How to design a kitchen by Michel Roux
Top chef shares kitchen secrets with Annie Deakin
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Your support makes all the difference.Award-winning chef and restaurateur Michel Roux Jr is a kitchen connoisseur. The son of fellow Michelin starred chef Albert Roux, Michel gives top layout tips, common kitchen mistakes and his personal preferences in kitchen design.
1. What goes where?
Practicality is the first priority and a kitchen works best with three designated areas. The preparation area is the place where the refrigerator should sit next to a worktop and utensils drawer. The cooking area is where all appliances should meet. The cleaning areas (sink, dishwasher and draining board) shouldn't be too far away from the other two areas. An island in the centre or breakfast bar is the additional sociable area where all the hard work can be enjoyed.
2. How to customize your kitchen?
The kitchen is very much the hub of the home so choose the design and layout that makes you feel comfortable in your surroundings. Add personal touches such as large windows and doors to let the light in, plants, personal pictures and photographs. Grow your own favourite fresh herbs for a welcoming aromatic fragrance.
3. Stainless steel or shaker style?
Stainless steel is very clinical and perfect for professional kitchens, but it's not my personal choice for a domestic kitchen. My kitchen at home is French-inspired, and is warm and welcoming with a colour palette of cream and pastels. Light wood and large French doors that lead into the garden create a very open, yet comfortable ambience.
4. Open-shelving or fitted cabinets?
I prefer fitted cabinets with organised layered shelves so I know where everything is.
5. Display or hide wooden spoons?
It's a personal choice but I like my utensils to be on show - and to hand.
6. Saucepans - what kind do you recommend - and why?
I absolutely believe that you need the right tools to make the perfect dish and I wouldn't be without my GreenPan chef's pan and frypans. I use these both in my kitchen at home and at Le Gavroche because they are quality cookware that last longer than other pans I have used. They stand the test of time even in a professional kitchen where pans are thrown around and chemically cleaned daily. They are also beneficial to your health as the non-stick Thermolon coating doesn't have any of the toxins that can break down and chip off into your food - those flakes aren't always black pepper in your food.
7. Most common kitchen design mistake?
Not enough light and ventilation.
8. Aga or electric oven?
I like Agas. I have one in my home in France and although they aren't the most practical for rustling up a quick dish, the traditional rustic design really is beautiful.
9. What kitchen flooring do you prefer?
Tiled or wooden flooring. They are easy to clean and hygienic, and another aspect you can personalise to suit your taste.
10. How do you choose kitchen art?
Images of natural landscapes and idyllic outdoors are great pieces to have in a kitchen. Muted colours are calming and add to the 'open' feel that I like my kitchen to be.
Annie Deakin is interiors writer for sofa and interior design website mydeco.com.
Roux is collaborating with GreenPan, a stronger and more efficient alternative to other non-stick pans. www.green-pan.co.uk
Annie Deakin is interiors writer for sofa and interior design website mydeco.com.
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