The Yorkshire Times feature Michael’s Top Tips to ‘Steel the Limelight’

Now featuring on The Yorkshire Times – your local online newspaper, Michael’s latest tips for your home…

 

There is a rise in multi-zone living which means homeowners need their open plan areas to work twice as hard for them.

Homeowners now want a space that combines practical requirements – but with the option to turn down the lights and alter the ambience for relaxing and entertaining. My suggestion is to mix man-made and natural materials that strikes the right balance between the uber-cool and the super-practical.

Natural materials such as oak and granite can help to generate a tranquil environment – and by adding man-made materials such as steel, the area is toughened up for practical purposes such as cooking. Steel is also an ideal material for lightening up a room as it reflects natural and artificial light to give the illusion of even more space.

Here are my tips for successfully mixing natural and man-made materials in your home:

Carefully consider exactly what you want to achieve from your living space. Is it somewhere you want to kick back and relax in – or somewhere for ‘doing’ such as cooking – or both?

Stainless steel is going to look extremely impressive in the kitchen – but bear in mind if you’re lacking time it demands attention to keep in pristine condition

Natural stone such as granite is available in a wide variety of colours and finishes. Matt textures are going to be easier to maintain as they don’t have the high-shine finish of traditional granite worktops. If you’re a fan of baking remember that granite has the perfect cool surface for preparing pastry

Choose natural products that are going to last the test of time and won’t fall out of fashion

Choose warm coloured natural woods to balance out the cooling effect of aluminium and stainless steel

Michael Wright is director of Michael Wright Kitchens and Interiors, which is based just outside Harrogate and Ilkley and is the only partner of Effeti Cucine in Yorkshire.