FOCUS | Compact living: kitchens
1. Shelf by Salice 2. Küppersbusch offers retailers a versatile range of built-in compact appliances 3. Hidden storage in this Eggersmann kitchen creates a high-end, uncluttered finish
1.
2.
2010 onwards are 4.2sq m smaller than the previous decade. The average UK kitchen size now is just 13.4sq m. With an ever-increasing population, particularly in the UK’s cities where space is at its most limited, it’s likely that this trend will continue, so intelligent design and clever storage innovations will become increasingly important.
Super storage
One of the most crucial considerations, of course, is storage, but this doesn’t have to mean a ton of cabinetry. Eddie Collingham of The Kitchen Lab in Nottingham sings the praises of a now firm favourite innovation in the compact kitchen – the Blum Space Tower. He says that “in a small area, having individual drawers that can store up to 40kg each is a game- changer, meaning you only need to pull out one drawer each time you need something rather than the whole thing.” And with the size and height being customisable, it can offer the perfect alternative to a traditional pantry, plus you won’t necessarily have to stick a box on every available wall.
Julia Steadman at Brandt Kitchens, meanwhile, recommends discreet storage solutions, such as multifunctional kitchen islands with integrated storage, pull-out pantries or integrated wine cellars to maximise functionality.
Pocket doors, such as Salice’s Exedra, are also highly desirable for many homeowners, but particularly useful in small kitchens. Then there are innovations such as Salice’s Shelf – a handy retractable work surface available in lengths from 350mm to 600mm. It is supplied in either soft-close or push-to-open versions and has a maximum load capacity of 30kg, and comes supplied with a magnetic catch that holds the work surface in the fully open position.
Multifunctional
When it comes to appliances, the key word is ‘multifunctional’. This used to apply almost exclusively to ovens, but has now extended to the world of extraction in the form of two new hoods by Air Uno. Air Uno’s Leonardo wall hood is an angled 900mm, black glass extractor that opens up to reveal a generous, fully illuminated interior storage space and
40
provides efficient extraction with a maximum rate of 760m3
/h. Meanwhile its Donizetti Space is a built-in cupboard hood that features hidden storage space and is available in 600mm, 900mm and 1,200mm widths, making it ideal for use in small kitchens and above most sizes of hob or range cookers. It is also adjustable and can be easily installed into existing kitchen cabinetry by simply replacing the bottom section of the cupboard unit.
Collingham also recommends specifying products that free up worktop space, which is always at a premium in a compact kitchen. Downdraft extraction, such as KitchenAid’s 900mm downdraft hood (KEBDS 90020), is a good idea as it can be hidden when not in use. He also promotes the Siemens iQ700 CM878G4B6B compact oven with microwave. Of course, it’s also possible to extend the worktop space using a cover for the sink when it’s not in use. Franke’s multifunctional Box Center is ergonomically designed to transform into a workstation with integrated food-prepping accessories for chopping, washing, rinsing and draining, but has the ability to stow the accessories neatly away, leaving the area organised and clutter-free. There’s a spacious main bowl for everyday use and a second bowl incorporating a range of accessories, including knife holder, stainless steel strainer bowl, food preparation platter, chopping board and wire rack.
The illusion of space
There are a few ways of creating the illusion of more space, while retaining character and adding interest. Keeping worktops clear of clutter will help, as will integrated storage and also open shelving, which doesn’t take up too much space and won’t create the feeling of claustrophobia that lots of wall cabinets might. And open shelving offers the opportunity to add personality and character.
Having as much natural light as possible is ideal, but may not always be achievable. Though there
kbbreview · August 2019
New metallic, wood and stone finishes ensure that mixed materials can be combined for maximum impact, and create a unique, contemporary look Simon Bodsworth, managing director, Daval
3.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80
