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In Profile:
Katie Brown Kitchens

In Profile:

Katie Brown Kitchens

Shortlisted: for 1 category

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2024

Name: Annie Krantz

Company: Katie Brown Kitchens

Position within company: Director

Website: https://katieb.co.uk/

How would you describe your personal design style?

I’d describe my style as luxurious and classic. I love designs that are timeless and never go out of fashion. Blending simplicity with sophistication can be really difficult in kitchen design – character is important, but too much can make a kitchen feel cluttered or disjointed. This is why I love incorporating statement pieces or focal points, such as mantels, into my designs, and I have a particular fondness for Shaker-style cabinetry.

I also try to incorporate different textures into my designs. Contrasting materials, such as smooth marble countertops juxtaposed with wooden cabinetry, create visual interest and tactile richness. Introducing metallic finishes, like stainless steel appliances or polished brass fixtures, adds a touch of opulence and sophistication. These combinations enhance the luxurious feel of the space, providing both visual intrigue and depth.

Together, these attributes inject a sense of class and elegance into any space, without making it appear too gaudy or flashy. By striking this balance, myself and the other designers at Katie Brown Kitchens create spaces that exude luxury and character while retaining their appeal over time.

What projects are you currently working on?

We often work on older properties, where our designs need to be in-keeping with the existing character of the building. However, we’re currently working on a number of new-build projects with a view to creating innovative designs, from site plan to completion. This has allowed us to fully exercise our project management skills, working with architects and builders to lay the foundations for a spectacular open-plan space.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

We’ve just moved into a brand-new design studio. Over the upcoming months, we’ll be putting the finishing touches on our stunning showroom kitchen to showcase our designs to prospective clients. In the long term, we plan to open up a second design studio outside of Lincoln. We’ll be putting preliminary plans together to work towards this goal over the next year.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

My dad founded a luxury, bespoke kitchen company when I was 6 years old, and I used to love spending time with him in his workshop. I’d watch him and his team design and manufacture stunning kitchens and he’d talk to me about his projects at length. As the company grew, I’d help out on occasion.

My dad is still in the bespoke kitchen industry, and I continue to learn from him every day. I’m inspired by his attention to detail, his approach to design challenges, and his commitment to quality. The values he has instilled within me are evident in each and every one of the kitchens we install.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

We’ve seen more and more clients come to us in the past few years with the sole objective of creating a space that’s unique and personalised to them, rather than something that’s especially on-trend.

Fashions fade, and those who make design choices based on trends rather than preferences often find themselves wanting to redecorate in a couple of years when their kitchen starts to look dated. By developing timeless designs tailored specifically to the individual’s personal taste, we create stunning spaces that reflect the homeowner’s personality and stand the test of time – both structurally and aesthetically.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

To be nominated for this award is a dream come true for myself and the team at Katie Brown Kitchens. These awards showcase the best in design and innovation, so to be named alongside other industry-leading peers is a real honour.

Awards like this motivate designers to continue to strive for excellence in design and work to achieve new degrees of innovation. These awards cultivate healthy competition, facilitate collaboration, and inspire the next generation of designers and architects, significantly contributing to the design industry as a whole.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?

Last year, we were working on an extremely old property with low ceilings, exposed beams, and uneven walls and floors. Achieving a flawless finish with so many measurements to consider presented a real challenge when it came to cutting materials, but our talented team of expert joiners worked hard to ensure that all joints were perfect and the kitchen was finished to the highest standard.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2023 and beyond.

  • Functionality
  • Personalised features
  • Timeless aesthetics
  • Sustainability
  • People

In kitchen design especially, it’s important to consider the functionality and practicality of the space you’re working with – how people move through the room, where appliances are located, and whether the layout makes sense. These factors are always the first thing I consider when I begin drafting a design. I’ll then think about personalised elements and unique features that are geared towards the specific client’s use.

From an aesthetic perspective, creating a design that will retain its appeal for years to come is important. A kitchen is a substantial investment, and a well-designed kitchen needs to stand the test of time. This leads us onto the fourth consideration – sustainability. Using good-quality, sustainable materials is important, but a good design means that a kitchen doesn’t need to be replaced or renovated as often.

Finally, designers should consider the people using the kitchen. Are there elderly individuals? Does the household have children?  The kitchen is the heart of the home and a space that brings different generations together. It needs to accommodate all ages!

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

I’m always encouraging clients and designers to push themselves out of their comfort zone – especially when it comes to colour. The bland, grey designs of the past have become tired and outdated. Why not inject a pop of personality into your home with some striking cabinetry in a vibrant colour?

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

My favourite project was our Sudbrooke kitchen. With striking deep green cabinetry, this kitchen was bold and showstopping. We used in-frame cabinet doors to give us more scope for freedom in design, allowing us to incorporate rounded under-table cupboards, a stepped Dekton shelf, and various other embedded appliances.

The combination of architectural design and meticulous attention to detail led to the creation of a stunning kitchen that epitomised the Katie Brown aesthetic. Upon entering, tranquillity envelops. This family has a very busy, on-the-go lifestyle, so creating an oasis at the heart of their bustling home was important to us.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

CAD is my go-to design tool, and I couldn’t complete my designs without it. It allows for precision in design, down to the smallest details, which is vital when working on more bespoke projects.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?

My miniature dachshund Margot! I look forward to coming home from a long day at work and spending time her.

In the past, we’ve worked on incorporating design features for furry friends, and it’s been so rewarding to see a client’s dog or cat snuggled up in one of our cosy pet beds.

Your favourite holiday destination?  

I’ve been to Thailand on multiple occasions and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve had the privilege to visit. I love the culture, the architecture, the food, and the people.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

My favourite hotel would have to be the Summum Boutique Hotel in Palma. The architecture and the décor are my taste exactly. Each design component is meticulously thought through. As a detail-orientated designer, I have a keen appreciation for the little things, and the Summum delivers on that front!
My favourite restaurant is Dishoom, and I always try to squeeze in at least one visit whenever I’m down in London. As for bars, I don’t particularly have a favourite – as long as my friends are there, that’s all that matters.

Your favourite book, film & song?

My favourite book is ‘They Ask, You Answer’ by Marcus Sheridan. It discusses the importance of transparency in business, and it really sums up our entire work ethos at Katie Brown Kitchens.

We approach each commission with integrity, and we’re completely transparent with our clients about every aspect of their project.

Your favourite food and drink?

I have a real sweet tooth. My favourite food is chocolate, and my favourite drink is an espresso martini. One of our recent clients shared my love of cocktails, and we were able to create a fully-stocked cocktail station in their kitchen!

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

My idea of a perfect afternoon is spending quality time with friends and family, I enjoy being around people, so you don’t often find me alone! I love planning spontaneous trips with family members and friends, or doing hands-on activities together where I can express my creativity.

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

I’ve always wanted to be a designer, even when I was a child, and I knew I wanted to run my own business rather than work for someone else. If I wasn’t in a design position, I’d definitely be in a role that involved working with people. My second-choice career would have been in midwifery.

Anything else interesting?

At Katie Browns Kitchens, we’re proud to be an entirely female-led company.

design et al only work with the world’s leading companies in the International Design & Architecture industry.

If you think you have what it takes to compete in The International Design & Architecture Awards, submit your application by following the links below:

Use the links below for more information about the Awards:

The International Design & Architecture Awards 2024
are organised by design et al and sponsored by:

Sylka Carpets
Joseph Giles

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