Discover the design influences behind the fifth and sixth final looks in our latest kitchen collection, as we chat to Life’s head of design, Graeme Smith. Enjoy HOMELY and RELAXED.

HOMELY

Heart and warming character

“Enjoying home life has never been more important. With the kitchen firmly at the centre of it all, we’re seeing a resurgence in the celebration of more traditional home values and as such, more traditional kitchen features. This is very much the inspiration behind our HOMELY look.”

Harking back, looking forward

“Think a warm welcoming space, with a generous cooking and dining space at its heart; harking back to the days when everything centred around the kitchen table - maybe even the kitchen fire. Reminiscent of old, freestanding furniture in a working kitchen, this look features our most traditional, framed, timber cabinetry with delicate Ovolo beading and antique brass cup handles.

Continuing this notion, the ornate glass fronted dresser is brought firmly into the 21^st century through a striking mirrored back and LED strip lighting; hugely popular once again in today’s homes. The traditional equivalent of exposed shelving takes the form of mantels and hooks running along a brass rail atop grooved panelling. Key heritage staples but highly practical to keep everything at hand.”

Keeping it current

“The tendency might be to associate traditional timber kitchens with older, more classic design. However painted timber kitchens in the most contemporary of colours, such as Carbon, Dust Grey and Porcelain seen here, contrast against timeless features such as marble-style worksurfaces and Belfast sinks to striking effect.”

The interpretation is yours

“The understated elegance of delicate, framed woodgrain cabinetry works well in any home and space. Also seen here in a single Cashmere tone, this interpretation creates a light and airy feel and a warming sense of luxury all-round. In contrast, symmetrical open shelving, integrated bench seating and a stainless steel range oven, nods to more contemporary times and offers an informal break from the continuous run of furniture.”

RELAXED

Where modern simplicity meets timeless principles

“For those wishing to create a timeless kitchen with modern appeal, our RELAXED look demonstrates the ease of embracing clean lines and simple design, paired with classic furniture for a warm, enduring finish”.

Shaker kitchens are often thought of as being traditional - but our smooth, Stanton Shaker, with its slim-line surround offers a sleek, contemporary alternative. Wrapped in a fresh Hartforth Blue and Porcelain palette, the straight, unadorned lines of the cabinetry, along with the crisp, minimally veined worksurfaces offer a fuss-free canvas to inject plenty of warmth and character through accessories and the finishing touches”.

A touch of traditional

“Features associated with early kitchens are making a big come back, and offer a rich, depth of sophistication to a space: aged brass handles, a herringbone butchers block, exposed plate rack, panelled doors, timber lined pantry, and a handsome island and TV unit on raised legs for a nod to freestanding furniture in the days before kitchens were fitted.

Despite the social island seating, this open-plan design still celebrates the age-old kitchen table too, there to gather the household in a true kitchen/living/dining space”.

Deep and dark can exude warmth too

“It’s possible to go as deep as you like yet still achieve a warm, welcoming space. Dark lower units are the perfect contrast in a light filled space, paired with crisp, white walls and counter tops, pale wood touches and interior lit glazed wall cabinets. It’s also easy to soften any look by proudly displaying your own treasures; perhaps through exposed shelving, a feature bookcase, or a beautiful dresser”.

We hope we’ve helped to inspire life in your kitchen. Explore the inspiration behind the other looks in our latest collection here: 

SEAMLESS and STRUCTURED | VIVID and LUXE