skip to main content
Photos
Photos
Advice
Stories From Houzz
Houzz Discussions
Houzz Research
Sign In
Houzz Logo Print
Explore Discussions
Design Dilemma
emmelinewe

Houzz Live Chat - Planning, Fitting & Designing a Kitchen - 3pm Friday

Emmeline Westin
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Welcome to our very first Houzz Q&A!

Today we have invited kitchen fitter and designer Jeremy Friendship, who runs Studio 3 Kitchens. Jeremy is a former chef so knows everything about optimising a kitchen layout!

http://www.houzz.co.uk/pro/jeremy76/studio-3-kitchens

During this session we will ask Jeremy a bunch of common kitchen questions, but all community members are welcome to jump in and ask their own questions (as well as answer questions too).

This is how it will work: I will post questions as comments to the thread. Each question will have a question number, for example ‘Q1)”. To answer a question, use the corresponding label, for example ‘A1)’.

Don’t forget to keep refreshing the page to see new questions and answers.

Keep those questions coming!

https://www.houzz.co.uk/photos/1920s-property-refurbishment-hertfordshire-contemporary-kitchen-hertfordshire-phvw-vp~15152654
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    Studio 3 kitchens
    9 years ago
    A7. Bon Après midi Chloe, I have just recently returned from Southern France and have fallen in love with French rural design, I'm an avid fan of dinning tables for both family and friends to eat and be sociable, if your room is an open kitchen/dinner then embrace the room as one rather than trying to separate them. as for shapes, sizes, and materials clear the intended space mark off the options using either newspaper or masking tape leaving room to walk around don't forget where the chairs will be, this will help you decide how big or small the table can be and how it will fit around your existing furniture as for materials you cant go wrong with a sturdy wooden table with linin and a centre piece.

    all the best to everyone with their projects and thank you for your questions, until next time Adieu,

    Comments (61)

    • jean-yves
      9 years ago
      Hello Jeremy,

      Here's a question for you from a french user @ChloeGermain :

      My new kitchen is open on the living room. I don't know which table to choose ? Round ? Square ? Oval ? Wood ? Plastic ?
      I'm lost.
      I wanted to create a bar to separate spaces, but it's this the better option ?"

      Best,
    • Emmeline Westin
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      Hi everyone and happy Friday! We will be starting in 5 minutes!

    • Related Discussions

      Help with a boring bedroom

      Q

      Comments (23)
      Adding width BEHIND THE BED - with a headboard (which doesn't have to be a "headboard"; it could be fabric, collection of mirrors, collection of pictures, a farm gate!, small chairs or stools) across the entire width. Matching bedside tables/bookcases/chests/ with LAMPS - useful storage for extra books, extra bedding, etc. CURTAINS always warm up a room. People will always feel colder away from home - provide an extra blanket or duvet to add to the bed. I notice there is no WARDROBE. Not really necessary for overnight guests (provide hooks on the back of the door) but useful for storing your out-of-season coats, etc. There is plenty of room behind the door. Buy one on eBay and paint it to suit your colour scheme.
      ...See More

      Is my kitchen design working?

      Q

      Comments (32)
      Lovely, much better than the 3D plan. V glad you kept your patterned floor tiles, I really like them. It's all come together very attractively. The only thing I'd change and this is just because I'm a colour freak is the pendants - I'd probably have made those red and orange or something. But congrats really, it looks great.
      ...See More

      To put hob on kitchen island or not to put hob on kitchen island?

      Q

      Comments (28)
      Hi amfork, I went ahead & put the hob on my island & am delighted I did. I find it really is so much nicer looking out at the kids/my husband & being able to chat to them while I prepare meals as opposed to facing the wall with my back turned on everyone. I put a 4 ring induction hob on the island & put a 5 ring gas hob on counter facing wall. I did this as I have a large extended family & we frequently have get togethers. It’s great for catering for big events. However, I use the 4 ring induction hob on a daily basis. Hope this helps! Best of luck with your project, Claire
      ...See More

      Win a design consultation at The permanent tsb Ideal Home Show!

      Q

      Comments (74)
      Hello Houzz Ireland, We are currently renovating a 1960's build - so as you know, there is a lot of decisions to be made!! So it would be nice to get some gems of advice from the experts to help us through this daunting task. Areas where we would really like some inspiration for - small bathroom downstairs. I would really like to do something fun with this room and although small, I think it could work really well with some funky wallpaper or possibly tiles?! I'm just not sure what to do with it. Also - pulling a whole house together?! Where do we start? We have the bigger pieces of furniture but how do I know what nest of tables goes best with a suite? Or what accessories will bring a room together? I'm due a second baby in 2 weeks time so any help at this stage would be so amazing - to guide me on the right interior design path for our new house. Thanks, Laurie
      ...See More
    • PRO
      Studio 3 kitchens
      9 years ago
      Good afternoon everybody in the Houzz community,

      My name is Jeremy Marwood Friendship and I’m the Head designer at Studio 3 Kitchens. Firstly I’ll try to keep my grammar and spelling to an expectable level.

      My specialist subject is kitchens, let’s begin…….
    • Emmeline Westin
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      Welcome Jeremy and everyone else who's tuning in. We know kitchens are extremely popular on Houzz. In fact, when we surveyed Houzzers 19% said they dream of a designer kitchen!

      With that in mind, let's kick off the Q&A with the first question:

      Q1) What aspect of a kitchen renovation should you deal with first?
    • PRO
      Daman of Witham
      9 years ago
      Most people will have a "dream kitchen" or look that they wish to achieve, I think its important to know what your aiming for before you start out.
    • PRO
      Studio 3 kitchens
      9 years ago
      A1. Whether renovating an existing room or extending I find that the first point of call would be the layout as this will determine the first fix electrics and plumbing.
    • User
      9 years ago
      A little keen I know but I'm currently trying to decide which kitchen worktop to use. It's between stainless and wood at the moment....

      Stainless - I love the look but can I prepare straight on to it? If I can, does it make food prepared on it taste metallic after a while.

      Wood - is the upkeep just too much (I have to admit I'm a little lazy.. ;) ) Is there a specific type of wood you can recommend which demands as little maintenance as possible?

      Thank you!
    • PRO
      Daman of Witham
      9 years ago
      Very true, the layout will also help you understand the constraints of the space, helping you make decisions in the design. e.g whether a certain appliance would fit or whether you could get an island in our not etc.
    • Emmeline Westin
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago
      Thanks Jeremy!

      Q2: Worktops queries are very common in the Advice section, so let's talk worktop material! What should you think about when choosing them? And to Sarah's questions, what are your thoughts on stainless steel and wood?
    • koralla19
      9 years ago
      Hi Jeremy. Would i need to hire an architect to plan and extend? I would like to remove the wall between kitchen and dining room and then extend.
    • PRO
      Daman of Witham
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago
      Hi Sarah, I would suggest prioritising what is most important to you, cleaning or aesthetics? the majority of woods will require some maintenance, where as stainless can take away that homely feeling. We sell corian quite frequently, if its scratched its easy to restore an is very versatile (as in the sink can be made of it etc).
    • PRO
      Studio 3 kitchens
      9 years ago
      hi Sarah, stainless steel is used in commercial kitchens but they still use food boards to prepare, with all work surfaces you should not work directly on them be it cutting or placing hot pans remember that stainless steel will patina over time. wood is naturally antibiotic to a degree but as you state does require a lot of looking after, if as you say your a little lazy then maybe wood is not the answer as it will degrade over time without the care.
    • Emmeline Westin
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago
      Next up: extensions!

      Q3. Alant1000 is asking what 3 tips would you give to someone who wants to make a kitchen appear larger without extending?
    • PRO
      Studio 3 kitchens
      9 years ago
      A2. the choice of worktops available today is quite confusing, natural stone, composite stone, glass, laminate, stainless steel, acrylic the list goes on. as with most things in life the is a cost attached to all off them after looking at budgets I would eliminate those that are not practical for each individual case. there are pros and cons for all surfaces so a little home work is always worth while. I will post a message another day going into great detail.
    • PRO
      Yasmin Chopin Interior Design
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago
      A2: A composite work surface may sound 'old hat' but the choice is great and it's easy to maintain. If budget can stretch then a granite is very popular, especially if you are thinking of re-sale. And even if budget is tight, a smaller section of work surface could be covered in granite with the rest in wood for example.
    • PRO
      Yasmin Chopin Interior Design
      9 years ago
      A2: Looking forward to your in-depth article on work surfaces, this will be very useful for clients.
    • PRO
      Studio 3 kitchens
      9 years ago
      A3. 1, with the furniture don't over crowed the walls just because you have space, allocate everything in your kitchen to your new plan. 2, colours are key dark or bold will create an oppressive feel closing in the space. light and neutral will open the perceived area. 3, smaller tiles on the wall and floor can also create an illusion of a larder area.
    • Emmeline Westin
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      We'll stay on the extension subject:

      Q4) koralla19 wants to know if she needs to hire an architect to remove the wall between the kitchen and dining room and then extend.
    • PRO
      Yasmin Chopin Interior Design
      9 years ago
      A3: The orientation of the tiles will make a difference as well - placing them diagonally in the space gives the impression of a larger area. Reflective kick boards, such as stainless steel or mirror also help if base units go to the floor.
    • PRO
      Studio 3 kitchens
      9 years ago
      A4. Before searching for an architect I would ask a local builder to take a look to determine whether the wall is supporting or not. with regards to extending it would also depend on how elaborate you wish the extension to be, an architect will handle all your drawings and planning submissions which can be extremely confusing to first timers.
    • Emmeline Westin
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      The most popular photo on Houzz is kitchen storage, go figure! People like to keep their kitchens clutter-free!

      Q5) Can you please share with us some good kitchen storage ideas?
    • PRO
      Yasmin Chopin Interior Design
      9 years ago
      A4: I agree Jeremy. An architect will help you design the space but an interior designer can also do that. A builder or structural engineer will be the one to call in to check if you need structural support before removing a wall. Interior designers are interested in how you use the space and will design the ideal room layout for you.
    • koralla19
      9 years ago
      The wall is definitely supporting. The house has an extension now but it is very old. I would like a new one and bigger.
    • PRO
      STORI
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago
      A5)
      Our sister company Aisling (who are on here) have great storage ideas for those going down the high end route -aisling artisan furniture
    • PRO
      Yasmin Chopin Interior Design
      9 years ago
      A5: I always try to include a walk-in larder or pantry when I'm designing a new kitchen for a client. But for an easy and quick solution try a plate rack; they are a very good way to show off lovely china as well as being extremely easy to use. No more bending down to low cupboards to get at the right sized plate, which happens to be six plates down in the stack! You can get them in a modern style as well as country cottage.
    • PRO
      Studio 3 kitchens
      9 years ago
      A5. again this is very individual depending on what you have in your kitchen, spice racks on the backs of larder or wall unit doors gives great accessibility, draws instead of cupboards will a gain give greater access to items but my favourite solutions have to be larder units with internal draws there are also a large variety of pull outs and corner solutions, all good designers will run through what would be best suitable for you.
    • PRO
      Daman of Witham
      9 years ago
      We would suggest a company called Daval, they are a bespoke Kitchen company that we supply but have many ingenious storage solutions.
    • Emmeline Westin
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      We're running out of time, so a few more questions! Very good answers so far from everyone!

      Q5) Vivienne would like to know how best to design a kitchen in the absence of a utility room. Is there any way to create an equivalent "utility space" as part of a new kitchen fit out?
    • PRO
      Daman of Witham
      9 years ago
      The best way to tackle storage is too tell your designer what you need to hide, then let them sort it out!
    • PRO
      STORI
      9 years ago
      A5)open shelving with items on display is getting more and more popular - people want to show off their nice plates, glasses and jars.
    • PRO
      Studio 3 kitchens
      9 years ago
      A4a. hi Koralla19, an architect would be the right choice as structural supports / I beams will be required.
    • koralla19
      9 years ago
      Thanks Jeremy
    • User
      9 years ago
      Thank you so much Jeremy, I can't tell you how helpful that is - I think I'll rule out both for now and rethink my options! Sarah
    • PRO
      Studio 3 kitchens
      9 years ago
      A5. hi Vivienne, as utility's are predominately washroom areas a good way to incorporate them into a new kitchen is to work out 1, whether you will have white goods on display or integrated models, then would you be building furniture around existing appliances, stacking tumble dryers on top of washing machines is a great space saver built in or not, broom larders can hide away mops, ironing boards and the like and a large kitchen sink can make up for not having the utility sink this can then cater for all the larger items that will not fit inside a dishwasher.
    • Emmeline Westin
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      Penultimate question! Let's move on to style and choosing a look for your kitchen.

      Q6) How do you choose a style for your kitchen? Should it match the rest of the house?
    • PRO
      Yasmin Chopin Interior Design
      9 years ago
      A5: Yes, Jeremy mentions stacking units, which are very neat and versatile with a large family. Utility rooms are useful if there is space but if not you could purchase a washer/dryer so you only need one item rather than two, it can be integrated into the design so it isn't seen. Ask about how much noise the machine makes when you purchase and choose the quietest. If appropriate, look at the under stairs area with a view to turning that into a utility space.
    • PRO
      STORI
      9 years ago
      A5 - integrated seems to be the way forward, well certainly with our customers. Especially with gloss/ handleless kitchens, mush more streamlined. Jeremy is right, hiding ironing boards, mops and even bins away makes way for the minimalist look with no clutter.
    • PRO
      STORI
      9 years ago
      A6) I think styles change so much - we work in the fashion trade and its important that you go with a style that you like and wont get fed up with after a few years, like you would a coat or a new pair of boots. But yes I think depending on the look you go for it certainly needs to tie in with the rest of the house depending on your personality. An uber modern gloss kitchen in a farm house for example might stand out - but might be exactly what the client wants - to make a statement!
    • PRO
      Yasmin Chopin Interior Design
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago
      A6: The kitchen is often the one place where style seems to drift. I think that's because kitchen retailers heavily influence the consumer and are not necessarily interested in the whole house. I think it's better to design the kitchen with the home owner THEN go to the retailers to find the right units that fit the way the client wants to use the kitchen and that will fit the overall style of the home. Then the kitchen really does become the heart of the home.
    • PRO
      Studio 3 kitchens
      9 years ago
      A6. that's the million dollar question, everybody has different tastes from cultural, national, modern, traditional to contemporary. having a good kitchen designer or interior designer would be a fantastic help, I've had clients with no idea to those who've practically done all my work for me, you can place modern in a rustic setting and vise versa but it does take a keen or professional eye to carefully balance the blend. if your working within a property that pre-dates the 30's i.e. Victorian town house, or Georgian etc. then working with the property will ensure comfortable fit but 'a lot of buts' it again depends on your particular style and ideas, have a look at your existing furniture this will give you an idea. or as I would say call in the professionals.
    • Emmeline Westin
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago
      Last question for this session. It's from our French friends!

      Q7) Chloe has an open planned kitchen-living room and wants to know if she should invest in a bar to separate the spaces or invest in a table. For the table she’d like to know if you recommend a specific shape and material?
    • PRO
      STORI
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago
      A7)Depending on the material of her existing kitchen she could go for a contrast- gloss kitchen with a solid wooden table or vice versa. Include the breakfast bar in the middle if you have the space and make the area even more versatile. Breakfast bars are ideal for homework or chatting to mum after school whiles she's preparing the dinner and are a great centre point of any family home.
    • PRO
      Yasmin Chopin Interior Design
      9 years ago
      A7: I'm interested to hear Jeremy's ideas on this because it is a tricky one to answer without seeing the space. It is good to define the areas but this doesn't have to be with a bar, it could be done through decor. In a room that has two purposes it's nice to be clever with the integration of the space yet still feel that separation. A table could be just the thing to pull it all together. I love using round tables as they are so inviting and flexible to use. (I agree with Kitchen Stori that a bar is often the place a family congregates and can be a fun addition to any kitchen diner.)
    • Emmeline Westin
      Original Author
      9 years ago
      Thanks everyone, especially Jeremy, for being so helpful! Feel free to stick around and answer more questions on this thread. Have a great weekend and best of luck with your kitchen projects!
    • PRO
      Studio 3 kitchens
      9 years ago
      Thank you Emmeline,
    • Tom Flanagan
      9 years ago
      last modified: 9 years ago
      Thank you everyone for taking part! Great to see so many of you participating! Bon weekend :)
    • jean-yves
      9 years ago
      Merci :)
    • Sabrina Ahmed
      9 years ago
      Great q&a session - really helpful for tips and ideas!
    • Colette Cook
      9 years ago
      We are redesigning our kitchen/diner and thinking about underfloor heating. We are confused by the information comparing wet and dry systems. Is there an independent report available?
      Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
    Sponsored

    Reload the page to not see this specific ad anymore

    More Discussions
    Belgian style renovation of small building to office/ studio
    0
    Panelling hallway & cupboard
    0
    Interior Design Classes April to June 2024
    0
    House re-design
    0
    Tiles for open plan space
    5
    Ireland
    Tailor my experience with cookies

    Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.