CABINETRY

Our cabinets and units are always a part of a considered design and because we are designing uniquely for each client we focus on light, space, flow, the dynamics of family and intended use of the space. These are the elements that form the vision and they are the starting point for a very personal collaboration.

Our own love of clean lines, simplicity and exemplary function inform our designs and help shape the choice of cabinetry though this is always a collaboration with the client and their own style preferences. We are not bound by any one discipline rather, you will see influences of Scandi, Traditional, Shaker, Mid Century and Contemporary in our work. This blurring of the boundaries both in style and technique (we combine traditional and modern joinery and cabinetry techniques), frees us to focus on the best use of space and light.

Our kitchens use only sustainable timbers, the hardwood being almost exclusively locally sourced and traceable. We use English Hardwoods including Ash, Elm, Oak, Walnut and Sycamore which we select ourselves and which have a ‘living’ quality about them.

The base cabinetry or carcasses for our Kitchens are made from Birch Ply which is a high-quality stable material. The drawers, fronts, doors, shelves, inserts and all other cabinetry are made from English Hardwood with the exception of ‘flush’ cupboard door fronts which (for stability) are made from a high density moist resistant engineered MDF and painted by hand. Cupboard door fronts with a framed panel (eg in Shaker style) are made from hardwood and (if a colour is to be used) painted by hand. Painting by hand means that the cabinets can be easily touched up in the event of inevitable knocks and scrapes that happen over time. We work with beautiful brands providing lovely deep pigmented colour possibilities.

We find drawers are a good use of space, ours are made from Sycamore (with fronts in your chosen Kitchen timber) and fully extend on soft closing runners which, for handle-less drawers, are also touch to open. In some spaces curves work best for flow and we have developed a technique which allows us to make curved drawers from one piece of solid wood.

You really can’t have enough storage even in the largest kitchen. One of the advantages of having a kitchen designed for you is that we put a lot of consideration into the particular way in which you use and move around the space. Here are just a few of our tried and tested options:

Drawers as a general rule we find full-extension drawers more functional than cupboards – depths can be varied according to use from shallow to deep and they can be divided inside for stacking, gridded or partitioned. We also make lift-out shelving to make use of the top space in deep drawers.

Pull-Out Larders

One, two, three or even more according to space – these are a great way to store pots, bottles, packets, boxes or larger utensils. They can be handle-less (ie push to open), varying widths or divided depending on intended use.

Counter-top Larder/Breakfast Cupboard

These work brilliantly in open-plan rooms that need to be functional but also look calm and in-keeping in a dining area as the lights are dimmed and the candles lit. Pocket cabinet doors that can be opened and closed with and without handles, disappear into a narrow slot, or pocket either side of the cabinet to utilise the space and are simply closed to hide the space when finished.

Shelving

Open shelving made from a beautiful stretch of hardwood is a lovely way to add a touch of minimalist style to your kitchen. There are endless possibilities to re-arrange and utilise their contents. The addition of built-in dimmable lighting creates interest enhancing mood and atmosphere.

Recycling

Reducing consumption is key and when it comes to recycling we like to keep it simple. We will incorporate as many designated bins as required though we recommend removable bins with lids in a purpose-made, easy access drawer.

In open plan kitchen-dining areas Islands provide an interactive workspace – you can be making bread whilst talking with guests or watching the children. They create lots more storage space, and although great consideration goes into functional use of space we design these too as a piece of furniture with the aim of harmoniously blending spaces of utility, interaction and entertainment. They can house appliances, sinks, hobs, breakfast bars, benches, shelving, electrical points basically we will look at what will work best for you and there is no necessity for them to be a standard shape, curved islands incorporating curved drawers can enhance flow especially where space is limited.

We offer a full kitchen design and build service. Most people have a good idea which appliances and brands they would like for their kitchen, some will reuse ones they already have. We can supply many brands but are equally happy for clients to source their own – either way we work closely with you to ensure you make informed choices and that products work well in the design we have agreed.

Appliances and some options to consider:

Sink

Butler/Belfast, Undermount, Top mount. Size – one large or two smaller bowls. Material; Stainless Steel, Brass, Copper, Ceramic, Marble, Composite..

Tap

Function; Mixer, Boiling, Filtered cooled, Sparkling, Flex, Spray. Type; Pillar, Mixer, Monobloc. Shape: Round, Square. Fabric/colour; Chrome, Pewter, Stainless steel, Nickel, Brass, Gold, Black.

Fridge/Freezer

Built-in, Semi-Integrated or free-standing, Energy Rating, Size, Noise, No Frost, Cooled Water, Ice Maker.

Dishwasher

Built-in, Semi-Integrated or free-standing, Place settings, Noise, Energy Rating.

Wine Fridge

Built-in, Semi-Integrated or free-standing, Noise, Energy Rating, One or Two Cooling Zones, Size.

Microwave

Built-in, Free-standing or Integrated into Oven.

Hob

Type; Gas, Induction, Ceramic. Integrated downdraft extraction. Number of Zones and position of Zones. Additional functions: Grill, Smart etc

Stove/Oven

One, two or more stacked. Additional Functions; Built-in Microwave, Steam Function, Defrost, Smart. Catalytic, Pyrolytic or Hydrolytic cleaning. Energy Consumption.

Extractor

Ceiling, wall-mounted/concealed hood or Downdraft, recirculation function, Noise, Energy Rating.

Choosing a worktop has become quite involved with so many material options now available.
Whilst we will always try to accommodate a clients wishes we try to keep the process as simple as possible by approaching the discussion from our passion and belief in simple, natural, functional, and proceed from this basis into colour and material.

Quartz

This is a composite worktop made from up to 90% crushed quartz (a natural stone) and bonded with a resin under high pressure, it is hard-wearing and there are many colours and finishes  we tend to favour the organic feel of the matt finishes as they tone beautifully with the lovely timbers we use and can give the feel of concrete, stone or marble but are easier to maintain.

There are many brands to choose from with a variety of colours, textures and prices but to get an idea of possibilities we work a lot with Caesarstone and you can find out more from their own website.

Ceramic and Porcelain

Made of natural materials and treated with high temperature and pressure (sintered) to form very strong, non-porous and easy to maintain worktops.

Porcelain – made from ceramic clays

Ceramic – made from clays with the addition of glass and quartz particles

There are many colours and finishes to choose from and they come in as little as 12mm thickness which we think can be very elegant with linear cabinetry.

We work with Ceralsio and Caesarstone and you can find out more from their websites

Stone

Granite, Slate and Marble have a lovely, raw, authenticity about them.

Granite is the most durable – the finishes are either ‘honed’ a softer, subtle, matte appearance or ‘polished’ providing a rich, opulent, glossy feel. Whilst both options are very strong the honed finish is more porous and thus requires more maintenance.

Marble – Softer and more porous than Granite it marks more easily and therefore requires more maintenance but there can be something lovely about your natural worktop taking on the patina of lives well lived.

Slate – a non-porous, durable, low maintenance choice providing a natural, dramatic look with a variety of matt finishes. Working where we do we have access to a variety of traditional local slates including unique Cumbrian green slates.

There are a huge variety of these various worktop choices available, and we use many local suppliers to find what best suits our client.

For local slate please visit Burlington Stone

Concrete

We love the texture and natural look and feel of a hand-crafted concrete worktop. Indeed, we do still, on occasion (and when requested) make our own. This is quite a skill and each worktop will be completely unique. They are polished and sealed as concrete is porous and will therefore require re-sealing and polishing every few years to maintain them. Despite the utmost care, in our experience over the years, the worktop will develop a patina of use which we find beautiful but is a consideration for anyone making this choice.

Wood

A lovely hardwood worktop (eg Oak, Elm, Ash, Walnut) is a great natural, warm and tactile option. It will be sealed and finished in oil and requires re-oiling at least yearly to prevent it from drying out and cracking. An advantage with wood is that small scratches and stains can be sanded out before re-oiling. There is always the option to combine a wooden worksurface with another material for example in small areas where the wood might be more vulnerable. With a little care, a wooden worktop will slowly develop a patina that will grow with you over many years.

Stainless Steel

These worktops can enhance an atmosphere of simplicity and pair really well with the beautiful timbers we use for a functional, minimalist look. They are made to order by pressing sheet metal around a timber backing board and are very durable and easy to keep clean. They will, however, develop micro-scratches and marks over time that need to be accepted as a part of the ‘functional’ character of the kitchen when making this choice.