It's a major draw for potential buyers, the perfect party room and the place you'll spend all your time, day and evening - a kitchen-diner with space for slob-out sofas. 'It is often more challenging to create a fabulous design in a large room than in a small one, especially with a modern kitchen,' says kitchen designer Mark Wilkinson.
Using good details helps - for example paying attention to the right handles, or subtle details on the cabinetry.
Another temptation in big kitchens is to space everything out, but - while it sounds trivial - you'll end up doing a lot more walking while you're cooking. It also increases the likelihood that through traffic will be milling around the work triangle, which is dangerous and should be avoided if possible. If you do have the space, site the fridge near the door so that family members can grab what they need without disturbing the cook.
Contemporary kitchen buyers find unusual shapes, in units and islands, irrestistible. In an open-plan area such as this, a large island makes great use of the space, providing extra storage and a handy seating area.
Knocking-through to create an open-plan space is a popular choice as it fits well with our modern lifestyle, and gives the scope to make a dramatic room. 'Buyers are asking for special shapes, for both units and islands,’ says Mark Wilkinson. ‘Integrated and separate tables that co-ordinate with the scheme are also in demand – in fact, the traditional breakfast bar has become rather passé.'
Small spaces have challenges all of their own. Ask yourself, is it possible to re-site anything - can the laundry appliances go in the garage, or is there room for a larder elsewhere? Think about extending wall units - go for a pale finish - all the way to the ceiling, storing lesser-used items in the uppermost cupboards.
Space can also be saved with narrow appliances - most of the major manufacturers have a slim-line range. Use plenty of lighting, for example under the wall units or recessed into glazed cupboards, and keep pattern to a minimum. Integrated appliances also streamline the space, as their matching doors create a seamless end result.
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