My Kitchen
KITCHEN DESIGNER ANN STEVENS moved in to her family home in Monmouth in 2000 and, like many working women who juggle busy family life with a full time job, she didn’t get around to updating the rather dated pine kitchen she inherited from the previous owners for a number of years. Ann explains the process she went through to design the kitchen she had always wanted…
Out with the old kitchen!
I put up with what I now refer to, with tongue firmly in my cheek, as my ‘retro style’ old kitchen with its tiled kitchen work surfaces and badly organised layout. I’m a keen cook with family meals to prepare daily for my husband and two teenagers and we all enjoy entertaining our friends at home.
My top kitchen priorities…
The plan for our new kitchen started with understanding what hadn’t worked for me. I felt confined in my old kitchen and freedom of movement with easy and safe access to the kitchen appliances was essential. Ample work tops for food was also a top priority. I also wanted to replace my old kitchen with a modern contemporary style which didn’t compromise quality over design but was still an affordable price.
Structural considerations
Our kitchen was already in an ideal place in the house but we took advice about some structural work. We consulted an architectural designer first and with only a minimum of fuss we adapted the layout and changed the kitchen access and egress to enable us to step straight out to the deck which overlooks our garden which is a perfect place to eat al-fresco in the summer months. In cooler months we can entertain in the kitchen on large peninsular counter top. We also reconfigured our garage to become a utility room – keeping laundry and cooking activities completely separate.
Other considerations
I knew that as a kitchen designer it was important for me to be able to bring clients into my kitchen to showcase my work. With that in mind I bravely chose a contemporary bright pink silestone work surface to compliment the beautifully understated sleek high gloss grey fronted kitchen units. The wow factor is undeniable and strangely enough my husband and teenage children highly approved of my choice! Which brings me to a very important point: Your kitchen is not just somewhere to prepare food and cook meals – it’s the heart of the home and a gathering place for family and friends. With that very firmly in mind I knew I wanted my family and friends to enjoy being in my kitchen with me – and they certainly do especially when the wine is flowing!
Choosing new kitchen appliances
I selected my new kitchen appliances from the latest Neff and Miele ranges. Having worked in the kitchen design and appliance business for many years I knew that the quality and efficiency of these two brand names would serve me well. As well as a cooker, hob, refrigerator, integral dishwasher and combi microwave I added a steam oven - for the ultimate in healthy cooking - and an espresso coffee machine – well we all have our indulgences! All the appliances I have chosen sit seamlessly into the design – adding to the overall streamlined look of my kitchen.
Special features
Without doubt the Magenta pink silestone work top is what gives my kitchen the look I wanted. But it wasn’t just the colour that influenced my choice. I love the smooth cool texture of granite – and frequently use it in my kitchen design work - but silestone has the edge for me. Not many people realise that granite is porous and will absorb stains such as red wine, balsamic vinegar and vibrantly coloured spices. Silestone is completely resistant to staining and as my magenta pink work top was my key design feature it has to look good and perform well - and it does!
Any drawbacks?
I would love to say an unequivocal no to that question – but I can’t. My children are in their mid-late teens and it won’t be long before they leave home. I shall miss having them around to cook for and have a funny feeling my husband and I may be going out to restaurants a little more often than we have whilst they were growing up! Still, my fabulous kitchen makes a great place to meet clients!