Whatever your level of experience, there’s nothing more satisfying then rustling up a homemade feast for all to enjoy. And as we look towards entertaining again with friends and family, now is the time to think about redesigning your kitchen space so it’s practical, sociable, and hardwearing for many years to come.
There’s a fine balance between aesthetics and practicality especially for a working kitchen, so check out these key ingredients from Wren Kitchens Design Director Darren Watts, on how to whip up a stunning kitchen fit for a pro chef…
Work with an expert kitchen designer
“The first and most important tip is to work with one of Wren’s expert designers,” says Darren.
“A kitchen designer can offer useful knowledge, insight and tips that you may not have considered, and this could have a huge impact on your overall design.
“They are experts in crafting a kitchen suitable for you and your lifestyle and can make every inch of space work hard for you.”
Intelligent storage
“A mix of integrated and open storage solutions are key for a busy chef,” adds Darren.
“Such as a large walk-in pantry, organised utensils and spices on open shelving and pots and pans in extra deep drawers or pull-out magic corner units.
“It’s all about ease of access to create an efficient design that works well for your love of cooking and entertaining.”
Zone your space
“Create a dedicated work zone in your kitchen so you have amble space to prep, cook and entertain,” explains Darren.
“To zone an area use two different worktop materials such as mixing warm timber and hardwearing quartz. Quartz is perfect for bakers as it’s a cold material and is scratch and stain resistant.
“An island or peninsula will provide you with ample worktop space to prepare and entertain guests at the same time. If you don’t have space, then a cooks table is a perfect substitute.
Not one, but two sinks
“A double, deep sink is crucial for keen cooks even if you have a dishwasher,” Darren confirms.
“By installing two sinks you can clean fruit and vegetables while stacking multiple pots and pans.
“Ensure that the taps are high and have flexible hoses so you can rinse used large pans. Plus boiling hot water taps are a must-have this season so you can add hot water to your pan in an instant.”
Lighting up your worktops
“When slicing and dicing you want as much light as possible so consider LED under-cabinet lighting,” says Darren.
“It’s practical for prepping ingredients and finetuning your dishes with finishing touches, as well as adding another layer of lighting which creates a real ambience for guests.”
Practical appliances
“A good oven will last around a decade so it’s important to choose one that suits your culinary needs,” explains Darren.
“Don’t forget to save budget for a decent oven and find one that heats up to temperature quick, spreads the heat well, has a large capacity and can even self-clean. A warming drawer is also a handy tool to have to keep plates warm or even prove bakes.”
Sleek and clean design
“A top-tip to take note of is to opt for a fuss-free design that’s hardwearing yet aesthetically beautiful,” concludes Darren.
“A clean-faced, handleless design that’s super durable such as Wren’s Milano Contour will stand-up to your daily use. As there’s no nooks and crannies for food particles to hide, it’s easy to clean and more hygienic.”
- Looking to create your own master chef kitchen? Book an appointment with one of Wren’s expert designers.
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