I’m loving the laid  back but sophisticated feel of this open plan Parisian design (right.)

Equally the immense height and use of stainless steel in this American kitchen (left) reminds me of some funky bars I’ve attended in Durban, South Africa. The extensive use of wood veneer panelling makes a bold but calming statement.

Let me know what you think?

American kitchen architecture at its best

Parisian apartment

As much as you’d love a new kitchen the hairy scary stories of the credit crunch have left you running for the hills. Right? Wrong! We’ve been studying the patterns and behaviour of the consumer market and have found that people are determined “to see something for their money.”

As folk have lost trust in the banks and lost value in their stocks and shares, people are purchasing ‘investments’, that is products that will either hold their value or add value to their assets whilst they wait for the rest of the financial market to recover.

One of those ‘investments’ are premium quality kitchens and other sensible home improvements; that is improvements that will maintain or boost the value of your home and increase its saleability.

Steer away from high fashion trends that will soon look dated. Instead, choose classic materials, timeless colours and luxurious finishes and soon you’ll be enjoying the fruits of your investment on a day to day basis.

The June issue of the most relevant UK kitchen magazine hits the shelves tomorrow where you can feast your eyes on more cucina heaven. I love nothing more than curling up with a coffee and a new magazine (not that I get more than 10 minutes to myself before I’m disturbed by x, y & z!).

Beautiful Kitchens magazine is featuring one of our recent kitchens - one that Darren won a kitchen designer award for, which makes it all the more special. It’s a very sophisticated and elegant creation for a very elegant client of ours and consists of Soft Steel painted  cabinetry with American Walnut posts, a stunning granite called Labrador Antique, a contemporary glazed dresser to house the best china and a porcelain floor called Indian Silk which I’d never come across before, it’s so unique. All the materials blend so beautifully. See for yourself….

PINCUS Kitchen as Featured in Beautiful Kitchens Magazine

Are you aiming for a shared love of food and conversation within a comforting environment? Or the exchanging of lofty ideas surrounded by beautiful design? Whatever your kitchen may represent to you, it will be a space to let yourselves, the children and grandchildren imprint their lives upon.

So, it’s fully understandable that as a Client you will be searching for the best advice from the best designer who has the ability and experience to help, guide and (sometimes hold your hand) throughout the entire process, as the possibilities are endless!

There are kitchen companies, and then there are kitchen design companies. Big difference!

The first example is often headed up by men in grey suits or ex-fitters ‘having a go’ at running a business. The second example, on the other hand, will be offering you not only the nuts, bolts and units but an extended design philosophy, a synergy of ergonomics and beauty based upon best practice and a burning desire to get it right first time around.

So, who is the ideal kitchen designer?

Don’t be afraid to ask who will be actually designing your kitchen: what is their background? How many years of practical experience do they have? Any qualifications? Will I have direct contact with them throughout the entire project? Do they make me laugh? This is very important! The chemistry between the designer and the client is critical to the kitchen’s success! Can I talk freely about my ideas, my aspirations, how I want to live?

How long does the designer spend talking to you?

Do they ask plenty of questions? Do they listen efficiently? By listening, your designer should get an accurate feel for what you’re trying to achieve and what’s important to you?

The most important part of the journey is maintaining an open mind. Your designer should guide you through what works and what doesn’t work; and, they should explain why. They should also provide you with options. There’s always more than one way of doing something!

Having a kitchen designed and built is not an event…it’s a process…a journey. Enjoy the ride.

Speak soon!

PS Watch out for #2 in the series of ‘Kitchen Secrets’