Material world

Copper, brass, wood veneers and reeded wood surfaces are bringing richness to contemporary kitchens, finds Arabella Youens

- Arabella Youens

IN 1981, antique restorers Charlie Smallbone and Graham Clark opened a showroom off Westbourne Grove in west London, offering kitchens that featured simple cabinetry with recessed centre panels either painted or in natural wood. The style and feel were in stark contrast to the featureless melamine cabinetry that was prevalent at the time. The look, which became synonymous with English country style, quickly caught on. By 1986, Smallbone of Devizes had 12 showrooms in the UK’s smartest postcodes and three in the US.

Since then, the kitchen has evolved to become a multifunctional space, often adjacent to the main living space. In many homes, this has precipitated a desire for kitchens that blend seamlessly into a succession of open-plan rooms where functionality is concealed and appliances hidden away. Typically, these designs feature few cabinets and a Tardis-style pantry, as well as discreet full-height cup-boards and freestanding cabinets.

'I am excited by the idea of juxtaposing interesting elements in a traditional setting'