Most house projects start with the room at the heart of every home. Architect Laura Jane Clark considers how designers can create a highly functional bespoke finish for clients
Whether I'm working on a large new-build project or a small extension and remodel, the kitchen is almost always where I start.
It is important to look at how the kitchen and dining area are seen as you walk through the home, visualising how spaces work together, whether the client would like an open plan, large kitchen island and dining space or something that is more subtle and closed off.
I also consider what guests see, where they can sit or perch, what can be seen by guests while the host is cooking and how easy is it to tidy away used crockery and leftover food.
I have been a fan of German manufacturer Blanco for years and, as an architect, have specified its taps and sinks for as long as I can remember.
At the core of any good kitchen design is the triangle of preparation, which links the storage area or fridge, the cooker and the kitchen sink within a few steps of each other. Blanco recognises this and is leading the way to create a complete and holistic approach to what it calls the kitchen water place.
Sinks, taps and bins are among the most commonly used items in the kitchen, but are often not considered as important in the planning phase as they should be.
The Blanco Unit: perfectly combined products for an optimised kitchen hub
The Blanco Unit is an all-in-one system that combines a sink, tap and in-cabinet waste and organisation, which is designed to maximise available space.
Its multi-functional parts make kitchen life that bit easier so that when clients are washing up, disposing of vegetable off-cuts, creating cool drinks with fresh filtered water or making tea with boiling water straight from the tap, everything is at arm’s reach.
Plus, that no-go area under the sink becomes fully utilised with storage and waste systems that work efficiently for different setups.
Blanco offers premium products that are not only durable, but also offer architects design opportunities that are second to none. The range of finishes and colourways make it a joy to create an aesthetically pleasing kitchen hub.
Sinks and taps can be selected in various Silgranit colours or different materials and finishes to ensure they match the aesthetics of the rest of the kitchen. Plus clever sink accessories, such as over-the-sink chopping boards and matching InFino sets, can be added to create a cohesive look .
Being able to bring this level of design and engineering into any kitchen is important and a Blanco Unit will guarantee the look and feel of a high-quality bespoke finish with different combinations of integrated elements.
For more insider tips and insights from Laura Jane Clark, visit blanco.com/laura-jane-clark
See Blanco's full portfolio of products and services at thenbs.com/blanco
For more information and technical support, visit blanco/com
Contact:
Mark Craine, contracts manager
07909 682757
mark.craine@blanco.co.uk
Laura Jane Clark is an author, TV presenter and founder of London practice Lamp Architects.