It’s possible to have a CONTEMPORARY KITCHEN that doesn’t lack character. Avoid bland by adding one key ingredient, writes SARAH BREEN
1. Find the right place for your wine or cookbooks
Personal touches, like a collection of cookbooks or a smart wine cooler, are what give a kitchen that lived-in feel. “When planning a new kitchen, I always advise clients to try and fit a bookcase in somewhere,” says Claire Hammond of Claire Hammond Interiors, Belfast. “If it’s a large kitchen, use a side of the island for shelving and a wine cooler. It not only looks great, it’s practical. In a small kitchen, you could incorporate a slim open shelf to the side of a spice cupboard by the hob.” In an existing kitchen, easy-to-add floating shelves in a contrasting finish to your cabinetry are a good place to display cookbooks while storing wine above the cupboards will keep work surfaces free. “When displaying your cookbooks, break them up with other items of interest or use plates, bowls, linen napkins, family photos and decorative objects to fill the space,” Hammond adds.
2. Hang a painting
As the hub of the home, and the one room in which people always congregate, the kitchen is the ideal place to display your favourite pieces of art. “When choosing what to hang, it’s important that you acknowledge the colour scheme of your kitchen as a whole,” advises Louise Higgins of Aspire Design in Co Kildare. “Things to consider are your curtain, blind and upholstery fabrics, your paint colour, the colour of your cabinets and your flooring. There are many Irish artists who would be happy to create a bespoke piece using your selected paint colours.” The blank space alongside a dining table may be the obvious place to hang a painting but there are other options. “If you have high ceilings, consider using the space above the cabinets – or even in the space between upper and lower cabinets,” says Higgins. “In small kitchens, a piece of art on the countertop or open shelving adds interest, or you could place it behind a set of clear glasses or in a glass cabinet. Small pictures also look super grouped together on a gallery wall.” And remember, art can come in many different forms. “If you don’t have any paintings or prints, a decorative extractor hood, good lighting design and bespoke flooring can also create an artistic statement,” adds Higgins.
3. Add a vintage chandelier or a mirror
One easy way to add an interesting focal point to the room is with a show-stopping vintage piece. “My preference would always be a light fitting,” says Catherine Quirke of Quirc Interior Design, Naas, Co Kildare. “An antique light fitting can completely finish the look and tie everything together in the kitchen. It will add interest and excitement.” An oversized chandelier above an island or dining table will always add drama, but there are myriad alternatives if you’re prepared to do some digging. “From old church pendant lights to vintage industrial fittings, they will be a talking point,” says Quirke. “Wilson’s Yard in Co Down always has some gems, as do the vintage shops on Lot’s Road in Chelsea, London. For new lights with a vintage feel, try Mullen Lighting in Co Down.” When installing a vintage light fitting, it’s wise to engage a professional. “Always ensure the wiring is adaptable to the current voltage in your home,” adds Quirke.
4. Interesting lighting
Lighting in the kitchen doesn’t have to be just functional. Of course work zones, such
as food preparation areas and around the sink, need to be well lit, but elsewhere there are opportunities to have a little fun with it. “Your kitchen lighting plan should be multi-layered with task lighting, atmospheric lighting and accent lighting,” says Grace MacDonald of Phoenix Interior Design in Terenure, Dublin. “What really adds character and definition is grouping these various types of lighting in each zone. We see a lot of this over islands where the same fitting is repeated at the same drop two, three or even four times. LED strip lighting is a good example of task lighting particularly below kitchen units, but is also another great way to provide accent lighting. Floor or table lamps can be used to illuminate dark corners or to create mood lighting. Adding wall lights over a console table or buffet unit is a great way to give more personality and you can highlight special features with directional spots.” To really create impact, go big or go home. “Over an island and dining table are locations to go large,” says MacDonald.
5. An upholstered chair or window seat
Including a cosy armchair or upholstered windowseat can add warmth to an otherwise strictly functional kitchen. “A windowseat built into a bay can be designed to incorporate clever storage with drawers or space accessed through hatch doors,” explains Eadaoin Holden of Holden Interiors, Galway. “You could even create a faux bay by building out the walls either side of a conventional window and adding bookcases. A windowseat can also double up as additional seating at a dining table when there’s a crowd.” When choosing fabric for kitchen upholstery, take into account the likelihood of it fading over time. “In a kitchen, going for practical coloured fabrics with either patterns or textures makes sense,” says Holden. “Patterned upholstery can take a space from boring to beautiful very easily.
Using a quirky cushion on the chair adds an element of fun. Take into account also, creating impact with fabric does not always have to mean bright colours. Luxurious textures can make a serious and sophisticated statement as well. Soft leather ages beautifully – the more beaten up it gets, the better it looks. And while leather can be costly, it will be an investment that will serve you well for years.”
6. Mix two flooring types – one neutral, one high impact
If your kitchen incorporates a dining or living space, consider mixing up the flooring to help define these areas. “Tiles are considered really practical in the kitchen. They make cleaning easy and keep the space looking sharp and functional,” says Hannah Lordan of Hannah Lordan Interiors, Cork. “In an open floor plan, tiles make a nice contrast with wooden living room flooring. But make sure when using two different materials that where they meet is seamless and neat.” To make a statement, consider unglazed porcelain tiles in a mosaic pattern. “They give the kitchen a chic vibe and it’s a design that can adapt to a variety of styles,” says Lordan. “They can be costly but are so worth it. Chequered floors are bold yet simple and the style can be adapted to the materials, textures and colours you decide to use. The black and white combination is extremely versatile and ideal for modern and traditional kitchens.” Choosing neutral tiles, like charcoal, in the kitchen area will allow you to play with colour elsewhere. “If I use neutral coloured tiles, I tend to go with colour on the cabinetry, like dark greys, muted greens or blues with a fairly simple work counter,” Lordan adds.
Sarah Breen
This article appeared in a previous issue, for more features like this, don’t miss our December issue, out Thursday, December 1.
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