This time we’re offering planning advice from Keven Buchanan of Kitchens International, taking a look at some cosy colour schemes and finishing off with a couple of Halloween ideas – it’s not too late to get the pumpkins out …

Paul Mavor Photography

A NEW DISPLAY AT THE EDINBURGH SHOWROOM, KITCHENS INTERNATIONAL

Kevin Buchanan, Design Director, Kitchens International says that anyone looking to invest in a new kitchen should ‘Start at the beginning, solidify your ideas and determine who will use the kitchen, how many people will cook at one time, and how you will use the kitchen. Will it be a social hub or do you want it to be a separate space? Consider your budget and the investment you want to make. If you have a colour scheme in mind, find some images. Then, from this starting point you can head off to speak to visit a showroom and speak to a designer’.

STORAGE IS THE BACKBONE OF THIS KITCHEN FROM KITCHENS INTERNATIONAL

Kevin Buchanan puts the emphasis on storage and advises the use of wide drawers rather than cupboards. ‘Drawers are easier to access and house more things, more efficiently. Large walk-in pantries and larders are central to many kitchens today, perhaps with built-in power and lighting so small electrical appliances can be easily used in-situ. Consider the layout … 75% of kitchens have islands which usually link the cooking area with the rest of the room. Whatever layout chosen, try and include a dining space, perhaps with a breakfast bar or banquette seating which is either linked to the island or a peninsula’.

Paul Mavor Photography

APPLIANCES & WORK SURFACES ARE VITAL COMPONENTS

‘Appliances are the workhorses of the kitchen’ says Kevin Buchanan. ‘The choice is vast, and many can be hidden or integrated. Laundry and refrigeration appliances are often disguised behind cabinet doors, and ovens can be concealed behind pocket doors for a discreet and tidy appearance. A boiling water tap remains the most sought-after kitchen item and has the bonus of being energy efficient. As far as work surfaces are concerned, choose long-lasting materials such as engineered stone for a contemporary look with a slim 10mm thickness, or for more traditional tastes, granite, marble or wood can be the perfect choice, with thickness up to 200mm’.

SPICY SHADES FROM WOOD WORKS BRIGHTON

Choosing a colour for a new kitchen is a big step, and we are pleased to see warmer shades used creatively, in combination with a cooler blue for balance. This is the Tanta Project from Wood Works Brighton. It features Valchromat doors in blue, yellow and burnt orange on birch ply. Work surfaces are Durat D0100-02, and open shelves keeps the look light whilst allowing for lots of display space.

ADD SAVANNAH GREEN FOR AN UPLIFTING GLOW, BY BENJAMIN MOORE UK

Take a neutral colour scheme that already features white, naturals and wood, to another by adding a strong streak of colour. Here, Savannah Green 2150-30 by Benjamin Moore defines the space in a positive and uplifting manner. It is described as a rich ochre, featuring a balanced undertone of green and yellow. It also works with four other shades, Vanilla Milkshake, Blue Note, Swiss Coffee and Fairview Taupe, all shades perfectly suited to kitchen settings.

Pete Helme Photography

A WARM COLOUR SCHEME FOR THE NEW SCANDI RANGE ‘LUGN’  FROM HUSH

Hush Kitchens has launched a new design, named Hush Lugn, which means  quiet, calm, peaceful, tranquil, composed. This Scandi-inspired range sits neatly alongside the existing Shaker style collections. Available finishes include hand-painted, plus laminates and wood. All the cabinets are made to order in any width, providing a bespoke approach to kitchen layouts, but without a high-end price ticket. Shown above with a hand-brushed paint finish in Stable Green by Paint & Paper Library, with a bespoke freestanding glazed cabinet.

A SINGLE RUN SCHEME FROM THE SIGNATURE BESPOKE COLLECTION BY SEARLE & TAYLOR

This Signature Bespoke kitchen from Searle & Taylor is part of a large open plan space, and feature a birch-faced plywood ceiling and American Walnut feature panels. The colours are Black Beauty and Tikkurila (the mustard shade), both by Benjamin Moore paints. The tall run includes an integrated fridge and freezer, a wine cabinet, and oven by Miele. Work surfaces are Trillium by Dekton and there’s also an 80cm Novy Easy Vented Downdraft Induction Hob.

OCCASIONAL TROLLEY-TABLE BY LOAF TO TEAM WITH DARK WOOD KITCHENS

However sleek your kitchen-dining project, there’s nearly always a requirement for one or two side tables or occasional tables if the room is open plan to a seating/relaxing area. The Meals on Wheels Side Table in Dark Ash from Loaf is an inspired investment buy – it’s both beautiful and extremely useful, as the top surface lifts off to double as a serving tray. Also available in Light Ash.

DRAMATIC HALLOWEEN DECS FROM GINGER RAY

If you want to add an understated yet slightly scary edge to your Halloween décor, try the Black Crow Decorationsavailable from a terrifyingly excellent collection of spooky decorations at Ginger Ray

PLANTS AND PUMPKIN DECORATIONS FROM DOBBIES

Whether you are styling a showroom or a home, plants and pumpkins are a great combination for Halloween. These indoor plants and planters are from a selection at Dobbies.

HAVE A SOPHISTICATED HALLOWEEN WITH VELVET PUMPKINS BY ROCKETT ST GEORGE

Yes, we admit it, we may have featured these gorgeous pumpkins before, but they are definitely worth a second glance! Consider these velvet beauties an investment for home or showroom, to add a touch of autumnal Halloween splendour. See them in detail at Rockett St George. Enjoy your Halloween …

ENDS