Chef Thomas Gagliardi: Trend Minimalist

In the past 18 years, Thomas Gagliardi has spent time over the stove in practically every style of kitchen, from trendy restaurants and local country clubs to the world's leading luxury hotels, resorts, and casinos. In Dubai, he works as the executive chef at Bonnington, Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

"I am lucky enough to actually be living in Bonnington Jumeirah Lake Towers, where we have fully equipped apartment kitchens with very new technology," says Gagliardi.

"My kitchen is a perfect size for a one- to two-bedroom apartment, with great countertop space. It's all very sleek in design with black and beige granite, so it is also very easy to maintain. Also, it is open plan so I can easily have company and cook at the same time."

Thomas favours the trend of minimalist style kitchens. "I like lots of counter space and smooth lines; it is easy to keep clean and easy on the eye. I do think style is important in a home kitchen as it tends to be a central place for guests as well. Everything we tend to do socially, somehow, seems to revolve around food and drink these days, so why not let your kitchen show off a little with modern technology and great style?"

Thomas insists that just as a painter needs to feel comfortable in his studio, a chef needs to feel the same in his kitchen and, with his ubiquitous toys, this seems appropriate for him. "I like my hidden refrigerator and dishwasher. I like having a lot of storage space for all of my ‘toys'. Just last year someone convinced me to try a Kenwood mixer, and I must admit it is now my baby in the kitchen. Other tools I like are the microplane graters, spice grinders and a food dehydrator," Thomas concludes.

Antony Worrall Thompson is one of Britain's most-loved celebrity chefs. With the launch of his new book, Antony Makes it Easy (Octopus Publishing Group), he teaches us all how to be fuss-free in the kitchen. But what exactly is his own kitchen like?

"It is a mixture of modern and old," says Antony. "I like to keep the cottage character, but have new appliances. I have white marble and stainless steel, a Wolf oven and an Aga for roasting, Sub Zero fridges and a 17th century reclaimed French limestone floor, for which I probably paid as much as three houses in Manchester!"