Take a look around Jen Nash’s modern heritage kitchen design
Through her exploration of mixing textures and finishes, Magnet’s Head of Design, Jen Nash, has created her dream kitchen – a space with warmth, depth and character.
Rooted in nature with an earthy colour palette and Nordic Craft timber drawers, Jen added her own flair to the heritage-inspired design by overlaying modern black accents and metallic touches that perfectly reflect her style.
“Each choice was made with the intention of creating a kitchen that is not just visually compelling but also a testament to the possibilities that arise when you mix textures and finishes thoughtfully.”
Jen Nash, Head of Design, Magnet Kitchens
From choosing colours, materials and lighting to adding the finishing touches, Jen gives us a sneak peek at her kitchen as she chats through the key features, along with sharing expert advice for anyone embarking on a kitchen renovation project.
What are your top tips for creating a beautiful kitchen that’s also functional?
Creating your dream kitchen isn’t something you should rush into. The key is in understanding how you intend to use your space. It’s crucial to invest time with your kitchen designer, and others who will use the space such as family members, to plan a layout that meets all your needs. Once you have a clear vision of how your kitchen should function, making the right design choices becomes much simpler.
How did you choose the lighting for your kitchen and what were your key considerations?
Lighting plays a pivotal role in kitchen design, yet it’s frequently undervalued or considered too late in the process.
A well-lit kitchen not only enhances functionality but also helps in defining distinct ambiances within the space, which is particularly beneficial in smaller kitchens or even open plan, multi functional areas.
Jen’s top tips for planning lighting into your project:
1. Plan early
Planning lighting early in a kitchen design is crucial to ensure that fixtures like dimmer switches and lamp sockets are installed at the right height, optimising both function and ambiance. Dimmer switches offer the flexibility to adjust your lighting to match the time of day or the mood you wish to create, enhancing the kitchen’s versatility.
2. Be functional & beautiful
When selecting lighting for your kitchen, it’s essential to ensure that critical work areas like countertops, the sink, and the hob are adequately illuminated.
Under-cabinet lighting is an excellent way to achieve this, but with the growing trend for open shelving, other options can be a great way to add personality whilst still being super functional. You could go with something like a row of pendant lights placed over your work surface or adjustable wall lights, which is what I chose.
3. Incorporating a dimmer switch is a game-changer
It allows you to adjust the lighting intensity to suit various activities and times of day, enabling you to customise the atmosphere of your kitchen with ease. This flexibility is key to creating a space that adapts to your lifestyle and enhances your experience within it.
4. Consider lighting temperature
This plays a pivotal role in interior design, especially in kitchens, as it affects both the functionality and the atmosphere of the space. Warmer temperatures can create a cosy and inviting environment, ideal for dining areas, while cooler temperatures are better suited for work areas, enhancing concentration and colour accuracy.
Choosing the right lighting temperature helps balance aesthetics and practicality, ensuring the kitchen is both a welcoming space for gatherings and an efficient area for meal preparation.
5. Add thoughtful finishing touches
I love that our switches and sockets are an extension of our palette. The tarnished copper finish pairs perfectly with our work surface while the black knurled detail has a modern edge. It’s the details that count! We touch them every day so why not invest in something that makes you smile.
Can you talk us through the different textures and finishes in your kitchen – why you chose them and how they all work together?
When designing my kitchen, I embraced a diverse mix of natural textures and finishes that have almost a cocooning effect.
I wanted to curate a space that not only reflected a refined aesthetic but also celebrated the playful interaction of textures and finishes.
The warmth and organic appeal of the kitchen is amplified by Magnet’s Nordic Craft range, which features finger-joint solid timber exposed drawers to add a tactile quality.
The worktop’s veined marble pattern introduces an element of luxury and dynamism, while its practical attributes ensure the kitchen remains a space of culinary creativity without the worry of wear and tear.
The decision to incorporate mixed metals, from the patinated brass of the tap to the tarnished copper sockets and switches, was deliberate. This blend of metals adds depth and a contemporary edge, proving that mixing metals can be cool and cohesive.
The inclusion of black minimal fixtures and fittings further punctuates the space with modern simplicity, ensuring that each element, while distinct and packed full of personality, contributes to a unified and cosy sensorial space.
Each choice was made with the intention of creating a kitchen that is not just visually compelling but also a testament to the possibilities that arise when you mix textures and finishes thoughtfully. The result is a space that is uniquely us.
“The open shelving in my kitchen not only serves a practical purpose but also offers a canvas to display cherished items – from heirloom dishes to favourite cookbooks, each piece tells its own story.”
Jen Nash, Head of Design, Magnet Kitchens
How have you added elements of your own personality to your kitchen and what’s your advice for making a kitchen feel like yours?
I wanted the space to truly feel like an extension of myself and my partner and one of the ways I achieved this is through artwork and plants, which add layers of texture and life to the kitchen. The artwork brings pops of colour and interest, while the greenery injects vibrancy and a sense of well-being.
The choice of colours and materials was also deeply personal. I gravitated towards hues and textures that speak to me on a personal level, creating a backdrop that’s both calming and inspiring. The open shelving in my kitchen not only serves a practical purpose but also offers a canvas to display cherished items – from heirloom dishes to favourite cookbooks, each piece tells its own story.
For anyone looking to personalise their kitchen, start with what you love. Whether it’s a collection of pottery, a palette of your favourite colours, or even the use of shapes and lines that appeal to you, let these elements guide your design choices.
Open shelving is a fantastic way to showcase your personality; think of it as a living gallery that evolves with your tastes and experiences. Above all, don’t be afraid to mix elements to create a space that feels uniquely yours. Your kitchen should reflect your lifestyle and the things that make you happy, making it not just a place to cook, but a space to live and create memories.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to upgrade their kitchen but isn’t really sure what look they want to go for?
For those embarking on a kitchen upgrade without a clear vision, my advice is to start by exploring what truly resonates with you.
Consider your lifestyle, preferences, and the overall atmosphere you want to create. Look at elements that inspire you – it could be a favourite colour, a material, or even a piece of artwork.
Let these foundational choices guide your decisions, creating a cohesive and personalised aesthetic.
Don’t be afraid to seek inspiration from various sources, whether it’s interior design magazines, Pinterest, or even visiting showrooms. Take note of styles and features that catch your eye, and gradually a theme will emerge. Additionally, consulting with a professional kitchen designer can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the multitude of options available.
Remember that your kitchen is a space where functionality meets personal expression, so take the time to envision how you want to use it. Trial and error can be part of the process, the key is to enjoy the journey of discovering a look that truly feels like home.
Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose elements that make you excited to spend time in your new dream space every day.