Text: Tessa Paterson and Diana Wemyss. Photography: Christoph Hoffmann. Article from the June 2014 issue of Garden and Home Magazine.
We look at the design essentials of three popular kitchen styles, and reveal how to make each one work for you
A Timeless Classic
“A classically chic kitchen, like this one we designed for a client in Jo’burg, combines timeless design elements and investment pieces with modern textures and finishes,” says Jennie Kuhn of Slavin & Company. “It has great longevity and epitomises elegance, yet retains a hardworking core. It’s a look that’s well suited to young families or for those who may be scaling down.”
Jennie’s tips to gt this look
Juxtapose different elements
“A classical kitchen is neither overtly modern nor completely traditional, so here we combined different units, finishes and door styles,” says Jennie. “The drawer units and island, for instance, are in a simple Shaker style and have been painted in a satin finish in White and Morning Fog from Plascon. These are mixed in with more traditional free-standing pieces like the lime-washed oak fridge cabinet made by Forest Collection.”
Keep to a calm, neutral palette
“Select a palette that won’t date — that means mostly monochromatic tones that are easy to live with and enhance a feeling of space,” says Jennie. You can always add a pop of easy-to-change colour by introducing accessories or, as has been done here, painting your island in a distinctive hue.
Consider layout, flow and scale
“Our client has five children, so the right flow was important in making this kitchen as practical and easy-to-live-with as possible. The eat-in section (to the right of the fireplace) overlooks the garden and is adjacent to the main cooking hub. A separate scullery with a pantry and laundry keeps the kitchen free of clutter.
“It’s also important to consider the sense of scale. Here, architect Joe van Rooyen created a dramatic vaulted ceiling with a pair of symmetrical oval windows on either side of the built-in fireplace. Having the right bones is essential for a truly classical design.”
Choosing materials and fixtures
“When it came to the fixtures we looked for those with simple, classic shapes, such as the pewter drop handles on the island drawers and the Axor Montreux taps from Hansgrohe. The bespoke extractor hood has elegant scroll work on each side and the island’s topped with Carrara marble from Granite Studio. This, together with the white Caesarstone countertops, matching splashback and live stove, creates a sense of visual order and calmness.”
Points to consider
• “While marble is beautiful, it’s also very porous. Liquids like lemon or alcohol can cause corrosion and staining. We recommend using trivets or wooden boards for hot, wet or abrasive products. Caesarstone is launching a colour called Calacatta Classic in spring/ summer 2014 which should give the same visual effect, but be more hard-wearing.”
• Underslung sinks and prep bowls give a clean, neat finish. “However, I advise using these in prep areas only, and not for double sinks which have to carry the weight of heavy pots,” says Jennie.
• Satin Duco is a wonderful finish for cupboards as there is a vast range of shades to choose from. It gives a smooth, easy-to-clean finish and there are no exposed seams as the varnish seals off the SupaWood entirely.
Fashion Forward
“The visual simplicity of a modern, clean-lined kitchen belies a host of highly practical features,” says Philip Richards (pictured) brand manager of blu_line kitchens, which designed and installed this contemporary kitchen. “Even though the rest of a home may be more classical or traditional in style, the demand for a pared-down multifunctional kitchen is growing.”
Phillip’s tips to get this look
Keep things simple with a strong focus on functionality
“Sleek kitchens, like the one featured here, are dependent on a lack of visual clutter — think cupboards without handles and integrated fridges and freezers that are hidden behind closed doors. By stacking appliances such as convection ovens on top of each other when incorporating them into the wall units, you’ll save space and create a more cohesive look.
“To achieve that ‘less is more’ feeling without compromising functionality, create dedicated zones for each activity. For instance, the cooking area should have generous pot drawers, cutlery dividers and spice storage within easy reach.
The prep zone should have its own cutlery drawers, as well as quick access to vegetable storage.”
Choosing a colour palette and creating interest
“The most sought-after shades right now are architectural greys. However, to prevent pared-down kitchens from looking too cold, it’s important to add interest by incorporating different textures and finishes.
“Here we combined high-gloss lacquer cupboards with both rough and smooth timber veneers on the central island. The earthy colour of the Caesarstone Shitake countertops adds a hint of warmth, and the custom extractor is clad in matt charcoal glass with a clear glass trim. Playing with different surface levels and counter thicknesses also adds a strong visual element, and modern taps are a must.”
Points to consider
• Bear in mind that high-gloss, handleless units tend to show fingerprints. Bike-riding toddlers can damage the lacquer but a door can be resprayed.
• Stainless steel kickplates can also scratch, but the marks can be buffed out.
• While this style tends not to mix well with very traditional accessories, it combines wonderfully with modern accents such as rough-hewn timber tables.
• As they save energy and are safe to use, induction appliances are a practical choice.
A New Country
“A modern country kitchen successfully marries period detailing with pared-down lines to create the vintage feel that a lot of homeowners are after today,” says architect Alex Stewart who designed this Cape Town kitchen, which was built by Silverbirch Fine Kitchens and Furniture.
Alex’s tips to get this look
Recycle fittings and fixtures
“If renovating a kitchen in a period property, reuse any original fittings and fixtures, such as cornice mouldings and skirtings, windows and light fittings – these are essential for adding character.” You could also incorporate salvaged architectural finds or new buys that have a suitably vintage feel.
Pay attention to detail
Painted cabinetry and free-standing furnishings are some of the key elements of a country kitchen. “For a modern take on these ideas, we created a semi-fitted look with leg detailing at the base of the meranti cabinets which were given a lacquered finish for easy maintenance.
“Something as simple and small as handles can spoil the look completely. These cup handles from Dito Handles give a very traditional feel, but the brushed finish is both modern and practical.”
Choose the right finishes
Wooden flooring will give a softer, more rustic feel than tiles. “We’ve used Corcoleum flooring; it’s made from natural sawdust and wood flours and as it’s laid as a solid surface it gives a seamless, contemporary look.
“Counter surfaces in natural materials are a must. Here we used honed black granite for the worktop and oak for the island.”
Barbara Russell of Barbara Russell Paint Techniques suggests that white, such as Plascon’s Iceberg, Tackroom or Cloud White, is the best colour to paint the cabinetry in this style of kitchen.
“Whites are complemented by shades of charcoal and pale woods like oak with a soft grey wash,” she adds.
Points to consider
• Open shelves used to display items need to be kept neat.
• Seal traditional materials, such as wood, to avoid marking and warping.
Sources
Alex Stewart Architecture and Interior Design 021 424 2989 Barbara Russell Paint Techniques 082 868 0507 blue_ line kitchens blue-line.co.za Caesarstone caesarstone.co.za Corcoleum 021 852 6733 Dito Handles 021 789 1465 Forest Collection forestcollection.co.za Granite Studio 011 452 5191 Hansgrohe hansgrohe.co.za Ilve ilve.co.za JVR Architects jvrarchitects.co.za Plascon plascon.co.za Silverbirch Fine Kitchens and Furniture 021 761 7056 Slavin & Company slavinandcompany.com
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