The kitchen part I

The Kitchen: Part 1

Carefully consider where the kitchen is going to be. It doesn't always have to be in the biggest room. Consider putting your kitchen and living room into an L-shape, so you don't see the kitchen sink from the sitting room.

Kitchens need to feel like rooms, not labs. Add lamps and pictures, consider open shelves, and replace islands - if you can - with a beautiful table. Don't get carried away by expensive kitchen shops, as otherwise, your kitchen will end up looking like their showroom.

Mix counter materials and depths. Mix the heights if you can: it brings interest in your kitchen. If you have space, have two sinks: one in the pantry and one in the kitchen itself. Don't be scared of bespoke cabinetry in a small kitchen.

Things to Consider When Designing a Kitchen

There's no reason why your joiner can't make you a bespoke number, especially if you prefer a non-built-in design. Make your kitchen your own by hanging art and considering patterned tiles - it should seem as personal as the rest of the house.

Before deciding on a layout for your kitchen, consider how you will use it. If you must have a company's design, combine it with a custom counter to add a more personal touch. To fit in with your windows, you may need to adjust the height of your kitchen counters; most come at a standard height.

Design Notes

• Kitchen walls: Lilac Pink by Edward Bulmer
• Kitchen woodwork: Stock 37 by Little Greene
• Units: Army Camp by Paper & Paint
• Blue scullery woodwork: Scullery Latch by Paper & Paint
• Large glass central pendant: Stella by Pooky
• Antique opaline glass coolie lights: Howe
• Flooring: Lapicida
• Kitchen units: Plain English
• White-enamel stove: Aga
• Brass taps: Barber Wilsons & Co
• Curtains: Entoto Stripe - Juniper/Leaf by Lee Jofa
• Artichoke lithograph: Sarah Graham's Artichoke II
• Dining chairs: AvW Antiques
• Chair cushions: Persian Flower by Soane
• Antique Italian dining table: Tallboy Interiors
• Marble Green Teapot: John Derian for Astier de Villatte
• Resin candlesticks (as seen in the background of lesson 19): Marianna Kennedy