This time, we’re taking a look at some of the latest designs and ideas that have sparked interest this year.

SYMPHONY AMBASSADOR ADAM THOMAS ON ACCESSIBLE KITCHENS

Designing a kitchen for a home that needs to be inclusive, catering not just for all age groups, and multi-generational living, but which is also accessible to users with disabilities, is a challenge taken up by design consultant Adam Thomas, who created the Freedom range of accessible kitchen furniture in collaboration with Symphony Group.  He has five considerations for designing a kitchen that as well as being wheelchair-friendly, will also help users who may be elderly or have restricted movement. Layout is Key, he says. ‘Consider placement of oven, hob and sink to ensure they are not too far away from each other, and that there is a worktop resting space for hot dishes alongside the oven’. Regarding storage, he says ‘Safe storage solutions are a must! Look at the height of wall cabinets, include pull-down baskets. Pull out larders and base cabinets negate reaching into the back of cabinets, and reduced depth cabinets allow contents to be within easy reach’.

CHOOSE HELPFUL AND ACCESSIBLE APPLIANCES

He recommends Slide and Hide ovens as a safer option, as standard drop-down and side-opening oven doors can present a barrier to accessing the open oven. He also suggests a heat-resistant pull out shelf beneath the oven for hot dishes and pans, which is a safer and more convenient option for wheelchair users. Induction hobs, with the controls at the front of the hob are more accessible too, and he also mentions remote-control or smart-control extractors. Rise and fall worktops are a good choice too, and can be calibrated to operate at the perfect height for the user. Not forgetting sockets, he suggests covered sockets fitted into the work surface within reach of the user, rather than on a wall. See more details on the Freedom range here.

THE SOHO KITCHEN IN BESPOKE INDUSTRIAL STYLE FROM DAVONPORT

SOHO is a new design from Davonport, with an eclectic combination of materials which include sandblasted timber, concrete and fabric. The cabinetry is ultra-contemporary, with each individual cabinet customised to each homeowners requirements. There are beaded full-height cabinets, illuminated wine storage, breakfast bar solutions and pocket-style doors for concealed storage.

CONTRASTING ELEMENTS IN THE SOHO KITCHEN FROM DAVONPORT

The SOHO has rounded design features, seen in the kitchen island. There’s table-level seating as well as bar-seating, which means the island functions beautifully as a highly practical space for food prep, as well as providing two separate eating spaces … it’s perfect for entertaining, too! Mirrored glass splashbacks in aged gold add a glamorous touch.

SHAKER KITCHEN WITH FLUTED WALNUT AND PAINTED FINISH BY BRAYER DESIGN

Darker kitchens are definitely making a splash at the moment, and the trend looks set to continue. Dark toned timber, such as walnut, can be combined with a similar paint shade to dramatic effect. The addition of texture, in the form of fluted or ribbed finishes, is an important contemporary addition. This Shaker kitchen has a fluted walnut and painted finish, and is from Brayer Design.

GREEN SHAKER WITH CRISP WHITE SURFACES AND WALLS BY HIGHAM FURNITURE

We’re big fans of contrast in kitchen colour schemes, and this Shaker project, from Higham Furniture, combines inset brass pull handles with white Silestone Calacatta work surfaces and splash backs with painted cabinetry. The shade is Ambleside by Little Greene, described as a dark green with a muted blue under tone. The high shelf is perfect for display, without adding further cabinetry.

OPAL DISK CEILING LIGHT BY HOUSEOF

Kitchen lighting seems to be getting more extravagant and dramatic … this is set to be a new favourite, it’s the Charcoal Grey Opal Disk Ceiling Light by Houseof. It’s also suitable for the bathroom, and available in a brass finish as well. The drop is adjustable, so can be suitable for rooms with higher or lower ceiling heights.

A FRESH SPRING LOOK FROM ENGLISH BLINDS

Botanical and nature-inspired designs remain popular, and they don’t have to be bold jungle prints in leaf green. Smaller patterns and slightly less outrageous prints are popular too, such as these Alina Glow Wildflower Patterned Roller Blinds. From English Blinds, made to measure and suitable for the kitchen as well as living-dining spaces, as the roller blinds can be wiped with a damp cloth.

NEW TEXTURED TILES FROM CRAVEN DUNNILL

Designers are fond of textured tiles, for both kitchens and bathrooms. Texture can add an edgy look, or simply another layer of interest in an otherwise simple colour scheme. Craven Dunnill have just introduced the new Arte and Verbierdesigns. Verbier Décor, shown above, is a rectified white tile with a lustre finish, and a plain white matching field tile is also available.

DESIGN ADVICE FROM NEIL CURTIS AT RIPPLES, BATH

Designer Neil Curtis says that if you’re opting for a shower panel, consider Crittall-style, fluted or etched, which is an emerging trend. Match hinges and handles to taps and shower fittings for a seamless look that pays attention to the details. He also recommends using an easy-clean coating for low maintenance and limescale resistance. Shower room by Ripples.

PANCAKE DAY IS 21^st FEBRUARY!

Pancake day will be upon us soon, and who can resist a stack of light, freshly prepared pancakes! Such an easy treat, we think that there should be more than one pancake day a year! Perhaps we should initiate Pancake Sunday, for a weekly treat breakfast … These little delights are Buttermilk Pancakes by Cuisinart, cooked on the Cuisinart Entertaining Grill.

FOR PERFECT CREPES, GO FOR GRANITE STONE BY PROCOOK

If you fancy paper-thin traditional crepes, invest in a Granite Non Stick Crepe Pan by ProCook. These pans have an aluminium body and stainless steel base, can be used on all types of hobs, including induction, and has a 25 year guarantee. Can also be used in the oven and is dishwasher-safe. Happy Pancake Day!