Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom – May 2013

Which is best? Gas or electricity? The debate about the best cooking method has raged on for years, but now you no longer have to choose just one. The new range of Teppanyaki plates, deep fat fryers and induction hobs may seem daunting, but our appliance feature (p104), separates the gimmicks from the must-have new generation gadgets showing you how to mix and match your own truly bespoke dream hob. It’s never been simpler to incorporate the perfect elements to suit your individual cooking style. And while we’re on the subject of kitchen appliances, the humble microwave is often overlooked these days. However, if you’re designing a new kitchen it’s worth considering a top-end built-in model at the planning stage as this handy little gadget is a useful addition to your bank of appliances, and a freestanding model on the worktop of a new kitchen can ruin the clean lines and uncluttered feel of a room scheme. I’ve never really given much thought to kitchen utensils, but after interviewing the globally successful and award-winning Joseph brothers, I have begun to see these essential, yet taken for granted, implements in a whole new light. Read our designer profile (p64) to discover the twin’s amazing passion for problem solving using their rare artistic vision. Our real case studies this month take us from a spectacular penthouse apartment near the river in Chiswick (View From Above, p24) to a professional food stylist’s kitchen in the Cotswolds (Yes Chef, p56) that has to double as a test kitchen and a relaxing family home. Then turn to Cafe Society (p46) to see how one designer’s creativity was ignited by a visit to a cafe in Belgium. So inspired was she, that she snapped a picture on her mobile and headed back to the UK to immediately find a company to help her realise her vision. The results are impressive – right down to unique bar stools, designed by the owner herself. Enjoy the issue and don’t miss our summer living edition next month.