Work surfaces need to be functional, but they must enhance the furniture too. “It’s recommended to use different work surfaces for different areas,” says Paul O’Brien from Kitchens International.

“One of the newest and most ‘in’ products is the ecofriendly Silestone, a natural quartz surface which has been treated and comes in a variety of colours.

“Another popular contemporary work surface is glass: it’s extremely durable and hygienic, and is available in a range of colours so can make a kitchen look very stylish.”

Contact showroom for further information 0845 074 0022

The kitchen is generally the hub of the household all year round, but comes into its own at Christmas whithout a doubt. Open-plan spaces where the kitchen segues into the dining/living/family space must be carefully planned so that seasonal gatherings can be fun and relaxing, while allowing the preparations to go ahead discretely and with as little visible disruption as possible.

This open-plan kitchen has three sociable areas; bar, island and nearby dining table. RWK Rialto cabinets in high gloss white lacquer with black Zodiaq work surfaces. From £15,000 at Kitchens International.

Are your needs most catered for by a cook’s kitchen or a host’s kitchen?

Cooks: Keen cooks will prioritise the functionality of their kitchens, since what’s important to them is that the space facilitates their favourite hobby.  If this sounds like you, then you should be choosing hardwearing easy-clean surfaces, both worktop and floor, with zoned areas for different purposes…

Hosts:  Hosts, on the other hand, will be more concerned with the suitability (more…)

Kitchens have to be functional – aesthetics alone just won’t cut the mustard.  However nowadays you don’t have to sacrifice style for practicality.  Technological advances in the manufacture of appliances and the use of new materials and computer-aided design software, mean the kitchen of your dreams is here and now.

http://issuu.com/bordermarketingcompany/docs/kitcheninspiration

“From freestanding work centres to floating units, we cast our eye over the latest trends in kitchen islands …”

The kitchen island concept, first launched by Poggenpohl … was arguably the first step in blurring the boundary between kitchen and living areas to create a more open, functional work space that is also sociable and relaxing to be in.

Callerton Retro Kitchen painted in Goose Grey has a dramatic island that features distinctive circular true oak food prep areas on the end sections and Zodiaq alabaster worktops combined with Corian lavastone. From £12,000 Kitchens International (exc appliances)

Paul O’Brien, director of Kitchens International (the Edinburgh dealer for Poggenpohl, among other top European brands) says “Most of our clients want some sort of island and see it as a featuer of the room, whether it is a simple division between the kitchen and living or dining area, or an island that houses many of the kitchen functions.” (more…)