Without question, when designing the aesthetic tone of any renovation – whether for a family home, a city apartment or an investment property – the kitchen takes centre stage. This is the natural place for people to come together, to socialise, organise, cook and generally gather. It’s therefore imperative that the space fulfils the needs of the inhabitants, with ample storage for the multiple purposes the room is being used for.
Will Lyne, master designer and co-owner of Christopher Peters Kitchens and Interiors, says that by taking advantage of the nooks and crannies in the kitchen space and investing in purpose-built, bespoke storage solutions, the age-old problem of a lack of space will become a thing of the past. Bearing this in mind, here’s Will’s guidance on how to go about buying a bespoke kitchen and why bespoke is best for luxury properties.
A multifunctional space
Busy families, working professionals and retirees alike are guilty of designing the kitchen space in the home based solely on function or form, not both. But there is a trick to harmoniously combining the two – beautiful, built-in storage. When working with a period property, integrating units into the recesses in the space, whether that’s either side of a chimney breast or under the stairs, can maximise on storage options without taking away from the style of the space.
On the opposite end of the scale, luxury new builds are often blessed with a sizeable floorplan and, therefore, kitchens can be scaled up to fulfil more than just a food preparation space. But, with such a vast area to fill with units, worktops, islands and seating areas, the opportunities can be a little overwhelming. Working with a bespoke kitchen designer will ensure you’re getting the most out of the space, no matter the size of the floorplan.
In the main, bespoke kitchen designs lend themselves to luxury properties as the overall aesthetic can be elevated. Off-the-shelf options, although generally cost-effective, are limited on colours and design features. The secret to creating a home with a real feeling of luxury comes from ensuring each space flows effortlessly, from one room to the next. That is often achieved by carefully considering the colour palette throughout the property, bringing tones from the main living areas into the kitchen space, the bedroom and even the outdoor areas, for an overall cohesive scheme. Bespoke kitchen companies will have more scope for colour-matching and bringing in other style aspects of the property, whether period or modern.
What works for you
One of the key benefits of investing in a bespoke kitchen is that, as the name suggests, every aspect of the design will be customised to your needs. So, decide on what it is that you want the room to achieve for you – whether that’s storage for every electrical appliance under the sun, designated zones for entertaining or a working space for a laptop. Think of this as your list of non-negotiables and take this with you when meeting with designers and fitters. It is also advised that you shop around when scoping out companies. Meet with as many specialists as you can and opt for the one that makes you feel the most comfortable about tackling the project.
Buying decision
A bespoke kitchen design can be a significant investment, especially if you’re looking to work with a local supplier or a company, like us at Christopher Peters, that manages the entire project – from initial consultation, to design, fabrication, install, finish and after-care.
The process of designing a bespoke kitchen is all about collaboration and consultation. A quality kitchen designer will work closely with you to ensure the design, fit-out plan, budget and schedule works for you. And don’t feel as though you need to know exactly how you want the space to look or function – by getting to understand your needs, your designer will come up with creative ideas you may not even have considered. Bespoke kitchen designers are experts, with years of knowledge of not only creating beautiful kitchens, but also of the latest appliances, fixtures, fittings and innovations in finishes.
The key thing to remember is that bespoke kitchens effortlessly combine form and function. In fact, done well, built-in bespoke kitchen designs will ensure your stunning home works for the needs of you and your family for the foreseeable future.
For a complimentary design meeting with Christopher Peters Kitchens and Interiors’ in-house team, visit christopherpeters.com.
All imagery used in this article credit: Christopher Peters Kitchens and Interiors
