Meet the Designer: Nicola Manning
Tags: Dekton, Dekton by Cosentino, interior design, kitchen countertop | 54 years ago | Written by: Cosentino
What are you known for?
Nicola Manning Design is based in Parnell and we specialise in large-scale renovations and new builds. We offer a full service, from cabinetry design, interior and exterior finishes, and colours and furniture specification. I love the variety of each day, working with our amazing clients and suppliers and the challenge of problem solving; fitting the brief and the space together and maximising both function and aesthetics. Every project and client is different, which I love.
What’s your favourite Cosentino product to work with?
I really love Dekton, the range of finishes and designs is fantastic and it functions so well. I am loving using the darker Dektons, such as Laurent, Kelya and Radium.
Tell us about a recent project you’ve worked on.
For this kitchen, the owner’s brief was to improve the functionality and flow of the space and provide strong visual interest. The layout of the kitchen is now a streamlined galley design with a longer island containing the sink. Inspired by existing leadlight windows, I added blackened steel as a key design element. The overhead cupboard section has fluted, smokey glass inserts with blackened steel frames and that fluted design element has been repeated on the back of the island panels. The soft lines and colour of Dekton, Opera for the benchtop and splashback contrasts the strong vertical design elements of the framed steel and the vertical fluted glass and island panels. Brushed matte black handles have been used for the drawers and matte black Fisher & Paykel handles for the integrated fridge and pantry. A pantry is hidden behind pocket doors and contains a benchtop, perforated steel baskets, internal drawers, shelving and LED strip lighting. The finished design has created a more spacious, light-filled kitchen space which fits seamlessly into this home.
What’s your top tip when it comes to creating a kitchen?
The brief is so important. Look at what is working in your existing kitchen and what isn’t working. look at inspiration images and really capture what you are looking for in your new kitchen in terms of look and feel; practical considerations such as how you use this space, who uses it, storage, appliances. When you can really distill this into a clear brief, you can work with your designer to create the kitchen of your dreams. Another thing to consider is the budget; setting a realistic budget is important as is talking to your designer about what can be achieved for your budget.
What design trend can we expect to see more of in 2022?
Benchtops fabricated from surfaces such as Dekton are becoming increasingly popular as people understand the unique characteristics and advantages. Dekton’s durability (being easy to maintain and being resistant to stains) is a very attractive attribute.The fact that you are able to place hot items directly on to Dekton is great. I have also used Dekton for exterior surfaces, such as outdoor table tops and for outdoor kitchen benchtops and facades. The use of more colour in kitchen and bathrooms is another exciting trend. The range of colours and patterns available gives us a huge range of options for adding colour and texture into our designs.
