Leonard Williamson
So, how to create a kitchen design, through color choices, layout, materials and lighting, that appeals to our emotions, positively? The deep green hue appears almost black when the room is dimly lit,' says Sam.
In the evening time, the rich hue creates the perfect atmospheric backdrop for hosting drinks. While during the day, the rooms large paned windows allow enough light in to avoid the space from feeling claustrophobic and the greenery from just outside is echoed within.'
Antiqued and warm metallics aren't just glamorous looking; they also add a touch of welcoming warmth to a kitchen. And there's no doubt that the textures, patinas and colors within natural materials make us feel more enriched than anything man made ever could.
The veining in each slab showcases a myriad of colors that can be introduced in other design elements to pull together the scheme. 'In this case the pink and golden tones in the Leathered Taj Mahal Quartzite are complemented by the warm brass and intense green.
'The shark nose edge detail makes the impressive slab look neat and elegant.
This delicate detail helps to balance the industrial quality of the brass on the island to create a structure that looks like a beautiful piece of furniture in the room,' says Sam.
Curves also soften a space visually, which is a must in a room that's dominated by hard and often shiny surfaces that are the opposite of comforting. 'Hard functional lines are unavoidable in a kitchen space, however there are ways you can incorporate rounded edges to soften the look and feel of the room.
This building was originally a ship master's house, dating to the 1700s, which is why the back wall is curved. 'The beautiful warm wood parquet flooring in this kitchen helps the space to feel more like a room. The kitchen is often the central hub of the home, with many spending most of their time here – it’s important that they are comfortable spaces that feel like a continuation from the rest of the house,' says Sam.
Those who are a keen cooks wish to try new recipes in peace, and parents that work from home want a quiet space away from the communal family area to catch up on emails. This needn't be complicated when applied to your own home: just consider what colors, textures and shapes you find pleasing and include them in your rooms, though know that some elements that humans love are universal. For example: darker, warmer colors make us feel cossetted and safe; natural textures are more pleasing to us than man-made; and soft curves are more alluring than hard lines.
