It is a dream to have a luxuriously large kitchen with designer furniture, integrated dishwashers and small fridges hidden in island units for drinks and yoghurt’s. The reality for most couldn’t be further from the truth though. Even with a small kitchen, it is possible to have a functional and stylish space; it simply takes some slight planning and savvy purchases.

The problem to address is the layout of the kitchen itself, making sure that the appliances and areas which are used the most are within easy reach of each other. This might not seem hard to do with a small space but the trick is to place the appliances in a way so that they are not in competition for the same space. A triangle design with the key areas forming a triangle is the most popular way to do this.

Once the main layout of the kitchen is decided it is then important to utilise every square inch of the space with crafty storage ideas. Shelves in alcoves that may otherwise be rendered dead space and under counter drawers are an ideal way to keep utensils and groceries neat and tidy out of sight. It is important also, when looking for different appliances, to try to look for smaller models. This will help to keep the kitchen in proportion visually. Light reflecting or transparent materials, such as class doors in cabinets, being used wherever possible will also create the illusion of more space.

There is no need for the act of choosing kitchen furniture to be difficult. The most important thing to remember is to identify the desired style of kitchen before any shopping is done. It is important to keep kitchen furniture in proportion to the size of the room itself. Pieces that are too large or too small can have the effect of throwing the space out of balance, making it feel uncomfortable.

The style intended for a kitchen needs to be kept in mind when looking for furniture. A super modern sleek island unit may not be at home in a country kitchen any more than a set of wicker drawers in an otherwise futuristic looking room. Although it is important to mix textures in a room to create visual interest, the difference in materials and colour pallets must complement each other.

Another job of the kitchen furniture is obviously the functionality of each piece. For the smaller kitchen the focus may be on items of furniture with a dual purpose whilst for the larger kitchen with an expanse of unused space, a carefully placed island unit or dining table can act as a room divider and make the space feel less sparse and more homely.

Kitchen furniture undoubtedly has the ability to reflect and emulate a person’s personality. It is important to choose pieces that represent the individual but that will also stand the test of time.

If you’re lucky enough to have an old-fashioned kitchen with plenty of space, you can probably afford the luxury of a dedicated work table.  This can be anything from a small butcher’s block to a massive antique farmhouse table.  It can be a difficult decision to make, but here’s one product that will cover all the bases

This is a solid oak butcher’s block that’s bigger than the average and it’s one of the most useful pieces of kitchen furniture you’ll find anywhere.  Made and sold by Stratford-upon-Avon cabinet makers Four Corners, it measures 120 x 72 centimetres (about 48 by 30 inches) and stands a standard three feet high.

This piece of furniture will look good in almost any kitchen.  The warm glow of the natural oak will be at home with a traditional design and its clean and uncluttered lines won’t clash with even the most minimal of modern designs.  It looks like what it is: a practical workplace for preparing food.

The table is brilliantly designed, with a low shelf of oak slats for storing large items and two generous drawers.  If you’re kitchen is large enough it can stand in the middle of the space, providing a useful workplace between various kitchen stations.  Or it will be equally at home against a wall, where it will make a valuable extension to your fixed benches.

However this is not a multi-functional table, so if you’re looking for something that will double as a breakfast table, it’s probably not for you; it’s not practical for serving a meal and is definitely a piece for the larger kitchen where you have the space to indulge in a table dedicated to food preparation.

This beautiful table, crafted from European oak with its distinctive grain, will always be unique.  Four Corners supply it with the surface only slightly oiled, giving it a natural look and finish.  This is the most practical surface for food preparation but, if you prefer, the company will also provide alternative finishes: limed, distressed or stained in a range of colours, if you would like to match it to your kitchen décor.

If you enjoy the traditional look of oak, this is a work table that will do your kitchen proud and, even better; it’s not going to break the bank.  At just £704, it’s a piece that will hold its value for generations.

Just when you thought you’d seen all there is to see in terms of kitchen appliances, along comes one that changes your thinking forever.

The perennial problem of kitchens is that no matter how sleek and minimal the design, once you start actually cooking in it, the picture changes.  Clouds of steam and smells wafting through the house can quickly ruin your carefully planned aesthetics.

A decent extractor hood takes care of all that, of course, but at a price.  By its very nature the hood is a large and obtrusive piece of kitchen kit, no matter how well designed it might be.

But now there’s a new way to solve the problem of extraction, although it’s one that will also extract a fair-sized wad of cash from your pocket.

Downdraft extractors have been around for a while, mostly as s desperate last resort for island hobs and mostly not very efficient.

Venerable French manufacturer De Dietrich has changed all that with its new range of downdraft extractors.  This brilliantly compact extractor is concealed in the bench top behind the hob. Just a touch on the control surface brings it up into operating position, where its four-speed fans draw up to 900 m3 per hour of air directly from pan height.

It’s easy to see the advantages of downdraft extraction.  First, the extractor makes maximum use of its power by drawing directly from the level at which steam and other vapours leave cooking pans.  Because it is so close to the pans themselves, there’s no power lost in drawing from half a metre away, as is the case with overhead extractors.

The second advantage is that steam is drawn from the front of the hob back, eliminating the bothersome clouds of steam which occur when a pan is opened.

De Dietrich adds its own special advantage in the brilliant design of these extractors.  The slim, minimal lines won’t detract at all from the lines of your kitchen, even when the extractor is fully extended for operation.

The downdraft extractor also has a number of unique features.  As well as the digital display and easy-to-use touch control for fan speed, it has a delayed stop setting, allowing you to leave it running for a predetermined time after you finish cooking.  The handy display even lets you know when the filter needs cleaning.

If you’re looking for a perfect product to complete your designer kitchen, it’s hard to overlook these stunning De Dietrich extractors, despite a price of well over a thousand pounds.

A beautful modern kitchen designed by Must Italia.

The design has brought together dark wood with gold and silver to create a simple, contemporary and warm kitchen.

To see more images or to see more designs like this, visit the Must Italia website: http://www.mustitalia.it/ (English version of the website available)

We instantly liked these designer bar stools by Fabio Vinella. The bar stools have a sleak look with a flat-cap design for the seat. The seats come in a variety of different colours, styles and would be at home at the trendiest of kitchens (or even bars).

A beautiful TV stand by Jahnke. The SC 100 is available in either walnut or black and is a prime example of how important a television stand can be in terms of the look and feel of a room (especially in a common area like the living room). Choosing the right TV stand to help accentuate the design of your room is vitally important and great care should be taken when deciding on which to purchase.

TV Stand: Jahnke SC 100 Walnut/Black

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