FOCUS | Compact living: kitchens
1.
2.
1. Available in freestanding and integrated options, the Whirlpool WSFE 2B19 UK compact dishwasher features 10 place settings 2. The VelaBin by Masterclass is said to be an ideal waste solution for the smaller kitchen 3. This design by The Kitchen Lab maximises storage while keeping plenty of natural light by using letterbox windows
3.
One might assume that light colours should always be favoured in compact kitchens, and in most cases this might be true. However, award-winning interiors blogger and stylist Sarah Akwisombe turned this notion on its head to create a real statement kitchen – pictured on page 39. Purposely designed to be “bold and exuberant”, according to Akwisombe, it blends bright pink, cobalt blue and black cabinetry with Caesarstone Sleek Concrete quartz worktops. The result is striking, proving that a good eye and imagination is all that’s needed to create something really special.
Practical 1.
are ways round it, as Collingham notes: “We recently sold a project to a client where she just did not have enough storage, but had two huge windows in the room. Blocking them up was not an option, so we suggested turning them into letterbox-style windows. They still let a good level of natural light into the room, but allowed us to install bridging wall units above to make good use of the space.”
There are also some great innovations like back- lighting for use behind Corian to illuminate worktops or
islands. Plinth and under-counter lighting can always help create atmosphere, too.
Also, using the right colours and textures is important, and as Daval’s managing director Simon Bodsworth notes, choosing the right blend of textures and materials can bring a small area to life. “New metallic, wood and stone finishes ensure that mixed materials can be combined for maximum impact, and create a unique, contemporary look that remains durable and high-performance.”
Hettich: big ideas for tiny spaces A 42 t this year’s Interzum
furniture and interiors trade show in Cologne, Hettich highlighted the megatrend for small-space living with its ‘Living in 18m²’ stand – its contribution to the ‘Tiny Spaces – Living in compact homes’ piazza.
Under the theme ‘Fascin[action] – win storage’ Hettich demonstrated that a tiny living space doesn’t have to equate to a lower quality of life. Every storage space – whether in furniture or recesses – was made easily accessible, cleverly structured and usable down to the last inch
Thinking about practical considerations, firstly both Collingham and Steadman agree that drilling down into the brief and the way your client uses the kitchen on a day-to-day basis is key to getting the design right. “If you can determine essential functionality, it will be easier to design the space,” Steadman adds. “Just remember to consider the depth of appliances and also the practical nature of the kitchen door you recommend. We suggest sliding or pocket doors as a way to increase space and user convenience, adding an average of 10sq ft of additional floor space compared with a hinged door, which means they can work in almost any size of kitchen space.” Collingham says it’s crucial not to overcrowd the room so recommends slim-profile worktops – such as 20mm Silestone, or better still 6-12mm Dekton. “Definitely use handleless where possible and perhaps consider a German manufacturer, such as Leicht, which specialises in 800mm base units to maximise storage space.”
kbbr
using Hettich’s latest technology, the company said.
Innovations included integrated steps that can be folded down to reach higher levels for storage of less-used items, as well as versatile storage solutions that turned the kitchen island into a table, the sofa into a bed, the bar into an occasional table and the stair step into a cabinet.
kbbreview · August 2019
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
