Celebrated kitchen designer Christopher Peacock checks in to share his tips for designing the very heart of your home.

1. “Open shelving... Our clients love the idea of a more open-plan kitchen. It’s a great place to display items such as cookbooks and easily accessible day-to-day chinaware and coffee mugs. With integrated lighting, it can really add to the overall feel of the space.”

2. “Dark colors and mixed materials are still really popular, and we are seeing clients wanting some daring colors instead of the safe whites, cream and gray tones.”

3. “We are integrating metalwork onto drawers as well as shelving. We are also mixing metals, which adds a sophistication to the room.”

4 .“We are also using some really interesting leathers and materials to add an upholstered element, which makes it less clinical and more decorated. There are so many wonderful leather textures and colors to access, so you can really create an individual look.”

5. “Smart appliances are great, and these days it’s so easy to become a gourmet chef, by the push of a button.”