As architects, we often think about the kitchen as a space and how it connects to dining areas or the outside. Equally as important is the choice and design of the kitchen cabinets and equipment. It can be too easy to think in functional ways when choosing items from websites or showrooms. However, in reality, you are not restricted to a page in a catalogue. Instead, every item you select can flow from your overarching idea so your needs and personality run through the whole design.
To understand more about the thought processes involved, I recently had a conversation with Simon Smith, former production director at kitchen designer Roundhouse. We frequently work with both Simon and Roundhouse to help bring our clients’ kitchen dreams to life. Together, we explored the different ways you can express your personality in your kitchen, and I’m sharing these here. I hope it sparks some ideas!
Your choice of cabinetry
One of the first things you’ll need to consider is your choice of cabinet doors.
At one end of the spectrum there is the traditional detailing of shaker-style cabinet doors. At the other end, there are flat-fronted doors that give a much more streamlined finish.
There are handles to consider too. Would you like the visual interest of handles or would you prefer something minimalist and handleless?
When considering the options, it can help to think about the furniture in the rest of your home as well as your own personal style. Three-dimensional visualisations are also valuable to understand how design choices will look as part of the overall space – you can see a few examples of recent visualisations we have created for our clients at Visualising Our Client’s Ideas.
Your choice of materials
Alongside the style of the cabinetry, you also need to think about the materials you want to use. These days, anything is possible.
Simon noted: “When I first started creating luxury kitchens, you could have a solid wood kitchen in a Farrow and Ball colour! These days, there are no restrictions.”
The choice doesn’t stop there. Simon continued: “If you prefer natural wood you can opt for a simple veneer to a ribbed or fluted timber finish. I always say if you want to make a statement, find a good tree. Bookmatched veneer, for example, can be stunning option and connect the design of the kitchen to a whole rich history of cabinetry.”
The choice extends to fixtures and fittings. The options are no longer limited to chrome and stainless steel. Today, bronzes and coppers are also available – and these can extend to the cabinets and worktops too.
When it comes to worktops, the choice is similarly vast, covering composite stone, marble, granite, toughened glass, wood, stainless steel and even polished concrete. Each one has its benefits, so the decision often comes down to personal preference and how the kitchen design integrates with the wider design and spatial values.
The way you curate your space
Although there is a vast array of choice of materials, finish and styles, Simon’s overriding concern when working with clients is how the kitchen will express and enhance your ‘culinary personality’.
For example, if you love baking, you might want to have a full-height cupboard that incorporates a worktop. It gives you an instantly accessible space you can dedicate to your baking ingredients, but which you can close off when it isn’t in use. Or, you may prefer to dedicate a similar space to your love of coffee or incorporate a wine ‘cellar’.
Simon also added: “There’s usually an opportunity to have a shallow cupboard somewhere in the kitchen. Designed carefully, this can provide an incredibly effective larder with every item being easy to find and return. If you leave this without doors, you can use it to display your collection of world spices, beautiful olive oil or artisan coffee – whatever it is you love the most.”
Your kitchen starts with you
When you approach a kitchen design, it’s very easy to think you need to choose from a shop or place yourself in the hands of the kitchen designer. In fact, the opposite is true. There is an opportunity to bring your ideas to life because just as no two people are the same, no two kitchens are the same.
Simon concluded: “The best part of our job is using our expertise to design something unique for every client.”
