18.05.2011
For a long time Agas have been the ultimate status symbol in any country kitchen. The oil powered cast iron cooker, which needs to be kept running 24 hours a day has kept many a family warm during winter, but can be a problem during the warm summer months.
You may have read today that Aga has launched an ‘instant Aga’ which costs a tidy sum of £10,000. This new innovation looks exactly the same as the original but uses electricity to power it and a state of the art touch-screen for control.
Named ‘The Aga Total Control’, it is believed to be the biggest innovation since in design since the Aga was first developed in 1935.
Unlike a traditional Aga, which takes up six hours to heat up to a temperature at which you can cook a meal, the Total Control is ready in just 22 minutes – a significant difference! And unlike traditional ovens, it still uses the same system of radiant heat as its predecessor.
We can’t help but feel that an electronic Aga won’t provide the same warm, fuzzy feeling that we’ve come to love over the years… Maybe we’re just old fashioned!
29.10.2010
As the heart of the home, the kitchen is the hub of all family activity, and the best way to bring everyone together is a good hearty home-cooked meal.
That’s why choosing the right oven for your needs is an essential part of buying a new kitchen and nothing says ‘family kitchen’ like a range cooker.
A range cooker is a great foundation for an entire kitchen design – Aga styles look great in country kitchens and modern stainless steel range cookers are perfect in a contemporary setting.
The colour of the range cooker can be a starting point for the colour scheme for the kitchen. In Magnet’s Shelton the deeper cream of the range cooker warms and adds depth to the soft cream units. Alternatively, a contrasting colour can create instant impact and be a strong focal point for the room. For 2010 muted tones are set to be the hottest kitchen colours.
TOP TIPS FOR BUYING A RANGE COOKER
Do
- Buy if you are passionate about cooking or have a large family to feed
- Research what is the best fuel source for your cooker – gas, electric or dual
- Work out how much it will cost to run your range cooker over a year before making a purchase
- If you don’t enjoy cleaning, opt for an easy clean such as pyrolytic or catalytic oven
Don’t
- Buy a range cooker if you have a small kitchen – they are pretty large and can overpower smaller rooms. Opt for a ‘mini range cooker’ instead.
- Buy if you live alone or don’t do much cooking as you’re unlikely to make the most out of your cooker
15.04.2010
This week we have a special guest post from interiors expert Jennifer Drew, from Housetohome, who writes the fantastic blog Room Envy. She’ll be talking about what makes her dream kitchen.
GUEST POST BY JENNIFER DREW
www.roomenvy.wordpress.com
The only downside to working for an interiors magazine, is that just when you’ve updated your teeny kitchen to within an inch of its life, an image of your dream kitchen comes along and pretty much knocks its lights out.
I love this kitchen, I always have and I always will. I remember spotting it in 25 Beautiful Homes a year or two ago, and like a teen with a crush, I knew we’d be together at some point … unfortunately the cut-out of the kitchen still remains pinned up on my noticeboard, waiting for the day that it can be designed (although I abstained from drawing hearts on it).
First and foremost, I’ve always wanted a kitchen with beautiful exposed beams. I’m not sure if there’s a better reason to move to the country! Make sure you keep the walls neutral though – it will allow these original features to take centre stage – and DON’T paint them – for me it’s the same as painting an antique fluorescent pink.
Secondly, I love the chunky cream units, they’re rustic and perfect for this look. Oooh and the storage baskets are ideal. It’s great to keep a lot of your kitchen accessories on display, but baskets like these are great for stashing away the less attractive items. I LOVE the Linton range by Magnet for the rustic look, and the baskets featured in the Buxton range are perfect. All you need to complete the cabinetry is a classic Belfast sink.
And the icing on the cake? KITCHEN COLOUR! An AGA is a must-have in a country kitchen and I love how this ruby red design adds real pizazz, it’s teamed with a colourful tile splashback which looks great against the rustic brick.
Finally, it’s all in the accessories. Display your best china and glassware in a cream kitchen dresser. This one is perfect for storing cutlery while showing off your favourite trinkets. Add to this some chintzy floral fabrics and linens here; some polka dot hearts there; a whistling kettle and a nice cup of tea, and you’ve got yourself one super good-looking country-style kitchen.
11.02.2010
The farmhouse kitchen is a warm and inviting place for the whole family and is a look that is relatively easy to achieve.
Timber units such as oak are ideal for creating a farmhouse kitchen, as seen in Magnet’s Rustic Oak and Buxton ranges. Using authentic appliances and accessories can really enhance so choose chunky knob handles or chunky wood worktops.
No Farmhouse kitchen is complete without a range cooker. Avoid stainless steel and instead choose a neutral colour such as regal blue or cranberry with a matt finish.
A heavy ceramic sink, known as a Butler sink, is perfect for country kitchen and if you have a lot of space a double sink is not only practical, but looks great too.
Maximise storage with a tall larder units which a great for dry goods and crockery.
Finally, a herb garden is a welcome addition to any kitchen, but work particularly well in the farmhouse kitchen to create a welcoming aroma.
