5.0 out of 5 stars What a book

m.l.b. · 9 June 2024

Loved the book so many ideas and pictures.Would recommend to buy.

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a British book on Kitchens so none available here.

D.M. · 5 September 2020

This book is an American publication and although lots of lovely kitchens none available here, same with accessories and flooring.Not really suitable if you are planning a kitchen , nice to look at but that's it.

2.0 out of 5 stars A disappointing read.

C.T. · 24 July 2023

I didn’t realise this was an American publication, which did impact on the ideas put forward. I found the photographs lacked inspiration and were very samey - I was hoping for some inspiration but the images were quite traditional and pedestrian. Some of the information was helpful (such as things to include in a budget) although mostly I didn’t feel as though I’d learned anything new.

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring. Adapt for UK-size kitchens. Scant low-budget detail. A springboard to more research.

F. · 22 September 2020

REVIEW SUMMARY:Packed with well-presented info and beautiful inspirational photos. Easy on the eye and thus easier to read because paragraphs and photos have good-sized "breathing space" around them.If new to buying/remodelling a kitchen, enjoy this lovely book but beware of it too. It's one of the most comprehensive I've read in years, but it omits certain things or you might miss a point through the book's lack of emphasis or lack of detail. So I advise not making it your only sourcebook.FORMAT: The text is quite comprehensive, and is worded diplomatically to avoid sounding like it's ordering you about. The chapters divide up the subjects well and intuitively e.g. Cabinetry, Appliances, Flooring, and these cover the main aspects of designing or remodelling a kitchen. The photo captions suggest style choices or room layouts. Contains a number of diagrams. There are coloured sidebars containing certain specific details. It's up-to-date (published 2018) and includes certain fashion trends e.g. Bluetooth, open shelving and subway tile. Has a basic index at the back.ADAPT THIS USA PUBLICATION FOR A TYPICAL BRITISH-SIZED KITCHEN:It's a USA publication so it assumes you have a larger space than the typical British kitchen. UK law doesn't allow openable windows behind cookers. You'll need to adapt as regards room size and content e.g. if you keep laundry machines in your kitchen. If you see ideas you like in this book, you might need/want to cram them togther to fit them in, or else remodel areas adjacent to the kitchen.MORE HOLLYWOOD THAN CRICKLEWOODThe book speaks to the Hollywood end of the scale: "Life is not Hollywood. Life is Cricklewood." (Eric Morecambe). If you're on a low and/or tight budget the book diplomatically addresses a few Cricklewood aspects, but expects you to hire a kitchen designer or buy from a kitchen firm. So don't let the text and pics of high-end bespoke kitchens persuade you that you can get a good new kitchen only by spending tons, because kitchen DIY kits or low-price off-the-peg kitchens look great (provided decent construction of course), as they look co-ordinated, smart and start off clean. (What completes a kitchen and gives it style are your possessions in it.) Hollywood and Cricklewood, btw, aren't building materials, so you can't build your cabinets with them :-)USE THIS BOOK AS A SPRINGBOARD: Surf for ideas and suppliers. Separately bought components might be cheaper. My last kitchen was mostly bought from a kitchen firm which was more than happy for 20% of it to be made by hubby, recycled from the old kitchen, or bought separately by me online. UK - try Clutterfreekitchens, search Bolo UK for Blum Blumotion, Blum Orga-line, Hettich or "kitchen drawer system". Browse kitchen brochures from DIY stores and from department stores which sell kitchens. Ask for tips from friends who've bought/built kitchens. Play with your ideas in a 3D cardboard or virtual model.A MAJOR GUIDING PRINCiPLE: It's implicit in the book, but let me say it plainly and let me gather the scattered implicit mentions together: Prioritise decision-making and spending on things you'll use most and need to be the most hard-wearing, and that are the costliest or most difficult to change: worktops, floor, sink, gas, built-ins.THINGS THE BOOK COULD DO WITH MENTIONING:I thought of 35 items, here are just 10. Skip as wished especially if you're experienced:1. Once floor lino gets sticky it stays sticky. If it tears it's hard to repair.2. Floor corner cupboards lack detailed mention. Pull-out shelves (e.g. Le Mans, Magic Corner) accesses the space quickly, shortens your reach, helps your back (back pain's common in pregnancy or can strike at any age). Pricey but over decades?3. An angled extractor fan over the cooker is a good idea if you're tall.4. Consider an area of lower worktop, for children or tall gadgets designed to weigh on the lid or fix accessories on top.5. If you have a work surface cut for a sink, save the cut-out (you've paid for it anyway) as a shelf or pastry board.6. Stone worktops cost from £3K per metre but stone laminate costs from £1K per metre. No one can tell the difference once installed.7. In the UK you need an electrician and (as applicable) a gas fitter as by law work must be certified. (Have more sockets than you think you'll need.) A plumber and plasterer are very handy. All else can be DIYed (learning curves).8. A 'landing zone' is vital next to an oven - for basting, adding to etc, are your oven mitts thick enough for long-distance? Maybe consider a fully retractable oven door e.g. Neff Slide & Hide.9. Allow space and access for safety items e.g. CO-detector, fire-blanket, 1st Aid kit.10. Be prepared for decision fatigue, delays and guaranteed over-spend.MY KITCHEN HISTORY: I've bought/built three kitchens. Reading about kitchen design and appliances has long been a hobby - still learning, always looking for new tips and tricks. This is the fourth kitchen book published by Taunton that I've bought in a year but the first by Heather Page.

5.0 out of 5 stars kitchens that work

L.L. · 25 November 2020

Nice kitchens, lots to think about

Lots of visuals!

A.C. · 7 January 2025

This was purchased as a gift for my daughter-in-law who was looking for ideas ahead of a major kitchen renovation.She said it was great for referencing ideas and designs going forward with her project.

Worth the purchase as a designer

B.S. · 2 May 2025

I sell assembled kitchen cabinets from many different brands. This book is an excellent reference tool that I show clients who need examples, ideas, and inspiration.

I love it!

D.H. · 10 September 2023

We are renovating our kitchen and this book has given us so many ideas for our designer!

Excellent Condition

J. · 14 September 2024

Book was like new! We're planning a kitchen remodel and needed a few ideas. This book has lots of helpful information and pictures.

Helpful, but could be better

M.B. · 9 June 2021

The look and feel of the book are typical of a more expensive item. Great photos and lots of them. Good info about basic differences in cabinet types, materials, etc. Disappointing that more attention was not paid to ergonomic designs. And it could have gone into more depth on each topic.