiece, complete with
dining-table extension. The only limitation is space.
Many kitchen designers recommend allowing a
walkway of at least one metre wide on all sides of the
island – often more. This is to ensure that two users
can operate in the same space without conflict, and
that cupboard doors, drawers and appliances have
ample opening room. On a larger island it might also
THE ENGLISH HOME 5
be wise to consider curved ends for ease of flow
around the room – this can also create an appealing
visual flow of design lines.
Jasper Middleton, director of Middleton Bespoke,
advises that any island smaller than 450mm x 950mm
would be too small to be practical, and suggests that
the ideal size would be 650mm x 1000mm, to provide
not just a useful work surface, but to accommodate
a drawer in the side and pan storage below, too.
“However, 700mm x 1400mm works well in a bigger
kitchen,” says Middleton.
If your aim is a kitchen layout that features wall-toceiling cupboards at the perimeter upon one or two
walls – to function primarily as storage – leaving the
island as the only worktop space, it will, of course,
need to be large-scale to serve a multi-functional
cooking, dishwashing, and food preparation role.
ADDITIONAL ATTRIBUTES
For larger kitchens, a hard-working multi-functional
island can be designed to incorporate integrated
appliances, such as a built-under oven, microwave,
hob, fridge, or wine cabinet. It can also accommodate
a dishwasher or second sink and boiling-water tap –
although bear in mind that anything requiring water
circulation may mean greater disruption in preparing
the room design whilst a solid floor is dug up to
accommodate plumbing fed from the outer wall
to the centre of the room. If the island is to be the
primary food preparation area, it can also be useful to
incorporate an under-mounted bin with a neat lift-out
lid in the worktop for easy disposal of peelings and so
forth, without having to traverse the kitchen.
Richard Moore, design director at Martin Moore
reveals a growing trend for incorporating an induction
hob. “They offer a faster and more energy-efficient
method of cooking with instant control.” Induction
is also a consideration for the family home with young
children in the home, as it is the pan that heats up
and not the hob, which can make it a safer option.”
Ask your designer about a downdraft extractor,
too – these can be built-in to the worktop directly
next to a hob, and offer an easy pop-up option. Lizzie
Hagon, designer at Harvey Jones explains, “During
cooking, the extractor will rise and also acts as a
splashback, creating a safe cooking space.” It also,
of course, reduces cooking smells. 
ABOVE RIGHT A raised level provides additional seating at
this kitchen island by Rencraft. Prices start from £18,000.
RIGHT This Lansdown kitchen design by Stephen Graver
incorporates both convex and concave cupboards on the
island to soften the visual outline of the space. Kitchens
from £40,000 (excluding appliances).
6 THE ENGLISH HOME
CLOCKWISE FROM
ABOVE Teddy
Edwards’ Brooklands
range in British Racing
Green. Prices start
from £50,000.
This country-style
kitchen has a simple,
classic appeal and is
available in 21 colours.
Ashton kitchen,
from £15,000,
Crown Imperial.
Even the most rustic
and simplest of islands
can offer invaluable
workspace. Middleton
Bespoke kitchen,
from £25,000
(excluding appliances).
A circular island
creates softer flow
around a kitchen.
Here, a 100mm
butchers-block work
surface is particularly
practical. Christopher
Peters kitchens,
from £30,000.
A coloured island
gives extra focus with
pendant lighting. John
Lewis of Hungerford
Artisan kitchen,
from £20,000.
THE ENGLISH HOME 7
INSPIRATIONAL STYLE
The look and design of an island unit should
maximise its impact as the centrepiece of the room.
This might be achieved by opting for a bold paint
finish where other units are wooden, or using a
contrasting shade where all units are painted. It might
also be achieved by using a dramatic textural contrast
of materials – particularly with a change of worktop
material: wood, for example, in a kitchen with mostly
granite or marble worktops. Oak worktops remain an
enduringly popular choice for an island – although
maintenance must be considered with need for regular
oiling to safeguard against watermarks and stains.
In terms of height, if an island is to be a work zone
only then will it make sense to keep the height
concurrent with other worktops in the kitchen,
for ease of movement between a hob on the island
to a sink on another run of units, for example.
A breakfast bar might be slightly higher and even
stepped-out from the work zone if bar stools are to be
tucked underneath. A dining area might be a round
extension with a pedestal leg that runs on at the same
level, or it could be designed as a slightly lower pod, to
work as a bespoke unit with built-in banquette seating,
straight or curved, backing onto the main island itself.
ARCHIPELAGO ASPIRATIONS
In the most luxurious kitchens, bespoke kitchen
manufacturers are taking the island unit to its fullest
potential by offering not just one island in a kitchen
layout but several. The Brasserie kitchen by Smallbone
of Devizes, for example, is based on the concept of
multiple work stations – an archipelago of kitchen
islands – each designed for a different function: from
food prep on one, to a sink area on another, to
teppanyaki and griddle plate on yet another. The
concept sprung from a recognition of a more modern
way of cooking, in which two or more keen domestic
cooks enjoy the ritual of cooking together, often with
guests looking on or even helping out for an altogether
more relaxed, sociable experience. n
RIGHT The seven-metre-long island in this kitchen takes
centre stage, offering a range of entertainment
opportunities for the large family living in this Victorian villa.
This kitchen was designed to be both accessible and highly
functional. Project by Cochrane Designs.
8 THE ENGLISH HOME
A large island unit can hold
a small additional prep sink.
Olympus tap, £188, Franke,
in a kitchen by Rencraft.
Worktop considerations
–
TOP Here, Julia
Brown of Mowlem &
Co created a highly
personalised kitchen/
living design based
on ‘sociability’.
ABOVE RIGHT
Inspired by 18th and
19th-century English
country furniture,
Chalon’s kitchens
have a distinctive
distressed finish.
Prices from £25,000.
ABOVE LEFT Martin
Moore’s English
collection, with oak
island. Worktops are
in Caesarstone. Prices
start from £35,000.
From natural wood and stone to all
manner of manmade surfaces, the
materials used for worktops can have a
huge impact on the final look and finish
of a kitchen, as well as the everyday
practical considerations.
Wood countertops create a warm,
country aesthetic, with options available
in oak, maple, walnut and cherry.
English ash and beech are also used, but
these are less popular and there are fewer
managed forests offering sustainable
resources. If using wood, an initial,
thorough oil treatment will need to
be followed up with an annual oiling,
to preserve the wood and keep it looking
at its best. Due to the maintenance
involved, it may be preferable to restrict
the use of wood to areas that will not
see too much heavy use, to keep marks
and scratches to a minimum.
Natural stone, such as slate, limestone,
granite and marble are also popular
choices, and are especially useful for keen
bakers, as a cold surface provides ideal
conditions for making pastry. Marble
is particularly good for this, but if other
options are preferable, it is possible to
simply install a small section of marble
within a chosen worktop for pastry
work. Stone surfaces also allow for
general food preparations to take place
directly on the worktop, but be sure to
regularly wipe surfaces with antibacterial
spray as well as a protective product, such
as Lithofin Stainstop, which will benefit
surfaces regardless of their finish, be it
polished, honed, sanded or brushed.
For particularly hardwearing worktops,
choose those of a volcanic nature, such
as basalt and granite. As stone hardens
over time, the older the material, the
more robust it will be.
Whilst the most expensive stone
worktops are often those with unusual
veining, engineered-stone options –
containing a mix of stone (often quartz)
and resin – allow for the development
of colours that would not normally be
found within natural stone. Manmade
composites, such as Corian, are created
with acrylic resin as well as natural
minerals. This can also be tinted with
various pigments. Corian can also be
moulded or carved with great ease, so
the ability to create matching sinks and
splashbacks, for seamless designs, is
an additional benefit.
Tiles also allow for myriad colours,
and patterns, to be used. Although
selecting those in classic, neutral shades
means they are less likely to date, and
therefore avoids the need to regularly
update interiors as tastes change.
Whatever pattern or colour is desired,
ensure to select those specifically created
for kitchen use, as these will be less prone
to chipping than other handmade tiles.
THE ENGLISH HOME 9
Montague bar stool,
£220, Neptune
Ercol Originals
bar stool, £205,
Houseology
HIGH SOCIETY
The Yacht bar stool, from
£8,300, Soane
It can be lovely to invite guests to draw up a chair and chat
whilst making last-minute preparations for a dinner, so smart
and comfortable seating is essential. The wrong bar stool can
be an eyesore if not sympathetic to the aesthetic of the room.
Practical application is essential, so check that the footrest
and backrest are suited to the heights of users. Will an
upholstered option cope with the rigours of children and
pets? And, crucially, is the chosen design height-compatible
with, and able to tuck neatly underneath, the breakfast bar?
Kartell Masters
stool, £243,
Houseology
Gabrielle bar stool, £604,
Dining Chair Company
Suffolk bar stool, limestone,
£275, Neptune
‘Y’ bar stool in steam-bent
oak, £775, Makers’ Eye
High stool in
lacquered steel,
£181, Tolix at
Connections
at Home
Bembridge bar
stool in rattan/
teak, £145,
Garden Trading
10 THE ENGLISH HOME
Kingsley bar stool, £2,225,
plus 3m of fabric, and £120
for close nailing, Beaumont
& Fletcher
THE WHITE
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WIDE OPEN SPACE
Open-plan kitchens can create a wonderfully accessible hub within a home,
but careful consideration needs to be taken to achieve the desired effect
of spacious, good flow on a still intimate domestic level
This inviting open-plan
kitchen, dining and
sitting space, created by
Middleton Bespoke,
transformed the interior
of the period property.
Interior design by
Pepperbox Interiors.
12 THE ENGLISH HOME
FOR WHERE TO BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOK
T
he way we choose to live today naturally has
a huge impact upon the way the layouts of
our homes are designed. Whilst bathrooms
are increasingly designed as cosseting personal
sanctuaries, kitchens are also less utilitarian and more
relaxed as we seek for them to act as an important sociable
gathering point for friends and family.
The once compartmentalised domain of the family
cook is now often opened up by physically knocking down
walls to create flow and connection with other reception
rooms, or by extending into a conservatory or orangery
to create one light-filled space that effortlessly combines
living, dining and cooking areas. When taken to the
fullest conclusion, the new space may also be linked
directly to the garden by the means of modern banks
of folding, stacking glass doors. When open during the
summer months, this removes any physical barrier
between indoors and outdoors for truly open-plan living.
Achieving successful flow when knocking several rooms
into one, or by extending the property footprint, almost
certainly requires specialist help from an architect, as well
as planning permission. In addition, it is vital
to work with a sympathetic and knowledgeable kitchen
designer who understands the importance of using
subtle zoning to create a layout that functions effectively
and still offers clearly defined areas for cooking,
dining and relaxing.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
When it comes to design, it is important to create visual
coherence within the entire space, but without it
appearing bland. Traditional timber and hand-painted
finishes lend a relaxed air, but one of the most common
mistakes for the non-professional is to opt for an overly
uniform, single colour palette throughout. Designers
know the importance of allying core materials and colours
but then introducing textural contrasts and accent hues.
Flooring needs considerable thought, too, as it must
provide a hard, non-slip surface in the kitchen area or in
zones that connect directly to a garden. Tough, engineered
timber or hardwood has warmth of hue, whilst stone is
extremely durable and can make a lovely visual connection
with a garden if choosing a variety that can be used both
indoors and out. Experts advise that stone is not
automatically cold, and it will sit at the ambient room
temperature. However, underfloor heating will make
the need for it even more desirable and, additionally, 
FOR WHERE TO BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOK
THE ENGLISH HOME 13
avoids an overwhelming number of radiators being
necessary in a large open-plan space. Ceramics and
porcelain are also smart, and can be the less expensive
option of these classic contenders.
STORAGE OPTIONS
Good storage is fundamental to avoid ingress of
clutter. A single wall of seamless cupboards can be
a significant benefit, keeping the majority of storage
primarily in one area. However, avoid the temptation
to fit vast banks of floor-to-ceiling cabinetry on
multiple walls, as the end result is at odds with both
country and classical English interiors, and can feel
rather soulless. Consider, instead, a mix of fixed and
free-standing pieces to achieve a more casual and
inviting mood, and use the free-standing pieces to
punctuate the space. Also contemplate the possibility
of creating a walk-in pantry. This is best situated on
an exterior wall, to offer a generous, cool and dry
environment for storing provisions. It may also be
possible to repurpose an existing cupboard or
redundant back hallway for the pantry. It is also
worth incorporating open shelves if taste is not for
the traditional dresser. Shelving allows an area
for displaying attractive china and shapely artisan
pieces to provide personality and create a focal point.
LIGHTING THE WAY
Multi-functional spaces require the most versatile and
fully-considered lighting plans to allow the mood 
14 THE ENGLISH HOME
ABOVE This kitchen
was part of a large
house design project
conducted by
Yiangou architects.
LEFT Here, Lewis
Alderson & Co
incorporates
Edwardian-style
bespoke units, and
polished River Valley
Granite worktops.
Kitchens from
£30,000.
OPPOSITE FROM TOP
The island within this
kitchen by Tim Moss
enhances the social
side of cooking and
eating. Prices start
from £40,000.
Farrow & Ball’s Eating
Room Red adds a
splash of colour.
Worktops in granite
and oiled maple.
Thomas and Thomas
kitchens, from
£35,000.
to be adapted as the primary use of the room changes
from cooking to entertaining to relaxing. A lighting
specialist, such as John Cullen Lighting, can advise
upon the importance of creating lighting zones on
different circuits, which can be turned on and off and
dimmed independently. Spotlights have their uses, but
a large area of ceiling peppered with lights – even
discreetly recessed ones – can be a visual distraction.
Consider using concealed lighting, fitted beneath wall
cupboards, to throw light onto work areas, as well as
a row of attractive, yet functional, height-variable
pendant lights to illuminate a kitchen island.
Concealed lights can also backlight attractive shelving
displays so that, when the cooking is finished, the
kitchen remains subtly lit rather than becoming a dark
space when activity moves to the sitting areas.
Blind in
Matilda
fabric, £62
a metre,
Kate
Forman
16 THE ENGLISH HOME
ABOVE Each base unit
in this Rencraft
kitchen is painted
off-white, paired with
a dark-black
Caesarstone quartz
worktop, whilst the
island unit is made
from European oak.
The worktop on the
island is lighter with a
quartz marble top.
Kitchen furniture
starts from £18,000.
RIGHT The Nickleby
kitchen range by
Humphrey Munson
features pleasing lines
and accent units in
natural wood. Prices
start from £30,000.
FINAL FLOURISHES
Once the essential
components are in place
– in terms of kitchen units,
appliances, storage and
larger items of furniture for
dining and seating areas –
the wise decorator will look
to add further layers with
accessories, rugs and
artwork, to add softness
and informality in the way
one might in a more
traditional reception room.
Rugs are helpful to bring
focus to seating areas, or
beneath the kitchen table,
but should always be held
in place with a non-slip
underlay for safety.
Machine-washable
curtaining, stain-resistant
material for upholstery,
and loose dining-chair
covers will repay the
forethought, particularly
in a busy family home.
As in other reception
rooms, adding a few
characterful pieces will
make the room feel at its
most inviting, but try to
limit this to one or two
favourite pieces, so as to
make a statement rather
than simply adding too
much visual clutter.
PHOTOGRAPHS P12 MIDDLETON BESPOKE/PEPPERBOX INTERIORS
HIDDEN ASSETS
Reducing the number and impact of functional items
on view will help reduce the practical focus of the
room. Concealed or built-in appliances, such as fridges
and dishwashers, cost more but are worth the
investment, as they become barely discernible in the
overall scheme. A halogen hob sits almost flush with
a worktop, so creates the most streamlined impression
in an island unit. Under-mounted sinks are another
useful aid, as they hang beneath a worktop so as not to
interrupt the visual flow. Alternatively, if considering a
man-made composite worktop, look to a quality brand
that can be moulded to include a sink as part of the
finished seamless work surface. Pop-up plug sockets
can also be concealed within the worktops.
A powerful extractor is also vital to eliminate odours
and steam, although do look to decibel ratings to avoid
significant impact upon conversation. Elica and Best
offer decorative hanging extraction, discreet pop-up
downdrafts or ceiling-mounted models. n
Pinner dining
table, £1,195;
Pinner bench,
£495; pair of
Pinner chairs,
£395, all Heal’s
Chelsea solid oak dining
table, made to order,
from £2,403, Berry Design
TABLE TALK
Open plan kitchen/dining rooms echo the move we see on
cookery programmes towards less formal menus and less
formal entertaining, but a stylish, well proportioned table is
still important for adding a sense of occasion to gatherings
with friends as well as a setting for family breakfasts. Round
tables set a convivial mood but offer less space for serving
plates. Rectangular tables might fit more easily in a layout for
good flow near an island unit or in a conservatory extension.
Large zinc-topped
table, £1,200,
Graham & Green
Epoch Eiffel table, £1,000,
Anthropologie
English refectory table, bleached oak
finish, £5,650, Ralph Lauren Home
Kent table, from
£3,248, Julian
Chichester
Longbourn
dining table,
£5,845,
I & JL Brown
Karlstad mango-wood
dining table, £1,185, Oka
THE ENGLISH HOME 17
Lovingly hand crafted, and carefully made to measure. Our understanding of wood and stone flooring runs deep.
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COMPACT
KITCHENS
Small can be beautiful with well
considered storage and an eye to
space-enhancing style choices
F
rom an elegantly compact townhouse apartment
to the sweetest cottage, careful kitchen planning
in homes where space is limited is as, if not
more, important to get right, to achieve a stylish
and fully functional space. But as anyone who has ever
used a well-designed galley or narrow U-shape kitchen will
tell you, these can be the most efficient working kitchens
of all. With less distance between appliances, a reduced
layout means significantly less walking for the cook during
food preparation. The secret to success is well considered
ergonomics, and innovative storage that utilises every
centimetre of available space.
A single galley kitchen features just one row of units,
and all appliances along one wall. This option might suit
a very long narrow room – a setting created in an
extension of a townhouse side-return, for example, or as
part of the smaller open-plan apartment. A double galley
kitchen features two facing runs of units and is more
versatile than the single galley. It might be fitted in a fully
enclosed room – in which case a small U-shaped layout
can be created with units across one end – fitting the sink
beneath a window, perhaps. Or the galley might also act
as a passageway to a utility room or to the garden.
A good kitchen designer will focus on all the key
ergonomic factors, whilst the homeowner can focus
energy on the desired style and mood to be created, and
the particular fixtures and fittings to be incorporated.
However, as an overview, it is important to ensure that
the most regularly needed cupboards and appliances can
be easily opened at all times, and so are not positioned
opposite key work zones. The Kitchen and Bathroom
Showroom Association (KBSA) advises positioning both
sink and hob on the same run – with a good section of
worktop and ‘setting down’ space between them. This will
avoid the need to transfer hot items across the kitchen
(when draining hot water from vegetables, for example).
This is particularly important if two people often work
together in the same space, to reduce the likelihood of
collisions. The KBSA also advises a minimum of 1.2
metres of floor space between the sides of a double galley
(or a single galley and the facing wall) to allow ample space
to open doors on cupboards and appliances. 
20 THE ENGLISH HOME
FOR WHERE TO BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOK
Dark cabinetry creates
a smart, chic look for
this streamlined kitchen
along a back wall.
Kitchens, from £7,000,
British Standard
FOR WHERE TO BUY SEE ADDRESS BOOK
English Home - Half Page (129 x 202mm) 012516.indd 1
25/01/2016 11:06
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BESPOKE,
BESPOKE,
TRULY
TRULY
BESPOKE,
BESPOKE,
CAREFULLY
CAREFULLY
MADE
MADE
CAREFULLY
CAREFULLY
MADE
MADE
Blockley,
Blockley,Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire
Blockley,
Blockley,Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire
www.cotswood.com
www.cotswood.com
www.cotswood.com
www.cotswood.com
TRULY
B
TRU
CAREFUL
CAR
LEFT This compact
U-shape kitchen avoids
wall units to maximise
the feeling of space.
From £20,000, Barnes
of Ashburton.
RIGHT Limiting
cabinetry to a single
bank allows space
for a dining table.
From £7,000,
British Standard
BELOW Colourful walls
enliven and brighten
a darker scheme.
From £30,000,
The Secret Drawer
Shades of cream are used to
lighten this Victorian terrace in
a project by Angel + Blume.
A seating area has been
created by the window at the
end of this galley kitchen.
PRACTICAL CONCEPTS
Standard-width units are not always essential, so
consider including narrower runs of base units where
appliances are not involved. Units measuring 450mm
or 500mm deep often hold just as much as standard
units and avoid wasted depth and the difficulty in
retrieving items from the back of a deep unit.
Consider, too, what non-essential items might be
better located elsewhere. Could the washing machine
be relocated to a utility room or bathroom, for
example, along with a tumble drier and freezer; and
would the ironing-board be better housed in an
under-stairs cupboard, and so forth.
STYLE FOCUS
In a smaller room it can be desirable not to fit wall
units upon every available section of wall, as this can
make the space feel too enclosed. Breaking up a run
of wall cupboards with open shelving, or using
glass-fronted upper cabinets, are useful design
options. A plate rack is a functional and stylistic
benefit, too, fitted close to the sink or dishwasher,
and there are designs to suit both country-cottage
and sleek townhouse designs.
Alternatively, perhaps consider having one, or even
both sides of the kitchen open above the base units
to create visual flow and a sense of connection with
the living area of a home. This might extend to a 
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CLOCKWISE FROM
RIGHT If space allows,
breakfast bar on the outer edge facing into the
kitchen, for example.
Sleek splashbacks minimise visual clutter: bespoke
glass panels are easy to wipe clean whilst a uniform
single colour of tile looks sophisticated in a smaller
space. It may, however, be preferable to avoid tiles
altogether and fit splashbacks only by the sink and
hob, making do with an upstand elsewhere. An
upstand is effectively an extension of the chosen
worktop material that covers the wall to a height
equivalent to one tile. A neat join between worktop
and upstand avoids grime and dirt infiltrating the
gap where wall and units meet.
Light-coloured kitchen units are a boon in
a smaller space but obvious white and creams can
appear bland if not used with care. Extra thought
needs to be given to handles, detailing, tiling and
flooring choices to add warmth and character.
However, the allure of light units should not deter
from considering smart dark units, which can look
terribly chic, and not overly imposing, if teamed with
lighter elements and surfaces as can be seen in the
kitchen design shown on pages 20-21.
Units with a deeply recessed or open plinth allow
more floor to be on show, which can create a sense
of more floor space. However, one might prefer
to employ innovative plinth depth drawers to
provide neat additional storage and make best use
of every centimetre. These are not suitable for food,
but could house cleaning equipment quite neatly.
Plinth-based fan heaters might also be worth
considering as an alternative to a radiator, to
avoid loss of valuable wall space. n
THE ENGLISH HOME 25
PHOTOGRAPHS P23 (BOTTOM), P25 (TOP) SIMON WHITMORE
a table or butcher’s
block can create an
extra work surface.
Kitchen painted in
Hague Blue from
Farrow & Ball, by
Angel + Blume.
Removing the low
ceiling revealed the
vaulted roof line,
increasing the visual
sense of space
in this compact
area. Kitchens
from £30,000,
Simon Taylor.
Jane Churchill’s
London kitchen
makes use of recesses
for extra storage.
This light, bright
kitchen is rather
spacious. Edwardian
cream matt kitchen,
8 units, £1,382, Wren.
HIDDEN
ASSETS
Bespoke storage is the underrated
secret weapon to a stylish, yet truly
functional, kitchen
T
he success of the best planned kitchen
lies in thorough consideration of storage
arrangements to house not only what is already
owned but what might be added at a future
date. Increasingly, storage for a laptop or tablet is a
standard expectation, but many homeowners also prefer
to hide traditional everyday appliances – such as toasters,
juicers and even the kettle – behind closed doors when
not required, in addition to lesser-used gadgets, such as
food mixers and blenders. Here are a few useful, and
clever, storage innovations to help keep things in order.
PERFECTLY ORGANISED
Today, a larder is a luxury in most houses. However, a built-in
alternative can provide a well-organised space for cupboard
essentials. This large example has adjustable shelves and the
doors are lined with spice racks. There is even a marble cold
shelf, and lighting, so that ingredients tucked away can easily
be found. A ladder rail allows for use to be made of the double
height of the room, with extra cupboards above.
Similar kitchens from £30,000, Christopher Peters
TRAY TIDY
Stowing trays away in cupboards takes up valuable shelf space,
and invariably other items will be placed upon them, making it
tricky to extract them when required. Instead, a handy cubby
hole, especially designed to house a tray or two, keeps them at
easy reach for delivering a breakfast in bed, for example, and
makes a stylish feature to break up cupboard and drawer fronts.
Shaker kitchen, from £25,000, John Lewis of Hungerford
SMALL SECRET
Linley designs free-standing furniture and bespoke kitchens,
and is known for often incorporating a 'secret' drawer. This
enjoyable added extra could be the perfect storage area for a
laptop or tablet, away from splash zones.
Kitchens from £80,000, Linley
26 THE ENGLISH HOME
CURVE APPEAL
With elegant curved doors, this handy cupboard makes use of a space
that might have been wasted, providing an extra nook for crockery.
The double pan drawers are also beautifully designed to accommodate
a collection of saucepans. In addition, Emily Lukes, designer at Chalon,
notes that, "the shallow wall wine rack creates a wow factor in a space
that would otherwise be unusable due to the narrow depth."
Kitchens, from £25,000, Chalon
QUICK DISPOSAL
Bins can be rather unsightly additions to a kitchen, and so
are best tucked away in a cupboard. This pull-out drawer
accommodates general rubbish and recycling. Tom Howley
advises it is "best to site these bins as close to the sink and
prep area as possible, so any waste or vegetable peelings can
simply be swept straight into the correct bin."
Kitchens from £35,000, Tom Howley
FRIDGE DRAWERS
Nick Anderson, founder of Guild Anderson, suggests these fridge
drawers as a neat option to supplement a larger fridge-freezer. "These
were for a client (a keen cook) who wanted something smaller and
really accessible for frequently-used items near the preparation zone.
I like that you can see the contents easily, without having to squat
down as you would with a normal under-counter fridge."
Sub-Zero drawer, around £5,520 in a kitchen by Guild Anderson. Must be
incorporated by an experienced designer to ensure proper ventilation.
HANDY HIDEAWAY
Although some might like to display the latest high-tech
gadgets with pride, others value a clear worktop much
more. Stowing appliances away in cupboards can make
them awkward to retrieve, however, a clever folding-door
front tidies away blenders and mixers whilst allowing
them to remain readily accessible. With power sockets
incorporated into the cupboard, appliances can simply
be pulled forward and used in an instant.
Bespoke kitchens, from £45,000, The Secret Drawer

THE ENGLISH HOME 27
WHAT LIES BENEATH
Bespoke banquette seating is often fitted with a hinged seat to access
storage hidden within. This alternative design avoids the need to
disturb the seat pad and cushions, and is a neat and unexpected
attraction in a curved arrangement. Push-front drawers avoid the need
for handles, which would spoil the curving lines, and avoid wasting an
inch of space.
Bespoke storage options form part of kitchens, from £40,000, Smallbone of
Devizes
SPACE CONSCIOUS
“In a small cottage kitchen, dedicating appropriate storage
is essential. This large Armoire offers the same amount of
space for food storage as six traditional wall cupboards,"
says Jasper Middleton, design director, Middleton
Bespoke. The hinged doors allow a tight space by the oven
to be made use of, without impacting on the appearance.
Kitchens typically start from £25,000, Middleton Bespoke
NEATLY STACKED
Although not providing much extra storage to ordinary shelving,
having drawers behind a cupboard door makes the contents much
more accessible. This is particularly helpful for fragile items such as
china – making it much less precarious to get to the gravy boat that
somehow always manages to make its way to the back of the
cupboard.
IN MINIATURE
In households where the numbers expand and contract
significantly, this compact additional dishwasher could be
a huge bonus for dinners for two or as overflow for when
hosting a particularly large party.
Double drawer dishwasher from Fisher & Paykel in a kitchen by
Parlour Farm
28 THE ENGLISH HOME
FEATURE KATY MCLEAN
Walnut unit with internal walnut drawers on soft close runners, prices for
kitchen furniture start from £18,000, Rencraft n
KITCHEN DIRECTORY
Holloways of Ludlow
Davonport
Artichoke
Specialists in bespoke, luxury
interiors, from country houses
to Mayfair apartments.
Tel 01934 745270
artichoke-ltd.com
Barnes of Ashburton
Makers of bespoke kitchens
and free-standing furniture
for 30 years. Mostly framed.
Tel 01364 653613
barnesofashburton.co.uk
British Standard
Affordable, off-the-shelf
counterpart to sister
company Plain English.
Tel 020 7870 7688
britishstandardcupboards.
co.uk
Chalon
Classic painted kitchens with
an English country look.
Tel 0800 160 1978
chalon.com
Charles Yorke
Hand-painted kitchen ranges
alongside other fitted
household furniture.
Plain English
Tel 01623 756080
charlesyorke.com
Christopher Peters
Family-run company offering
bespoke kitchens and furniture,
mostly framed, painted.
Tel 01926 832511
christopherpeters.com
Clive Christian
Strong line in luxury, classical
interiors incorporating
marquetry and burr veneering.
clivechristianinteriors.com
Cotswood Fine Furniture
Small Gloucestershire
company making fitted, mostly
framed kitchens units.
Tel 01386 700110
cotswoodfinefurniture.net
Crown Imperial
Manufacturer of accessible
British-made kitchens.
Tel 01227 742424
crown-imperial.co.uk
Culinary Architecture
Timeless bespoke English
cabinetry from skilled designer
Heidi Westcar.
Tel 0845 680 2906
culinaryarchitecture.co.uk
Davonport
Framed, painted kitchen
ranges made in East Anglia.
Tel 0845 468 0025
davonport.com
deVOL
Fast-expanding company with
a clean, Shaker ethic and neat
household accessories.
Tel 01509 261000
devolkitchens.co.uk
Guild Anderson
Broad range of hardwearing
design styles from a former
Mark Wilkinson employee.
Tel 01747 820449
guildandersonfurniture.co.uk
Harvey Jones
Larger kitchen company
offering classic, but slightly
contemporary, kitchen styles.
Tel 0800 389 6938
harveyjones.com
Mark Wilkinson
Holloways of Ludlow
Locally manufactured bespoke
kitchens and furniture from this
supplier of interior fixtures.
Tel 020 7371 1787
hollowayskitchens.com
Humphrey Munson
Strong selection of Georgianinfluenced designs open to
extensive customisation.
Tel 01371 821300
humphreymunson.co.uk
John Lewis of Hungerford
Fitted kitchen ranges available
in showrooms countrywide.
john-lewis.co.uk
Linley
Exceptional, fully bespoke
fitted furniture designs, from
London villas to superyachts.
Tel 020 7730 7300
davidlinley.com
Mark Wilkinson Furniture
Mostly framed, painted ranges
with a refined, understated look.
Tel 01380 850007
markwilkinson.co.uk
THE ENGLISH HOME 29
Martin Moore
John Lewis of
Hungerford
Martin Moore
Classic English kitchen design
from a 40-year-old company.
Tel 0845 180 0015
martinmoore.com
British Standard
specialising in traditional
joinery with a Georgian mood.
Tel 01449 774028
plainenglishdesign.co.uk
Tel 01296 488207
simon-taylor.co.uk
Tel 01235 851144
thomasthomas.net
Smallbone of Devizes
Luxury customisable kitchens
and other fitted items.
Tel 020 7589 5998
smallbone.co.uk
Tim Moss
Wide range of bespoke classic
and contemporary designs.
Tel 020 8444 9911
timmoss.co.uk
Stephen Graver
Wiltshire workshop making
kitchens in a range of styles,
painted and unpainted.
Tel 01380 871746
stephengraver.com
Tom Howley
Bespoke, mostly framed and
painted kitchens with
a timeless appearance.
Tel 0161 8481200
tomhowley.co.uk
Teddy Edwards
Classic kitchen ranges
named after great British
racing circuits.
Tel 01865 404960
teddyedwards.co.uk
Underwood kitchens
Classic English kitchen
collections with the option
to customise designs.
underwoodfurniture.com
Middleton Bespoke
Kitchens with Edwardian and
Georgian influences.
Tel 01403 864446
middleton-bespoke.co.uk
Podesta
Fully bespoke handmade
kitchens from designer
Matt Podesta.
Tel 01494 677770
podesta.uk.com
Mowlem & Co
Smart, mostly veneer kitchens
with bespoke design options.
Tel 020 7610 6626
mowlemandco.com
Rencraft
Handmade solid-wood
kitchens from Tunbridge Wells.
Tel 01732 762682
rencraft.co.uk
Neptune
Simple, fitted kitchen units
with a clean Shaker ethic.
Tel 01793 427300
neptune.com
Richard Baker Furniture
Elegantly classic and modern
kitchens with a tailored twist.
Tel 020 8336 1777
richardbakerfurniture.co.uk
Parlour Farm
Cotswold kitchen company
offering a range of styles, from
classic to contemporary.
Tel 01285 885336
parlourfarm.com
Second Nature
Offering of 60 kitchens
available in a variety of
ranges and materials.
sncollection.co.uk
The Secret Drawer
Yorkshire furniture company
designing kitchens, bathrooms,
bedrooms and studies.
Tel 01756 797800
secret-drawer.co.uk
Simon Taylor
Manufacturers of bespoke
kitchens and other fitted items.
Thomas & Thomas
Handmade furniture fitted
by expert cabinetmakers.
Plain English
Bespoke design company
30 THE ENGLISH HOME
Harvey Jones
Unfitted
Free-standing kitchen
furniture in country styles.
Tel 01608 650065
unfitted.co.uk
Woodstock Kitchens
A range of kitchen styles,
from high gloss to painted.
Tel 020 8876 0131
woodstockfurniture.co.uk