trend report: kitchen design trends 2025
for many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home, a space that needs to merge style and functionality. In this week’s trend report, we examine a selection of kitchen design trends that will prove popular in 2025.
Earthy tones
earthy hues continue their popularity into 2025 and create a cosy yet dramatic space. these can be paired with soft neutral tones or lean into the richness for a bold, layered look.
be inspired by the home of studio msg founder yasmine ghoniem, whose kitchen leans into a beautiful olive green and peach palette, or studio marie bonnard, which completed the renovation of a duplex paris apartment with a simplistic kitchen design highlighted by the use of irregular-shaped green ceramic tiles.
Gold
the use of gold can go beyond hardware and taps. by applying warm metallic accents in unexpected ways, you can make bold statements.
michael collins architects combined inchyra blue cabinets and surfaces with a gold backsplash to create a striking contrast. studio author utilised a monochromatic scheme of tactile materials the gold kitchen island contrasts beautifully with a precious onyx backsplash.
Timber on Timber
there has been an increased use of timber for colour within kitchen design. it’s a great way to bring texture into a kitchen while creating a timeless scheme. the use of timber also ties in with the mid-century modern style, which is trending within commercial and residential design. think clean lines, warm natural wood tones, simplicity and functionality, with a touch of vintage charm.
Feel free to reach out by phone, or call into our studios for a complimentary consultation with our team.
Navigating the Greenbelt: A Guide to Obtaining Planning Permission
Navigating the Greenbelt: A Guide to Obtaining Planning Permission
Amidst the sprawling urban landscapes and bustling city centres, greenbelts stand as vital breathing spaces, offering respite from the concrete jungle and promoting environmental sustainability. These designated areas of open land are intended to curb urban sprawl, protect natural habitats, and preserve the countryside's beauty. However, the process of obtaining planning permission within a greenbelt is far from straightforward, as it requires careful consideration of environmental impact and development restrictions. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of obtaining planning permission in a greenbelt, exploring the challenges, guidelines, and strategies involved.
The Essence of Greenbelts
Greenbelts are treasured landscapes that encircle cities and towns, safeguarding them from unchecked expansion. Their purpose is to maintain a balance between urban development and nature conservation. Often comprised of agricultural land, woodlands, and open spaces, greenbelts offer a multitude of benefits, including improved air quality, recreational opportunities, and the protection of biodiversity.
The Significance of Planning Permission
The need for planning permission within a greenbelt is paramount. This permission ensures that proposed developments align with the overarching goal of preserving these open spaces and minimizing their encroachment. Whether you're planning a new construction or alterations to an existing structure, planning permission serves as a safeguard against compromising the greenbelt's integrity.
Key Considerations for Planning Permission
- Local Authority Policies: Each greenbelt area may have distinct policies that govern development. Understanding these policies is essential before embarking on any planning application.
- Very Special Circumstances: Greenbelts are generally considered "inappropriate" for new developments. However, exceptions can be made for "very special circumstances." These could include projects that contribute to sustainable development, benefit the community, or protect heritage assets.
- Environmental Impact: Assess the potential impact of your proposed development on the greenbelt's natural and visual aspects. A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) may be required, addressing issues like traffic, drainage, and habitat disturbance.
- Brownfield Sites: Some greenbelt areas might contain previously developed land, often referred to as "brownfield" sites. Utilizing these sites for development can be more favorably considered, as it minimises new construction on untouched land.
- Land Reuse and Regeneration: Planners are more likely to approve proposals that involve repurposing existing structures, restoring historic buildings, or enhancing the greenbelt's amenities.
The Planning Application Process
The process of obtaining planning permission within a greenbelt shares similarities with standard applications, albeit with an emphasis on environmental protection and conservation. Here's an overview of the general steps:
- Initial Research: Understand the specific greenbelt area's characteristics, restrictions, and local planning policies. This knowledge will guide your proposal's alignment with preservation goals.
- Development Proposal: Formulate a well-researched proposal that takes into account the greenbelt's ecological, visual, and historical significance.
- Pre-Application Consultation: Engage with local planning authorities for pre-application advice. Their insights can help you fine-tune your proposal and address potential concerns early on.
- Formal Application: Complete the necessary application forms, including all relevant documents such as architectural drawings, impact assessments, and environmental reports.
- Impact Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of your proposal's impact on the greenbelt. This involves ecological studies, traffic assessments, and other considerations as required.
- Public Consultation: Depending on the scale of your project, public consultation may be necessary. This provides the community with a chance to voice their opinions and concerns.
- Decision: The local planning authority will evaluate your application, weighing its benefits against potential drawbacks. The decision-making process can take time, so patience is key.
Overcoming Challenges
Gaining planning permission within a greenbelt often presents unique challenges:
- Stringent Guidelines: Greenbelt policies can be stringent, necessitating innovative solutions that harmonize development with preservation.
- Environmental Sensitivity: Projects within greenbelts must prioritise the environment. This might mean altering plans to minimise disruption to habitats or adopting sustainable building practices.
- Community Concerns: As greenbelts are cherished by the community, projects can face opposition from those who fear its degradation. Open communication and transparency are essential.
- Longer Approval Process: The complexities of environmental assessments and public consultations can lead to extended timelines for decision-making.
Conclusion
Obtaining planning permission within a greenbelt requires a delicate balance between development and conservation. The process demands a deep appreciation for the environment, a thorough understanding of local policies, and a commitment to sustainability. While the road to approval might be challenging, the result is a harmonious integration of human needs and the natural world—a testament to our ability to coexist with nature while continuing to grow and progress.
- Joel Anthony Roderick, 16a Founder
phasing strategies in residential and commercial architecture: benefits and challenges
phasing strategies are a critical consideration in residential and commercial architecture, particularly for projects in liverpool and the wirral. riba-accredited architects frequently use this approach to manage construction timelines and budgets effectively. phasing involves breaking a project into manageable stages, allowing certain areas to remain functional while work progresses incrementally.
the benefits of phasing
for residential architecture, phasing offers financial flexibility. homeowners can complete renovations over time, aligning with budget availability and minimizing upfront costs. in commercial architecture, phasing allows businesses to continue operating during construction. for example, a liverpool office or wirral retail space can remain partially functional, preserving revenue streams during renovations.
another advantage is quality control. riba architects often focus on delivering exceptional results by addressing smaller sections of a project in detail. this method ensures issues are resolved early, leading to a superior final product.
the challenges of phasing
while phasing offers financial and operational benefits, it also comes with challenges. extended timelines can increase overall labor and equipment costs. for commercial construction in busy areas like liverpool, noise, and limited access may still impact operations despite phased scheduling. residential projects may experience disruptions to daily life, particularly in multi-phase home renovations.
finding the balance
collaborating with experienced architects in the wirral and liverpool ensures phasing strategies are planned meticulously. riba-accredited professionals bring expertise in balancing financial benefits with time constraints, delivering high-quality outcomes for both residential and commercial construction projects.
strategic phasing is a powerful tool for successful, client-focused architecture in dynamic urban and suburban environments.
