Epicurean's delight

Can true chefs ever retire? Sure, they may hang up their hat when they stop collecting their pay cheque. But if they've been preparing meals to the highest standard, how can they stop when it's no longer a job? The truth is, cooking is more than a profession, its a passion, and most chefs don't lower their standards just because they are cooking at home.

When John Borwick and Gary Withers bought their new home, the kitchen design was of utmost importance to Borwick, a former chef. He had already purchased the appliances and he wanted a kitchen fit for a professional, yet welcoming for guests.

Kitchen designer Ingrid Geldof designed a layout to enable Borwick to be part of the conversation, without his guests interfering in his space.

"The island divides the kitchen from the living room so that guests can be seated at the stools, chat to the chef, yet not be in the way. Alternatively they can be seated at the dining table" Geldof says.

In the kitchen, there is a very clear demarcation of preparation space. Appliances, such as the oven and dishwasher, sit beneath the benchtop flanking the outer wall. Opposite, the island benchtop is mainly used to serve the meals as the crockery is stored in cupboards beneath.

On the far wall, next to the fridge, opaque glass doors conceal a butler's pantry. This area houses another preparation bench, a sink and a fridge, plus storage for glassware, alcohol and food items.

"The advantage of the butler's pantry is that it can be used for food preparation during a party and the mess is concealed simply by closing the door," says Geldof.

Kitchen utensils, displayed on either side of the stove, are easy to reach during cooking and provide visual appeal against the dark coloured wall and iron glass splashback. The drawers beside the oven are specifically designed to house cooking oils and other condiments.

"Logical placement of utensils and clever storage ideas increase the efficiency of a kitchen," says Geldof.

Story by: Trendsideas