Which Type of Hob is Right for You?

The process of choosing a cooktop for your kitchen can be overwhelming since there are so many options available. From gas to induction, each cooktop type offers different functions and benefits – some are more suited to industrial kitchens, whilst others are best for the home. Here at Contour Kitchens, we can help you choose the best cooktop for your kitchen, respective of your needs and preferences.

Gas hobs have taken pride of place in many industrial kitchens over the years, and have been widely enjoyed by professional chefs. Offering easy-to-use and efficient functioning, these have assisted with speedy service whilst creating great quality food. Gas hobs are also known for their ability to heat up and cool down quickly, and are easy to control since the size of the flame can be altered accordingly – making simmering and boiling easier to achieve. Gas hobs are also cheaper to run than electric cooktops, and heat tends to spread more evenly across the base of the pan. However, cleaning can be an issue with many gas hobs, with crumbs and spilled food getting stuck around the gas rings. NEFF’s easy-to-clean black tempered glass gas hobs help to solve this issue, with an easily wiped surface that prevents food falling directly onto the hobs. This cooktop also features FlameSelect, which allows the clever control of gas flow – meaning that the size of the flame can be easily tailored to create the desired cooking techniques. 

Venting hobs by Bora are another great option for the kitchen. Not only do these hobs efficiently cook meals, but they also extract steam, odours and grease particles as soon as they leave the pan. This maintains a fresh smelling kitchen and eliminates the need for a bulky extractor hood. The Bora Professional 2.0 is one of Bora’s cooking ranges, which has been expertly designed with minimalism and style kept in mind.

The induction hob is increasing in popularity amongst both professional kitchens and homes alike. Along with their array of safety features as well as environmental and economic benefits, they are an efficient yet environmentally-friendly way to meet your kitchen needs. Induction hobs operate by creating a magnetic field beneath the surface; the circuit of which is only complete when a compatible pan is placed on the hob. This means that only the pan itself is heated, providing a safer option for families with young children and fast-moving industrial kitchens. These cooktops also only use the exact amount of energy that’s required, meaning that its users will experience its money-saving benefits. The streamlined design allows induction hobs to be subtly integrated within the kitchen; however, induction-friendly pans must be purchased to allow its operation. Additionally, induction hobs allow for the controllability of heat, meaning that food can be heated at very low temperatures. They’re also easy to clean as there are no rings or trivets acting as an obstruction. Gaggenau’s Vario 200 series induction hob allows for complete flexibility, as it has the ability to be combined with all other cooktops within the Vario 200 series range. Additionally, these cooktops have cooking sensor functions so that temperature can be easily controlled within pots.

To speak to one of our experts and find out which cooktop is best for you, please contact us here.

Which Kitchen Designs are Likely to Be Timeless?

When designing a new kitchen, one of the main aims should be to create a space that will last a long time – with regards to both aesthetics and functionality. In addition to being cost-effective, carefully planned and timeless designs will create long-term satisfaction for the user. Many designs from the early 20th century still remain in modern day kitchens; similarly, several designs that are on-trend today will remain stylish well into the future.

The 1920s saw the introduction of Butler sinks, which were originally designed for the Butler’s Pantry in order to better conserve water. Today, these sinks can still be seen in many kitchens, and have increased in depth to suit modern design. Although water supply is much less of an issue, they complement country-style cabinets beautifully – and are great for storing pots and pans that need to be washed up. Natural kitchen textures are also considered to be timeless, since nature is always going to be present. Taking inspiration from wooden and plant textures is a great way to incorporate biophilic design; flooring and cabinets with a wooden finish are great ways to integrate this.

Granite countertops, although a design trend of the past decade, are quickly fading out and are being replaced with composite and quartz finishes. These materials require less upkeep and are a less dominant feature – meaning that statements within the design are often expressed through items that can be easily changed, such as appliances. They also reflect more light, making the kitchen appear brighter. Timeless colour schemes include neutral shades, such as grey or pastel colours – and, of course, white. Integrating several bold colours has reduced in popularity over the years, and are now widely used as a single ‘statement’ wall or appliance colour.

Investing in high quality cabinetry is a must in timeless designs. As well as being cost-effective, your kitchen will maintain its quality finish over a longer period of time – which is key to creating a timeless kitchen. Keeping walls minimal is also essential, as cluttered walls make the kitchen appear smaller. Installing minimal units or turning up and over wall cabinets into uncluttered open shelving are great ways to ensure that your kitchen is kept clean and streamlined. Open shelving is a popular method of displaying aesthetically-pleasing crockery  and personal items, whilst bulkier pieces of equipment are often kept in closed drawers.

Making the most of natural light is something that we’re always going to strive for in kitchen design. Opting for glass doors is a great way to filter in light, and simultaneously make the kitchen appear larger. Open layouts have become increasingly popular over the years, combining the living and kitchen spaces to create a more interactive and informal atmosphere. This is likely to remain timeless, and increases versatility. Single-level islands are also set to remain on-trend, since they provide essential preparation space and assist in creating an informal kitchen design due to their ability to be used as an eating area.

At Contour, we can help you to create a kitchen that will always remain stylish – regardless of design trend changes. Creating timeless designs is at the heart of what we do, helping you to get the most out of our expert advice. To speak to one of our designers, please click here.

The Rise of Scandinavian Kitchen Design

After reaching its peak in the 50s and 60s, Scandinavian interior design has continued to be a trend – not only in the Nordic countries, but also across Europe and many other countries around the world. These designs are inspired by the cool colours of the Nordic landscape, which have created neutral colour palettes and natural textures. Scandinavian design is also known for its minimalism, and as the kitchen is the heart of the home, it comes to no surprise that Pinterest and Houzz are overflowing with design inspiration in this department.

When thinking of Scandinavian kitchens, streamlined surfaces and seamless designs will most likely come to mind. Since designs are kept minimal in terms of furniture type and colour, a variety of textures are often used as a focal point, and as a way of bringing surfaces and furniture pieces to life. You may choose, for example, to place a beautiful marble surface next to a workstation that has wooden or copper finishes. Scandinavians are also known for their ability to maximise storage space in the kitchen. This can be executed by hiding storage space within panelling, or displaying items on an aesthetic open-shelving unit – whilst being careful not to overfill it. Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry is also popular, since these fit in seamlessly with the minimalistic design – whilst also providing that all-important storage space. Additionally, handle-free drawers provide a slick and highly functional addition to the design, and work particularly well with smaller kitchens. 

Colours and textures in Scandinavian design remain very minimal. Largely based on neutral palettes, pops of colour are mainly added with furniture and appliances. Since the Nordic countries receive very little daylight, it has become second nature for the locals to make the most of the light that they have. Therefore, they aim to choose colours and finishes that will reflect light - including white walls and surfaces. Scandinavian kitchens tend to stick to specific colour palettes of whites and cool greys, with pops of metallic finishes to add warmth and character. These colours, as a combination, help the kitchen to feel more spacious whilst still being minimal. White and warm metals, such as copper, are a staple combination in kitchen design trends. They complement each other perfectly, creating the ideal balance between cleanliness, spaciousness and warmth.

‘Earthy’ shades are also a popular addition within this design, and include terracotta and tan. These colours help to soften bright white colours, creating a more balanced design without compromising on space. Similarly, natural materials such as wood and leather add a variety of textures whilst introducing the increasingly popular biophilic design.  

Generally, Scandinavian design focuses on a balance between creating a kitchen that’s functional yet minimalist. It’s now perceived as a design staple rather than a trend, and is characterised by its de-cluttered nature and simplicity.

Here at Contour kitchens, we love to apply our expert design knowledge to your personal preferences to create a kitchen space that’s perfect for you. To visit us in store, please see here.

Why Should I Hire an Interior Design Company?

Although designing a new kitchen is undoubtedly an exciting process, it’s something that requires a lot of planning. Trying to create a kitchen that’s both contemporary and functional, whilst also trying to use the space wisely is a difficult task - and is more likely to be achieved with the help of a professional interior designer.

Not only does hiring a designer allow you to create your dream kitchen with a professional finish, it also helps you to save time, as project timescales and deadlines will need to be put in place. This means that you won’t have to worry about co-ordinating the installation and you can enjoy the design process better. Having time frames means that you’ll have a finish date, and you’ll have a clear idea of how long each step in the process should take. Receiving help from an interior designer also takes a lot of the pressure and inconvenience away from yourself, including dealing with sub-contractors and the stress of project management. This will help to transform the process from a potentially mundane and difficult job to one which you can enjoy, since you’ll be left with the fun tasks in the design process.

Once you’ve given the designer a clear idea of what it is you’d like, including colour schemes, layout and functionality, the designer can then use their existing contacts to find the best furniture items for you. This way, you’ll know that any sourced furniture will be of a high quality and good value for money. You’ll also receive expert advice on the best ways to position your furniture and the size it should be with respect to your available space. Interior designers also have access to a range of other resources, including contacts with an array of trusted suppliers, tradesmen and artisans. This way, you can relax - as your designer will sort all of this for you.

Your designer will also help you to sort out a budget so that you can save money along the way. One of the most difficult things to get right, especially when designing a luxury kitchen, is knowing where best to source your items without overspending. With years of experience in this field, your designer will help you to ensure that you’re spending your money in the right places.

If you’re a little unsure of how to create a kitchen that incorporates modern design, a professional designer will always be aware of the latest trends. Not only this, but the experts like to use designs that are timeless - so they’ll always create a classic and stylish ambience in your kitchen. At Contour Kitchens, we like to use Leicht furniture alongside Dekton, Silestone and Corian worktops, since these are not only manufactured using high quality materials, but also adapt with a vast array of colour schemes. This allows us to create an elegant kitchen design that is to your taste and within budget.  Although you may fall in love with your design plan, it’s always a good idea to get it checked by a fresh pair of eyes - and whose eyes are better than those of a professional designer? They’ll expertly match your favourite colours, whilst helping you to make your kitchen a reflection of your personality.

At Contour Kitchens, our expert designers are always on hand to provide professional advice, whilst tailoring their knowledge and experience to your design preferences. To speak to one of our designers, please visit us in store.