Whether you're an enthusiastic foodie, revel in close family gatherings or just want to get your kid's packed lunches together without a fuss, kitchens form the epicentre of our homes.
Originally the main source of heat, light and safety, their history began as a firepit over which pots were hung. Situated in the great hall, they lacked ventilation making smoke and soot constant irritants until chimneys became common in the 16th century and divided the main living area in two.
Despite a steady evolution which included the influence of French cuisine, the introduction of coal and then gas, followed by the invention of cast iron, electricity and plumbing for water, they remained back-of-house and a place for women well into the 20th century.
By the 1920s, cabinetry was included and, as kitchen ergonomics took a giant leap forward, fittings became popular, creating spaces that were both purposeful and visually appealing. Post-World War 1 saw a turn in technology and matching appliances and ventilation hoods made an entrance, paving the way for modern conveniences, open-concept living and a design-based approach. Now pride of place in many homes, Smart Tech continues to drive innovations, making it a multi-functional arena for family and friends to gather, work, cook and entertain in.
Bespoke layouts that facilitate optimal space usage, integrated appliances, custom countertops, layered lighting and dining facilities are all must-haves and need to be presented with thoughtful consideration and maximum visual impact. And that's where FCI London comes into the equation.
With a sterling design team, fantastic appliances, top cabinetry makers and expert fitters as part of our offering, we have everything you need to make this dynamic space the heart of your home.
These days, there's more to a kitchen than meets the eye. In fact, it's probably the most versatile space in any home. However, its efficacy depends entirely on good design which, if done right, can be life-changing and good for the soul.
Here's how:
Beautifully conceptualised spaces will up the overall value of your home, potentially giving you a better price when you decide to resell. This is especially relevant for kitchens.
When planning a new kitchen, deciding on a style is an important consideration, allowing you to create something that reflects your taste. Getting this right will positively influence how you feel and function when you and your family spend time in it, transforming it from strictly utilitarian to something that brings you joy.
Here are some popular options:
Steeped in tradition, these radiate warmth and are characterised by natural wood and vintage furnishings to create a rustic appeal. Think open shelving, glass-fronted cabinets, butcher block and marble countertops, an apron front sink and a colour palette in light colours like pastels, white and cream.
Drawing inspiration from old warehouses and factories, this style features exposed materials, open layouts and high ceilings. Edgy and spacious; opt for steel or concrete work surfaces, raw brick backsplashes, metal or reclaimed wood cabinetry and neutral shades of black, white or grey.
Clean, functional and clutter-free, functionality trumps decoration in this sleek, simple style. Find handle-free cabinets that utilise vertical space, integrated appliances, quartz or stainless-steel countertops and chic monochromatic or neutral colour palettes that maintain a timeless aesthetic.
Consider this the ultimate working kitchen distinguished by warm, rich colours, natural or painted wood, panelled cupboard doors, granite-topped workstations and tiled backsplashes. Aim for a charming classic feel with timeless design elements, ornate details and vintage-style mouldings.
Minimal and serene, this style combines the warmth of Scandi with the simple sophistication of Japanese design. Aim for clean lines, organic materials, natural light, texture and a muted colour palette. Oak or walnut cabinets, stone or tile backsplashes and a handleless kitchen design are must-haves.
Borrowing from both the old and the new to create harmonious balance, think shaker kitchen style cabinets, marble counters, a subway-tiled backsplash and pendant lights. Keep to a basic colour palette in greys, beige or white and opt for clean, simple lines to create a space that will be future-proof for years.
If you're planning a kitchen remodel, you'll need design inspiration and some expert advice. Which is why it's best to seek professional help and create a bespoke fitted kitchen.
From the complex planning that goes into placing key elements to the detailed attention it takes to style it beautifully, there's a lot to consider. And, if you're looking for something spectacular, the FCI London team has the experience to hit the nail on the head.
A good interior designer will be able to help you realise your vision and build a dream kitchen that will satisfy your inner chef, facilitate close gatherings and create a multifunctional space that meets all your needs.
Here are some pointers to help you with your plans:
More than just a space for food preparation, you'll need to decide on what else you'll be using your kitchen for. Here are some considerations:
Before you start, identify factors that you consider must-haves. These should include utility, energy-saving capabilities, versatility, low maintenance, optimal storage and smart home integration.
Dream big, scribble down all your kitchen ideas around these factors and then let your design expert help you narrow them down to a workable floor plan that encompasses your ideal contemporary kitchen.
This will define how bespoke you can go and will give you a solid foundation from which you can work. Whatever your limit, make sure you spend all of it and invest in the best quality possible.
Aside from appliances, fixtures and decor, you also need to factor in allowances for wiring, plumbing, lighting, flooring and labour. Consult with your designer to make sure you cover every eventuality.
Taking accurate measurements is critical and will ensure that each element fits within your space, so in this area of your home, it's best left to the professionals. They will factor in everything from kitchen fixtures to freestanding appliances and work out how to position them to encourage optimal functionality.
Layout is everything and will contribute to the ergonomics and efficiency of your experience. You will then need to decide where to put your kitchen cupboards, bearing in mind that pots and pans should be located near your stove while dishes and glassware are better off near your sink or in upper cabinets.
Allow for foot traffic, especially around kitchen islands where chairs or stools will be pulled out regularly and, where possible, place your dining space close to a window to optimise natural light.
As kitchens involve heat, sharp objects and lots of hard work, good lighting is essential and should be planned professionally.It will also set the mood, giving you scope for a soft, intimate environment during intimate dinner parties and focused illumination when you're chopping and cooking.
Integrate task, ambient and accent lighting using a variety of fixtures that could include:
Ideally, this should be drafted during your layout stage to allow for proper wiring and switches.
Your modern kitchen cabinets will set a stylistic tone and give you the storage you need for all your equipment, cookware, detergents and ingredients.
Before you start, decide on which genre best suits your taste and make sure that it gels with the rest of your home decor.
You can never have enough workspace in a kitchen, so plan your countertops carefully and remember to factor in an overhang. Your minimum requirements should include 600 mm on either side of your sink and hob to facilitate food prep and washing.
When exploring kitchen countertop ideas, materials are key and should withstand daily wear and tear as well as enhance aesthetic impact. These options are widely used:
Colour can be introduced via your walls, counters, islands, cabinets, flooring, tiles, appliances and accessories and will influence the mood of your kitchen. Do some research, narrow down your preferences and make choices that you can live with for decades to come. Here are a few popular suggestions:
Look for an appliance manufacturer that has an outstanding reputation and offers repairs, great customer service, good online reviews and a reasonable warranty.Integration and smart, state-of-the-art technology are must-haves for an optimal cooking experience and will ensure that you get the most out of your kitchen space.
Before you invest, check the dimensions you're working with and speak to a consultant to make sure that your ovens, cooktops, washing machines, air extractors and refrigeration units will fit both the space and style of your room.
At FCI London, we have a fabulous range to choose from including Gaggenau and V-Zug, which are both leading kitchen appliance brands. With luxury brands like these, you also have the option to customise your appliances with unique colours and finishes so they perfectly blend with your luxury kitchen design .
There are two types of seating options in kitchen design, both with their own sets of pros and cons. What you choose can depend on several factors including the type of space you have, functionality of your seating area, the height and proportions that you want and any safety concerns. Here are the two options:
Give yourself plenty of room for cleaning and washing up and make sure that it includes all the bells and whistles. A double sink, kitchen backsplash and faucets should be standard. You could also add a hand-washing basin and a boiling water tap to eliminate the need for a kettle.
Storage is everything, so plan it carefully and make sure you make use of your vertical space.
Aside from your cabinetry, you can add things like open shelving, a pantry, charging ports for cell phones and laptops, spice racks or dressers.
If you have special storage requirements, it’s always a good idea to go for bespoke joinery as it allows you to get customised storage that is completely tailored according to your space.
When designing a new kitchen or even when renovating, it’s crucial to consider good quality flooring as it should be strong enough to withstand the high traffic, spills and potential damages that are common in kitchen spaces.
Considering that the kitchen is usually the heart of the home, the right flooring has to be durable and easy to maintain as it also affects the aesthetic value of your refurbishment.
Consider the following:
Interior designers will tell you that kitchen appliances can make or break your overall experience and, as technology changes faster than you can fry an egg, new concepts are continually being explored. Here is a selection of modern kitchen design elements that you shouldn't do without:
This state-of-the-art concept is often combined with a traditional oven to bring you a multifunctional cooking experience. This usually includes baking, grilling and steaming, which locks in healthy nutrients and enhances taste.
Microwaves have always been a part of kitchens because of their convenience but now combi-microwaves are more popular. It can serve as both a microwave and a mini-oven by offering additional functions such as baking and grilling.
From induction tops to gas hobs and teppanyaki grills, this is your station for boiling and frying, using up-to-the-minute technology. They provide you with precise heat while saving on energy and speeding up your cooking process.
New, cutting-edge cooling systems give you peace of mind when it comes to preserving the integrity of your fresh ingredients. Innovations that cover individual climate zones, LED lighting and frost-free guarantees are essential.
Nurture your wine collection with a no-vibration cabinet that eliminates UV light, tilts your bottles at precise angles, regulates temperature and ages each varietal optimally. Refined and on-trend, some offerings hold up to 99 units.
If coffee is what gets you out of bed in the mornings, then this is a kitchen must-have. Modern versions include grinders, milk frothers, automated programmes that remember your favourite brew and even cleaning functions for easy care.
From industrial-style hoods to compact versions that ascend from cooktops, an air extraction unit is paramount to your good health, keeping what you breathe in pure and removing odours, smoke and dangerous fumes from your environment.
No one likes to be left with a mess, so instead of slaving away after a fun evening with friends, invest in a dishwasher. Quality versions clean and dry table and cookware effortlessly and usually have special features for delicate items.
Offering energy efficiency and big savings on water, contemporary washing machines have larger drums, doors that open 180 degrees and a variety of cycles that take care of everything from heavily soiled clothes to creasing and stains.
Take a look at the latest kitchen trends below that will inspire you and fuel some ideas to enhance your timeless kitchen design:
From giving you advice on the latest appliances to designing your floor plans and exclusive custom cabinetry, our dynamic team will help you kit out your kitchen in style.
Founded in 1985, we've been in the luxury furniture and accessories business for over three decades and have nurtured long-term relationships with our suppliers, interior design partners and esteemed client base.
From helping you select kitchen finishes and state-of-the-art appliances to finding outdoor furniture, lighting or a dining table, we make sure that your home landscapes are perfect in every way.
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