Visual feast of space

The book ‘100 Best Kitchens & Dining Rooms’ showcases not only spectacular design options but also the varied possibilities available in reviving and redecorating old structures, says Nandhini Sundar

August 02, 2013 08:39 pm | Updated 08:39 pm IST

Space defines the kitchen

Space defines the kitchen

A 19 Century castle revived to accommodate a spectacular kitchen, a quaint stable turned into a dining space; an old village school; an 18 Century mill renovated to make way for a charming kitchen and dining space — that is “100 Best Kitchens & Dining Rooms”, an eclectic spread of designs and ideas in kitchen and dining décor, brought out by Beta-Plus Publishing.

Be it a French style kitchen, a classic manor style, or a display of the splendour of wood or even a Flemish style, the book has it all, serving to be a visual treat as well as proving to be informative.

The book not only showcases spectacular design options, but also the varied possibilities available in reviving and redecorating old structures. Thus the Contemporary transformation of a country house kitchen showcases the redecoration of a four-decade-old country house into a contemporary living space that houses an equally contemporary dining and kitchen spaces.

Kitchen and dining can be equally understated and serene as a living space and this is amply brought out by Timeless beauty of white carrara marble. The contemporary kitchen showcases the play of marble floor, surface and wall with the cabinets complementing it in their pristine white, lending a totally restful ambience to the décor.

Irresistible charm

An Irresistible charm is displayed by the manner in which this kitchen combines the antique pieces with historic building materials to radiate charm. Thus, the floor here is made from 18 Century oak planks while the mudroom is clad with wooden cheeseboards.

The Flemish style shows inspiration drawn from the classic Flemish farmhouse, the kitchen here very inviting with an open fireplace. A Tasteful renovation of a historic notary house reveals the redecoration of a 200-year-old house. The kitchen walls are clad in Old Dutch white tiles while the floor is an old, restored cement floor. An old oak table is flanked by 18 Century chairs.

Sophisticated simplicity in a distinctive country home displays a timeless style that is casual yet sophisticated at the same time. French terracotta tiles decorate the kitchen floor with black Moroccan zelliges on the wall. A wrought iron candle chandelier complements this distinctive country setting.

The transformation of a former workshop into a modern home showcases a workshop transformed to form a serene yet charming kitchen and dining spaces.

From stable to kitchen

A kitchen in old stables is just that, a kitchen built in the space where formerly stables prevailed. Old tumbled bluestone covers the floors to retain the old world feel. A True metamorphosis likewise displays a rustic villa with a lot of oak and dark materials transformed into a modern country residence that houses a kitchen and dining with equally modern leanings.

Renovation of an 18 century mill again shows the transformation of small spaces into spacious living areas, the dining spaces affording energising garden views. The warm and cold contrasts in stainless steel and rough wood in the walk-through kitchen joins the front and back gardens.

Creativity and craftsmanship displays a concept of ‘culinary ergonomics’ whereby the kitchen is not viewed simply as a nice space but as a real ‘living room’ where cooking is an absolute pleasure. Here, an outstanding collection of French, Belgian and Portuguese barbotine pottery is displayed in a classic shelf in the dining room, lending a unique character to the space.

Book Courtesy: Gangarams Book Bureau

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