Creating a comfortable kitchen can be an expensive undertaking, But British kitchen designer Johnny Grey says the need for an unfitted kitchen is keen in tough economic times.
His most striking kitchen designs create an easy flow, often with a variety of shapes and natural materials. “It's about assembling an authentic spirit,'' he says.
Grey has championed the cause since 1980, when he was inspired by the kitchen of food writer Elizabeth David, his aunt.
He called her kitchen “atmospheric''; it looked like a heavenly jumble to unfitted-kitchen aficionados.
Consider these do's and don'ts from Grey:
Storage. A mix-and-match style can create a relaxed atmosphere.
By limiting built-in cabinetry, you can use wall space for artwork.
You can repurpose furniture; start with an island that has cooking facilities and a sink cabinet.
Shelves are less expensive than cabinets, are decorative and allow for easy access.
They work best for items that are washed regularly, to avoid the build-up of dirt.
Pots and pans can be stacked on open shelves, which afford more space than storage in drawers or pullout shelves.
For knives, vertical storage sunk into a countertop or butcher block is safer than storing them on magnetic rods or in thick blocks.
Countertops. Too much footage creates unnecessarily long distances.
By limiting countertop space, you have room for something more social, such as a window, a sofa or a table.
Smaller, dedicated work areas (one task per area) help the cook get organised.
Coloured granite is on the way out; matte black granite is in, as is CaesarStone, an inert composite made of granite or marble dust.
The “work triangle''. The trinity of sink, refrigerator and stove do not necessarily apply when curves are introduced in the design or when work and storage areas are situated around the room.
Varying surface heights. Raising the dishwasher 14 inches off the floor is kinder on the user's back.
It creates a higher surface that can be used for display or storing breakable items.
Lower surfaces allow access for children and are more ergonomic when using mixers or food processors.
Small second sinks. “Useless,'' Grey says. If you have the room, install a standard-size sink and designate it for one use, such as vegetable prep or dish clean-up.
