Key Kitchen Terminology
When designing and planning a bespoke kitchen the key considerations are often regarding
the shape and lay-out of the space. However, once that is decided on, the finishing touches
of a kitchen can dramatically alter its appearance too. Every detail however small, adds to the
overall feel of a kitchen. The true kitchen aficionado will only truly feel satisfied when every
detail blends together into a perfectly balanced room that combines form, function colour &
finish.
This article will help to decipher the vocabulary associated with designing a kitchen and will give
consumers confidence when talking to designers and choosing the various elements that will
bring together the hub of the home.
Here we have outlined some of the key kitchen terms below:
Barrel units - As the name suggests, this is a double curved unit made from hardwood, usually
as part of an island or at the end of a peninsular. This design feature works fantastically well in a
contemporary environment, and barrel units often incorporate chopping Boards to make them a
truly functional feature.
Columns/Pilasters This subtle detail can dramatically alter the overall look of a kitchen, by
opting for a plain quarter circle radius pilaster there is a softened edge to the kitchen, however
using hand turned pilasters can make the whole feel of the kitchen more country and traditional.
Corbels - A decorative bracket traditionally used to support a beam or shelf, but often used
today as part of a feature over-mantle. Simple corbels are typically found in the more traditional
style kitchen, with Regency kitchens often using carved acanthus corbels. Other familiar styles,
such as Victorian kitchens, will generally suit a slimmer but more ornate variety.
Cornice This detail is fitted on top of wall and tall cabinets and again is a big consideration of
the overall look of the kitchen, it can be a very traditional dentil style cornice which adds interest
or a very simple plain angled detail.
Galley Rails - A railing added to open feature units often at the end of a wall unit run, or below
at base level on an island to house books, it is a very traditional feature, adding interest and
allowing for decorative pieces like vases etc to be displayed in a kitchen.
Lay-on Cabinet Door- Lay-on kitchens are a much simpler design, as the framework that
surrounds the door is lost and the doors cover the carcase entirely, this is a much more cost
effective way of creating a cabinet as there is much less work involved in the manufacture of
this style. In contrast Framed cabinetry looks much more like pieces of furniture, and so have
extra interest and are more grand.
Islands - The island is a standalone addition of the kitchen, they are very sociable often
featuring stools which makes preparation and cooking pleasant with company, or even just somewhere for the little ones to perch and do their homework.
Spindles Much like the spindles used in a staircase these are a smaller scale hand turned
decorative feature often used instead of glazing in a wall or dresser unit, it adds detail and helps
create a more traditional feel to the kitchen.
Valances - This is a feature, usually made from co-ordinating timber that is found above
windows. They are designed to maintain the decorative flow of a kitchen, by adding detail to an
otherwise unused area. The term valance can also be applied to drapery installed above a set
of windows.
Now more than ever, the kitchen is the most used space in the house, a well designed
preparation and cooking area is one of the main features potential buyers look for when
choosing a home. Be sure to take note of these different details and look into the various
nuances that can set a kitchen apart from the crowd.
When you have your wish list and an idea of the style you are after, designing your own
kitchen can be an enjoyable process. It is all about selecting the correct features that will add
individuality to a new kitchen, and make yours the envy of the neighbourhood.
by: Richard Davonport
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