Little black book

ARTICHOKE

Expert in traditional architectural joinery and cabinet making, Artichoke is also known for designing kitchens that sit comfortably in period properties, as though they have always been there, while being entirely geared to modern life.

BARBER WILSONS & CO

This firm goes largely under the radar, though it is a favourite of some of the world’s top kitchen designers who appreciate its traditional Regent range, including bib taps, capstan heads and the rich honey colour of its unlacquered brass finish. A Royal Warrant holder for generations, it has been making top quality taps in Wood Green, north London, since 1905.

BOFFI

Clean-lined minimalism, softened by textural materials, is the signature style of this high-end Italian brand. Immaculately engineered designs by superstar architects Antonio Citterio, Patricia Urquiola, Piero Lissoni, Zaha Hadid, and more, give the brand particular authenticity.

BORA

This German manufacturer pioneered the cooktop extractor 15 years ago, when founder Willi Bruckbauer became frustrated with what he saw as the design limitations of overhead extractor hoods. The result? A range of hobs with built-in downdraft extractors that are designed to draw away vapours and odours faster than they rise.

BULTHAUP

Pared-back beauty coupled with top-notch German engineering gives this company a leading reputation for contemporary kitchen design. Its signature b3 collection is known for its floating appearance, made possible by a unique wall frame system, and highly functional design.