Family Kitchen Design with Sara Morrison
Credit : Interiors.family
Earlier this month, we spoke to professional interior designer Sara Morrison of Bath based interiors.family. She specialises in family kitchen design and creating stylish and functional spaces that are suitable for modern families.
Could you tell us about yourself and your interior design company?
Interiors.family specialises in helping families create contemporary, stylish homes which not only look great but also work for everyday family life. After the challenging experience of completing my own family home renovation, I founded interiors.family to provide a professional and personal interior design service to families. I am passionate about what I do and treat every project as if it is my own home – whether that is an entire home renovation or a single room revamp.
Where do you get your inspiration for your projects?
All over really. From magazines, trade shows, galleries, movies or even fashion shows. If you are a visual person, you cannot help but take inspiration from everywhere.
What kind of materials do you like to use?
I am really into innovative and practical new materials. I attend shows such as the Surface Design Show to see the latest products. I like to combine these with traditional materials.
What is your process when designing a kitchen?
I spend a lot of time taking a very detailed brief to fully understand the family’s requirements and preferences. Each project, large or small, is carefully planned with meticulous attention to detail to develop detailed spatial plans. Once the layout has been agreed, we can then move on to the look, where I create mood boards of all the finishes and materials.
What kitchen trends do you really like at the moment?
I am liking the darker woods and also coloured units with matching coloured worktops.
Do you think the way that families use kitchens is changing?
Yes. The kitchen is certainly the centre of the home, not just for cooking and eating, but socialising, homework and watching TV. However, for families there seems to be a prevalent move away from open plan to broken plan – open spaces which are still connected but provide a sense of separation through the use of half walls, dividing shelves or changing levels.
Credit : Interiors.family
In your opinion, what are the most important things to consider when designing a kitchen for a family?
To plan carefully to get the layout, flow and lighting correct.
How do you ensure that you have the right balance between style and functionality in a family kitchen?
Every tiny detail is carefully considered whilst focussing on quality and practicality. The aim is to deliver beautifully finished and practical interiors which improve the way we use our homes and make a positive impact on family life.
What are the most common mistakes you see people make with family orientated kitchens?
A lack of spatial planning. The kitchen layout is decided quite early when services are installed, but the living space hasn’t been properly considered. You see images of kitchens with an awkward or unusable space which ends up not quite big enough for furniture or just too cramped and impractical – if you look closely you can see the dining table right up against the wall or a sofa oddly positioned in the kitchen area.
Credit : Interiors.family
Quick fire questions
Real wood or laminate worktops?
Real wood.
Contemporary or traditional kitchens?
Both.
Stainless steel or ceramic sinks?
Ceramic sinks.
Open or broken plan?
Totally dependent on the space and client needs.
Minimalist or maximalist design?
Personally, I prefer minimalist.
If you would like to see some examples of family kitchen design or to find out more about her design company, visit interiors.family. Why not follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram. If you are an interior designer and would like to be featured on our blog please contact us at [email protected].
Credit : Interiors.family