Lewis Hamilton is no stranger to impeccable style. The Formula 1 driver wore an outfit inspired by the legacy of John Ystumllym, one of Britain's first Black gardeners, to the Met Gala 2024 fundraising event in New York. But beyond the driver's exceptional fashion sensibilities, his modern kitchen is equally delightful.
The best kitchen trends are those with staying power. One of the most successful examples of this in recent years has to be warm metals, we can't envisage the day will ever come when rich copper, brass, or rose gold lose their heartwarming appeal. High-shine finishes are causing a stir in the kitchen. There’s no disputing the attention-pulling powers of a striking metallic shimmer.
Pairing metallics, such as copper or gold, is proving popular in today's modern kitchen. Similarly, stainless steel options have been championed for hygiene reasons – and would be perfect in a chef's kitchen. There’s no greater example of how kitchen planning and interior design have become intertwined than with metal.
'Stainless steel is durable, low-maintenance and extremely hygienic, so it's the ideal material for our present times,' says Tom Edmonds, design director at Lewis Alderson. 'It can be made into large complicated pieces with sinks and drainers welded in, virtually eliminating joints where bacteria and dirt could accumulate.'
While it is more often associated with contemporary kitchens, stainless steel can prove a surprisingly good fit amid traditional cabinetry. 'In a classic kitchen, stainless steel lends a modern edge and, in time, will gain small swirl marks, which will settle into a lovely mellow patina that requires little fuss,' adds Tom.
Favored by chefs and keen cooks, Hamilton's kitchen is equipped for culinary adventures. ‘When choosing kitchen countertops, avoid materials that can scratch or stain easily,’ says Allison Lynch, senior design consultant at Roundhouse, which has made domestic kitchens for several chefs including Yotam Ottolenghi and Peter Gordon. ‘We’d recommend man-made composite stone, like quartz or sintered stone, or stainless steel surfaces that are industrial in style and very hygienic as well as easy to use. This eliminates the stress of staining, and hot pans can go directly on them, too.’
David Beckham is another celebrity who has wholeheartedly embraced the industrial aesthetic and practicalities of a professional cook's kitchen. Chef's kitchens are the ultimate luxury for any budding food enthusiast. Technological advances in kitchen design mean that creating a professional or gourmet kitchen – once reserved for the best restaurants – at home is even easier to achieve than before. If in doubt, start with steel.
Shop the metal kitchen edit
Test the water with a few key metal accessories and furnishings before completely redesigning your kitchen. I've picked a few of my favorite buys that embody the chef's kitchen aesthetic.
-
It's the most wasteful time of the year – so instead of throwing away your holiday trash, turn these 5 items into nutritious compost for your plantsThere are plenty of things you can put in your compost bin during the festive season
-
Fredrik Eklund's colorless Christmas tree perfects festive trends for this December – and you can recreate the look from $22The acclaimed agent mixes silver and cream, metallic baubles, and white lights on his giant green tree – for a chic, sophisticated and festive look
