INTER IORS
A design for life FIVE TIPS FOR KITCHEN MAKEOVER SUCCESS, FROM BRYAN TURNER, MD OF BRYAN TURNER KITCHENS 1 When planning a kitchen makeover, the first questions to ask yourself are: what currently works well in your existing kitchen and what doesn’t? It’s not a good idea to repeat something that you have disliked, but it does happen! 2 When thinking about layout, make sure you’ll have what’s needed for kitchen tasks conveniently placed and close to hand. Look at how you can improve the ‘traffic flows’ through the room, to create an uninterrupted working space. 3 Consider what you like design- wise, and get inspired by looking at Pinterest, magazines, etc. How do you want it to look? Part of this will be deciding whether your dream kitchen can be achieved through buying pre- made modular cupboards. If not, you’ll require a bespoke designer’s help. 4 Don’t neglect storage! Think carefully about what your requirements are, and whether you’ll need a clever design to maximise space. 5 Think about what you want to spend on the project, and work back from there, factoring in any appliances.
THE FLOORING: WOODEN HERRINGBONE
Search trends have seen a 160% increase for the term “herringbone floor” in the past 12 months, and it’s easy to see why people are falling for the look. It brings textural interest to your space, adding depth and richness to interiors, and creates an elegant, country house feel. It’s another feature that we think is destined to remain perennially in vogue. In terms of material, wood is very popular. There are nearly 300,000 posts under “#woodflooring” on Instagram – and oak is the wood of choice, with more than 75,000 posts using the hashtag “#oakflooring”. THE WORKTOPS: GRANITE Also popular on Instagram are granite worktops, with nearly 25,000 posts under the “#graniteworktops” hashtag. This worktop is ever-popular, due to its durability and great value for money. It lasts a long time, too, is easy to maintain and has a price tag significantly lower than its visually similar counterpart, marble. In terms of the granite colour, white, greys and blacks reign supreme when you browse the Insta photos that share the granite tag.
THE LAYOUT: GALLEY STYLE The most engaged with hashtag relating to layout is “#galleykitchen”. This style comprises two parallel work surfaces sandwiching a narrow central walkway. It’s often bemoaned – the name itself calling to mind the cramped conditions of a boat – but it’s a common layout, particularly in the Victorian terraces so ubiquitous in Cambridge. The reason so many engage with the #galleykitchen hashtag on social media, thinks Darren, is that: “Its shape brings with it design options that require creativity. For example, people enjoy sharing their smart storage solutions, where a balance has to be found between practicality and style.”
CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK OCTOBER 2021 91
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