Island work stations are fast becoming an essential feature in kitchen design.  For added luxury and interest, consider mixed materials and levels for the island, perhaps a raised glass breakfast bar or a lowered “table” area for family dining.  Paul O’Brien, Business Development Director, Kitchens International, says “The island has become the sociable link between kitchen and living areas, we often recommend a raised or screened breakfast bar which keeps the functionality of the island without losing the style”.  And with so many options and designs to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect island to transform your kitchen space.

If you plan to update your kitchen why not consult kitchen expert Kieron Bell first for some design advice?

Q: I have a Victorian house and plan to extend it to house a new open plan kitchen and lounge area.  I am thinking of installing glass doors onto the garden and incorporating a dining area and I want it to flow as one space.  I love the existing pantry, but we’re thinking of removing this to form a totally modern space, do you think this is a good idea?  Style wise we would like cream cabinets and possibly a black granite worktop with inset sink.  We also love the accent of real wood.  We’ve been looking at designs but are totally confused! -

Sarah O’Donovan, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands (more…)

Sep Ask the designer

If you plan to update your kitchen why not consult kitchen expert Carol Cameron first for some design advice?

Question: I have recently moved in to my five-bed, five-bathroom property and although it is only three years old the kitchen is not to my taste.  The current kitchen is white, glossy and plain and although it’s a new build – I would really like some warmth and texture.  I would love to see some wood grains, or granite adding that bit extra to the large space.  Some colour would also be nice, but nothing that will date.  Any ideas you can provide for styles would be really helpful as I really don’t know what to go for!

Christina De Villeres, St Albans

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Time was when kitchens were drab, unsanitary and kept from view, but as the decade of domesticity dawned in the 1950s, advanced technology gave architects and manufacturers the freedom to reinvent this space.

Today’s kitchens are as much about personality as technology, and you don’t have to spend a fortune to achieve an individual look.

According to Paul O’Brien of Kitchens International: “In spite of touch economic times, many people are refurbishing their kitchens rather than moving house”.

When KI opened its showroom on 220 Great western Road in the heart of Glasgow’s interiors district, Scottish celebrity chef Nick Nairn was on hand to road-test the kitchens and offer expert advice.

“Have a good think about how you will use your kitchen – for me, functionality is key” says Nairn.  “The relationship between the prep area, cooker, sink and fridge is important, and movement should be effortless between them.  At home there are two things we use constantly – our kitchen island for prep, eating and homework and deep drawers for pans and storage of cereal boxes.  Lastly, low maintenance is important.  I love my wipe-clean induction cooker and we have no nooks and crannies where grime can collect.”

Classic FS Topos by Leicht

The importance of good kitchen design can’t be underestimated; the impact the kitchen has on the rest of our living spaces is crucial to the way we live.  On deciding to blend two or three ground floor rooms, a designer will consider how the room will be lit from the outset.  Separate spaces may have previously had three or four small windows a piece, which wouldn’t create the airy effect needed for this type of scheme.

This sleek, black handleless kitchen opens into a large dining area, a perfect example of open-plan design.  The cool glacier white Corian work surfaces provide a dramatic contrast to the high gloss cabinetry which anchor the room’s light and bright overall design.  From £20,000 at Kitchens International.

Poggenpohl +Segmento black Parapan with glacier white Corian work surface

Kitchen Design of the Year (under £25k) 2010 – Kieron Bell, Kitchens International

Carol Cameron was asked to provide a kitchen concept for a modern couple who live in a 16th century farmhouse in Devon. The brief was to blend old and new, maintaining original features.

Carol worked her magic with walnut and ivory cabinets to provide a light-filled kitchen with curves in all the right places.

Starting at her drawing board, Carol played with various layout ideas before hitting on a striking rounded island with complementary curves mirrored in the surrounding cabinetry. “I began with a modern Germanic design,” Carol explains, “but soon realised the room deserves something with a more classic contemporary feel. Callerton’s range available from Kitchens International allows me to use curves rather than straight lines for a softer, more organic layout.”

Carol’s piece de resistance is the stunning island that features three worktops. “I wanted to create something really interesting without going to the expense of bespoke, and its amazing what can be achieved.”

THE VERDICT
The Barrett family are thrilled with Carol’s design and feel it goes “above and beyond” their dream wish list. “I especially love the island – the higher breakfast bar level is incredibly chic,” says Marla, who is impressed by the idea of keeping her baking appliances plugged in behind the tambour door. “I’d never have to lift them again,” she says.

Alex’s favourite feature is the shaped cornicing above the hob, which is made from MDF veneered in walnut. “It’s inexpensive to achieve but makes a real feature out of the cooking area, especially with the built-in lighting,” he says.

KBBdec10SeekingInspiration

www.kbbmagazine.com

KBB Dec 2010 issue

Since launching the first ever kitchen island in 1967 by Poggenpohl, it is the most popular part of kitchen design, says kitchen specialists, Kitchens International.

Islands have evolved hugely since the first one and have now become multi-functional designs housing cooking appliances, sinks, dining areas and storage. Paul O’Brien, Kitchens International Director says: “Most of our clients want some sort of island and see it as a feature of the room, whether it is a simple division between kitchen and living area or an island that houses many of the kitchen functions.”

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Kieron Bell one of our Edinburgh designers has just been awarded 2010 UK Kitchen Design of the Year for The Designer magazine for a kitchen he designed in Edinburgh. A great endorsement of Kieron’s work and it was for the ‘under £25k’ section so shows that we combine great design and service with value for money.