Page 154 - Homes amp Gardens UK February 2021

DESIGN

MAKE IT WORK Truth be told, the real provides an opportunity to be brave with colour
beauty of the kitchen island is that it gives the and create a contrast – a deep, dark blue with

homeowner a working galley kitchen – a concept brass hardware will always have wow factor.
rightly beloved of professional chefs due to the
enhanced efficiency and safety during cooking. EASY PREP If the kitchen design dictates

You prep one side; you cook the other. It’s a simple the hob needs to go on the island, then excellent
but brilliant layout choice. The best islands create a ceiling extraction is essential. Ideally though the
true ‘working side’ of the kitchen countered with island should be a space for food prep with a

a ‘social side’ to provide seating for the breakfast sink – either the main sink or a prep sink. You’ll
rush hour or guests catching up before dinner. enjoy countertop space galore, the opportunity
to integrate dishwashers and pull-out bins

SIZE IS EVERYTHING The negative underneath. If you need a fridge in the island, opt
space, i.e. the space between furniture, is as for a pull-out drawer such as Fisher & Paykel’s
important as the size of the unit itself. The golden CoolDrawer, which can switch between fridge
rule is to allow 1-1.2m to move around easily, but and freezer at the touch of a button.

there are times when going narrower is justified
– for example when the dishwasher door is open. DURABILITY IS KEY Worktops are the
We use quartz worktops almost exclusively on our workhorse of the kitchen. Natural marble is

islands because they are low maintenance, easy to stunning but it’s porous and easily stained and
clean and come in jumbo slabs to avoid joints. scratched. No one wants low-level anxiety watching
a drop of red wine spill onto the counter when
ROUND IT UP A round breakfast bar you’ve got friends over, so low-maintenance quartz

can work to soften a big island in a large room. is the solution. Kitchens are for living in nowadays.
Proportion is important; the island needs to fit By prioritising durability, you can truly relax.
into the design rather than dominate. Using a

different material for the breakfast bar helps to SOCIAL LIVING Sitting in a line is great
break up density. We avoid split levels in island at the sushi bar but not for kitchen islands, so
design – the appeal often lies in a desire to hide three is the magic number for straight line seating.

mess away, but they can look and feel disjointed. If If you need four stools, then wrap them around
surface clutter bothers you, install two dishwashers. one end of the island so it’s more sociable. When
you choose your counter stools always check the

ANCHOR AWAY I always like a kitchen dimensions and have them drawn into the kitchen
island to feel anchored in the room and the easiest design to ensure they fit perfectly with plenty of
way to achieve this is to use a punchy dark colour space to manoeuvre around.
for the island cabinetry. Bold, dark colours can be

intimidating but the island cabinetry is always ■ Humphrey Munson, 01371 821300,
below the line of sight when you walk in, so it humphreymunson.co.uk

FEATURE LINDA CLAYTON PHOTOGRAPH PAUL CRAIG

THE SOURCEBOOK: HUMPHREY MUNSON’S GO-TO SUPPLIERS

JOSEPH GILES TIMOTHY OULTON JIM LAWRENCE CRL STONE
It’s not just how hardware looks, Innovative design,exceptional An outstanding British Quartzworktopscombinebeauty
but how it feels – it must be quality and attention to detail are manufacturer creating iconic, and durability,and we love to
comfortable and easy to use. the hallmarks ofTimothy Oulton. traditional lighting designs specify quartz by CRLStone for
Joseph Giles offers hardware in We’re always bowled over by that focus on quality materials, its unparalleled design.Tip: for
unusualfinisheslikedarkbronzed the hand-finished upholstered craftsmanship and customer the most natural looking marble-
waxed,leather and marble, pieces,especially the modern- service.The heritage finishes esque worktops,chooseVerona,
alongside the usual nickel and vintage elegance of theAngeles on offer are always a good fit. a bright,veiny option with plenty
brass. josephgiles.com stools. timothyoulton.com jim-lawrence.co.uk of movement. crlquartz.co.uk

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