Kitchens...

The kitchen has to be my favourite room in the house, I'm not sure if its because of my rich food-loving Italian blood or because the kitchen is a room that is the most versatile and exciting to design, construct and live in!

The kitchen is a room that reinvents itself daily with new appliances and materials making their appearance.  But, just like rich flavours which we 'discover' only to be told by our older wiser mothers that 'that was an old Cook & Enjoy favourite', so we find ourselves using the materials from yesteryear in new and different ways.

Countertops
Highly polished surfaces like granite and stainless steel were the 'wanted item' a few short years ago but, with the green initiative gaining popularity from globes to cotton socks, the kitchen has followed suit.  Today, homeowners are favouring natural materials that not only offer more warmth and character to their favourite space but its also more eco-friendly (depending on the materials used however).

Stone countertops are still sought after but be aware of the drawbacks such as staining, this however can be said for any porous surface even for a hardwood like teak.  Bamboo is very appealing to the eye, its dense due the layering of the fibres making it 'watertight' and it keeps bacteria at bay provided that you don't cut on it.  Caesar stone; a synthetic material is very durable and with its currant popularity is a good option for a 'working' kitchen.  But like most things, its budget that drives our end decision...

Colour
Its so easy to refresh a kitchen by simply making a few colour changes; with colour being so vogue at the moment you'll find yourself like a kid in a candy store for choice of style and design.  Appliance companies like Smeg are taking this trend to its max with all the bright vibrant colours which you'll the find the latest fridge in.  I love it!  A word of caution though on colour trends - they can be very tricky to navigate when trying to get flash colours to enhance and not detract from the overall style of your kitchen.  On the subject of appliances, high-end appliances are on every shopping wish list from Twee Rivier to Modderfontein,  you are spoiled for choice and good quality is always a sound buy.

Cabinetry 
Ultimately, the kitchen cabinets call the style of your kitchen!  Flat panels are definitely the way to go, they are more modern and stylish and in the long run easier to re-design.  Whilst the major demand for 'dark woods' such as mahogany still outweighs 'light woods', maple is definitely starting to experience an increase in popularity as people start leaning towards the warmer months of spring and summer. 
A change in colour to your cabinets and a new set of handles is a great way to give your kitchen a shot in the arm if your budget doesn't allow for a complete makeover!

Flooring
Not so long ago when I discussed flooring with clients, it basically began and ended with the question "What style and colour of tile do you like?'  Nowadays thankfully, there are plenty different options!  It makes design so exciting when we have different materials, colours and textures at our disposal!  Epoxy has to be one of my current favourites; I've laid it for a number of clients and each has its own unique look and feel.  Its easy to choose an array of various colours to send a kitchen's style any which way!  But, the option isn't just Chicken or Beef!  Today we have at our disposal; cork, concrete, stone, epoxy, brick, tile, laminate, timber, rubber, bamboo - the list is endless.

All this chatter makes me hungry - AGAIN!  Got to love an Italian and his kitchen!

Ciao Alain