“Luxury kitchens aren’t dependant on the footprint of your kitchen,” Sam Fink, founder of Fink Kitchens says. “It’s all about the detail. From the materials and the cabinetry you choose, right down to the colours and appliances.”

So, if you’re looking for inspiration when it comes to creating your high-end kitchen (or are just dreaming of one), here’s our run down of the top trends for luxury kitchens.

What makes a kitchen look luxurious?  

1. Appliances (and lots of them)

“From fridges and ovens to dishwashers and wine fridges, high-end kitchens are all about having a range of appliances for each individual task,” Sam said.

We’ve spoken before about Fisher & Paykel’s double DishDrawer dishwasher. Coming with two ‘drawers’ you can have one load running, while the other is free for you to stack your dirty plates.

You could also free up space in your fridge by investing in a separate wine fridge for all your beverages. You could choose from slim-line under-counter options which store 9 bottles (like this Pando PVZB 15-9 ), to full height larder versions that house more than 100 (just look at this PVMAV 178-112).

Another luxury kitchen trend is to have multiple ovens in a symmetrical block or line. “One oven could be for baking, another could be for steaming and your third and fourth could be a combo microwave or gas oven,” Sam adds.

2. Quality-led materials

High-end kitchens often come with an air of uniqueness to them. “That’s where natural materials like real wood cabinetry or natural stone worktops are worth their weight in gold,” Sam explains. “These natural materials really denote luxury because each slab or chunk of wood is one-of-a-kind. These natural materials help to up the exclusivity factor in your space.”

But if natural stones for your worktops aren’t right for your space, high end quartz, Silestone and Corian also tick the boxes for quality.

3. Double islands

In times gone by, having a kitchen island was the dream. But now, (if you’ve got the space), the high-end kitchen trend is to have two.

“If you’ve got a big floorspace, you could be tempted to supersize your kitchen island,” Sam says. “But this can be a pain to walk around, and it can be a lot less functional too. By having two separate islands you can have one for work, so you can do all your food prep, and one for play, with a bar and/or fitted seating area.”

4. Layered lighting

Lighting can make all the difference between whipping up a good kitchen or a great kitchen.

In a modern kitchen you might have downlights, under cabinet spotlights or LEDs. You could also have feature lighting, to help highlight different zones, or display lighting to bring to life the different features of your kitchen.

For a classic kitchen, if space allows, you could hang a chandelier over the island or pendants to help bridge the gap between task lighting and ambient lighting. Or you could stick to ceiling lamps.

“Either way, the key is to layer your lighting,” Sam adds.

5. Smart appliances

You don’t have to go big on smart appliances to create a luxurious feel. However, if you want to add a bit of low-key excellence and convenience, that’s where smart tech steps up to the plate.

Wondering where to start? We partner with Pando, who creates clever extractor fans such as the impressive AirLink that turns on when you start your hob. It can also automatically light up when the hob is switched on. Or you could consider an oven that pairs up with Alexa and your smartphone, meaning you could have your dinner cooking while you’re busy ticking off other chores.

6. Be brave with brassware

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: carefully selected brassware can transform the whole look and feel of your kitchen.

“So do give lots of consideration to your taps, sinks and kitchen cabinet handles,” Sam mentions. “These all add colour and interest to your kitchen along with tactile finishes and textures. All of which helps to elevate your space and inject a ultra-luxe feel.”

7. Go deep with your colour choice

White, beige and neutral-coloured kitchens will always have a place in our heart. They look effortlessly elegant, clean and, if done well, can exude understated luxury. But if you’re looking to add a luxurious-looking twist in 2023, one of the top high-end kitchen trends this year is to take your cabinets to the dark side.

“The richer, deeper and darker the colour — the better,” Sam says. “Colours like a midnight blue or a black can add a sophisticated, sleek and sumptuous feel. While if you’re not shy of colour, a ruby red can exude confidence and grandeur.”

From conception to completion

Here at Fink, we don’t just sell you a kitchen. Our in-house kitchen fitting team can build the room also. Whether it’s flooring, tiles or painting, when you buy a kitchen from Fink, your Project Manager will oversee your kitchen installation from conception to completion.

As you might have already guessed, we love talking about kitchens. And love nothing more than producing dream kitchens for our clients. So, to discuss a project or find out more, contact us here.

The post Luxury kitchens — exploring the latest trends in high-end kitchens appeared first on Fink Kitchens.

Of course, their primary function is to make your kitchen cupboards easily accessible (how else are you going to reach for the snacks?). But if given some thought to, kitchen door hardware can also inject some extra style and personality.

The comeback of the handle

“We’re seeing the humble kitchen handle make a big comeback and in a big way,” Sam Fink, founder and director of Fink Kitchens says. “While handless kitchen cabinets offer up a sleek and contemporary feel in any modern kitchen, door and drawer handles are often the finishing touch for classic or country style kitchens.”

Sam adds: “If you’re redesigning your kitchen, cabinet hardware might not be the first thing you think of. Especially when there’s a long list of appliances, worktops and cabinet styles to choose from. But no matter whether you’re starting from scratch or making small changes to your kitchen, a well picked handle can switch up the whole look and feel. It’s like the icing on top of the cake.”

The options are endless

The good news is that there is so much choice when it comes to kitchens handles. From slimline styles to more decorative designs. Some of the most popular styles include:

• Kitchen bar handles — easy to pull, bar handles can come in solid brass styles, slim hexagonal shaped styles and options with leather.
• Cup handles — a curved cup handle pairs well with shaker style kitchen cabinets.
• Door knobs — small, sturdy and ideal for adding a luxurious addition to cupboards and drawers.
• Pull handles — these make your cabinets or draws easy to pull and these types of handles come in all different shapes and sizes.

Anyone buying a kitchen should not feel they are limited to just the handle options provided by cabinet manufactures either.

We work closely with luxury homeware brand, Pushka Home, which supplies high end handles, door knobs and pulls. But it’s not just the shape or size you have to think about, there’s also the colour to consider.

So, what’s trending colour wise right now?

Black is the new chrome

“In times gone by, most people would have defaulted to silver,” Sam says. “That’s because they can complement all styles of kitchen and match back to your appliances, like your fridge, oven or hob,” he adds.

But then came the trendy option of brass, which helps to add a bright and beautiful metallic splash of colour. “But with the developing trends for deeper, richer, bolder kitchen cabinet colours, black handles have risen in popularity and can make for the perfect modern pairing,” Sam explains.

Matte black handles can add an industrial flourish to your space. Modern styles can stand out against your chosen cabinets & drawers, and they’ll stand up to dirt.

Ready to get a handle on your kitchen?

A new kitchen is a significant investment. And here at Fink we know that, which is why we work with our clients to really understand their vision and help make their kitchen dreams a reality.

“But with the developing trend for deeper, richer and bolder kitchen cabinet colours, black has become the new chrome.”

If you’re thinking about getting your kitchen refitted and need some help on style, do get in touch. We love talking about kitchen design and fitting. And we like nothing more than producing bespoke kitchens for our customers. In the meantime, check out some of our latest projects.

The post Handles, knobs and pulls — the modern way to get a handle on your kitchen appeared first on Fink Kitchens.

From entertaining and dining to working from home and perfecting the latest air fryer recipe, a 21^st century kitchen needs to tick all the boxes.

At Fink Kitchens, we know that the kitchen design process might feel like a mammoth task. Especially with so many countertops, styles of sinks and colour of cabinets to choose from. But that’s where we come in. Our talented team of kitchen specialists have more than 15 years’ experience in the sector, and since we launched the business in 2009, we’ve designed more kitchens than we can count. So, if you’re wondering how the kitchen design process works then read on:

Step one: Let’s get started

From worktops to islands, appliances to cupboard fronts and door furniture, there’s so much involved in kitchen design.  And you’re bound to have a thousand questions right from the get-go.  So, we start by providing a free 30-minute no-obligation phone or video call. One of the most frequently asked questions is ‘how much will this cost’? Well once we’ve locked down the design, we’ll be able to give you a price indication.

Step two: It’s nice to meet you

Step two of the process involves our experienced kitchen designer heading into your home to explore how we can bring your dream kitchen to life.

Functional design is a big part of this.  Ideally, we try to observe the triangle rule – so you’re in easy reach of your hob, sink and refrigerator.

Step three: Let’s bring it to life

Design is most definitely a team effort. We work closely with you to get your input and opinion on colours, finishes and styles. We can guide you on all of these and show samples to illustrate the latest ideas and emerging trends, but it’s important to provide you with options that will work for you and your space.

Once we’ve gathered this information, we pull together our design presentation.  This is a discussion document that we present to you.  But it’s still a collaborative process.  We build in different options so you can choose what best suits your preferences and your pocket!

The presentation includes floor plans, elevations, and renderings. So you can really envisage your new space.  We’ll even list everything from the fridge model to the exact colour of your kitchen doors and the height of your cabinets to the model of your hob.

Step 4: Let the installation begin

Once we’ve locked down the design and you’re happy with everything, it’s time to place the order and deliver your kitchen.

At Fink Kitchens we design, supply and install kitchens so can take responsibility for your project from start to finish.  Or perhaps you want to fit the kitchen yourself or already have a contractor.  In which case we’re more than happy to just provide a doorstep delivery service.

You can find out more about how we work on our website.  Or get in touch with your kitchen design questions.  We’d love to hear from you.

The post Designing a kitchen: the 4 steps to plan and design your dream space appeared first on Fink Kitchens.

But instead of knocking down walls, submitting planning applications or starting from scratch, why not try retrofitting your current kitchen to make sure that hosting Christmas 2023 is a stress-free experience?

What is kitchen retrofitting?

Retrofitting is the process of installing new appliances and/or making necessary modifications to your current kitchen to make the space work for you.

“It’s ideal if your kitchen is still in good condition but you’ve outgrown some aspects of it,” Sam Fink, founder of Kent based Fink Kitchens says. “Maybe an expanding family has you craving extra hob space or endless washing up over Christmas has left you with pan hands and a yearning for a dishwasher. Retrofitting is an affordable, hassle-free and greener way of making your kitchen a better match for your current lifestyle.”

Ready to retrofit? Three affordable ways to transform your space

1. Goodbye old school hobs, hello induction hobs

A four-burner hob is perfect for most kitchens, but a growing family or a love of entertaining could mean that it’s time to upgrade and supersize. So why not switch from a standard electric/gas hob to a quick-to-heat induction hob?

An induction hob has coils beneath its flat glass surface. It cooks food quicker by heating the pan directly rather than heating the hob. This means that the glass surface stays cool to the touch.

“Along with being easier to clean and safer than a gas or electric counterpart, induction hobs are also much more efficient,” Sam says. “It’s also a much more modern way of cooking. Thanks to their cooking zones, you can fit multiple pots and pans on the hob all at once meaning you can boil, fry and griddle simultaneously. It’s fair to say they’re a popular choice for adventurous chefs.”

We have a range of induction hobs available from the exclusive Spanish kitchen manufacturer Pando like the P13400, which has three zones. Or the PI3300 which can link with the clever Air Link System extractor fan which turns on when you start your hob.

We also can fit induction hobs from brands like Neff, AEG and Bosch. “If you do decide to change your hob to a bigger size, there could be some worktop implications,” Sam adds. However, at Fink Kitchens we can manage your kitchen installation from conception to completion.

2. Say ‘cheers’ with a wine fridge

Entertaining guests is all well and good until you run out of fridge space.

But that’s where a wine fridge comes in. “These stand-alone pieces of kitchen equipment enable you to offload beer, wine and fizzy drinks from your main fridge, freeing up space for food.”

Depending on the wine fridge you choose, you can even set the temperature differently in each zone. And it’s not just full-width fridges that are available. You can choose from slim-line under-counter options which store 7 bottles to full height larder versions that house more than 100.

Small kitchen? Feast your eyes on this Pando PVZB 15-9  under counter wine cooler which holds 9 bottles. But if space is not an issue, you could always make space for the PVMAV 178-112 which stores 112 bottles.

3. Put the rubber gloves down — invest in a dishwasher

One of the worst jobs in the kitchen? We’d say it’s got to be washing dirty dishes. Especially when you’re hosting and cooking an elaborate meal. But a dishwasher can make light work of the task.

“If space is an issue, then I like to explore whether we can repurpose a cupboard or potentially move the washing machine out of the kitchen,” says Sam. “It’s surprising how often there’s scope in the utility or in a bathroom.”

In addition, dishwashers come in a range of sizes from a standard-sized option, measuring in at 60cm wide, to slimline ones at 45cm wide.

For example, you could choose from the Pando PLB 7145, which is ideal for kitchens where space is limited. Or you could opt for something a little bit different from Fisher and Paykel, which is available as a double ‘dishdrawer’. This gives you the option to wash a load while another one is drying. The options are endless!

“And, just in case you need further convincing, using a dishwasher is generally more energy-efficient than washing plates by hands,” Sam adds.

That’s according to the latest research, which states that the majority of modern dishwashers use around 9.5-14 litres of water per cycle. While handwashing can use far more.

Get in touch

These are just three retrofitting ideas. Here at Fink Kitchens our trusty kitchen designers use their years of experience to design a space you love. And that works for you lifestyle.

We also believe that considerable thought should be given to the energy rating of any new appliances fitted in your kitchen as it makes sense to improve the energy efficiency whenever any upgrades are made.

Take a look at some of our previous work here, and don’t hesitate to get in touch for a no -obligation phone call to find out more. We can help make sure that your kitchen will be totally fit for purpose well before Christmas 2023.

The post Kitchen retrofitting: 3 ingenious ways to affordably transform your space appeared first on Fink Kitchens.

Design trends are always a response to what is happening in the wider world. Economic crisis? Bright colours should make us happier. Living through a lockdown? Then bring nature indoors. By paying attention to what is happening in society, trends can be predicted.

Here at Fink Kitchens, our trusty team has put their heads together to decipher what will be the top kitchen trends for 2023 and beyond. Here’s what we’re predicting to be big next year:

1. Colour is king

You heard it here first: joyful colours are back on the table and to say we’re pleased would be an understatement.

“Over the past few months we’re seeing people move away from more muted tones and reach for blues and greens,” founder of Fink Kitchens, Sam Fink says. “In line with other interior trends, richer hues seem to be proving most popular with these joyful shades evoking feelings of warmth, optimism and positivity.”

And thankfully, at Fink Kitchens, there’s more than 2,000 kitchen cabinet colours to choose from with matt, silk gloss, structured and high gloss lacquers finishes available. You can pick from mustard yellows and spring greens to ruby reds or a blue grey. “There’s something for everyone,” Sam adds.

2. Two-toned kitchen cabinets

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: kitchen islands really are a thing of beauty. But in 2023, these countertop units can add an extra dose of style and sophistication, and that’s all thanks to the two-toned kitchen cabinet trend.

To tick off this trend, you could choose a light blue colour for your wall cabinets and a striking midnight blue on your kitchen island cabinets. Or you could use different materials and textures, by picking a block colour for your cabinets and a wood finish for your island.

Kitchen islands were born to stand out. And with this trend, they can be the star of the show.

3. Powered by nature

Biophilia — which means incorporating nature into our indoor environment — has been one of the biggest interior design trends for the past few years.

So it comes as no surprise that in 2023 we’ll continue to welcome natural tones and structures into the heart of the home.

“Within this trend, we’re seeing customers use nature as a source of inspiration,” Sam explains.

“For example, when it comes to choosing their materials, structures and colours, options like greige oak and sage green are expected to prove popular as they come with a calming, yet naturalistic feel.”

4. Smart tech is getting even smarter

The modern home is smarter than ever before. And our kitchens are no exception.

“In today’s fast-paced world, your kitchen can function as beautifully as it looks,” Sam says. “And innovative features, like smart extractor fans, LED lighting and appliances that pair up with Alexa are changing the way we cook, eat and live.

“For example, we partner with Pando who creates clever extractor fans such as the AirLink that turns on when you start your hob. It can also automatically light up when the hob is switched on, too.”

If you’re on your way to creating an automated home, do get in touch with the team. We’d love to talk through all the smart options available.

5. Going with the groove

If you love nothing more than sleek symmetry, perfect edges and fluted glass, you’ll love this grooved trend which comes with a whole load of texture.

“Traditional textures, classic colours and quality is at the heart of this movement,” Sam says. “This trend is all about our need to get life back on track, with sleek straight forward lines in wood and fluted glass.”

Here at Fink Kitchens, for 2023, we’ve got new woods to add to our Keller collection including Ribbonwood, which is a veneer that comes with milled grooves in every centimetre and it’s available in three different colours including: warm walnut, pure oak and raven black oak.

Plan on creating your dream kitchen in 2023? Or just giving it an upgrade? Check out our latest projects or get in touch to find out more.

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