User-friendly kitchen design relies on a careful balance of adequate storage, intelligent layout and the right finishes. Try these nine design solutions for creating an inspiring kitchen.
Storage
1. Degrees of Separation
Photograph: Sean Calitz
Carla Antoni’s kitchen is the epitome of functional elegance. Extra ovens, cooking appliances and a scullery are right within reach, yet concealed behind a feature timber screen, allowing for an interactive cooking process that doesn’t expose any mess. The natural counter top finish is New Sardo Flamed granite, from World of Marble & Granite.
Who does it
SAOTA — Stefan Antoni Olmesdahl Truen Architects— is known for its seamless modern designs.
2. On Show
Photograph: Eric Piasecki
These open wall-mounted shelves not only frame the stove area, adding to the symmetry of this country kitchen, but the arrangement also offers abundant exposed shelving to show off decorative crockery, while drawers below serve to conceal less attractive items. How to do it Recreate this look with glazed black ceramic tiles from Italtile.
Consult
Reto Kitchens for bespoke kitchens in a similar country style.
3. Easy Access
Ensure that all cooking essentials are close at hand but neatly hidden from view with a sleek above-counter cabinet. This one from Santos Kitchens uses an assisted opening system that opens fully with a gentle push, providing unobstructed access to its contents. The door returns to its original position by simply pressing the close button.
Another option
Blum produces a lift mechanism that operates this way, available through Easylife Kitchens.
4. Feature Focus
Photograph: Mikko Ryhånen
Transform a minimalist kitchen’s bare wall into an asymmetrical focal point that doubles up as storage for a contemporary look. Simple wall-mounted shelves provide space for small items, creating interest without the clutter. A combination of warm timber and luxurious lacquer ensures that the look is clean but not clinical.
Where to get it
Both EuroCasa and Blu_Line offer customised kitchen solutions specialising in this polished, clutter-free look.
5. Hide and Seek
Photograph: Cesar Rubio Photography
This suspended sliding-glass panel system allows for certain areas of the shelves to be exposed, while others are hidden. The adjustable mechanism acts as a sliding door that can be moved or fixed at the convenience of the user.
Another option
Recreate this concept with a sliding panel shutter system. Try Plantation Shutters.
Finishes
Create the perfect cooking space by selecting finishes suitable to each surface’s function.
6. Layered Textures
Photograph: Jean-Marc Wullschleger/Living Agency
Marble is the ultimate in luxury countertops, adding pattern and texture that lifts a space. Although it is waterproof and heatproof, the material requires constant maintenance as it is porous and stains and scratches easily if not sealed correctly. Combined with black lacquer and warm timber, the interior is given a rich, warm appeal.
Where to get it
World of Marble and Granite is the go-to supplier to ensure professional, high-quality sealing and installation, plus it offers a wide variety.
7. Central Island
Photograph: Karl Rogers
A central island is the epitome of form meets function, enhancing the efficiency factor by housing a number of functions — the freestanding unit provides extra storage, preparation space, garbage storage options, a prep bowl and a casual eating area.
Consider this
This Antiques & Heritage of Europe island is perfectly positioned at the recommended minimum distance of 90cm from the cabinet behind.
8. Small-space Solution
Photograph: Tim Crocker
When limited for space, build your entire kitchen along a wall with your important fixtures and appliances spread out along it, including your stove, fridge and prep bowl, allowing you to make use of an uncluttered open-plan layout.
Who to contact
Optima Kitchens is big on space-saving solutions.
9. Space Divider
With modern living’s emphasis on open plan, this customised ceiling-height Bulthaup b1 element connects the kitchen to the living area but also separates the two spaces.
Where to get it
Bulthaup is available in South Africa from Living Kitchens.
