Cupboard Love

The key to a contemporary kitchen is to install fixtures and fittings that keep the space clutter-free yet functional. Two important aspects of the kitchen that need to be both practical and stylish are cupboards and worktops: these features should look good while also being areas of high use.

When it comes to storage, Devon-based kitchen companies are finding that customers are looking for cupboards with plenty of capacity and some ‘hidden’ extras. Jon Roach from Kingsteignton Kitchens & Joinery is seeing definite trends amongst his clients. “Shaker style is the most popular choice for handmade kitchen furniture, with hand-painted finishes more in demand than traditional wood finishes.” In fact, this Shaker style continues to be the go-to design for quality timeless cabinets, although, within fitted kitchens, slab-style doors remain popular. Glass-fronted doors have been replaced with solid panels, giving a cohesive look and hiding any clutter.

Cupboards with a high-gloss finish are now making way for a more pared-down satin or matt coat. Designer Stewart MacPherson from Treyone Kitchens (with a local branch in Kingsbridge) reveals that even the location of the home can have a bearing on the design. “The majority of customers prefer a wood finish or a painted satin finish. Some are asking now for a limed finish, allowing the natural grain to show through; this is very popular with coastal schemes.”

Colour-wise, there is a more neutral scheme, muted tones of blues, greys and greens being the most popular. Keeping the higher-cost items such as cupboards and worktops neutral, colour can instead be introduced in walls and accessories, meaning the kitchen should be long-lasting, weathering trends. “This flexibility is very appealing, as clients wish to know that their kitchen design is going to stand the test of time and still be fashionable in 20 years’ time,” adds Stewart.

A more ‘unfitted’ look is proving popular, using tall larder cupboards and floor-to-ceiling storage with internal pull-out drawers, giving more space. Another request is a hidden bin within the cupboards, freeing up floor space. Internal racks and dividers are a sensible choice to maximise storage.

In smaller rooms, base units are used and wall cupboards are relinquished to add a feeling of space. Mark Aston from KBB in Kingsbridge says: “Wall units can block the natural light on a worktop, so some people prefer not to have them.”

Good kitchen design is not just a case of form meeting function; smaller details and accessories can personalise the room. Soft-close doors and drawers are now a common feature, but this does come down to personal preference. “Soft-close doors and drawers are a must-have for fitted kitchens, whereas bespoke kitchens still have traditional butt hinges with solid oak soft-close drawer boxes,” says Jon. 

When it comes to door furniture, satin-finished cup handles on drawers and pull-knobs on cupboards are required in the bespoke kitchen market, whereas fitted cabinets are now seeing a handleless design with a ‘J’ groove for opening.

Mark Newbery, Managing Director of Sapphire Spaces in Topsham, has seen a move away from handles altogether. “Handles aren’t that popular and our designs mostly incorporate handleless options with touch cupboards and drawers. When they are required they are a simple, slim, horizontal design in either stainless steel or aluminium.”

Kitchen cupboards can also double-up as entertainment systems when required. “We are starting to offer plinth speakers. A few small speakers are inserted into the plinth and work with a Bluetooth connection,” says Mark Aston.

Looks and performance are also important in worktops. Stewart is finding that Silestone is a popular range, as customers are attracted by its hygienic finish as well as the colour range. “Silestone has Microban technology, which remains active throughout the life the worktop, providing continuous antimicrobial cleaning action.”

There are always new products being introduced to the market. Dekton is an extremely durable and versatile composite material, capable of withstanding up to 800°C as well as the chopping of food straight on the surface without leaving a mark. With new colour ranges being introduced over the next couple of years, there will be a bigger selection that will suit more varied tastes.

With other options such as timber, bamboo, granite, stainless steel, Caeserstone and quartz, worktops can be tailored to particular needs. “Different surface finishes are also being introduced, something a bit more tactile and less utilitarian. People are becoming a lot more interested in what they can feel as well as see, venturing out and being a bit braver,” says Stewart.

Choices of colour are another opportunity to personalise your cooking/eating space. 

“We have seen customers come in and pick a very neutral door, but they have then had a very bright worktop, which creates a very striking look. Some people will choose to go the other way. They will have a door that is very bright and a plain, white worktop,” says Mark Aston.

If the kitchen has room for a central island unit, then this can be used to create different effects and can be highlighted as a focal point. “Contrasting islands are very popular at the moment. Even matching islands are often fitted with a contrasting bartop,” says Mark Newbery.

Work surfaces can include pull-out chopping boards, built-in heat rods; island units can be fitted with sockets (pop-up or flush) and concealed supplies, and even lighting can be incorporated, making them clutter-free and spacious. “You can now have LED lights fitted to the underside of the front edge of the work surface or fixed to the base of cabinets so the LED strips are not visible. This gives a better look than plinth lights,” adds Jon.

“Clients wish to know that their kitchen design is going to stand the test of time and still be fashionable in 20 years’ time”