Architect Julian Owen unveils how to create a culinary zone that’s tailored to your needs

The brushed finish on the Puresteel worktop by Franke (www.franke.com) gives it texture and creates a warmer feel than regular stainless steel

The combination of a high gloss finish, limited colour palette and grey floor tiles gives this Napoli design by Optiplan Kitchens (www.optiplankitchens.co.uk) a sophisticated feel. The worktops blend perfectly with the cabinets, keeping lines clean and modern

The way in which we use the kitchen is changing. It used to be a place for mess and frantic behindthe- scenes activity to produce meals served in a calm dining room that’s set apart. But the rise of open-plan living has led to the culinary zone as a separate room is disappearing from our homes.

Modern labour-saving appliances and pre-prepared food mean sophisticated meals can be quickly conjured up in a relatively compact space. Plus, having the dining table positioned alongside the kitchen allows hosts to be part of the conversation when guests are over for dinner. This does mean that our culinary areas are more on display to visitors and there’s an opportunity to make them a major design feature of the home. So with a host of stylish finishes and sleek appliances on offer for you to choose from, here I’m looking at how to approach designing a culinary zone perfect for your bespoke requirements.

Using the space

If you’re about to commission a new kitchen, the first step is to decide how it will really be used. For instance, will it be a lively, messy zone where family members are likely to leave piles of unwashed dishes and dirty worktops? Or will it be a well-ordered, minimalist space more akin to an operating theatre in a hospital? Crucially, do you care what visitors will think if they see it in its normal state? Judging how big the kitchen needs to be also depends on how it’s used. For instance, if you have a busy life and prefer to eat out then a smaller space might be adequate. Some appliances are essential and you’ll need to make room for them – the fridge, freezer, cooker and sink can all fit into very compact areas if necessary. Alternatively, if your household’s lifestyle means several people preparing food simultaneously, or if cooking is more of a passion, you’ll need ample worktop and plenty of circulation space.