Big ideas for a smaller kitchen

“Small kitchens that sparkle with both efficiency and style can have just as much impact as the mega-kitchen while embracing a little more cosiness.”

The counter and floor surfaces are interesting in texture, hue and tone – with smooth Kashmir cupboards, textured dark wood contrasts, smooth Corian worktops and shiny porcelain flooring. This design trick fools the senses into believing that the small kitchen is actually larger than it really is.

Combined with the back-splash, it not only establishes a strong horizontal line, but also makes the room appear longer, wider and taller. Two important design elements are bi-folding doors that lead into the garden and many spotlights on the ceiling. This is crucial to the overall feel, Roger explains.

“The more light you have the more spacious your kitchen will seem,” he said.

Mrs Scully had already decided on a microwave and oven, but, to add symmetry in the bank of tall units, they wanted one more cooking appliance. Roger suggested a steam oven, as it was perfect for the Scully’s healthy lifestyle, enabling them to cook vegetables and other things to a very high standard retaining more flavour and vitamins.

She said: “Due to time, I don’t do that much cooking so we just wanted the basics. But the steam oven really does add to the look and it’s great for steaming vegetables.

“We were sold on the Quooker boiling tap straight away – it’s just so convenient not to have to use a kettle, which takes up unnecessary space and waiting time.

“Of course in any kitchen, storage is vital. Roger has completely reinvented my storage areas giving me storage of different types – there’s plenty of room.”

It’s not just the kitchen that Mr and Mrs Scully loved. The speed, efficiency, workmanship and design skills of Kitchen Design Centre are what impressed her the most.

“I have heard so many horror stories about companies messing up some of my friend’s kitchens – but we didn’t experience any of that with KDC,” she said.

“There was no pressure or hassle – they just came, measured up, presented their ideas and went away. They did a great job for us from start to finish.”