Getting your kitchen plan right from the outset can save you money and give you a finished room that you’ll still love years from now. We sat down with Molly Chandler, designer with Willis & Stone bespoke handcrafted kitchens, to get her insider tips on how to plan your dream kitchen Things to consider… When we are planning a kitchen for one of our customers, the first thing we find out from them is whether they are looking to replace an existing kitchen or design for a new build or new extension. If the kitchen is going in a new build or extension, it is a good idea to finalise your kitch ..read more

Enter Gemini Quartz—a name that’s synonymous with precision, elegance, and resilience in the world of high-quality quartz surfaces. But why is Gemini Quartz the superior choice for your kitchen renovation project? Quality that resonates Gemini Quartz isn’t just another player in the quartz market. Exclusively sold by Gemini Worktops, it’s the embodiment of what four generations of attention to detail and the perfect blend of natural minerals, aggregates, and premium recycled materials can achieve. The core of Gemini’s promise is quality without compromise. Every slab is crafted with the end u ..read more

After analysing millions of user boards, Pinterest has concluded that 2024’s rising kitchen trend is ‘kitsch kitchens’. No, that isn’t the slurred ramblings of a drunk interior designer. According to Pinterest, the use of kitsch-related keywords has grown between 40 and 160%. Therefore, their team predicts ‘This year, Gen X and Boomers will spruce up their cooking areas with thrifted finds, vintage appliances and jarring pops of paint.’ So, what are kitsch kitchens? The dictionary describes ‘Kitsch’ as ‘A derivative of the [German] verb kitschen “to throw together (a work of art).”‘ Kitschy ..read more

Although induction hobs have grown in popularity, there are still many new gas hobs sold every year, and a huge number of UK households have one. As well as being cheaper to run, many people like the visual feedback that gas gives, finding it easier to cook on this style of hob. Ovens are largely electric, but there are still many gas ovens in homes. Until recently, nobody thought much about this, but increasingly, it is being recognised that NO2 and other gases produced when we cook with gas can be a problem indoors as well. There is evidence that ongoing exposure to the gases generated by co ..read more

Cashmere kitchens exude timeless elegance and sophistication, merging practicality with luxurious aesthetics. The term ‘cashmere’ in kitchen design typically refers to a warm, neutral colour palette reminiscent of the soft, delicate tones found in cashmere wool. These kitchens often feature sleek, handleless cabinetry in muted shades of beige or taupe which creates a calming and inviting atmosphere. The use of high-quality materials, such as polished marble or granite countertops, further enhances the opulence of cashmere kitchens. This design trend is favoured for its ability to integrat ..read more

The waste-disposal unit is a gadget that hasn’t, as yet, taken off widely in the UK. Estimates suggest about six per cent of UK homes have one, compared with half of homes in the US. They were briefly popular over here in the seventies and eighties and, today, they are again being installed in high-end kitchens. Here’s our need-to-know low down on waste-disposal units. What is a waste-disposal unit? A waste-disposal unit – or food waste disposer, as they are sometimes known – is an electric grinder plumbed in under your kitchen sink to help you get rid of food waste. The idea is you put waste ..read more

As we step into 2024, the realm of kitchen design is undergoing a captivating transformation, marked by innovative trends that seamlessly blend style, functionality, and sustainability. Expect to witness a departure from traditional monochromatic palettes as kitchens embrace a dynamic burst of colours, with earthy tones taking centre stage. Materials are becoming a playground for creativity, with a notable rise in popularity for eye catching and bold worktops. The heartbeat of the modern kitchen is also tuned to the rhythm of sustainability, with a surge in demand for energy-efficient and eco ..read more

Centered around the buzzwords streamlined, mindful, sustainable and convivial, kitchen trends for 2024 are all about building a space for wellness and relaxing. They’re a place to unwind, get creative, connect with nature or entertain. Organic and natural elements feature highly, from warm wood cabinetry to bespoke backsplashes. Surfaces are getting an upgrade with eco-friendly porcelain and technology is here to help us. From smart induction hobs that monitor air quality and come with a powerful extractor fan, to vacuum storage that keeps track of your food waste. We’re set to become more aw ..read more

So many of us live in smaller spaces these days. If that’s you, scrolling through pictures of enormous kitchens with islands the size of, well, islands, can be more depressing than inspiring. But don’t despair, more and more manufacturers and kitchen-design companies are wising up and coming up with compact appliances and innovative design ideas to help us create beautiful and efficient kitchens in even the tiniest of spaces. And we’ve sorted through these to come up with some great small-kitchen ideas for you, which can make the room feel more spacious Choose light colours Ruth Lavender, of ..read more

Whether you think you have the space or not, a utility room is a really practical addition to the kitchen and it doesn’t need to take up too much room. With a little creative thinking and careful planning, you will soon benefit from all the advantages that utility room storage can offer. Many homeowners have the dilemma of deciding between a larger kitchen or a kitchen with a utility room extension. Both spaces are the workhorses of the home but it’s the utility room that works hard behind the scenes with the washing machine, tumble dryer, cleaning cupboard for the vacuum cleaner, heated clot ..read more