Planning a new kitchen? We asked the experts to answer your burning questions…

Words RACHEL LOOS

Q It looks cool on TV, but how practical is a stainless steel kitchen?

The Bear , FX’s high-octane series set in a professional kitchen, kick-started the trend for stainless steel kitchens, but can all that shine work at home? Yes, says Sam Shaw, founder of Sustainable Kitchens.

A ‘Stainless steel is a fantastic material for a kitchen, as the weld joints (where two pieces join together) are seamless, eliminating any gaps for food to slip into and where bacteria can grow. As it’s a sheet material, it can be easily shaped and bent into a multitude of forms and it doesn’t get tarnished by food and heat, meaning it’s pretty practical. It also has a fantastic lustre as well as durability.

‘This kitchen (left) teams stainless steel with a marble worktop and the two complement each other beautifully. However, if you love the idea of an all-stainless-steel look, it’s great as a worktop, too, as it can be seamlessly welded to upstands, splashbacks and sinks. This means that as well as being hygienic, there’s no need for silicone joints that can go mouldy and degrade over time.

‘The downside is that stainless steel picks up fingermarks very easily, so it does require regular cleaning. It can also get scratched – although it can be repaired or altered at a later date if required. You could also opt for a matte finish, which is produced by brushing the surface with an abrasive material, essentially putting countless fine scratches into the surface. This diffuses the reflection of light for a more matte appearance, but also ensures that further scratches from daily use aren’t noticeable.’

Q Should I ditch the kitchen island for a table?

The kitchen table is having a comeback as a flexible space that’s not just a place to eat, but also for cooking prep, indulging in hobbies and now as a WFH desk, too. But are there times when an island is still best? Ali Childs, founder of Studio Alexandra, gives her take.

A ‘The island vs kitchen table debate all comes down to space. If you have a large, open kitchen, then an island works well to provide a divide between food prep and dining areas – and it’s great for evening drinks while someone cooks. If you have a lot of communal meals and like to have people round for dinner but only have space for either an island or a table, then plumping for a table is the sensible option.