Quality kitchens at home with expert advice

Discover ways in which you can bring quality kitchens to your home with some expert advice from kitchen writer, Chris Pearson.

What's your best tip for creating a 'timeless' kitchen?

If this is your priority, then neutrals rule: either white, white and more white, or white combined with charcoal tones on the joinery.

Kitchens with islands have been coveted for some time. Are they still the most sought-after look?

Islands are winners for sheer practicality in open-plan, multi-purpose spaces. The cook can be preparing food while talking to his or her guests and a row of bar stools on the other side is ideal for informal eating.

What's currently the most popular material for kitchen benchtops?

Reconstituted stone is tops for practicality - it seems to last forever, doesn't chip and doesn't stain. However, for some people the sheer beauty of natural stone is hard to beat, especially the warmth and dramatic patterns of Calcutta marble.

After interviewing so many kitchen designers, what's your best tip for maximising storage in a tiny kitchen?

Chuck out what you don't need - use it as an excuse to pare back your life. Most people's kitchen cupboards are chocker-block-full with gadgets that they never use, so give that breadmaker or those heart-shaped cake tins the flick.

In your opinion, what's the best 'worth splashing out on' appliance for the kitchen that you've seen recently?

If you want to create a sense of drama in your kitchen, take a look at the selection of freestanding rangehoods. They come in some gorgeous shapes, in matt stainless steel, that look so sculptural poised over that island bench.

In terms of colours in kitchens, what's currently the most popular, 'trendy' choice?

Apart from neutrals – which will always be popular - keep an eye out for splashes of colour. We are seeing off-greens, for example, such as dull limes or chartreuses, making an appearance on cabinet fronts and splashbacks.

Contact a kitchen designer in your area and discover ranges and prices of quality kitchens and designs for your home: