Want the perfect, practical kitchen for modern living? Interior designer Emma Farquharson gives Emily Horton her top tips...
Emma Farquharson
Neat and tidy
“Use extra wide drawers, which fit just about anything. Organise your utensils with extendable dividers.”
Handle-free
“No handles means no mess: ensure drawers and cupboards are on a soft close mechanism or touch latches.”
Warming drawer
“Being able to heat up plates and keep food warm is ideal for families who serve dinner at different times. Also great for entertaining.”
Good planning
“A pull-out rubbish bin under your food prep area means you can scrape waste straight into it – removing the risk of spillages across the kitchen.”
Secret cupboard
“Consider a child’s safety lock on doors to conceal precious items such as silver cutlery which you want within reach, but not on view.”
Cover up
“Use a door or shutter to cover up items on shelves to keep dust-free.”
Underfloor heating
“Put it on a different circuit from the house’s main heating system so you can leave it on to create the so-called AGA effect with a warm, cosy kitchen.”
Power to the people
“Sockets are useful at worktops where kids sit to do their homework. Hide ugly plugs under surface tops and they will be safely tucked away.”
Cold front
“Don’t integrate the fridge because if anything goes wrong with it (as often happens!) it’s easy to remove. Plus, everyone needs to know where the fridge is!”
Get integrated
“Avoid having your appliance controls on view. Fit fully integrated appliances to create a sleek, uncluttered finish.”
Avoid dead space “Separate utility rooms are often wasted space so bring laundry appliances into the kitchen. Such side counters also double up as a bar.”
Drinks fridge
“An essential item for any family kitchen – freeing up room in the main fridge.”
Larder lust
“The dream scheme is a pantry, but if you don’t have space, opt for a dry store cupboard, so you can have all your food in one space. And don’t forget a spice rack.”
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WHAT SORT OF COOK ARE YOU?
The entertainer: Like to be centre of attention when hosting? Make your island your stage and position your hob there. Consider a nifty pop up extractor fan for it too.
The worker: Incorporating an island will also maximise surface space. Drawers rather than cupboards allow greater accessibility and storage.
The gadget lover: Try a Quooker for instant hot boiling water. A rinse tap spray is also good for washing up bulky items. Hide heavy appliances like juicers in a roller shutter cupboard that sits on the work surface next to the power supply for easy access and use.
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LUMINOUS lighting
Holloways of Ludlow
Secto pendant lamp
As the kitchen is often a place for entertaining, family dining and even the kids’ homework, carefully consider how you use the room before you choose your lighting.
- Run an LED strip along the back of units or hidden underneath cupboards for a striking effect (below).
- Make a statement with your choice of lights above the table or central island (right, Secto lamp from Holloways of Ludlow, £320.45).
- Lights on separate dimmers help alter the mood to suit different occasions.
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About the designer
Emma Farquharson
Kitchen by Emma Farquharson
Emma Farquharson is based in South West London and works across London and the Home Counties heading up her own practice. Her projects range from the avant-garde to conservative, from large to small budgets.
07966 551169; emmafarquharson-interiors.co.uk
