The kitchen has long been the centre point of most homes, it is the room where families and friends gather to eat, drink and entertain. But in recent months with restaurants being closed our own kitchens have become even more sacred, so it is no surprise that many are dreaming of their ideal kitchen.
Multi-use kitchens
The number one 2020 kitchen trend is multifunctionality as we all look to welcome friends and family back into our homes. The last few months have shown our clients how hard our kitchens have to work, reinforcing the importance of great design for a living space that is as functional as it is beautiful. The kitchen needs not only to be a hygienic space for food preparation but also as a home office and a space for entertaining at home.
The lifestyles of each individual family need to be taken into account when designing a kitchen. For families, the most important thing to bear in mind is distinct zones for different activities. This principle of ‘zoning’ in the kitchen means you can divide a room without using doors or low walls, but instead, creating a division with statement furniture. Design a layout that cuts a room with a dining table and chairs, signalling the shift in mood to create a broken plan space with minimal architectural changes.
Pantries
The gratifying vision of a well-stocked pantry is a true signifier of comfort, especially in trying times. There are many options when creating a memorable kitchen to impress and inspire your guests. The most memorable part of the most fabulous kitchens is a double pantry, laden with interesting bottles of infused oils, rustling packets of the finest truffles, artisanal jarred vegetables and special seasonings. The act of opening a double pantry is truly a moment of awe and gives the process of cooking and entertaining a real sense of occasion. From a decorative perspective, choose finishes for the external and internal cabinetry that work together to create a contrast, whether subtle or striking. If your cabinetry is deep green or black a la moment, choose a smoky wood finish for the internal shelving for a stylish edge. If your cabinetry is crisp white or cream, you could opt for a contrasting walnut finish for the racks and shelving within.”
Quartz
There has been a dramatic shift in the market regarding material choices for worktops. Gone are the days of granite – it is a porous material that stains and isn’t very durable. There has been an industry-wide shift to quartz, which is both aesthetically and functionally superior. It is non-porous, consistent in colour and very durable. It’s easy to clean, making it less susceptible to staining and as well as being durable, quartz comes in a range of beautiful colours.
Kitchens for every Chef
At Hamptons we have kitchens for everyone, whether you are a star baker, your families head chef or more of novice.
TOM HOWLEY
Every Tom Howley kitchen is designed and built specifically for each client, tailored to individual lifestyles and personal tastes. All the cabinetry is handcrafted in Glossop and showrooms can be found in Alderley Edge, Altrincham, Beaconsfield, Brentwood, Bristol, Cambridge, Chelsea, Cheltenham, Edinburgh, Esher, Guildford, Harrogate, Islington, Leamington Spa, Tunbridge Wells, Wigmore Street and Winchester.
www.tomhowley.co.uk
