Duncans and Häfele UK maximise compact kitchen
Duncans of Grantown has shown small spaces can be big on functionality after transforming a six metre square kitchen in the Scottish Highlands. Working with Häfele UK, fledgling designer Holly Spittal has helped her client to maximise every millimetre of space with usable storage exceeding their original brief and expectations.
“The client approached us with their wish list, which centred around how they could maximise worktop space while also integrating essential appliances,” said Holly. “With a footprint that’s just 2.7m by 2.3m, finding a way to achieve that was a challenge, but I started by focusing on how to hide away what was currently stored on the countertop by maximising the cabinetry available.”
While working at Duncans of Grantown for several years, the project was Holly’s first as lead designer. “It wasn’t an easy brief, but I knew with care, attention and by drawing on my knowledge of products from companies such as Häfele, I could design a great solution.”
Alongside an integrated microwave, washer/dryer, fridge freezer and slimline dishwasher, Holly created space for 900mm and 1000mm corner cabinets, complete with Vauth-Sagel Cornerstone Maxx pull-out shelving to allow her client easy access to items inside. With a 25kg per shelf capacity, Cornerstone Maxx is the ideal solution for kitchens short on space.
Either side of the corner units, 150mm cabinets with two-tier pull-out storage were added providing room for spices and ingredients that previously took up precious workspace in the kitchen.
Holly’s desire to optimise every millimetre of space also saw her recommend Häfele’s hingeless flap fitting, Free space 1.11, for the design’s wall units. Innovatively manufactured, the stay flap fitting creates more storage room within cabinetry by eliminating the need for large cover caps. It also has an internal installation depth of just 63mm.
To make more of available floor space in the kitchen, Holly also incorporated a built-in waste bin choosing Hailo Uno from Häfele due to its shallow depth that allows space at the back of the cabinet for waste pipes.
“As well as using a range of hardware that maximises space and functionality, it was also important to build in more aesthetic features that help visually and practically,” Holly continued.
Loox LED downlights were installed under cabinetry for task lighting and to create a feeling of additional depth. AluSplash aluminium splashbacks in a high gloss Petrol Blue were also chosen to further reflect light and provide an easy to maintain surface. Available exclusively through Häfele in the UK, AluSplash is a highly stylish yet practical alternative to glass, acrylic and tiled splashbacks. As well as being easy to fit, the product is constructed from a flame resistant aluminium surface with a fire resistant mineral core that means AluSplash can be used behind all hobs and cooktops, including gas, for a seamless run of colour.
Finally, Holly paired the kitchen’s concrete-look doors with slimline matt black u-pull handles from Häfele to complete the contemporary styling without eating into the space’s narrow dimensions.
As a testament to Holly’s creative and thoughtful use of space – particularly on her first solo kitchen design – the project was awarded Best Functional Space Design at Häfele’s annual studio partner awards in 2022.
“This project is a great example of maximising space and functionality,” said Martin Canning, head of category at Häfele UK. “It’s clear Holly truly listened to what the customer needed and even though the design was in a very tight space, her clever integration of all the elements meant that no requirement has been omitted. In fact, there’s even additional touches to create the wow factor. Overall, it was a great example of how weaving together design, product expertise and knowledge can maximise the daily functionality and enjoyment of a space.”
For more details on the Duncans of Grantown project, visit hafele.co.uk