We are joined in conversation with Anthony Barker, the professional kitchen designer from South West Design located in Priston, near Bath.
Tell us a little about you:
Having graduated from university with a philosophy and geography degree, I applied to work as a designer for C.P. Hart. Within a year, I knew that design was my passion. I moved to manage a Poggenpohl kitchen studio in South-West London, where I gained my expertise in kitchen design. When the premises became available in Priston, just outside the beautiful City of Bath, my business partner and I saw the opportunity to open South West Design as the first independent Poggenpohl design studio in Somerset. Being 10 minutes from Bath city centre means that we have space to park, bring the dogs and we even have a TV lounge area for the children.
South West Design is a Somerset-based independent kitchen company. How do your kitchen designs suit this area of the country in particular?
Somerset is a beautiful county with elegant townhouses, beautiful country homes and stunning contemporary properties. We have designed our showroom to cater to a wide range of architectural styles, whether you are looking for a farmhouse kitchen with hand painted doors, or an opulent modern style with a statement island for entertaining, or if you are seeking something truly minimalist and handle less. The one combining aspect is that all our Poggenpohl kitchens feature state-of-the-art storage solutions, which is paramount in any kitchen, large or small.
Can you tell us more about Poggenpohl?
Poggenpohl is an iconic brand that, in my view, represents the best quality and creative solutions for the kitchen and the home. Working with the company for the past 25 years, I have had many repeat clients over that time who only ever want a Poggenpohl kitchen. It started as a family business in 1892 with an aim to ‘make the kitchen better’ and, 130 years later, it is now the leading brand for luxurious kitchen architecture made in Germany. In addition, because its cabinetry and fittings are so well-thought out, I have also designed utility rooms, boot rooms, cocktail bars, home offices and fitted bedrooms using Poggenpohl furniture.
What are your top tips when selecting a new kitchen?
The kitchen is often a multifunctional space used for cooking, entertaining and socialising with family and friends. It is the most used room in the home so you need to ensure that your new kitchen suits your lifestyle, reflects the architecture of your home and that it makes you happy. Planning is crucial – how the kitchen is going to be used, the functionality, different zones, from cooking to cleaning to refrigeration all need to be thought through carefully. Next, comes design, and this is where a designer, like me, will incorporate our client’s personality into the project including the colour palette and the styling. Budget is also a consideration, so selecting materials and appliances to match our client’s budget is always a consideration throughout the process.
Kitchens tend to follow trends. What style and colour scheme are you recommending for 2024?
Kitchen islands remain perennially popular, and the Poggenpohl +MODO version features a worktop that sits on a platform above the cabinetry to provide a floating appearance. Ideal as a statement piece, it suits the current trend for industrial kitchen styles. Because the kitchen is often used as a social hub, there is a trend toward including a bar area that is concealed behind pocket doors that fold into side recesses when entertaining, but is otherwise hidden and we have one on display at our showroom. Regarding colours, earth tones are ever popular, with rich dark greens and reds, which are right on point in 2024. These are matched with natural wood finishes including Walnut, Nut Tree and Oak.
Why should we choose our next kitchen from South West Design?
We offer a complete service from the first visit to the showroom, throughout the design process all the way to installation. We like to think that this, coupled with our honest and open pricing, gives our client a great overall experience when working with South West Design.
How do we get in touch?
Poggenpohl by South West Design, Unit 6, The Dairy, Priston, Bath BA2 9EQ
T: 01225 433 277
Open by appointment Monday to Saturday
