The latest trend (or counter-trend) seems to be that range cookers are replacing islands as the new focal point of the kitchen. While range cookers themselves are nothing new (quite the contrary, in fact), there's clearly been a resurgence in appreciation for these time-honoured kitchen appliances.
There are many ideas to consider when planning your kitchen, but one that has stood the test of time is the range cooker. Although range cookers are most commonly found in more traditional interiors, especially country or English kitchens, they are becoming increasingly popular in more contemporary spaces as well.
If you already have a range cooker but aren't sure how to style it, or you'd like some expert advice on integrating a range cooker into your space, we asked interior designers and kitchen experts for their thoughts on this long-lasting kitchen feature.
What is the appeal of a range cooker?
(Image courtesy of Naked Kitchens)
Range cookers make an attractive, aesthetically pleasing addition to your kitchen. They're more design-driven than modern ovens and have a timeless feel. “Think of your range cooker as the heart of your kitchen, radiating warmth and the potential for delicious food. These beautiful products are incredibly versatile and have everything you need in one sturdy unit,” says Erika Jayne Chaudhuri of Erika Jayne Design + Build.
“Whether you bake, roast, braise or grill, a range cooker can do it all. Plus, its design can be a key element in kitchen design as it can enhance the existing aesthetic or drive the overall ambience of the kitchen,” she adds.
In this special feature, we explore even more ways to make use of your range cooker.
(Image courtesy of deVOL)
A big part of the appeal of a range cooker is that it can become the centrepiece of your kitchen – especially in a space where there aren't any obvious focal architectural details, a range cooker can easily add charm and character.
Range cookers aren't just pretty to look at, they're also incredibly practical, making them ideal for smaller kitchens. “A range cooker combines an oven and a hob, giving you the functionality of many appliances in one,” explains Jain, creative director at Naked Kitchens.
They're also incredibly versatile, as they fit perfectly into larger kitchens: “In larger spaces where the kitchen design needs to take into account existing, old chimneys, the range fits in neatly, which is really useful,” she adds.
What kitchen style is a range cooker best suited for?
(Image courtesy of deVOL)
Range cookers are often thought of as only suitable for traditional kitchens, but they're actually more versatile than you might think. Not only do they suit classic style kitchens perfectly, but they also work well in contemporary spaces. “Range cookers are like the chameleons of the kitchen – they can fit perfectly into a variety of styles,” says Erica.
There are many stylish ways to incorporate a range cooker into a modern or traditional design – it just requires choosing the right colour and design. Range cookers have always been found in classic spaces, so incorporating a range cooker into a classic space is easy.
“The classic look is perfect for a traditional farmhouse kitchen, exuding a warm, rustic feel – imagine a cosy country kitchen with a vibrant, vintage-style range cooker at the centre,” says Erica.
But, she adds, range cookers are also a welcome addition to other kitchen styles: “In a sleek, contemporary kitchen, a stainless steel range cooker adds a professional, sophisticated touch and looks beautiful in minimalist décor. In a space that combines old and new, a range cooker can be the perfect bridge, tying together different design elements into a harmonious whole.”
5 ways to make your range cooker stylish
Because the range cooker is a timeless kitchen design element and also proving to be the new focal point of the home, we asked interior designers and kitchen experts to share their favorite ways to style a range cooker into your kitchen scheme, whether your kitchen space is traditional, modern, or something in between.
1. Make the range cooker the centerpiece
(Image courtesy of Naked Kitchens)
If you've invested in a beautiful range cooker, or inherited one from a historic property, making it the centrepiece of your kitchen scheme is a lovely way to make it the focal point of the space.
“Treat your range cooker like the superstar it is – place it centrally or under a dramatic, striking hood to draw the eye and make it the focal point of your kitchen,” suggests Erica. Placing it where your eye naturally goes first in your kitchen will ensure your range cooker takes centre stage.
Similarly, to make your range cooker stand out as a focal point in your kitchen, place it in a colour that contrasts with the rest of the kitchen: choose a bright colour or a bold black in a white kitchen, or a contrasting yet not clashing hue in a colourful kitchen.
2. Build a range with a handy pull-out drawer
(Image courtesy of deVOL)
When you design your kitchen around your range cooker, you can create a plan that is practical as well as aesthetically appealing. Symmetrical kitchen storage on either side of the range cooker not only keeps essentials within easy reach, but also adds a stylish touch.
“When clients opt for a range cooker, we always try to place the range between two drawers. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it's also very practical as all your cookware, pots and pans can be stored next to the range,” says Jain.
We love the design of this dark blue kitchen. The range cooker is surrounded by two sets of drawers, creating that aforementioned symmetry. The warm-toned hardware subtly contrasts with the chrome of the cooker, but together they give this design a timeless appeal.
3. Create a unified look with your kitchen cabinet colors
(Images by Erika Jayne Design + Build/Ian Michelman)
Kitchen color ideas are relevant to any design, but they are especially important to consider when placing a range cooker in your space. Make sure you choose a kitchen cabinet color that coordinates with the color of your range cooker to create a unified design.
“Choose cabinetry that complements and highlights the design of your stove,” suggests Erica. “Bold contrasts will create a modern feel, while matching tones will emphasize a unified, traditional look.”
This kitchen combines white kitchen cabinets with a chrome range cooker for a classic look. Matching the cabinet hardware to the range cooker finish creates a unified look without being too matchy-matchy.
4. Add a statement hood
(Image courtesy of Neptune)
There's nothing worse than creating a beautiful kitchen design with an impressive range cooker at its centre, only to have an unsightly extractor fan take the spotlight. Although extractor fans are a necessary feature, there are some simple ways to ensure they don't ruin your plans.
“It's best to surround your range with a striking range hood, which adds to the aesthetic appeal of your design and, of course, you can choose to hide the range hood,” says Jain. There are many different range hood ideas, so choose one that suits the design of your kitchen.
This kitchen embodies a bold and colorful design. Contrasting colours are used to create a two-tone wall, which is carried over to the extractor hood. The light-coloured range cooker stands out next to the dark cabinets, and the extractor hood, painted red to match the wall, adds a nice design detail.
5. Add a fun element with a dramatic backsplash
(Image courtesy of Tracey Ayton)
Kitchen backsplash ideas are essential behind your range cooker, why not make it a decorative feature? Add a slab to match your kitchen countertop ideas, or add pattern and color with tiles, there are plenty of designs to match the style and color of your range cooker.
“Don't be shy, surround your stove with a dramatic backsplash,” says Erica, who says it's the perfect way to complement your stove's style. “Think subway tile for a classic feel, or boldly patterned ceramics or a custom mosaic,” she suggests.
This kitchen is enhanced with a striking black and white marble backsplash that matches the countertops. The use of this particular stone behind the black and gold range hob really makes the hob stand out and become a main feature of the space.
It's easy to see why range cookers are becoming the new focal point of the home, and with the right kitchen design and style choices, you can put this timeless feature at the heart of your plans, whether your space is modern or traditional.
