×
0345 22 22 990

SOLID WOOD KITCHEN CABINETS BLOG

Summer Sale: Reminder

Posted by admin on July 24, 2013 at 1:51 pm. Filed under: General

The blue skies might have changed into stormy ones, but the Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets sale is something you can count on – at least until the end of the month!

Our fabulous promotion will be running until 31st July 2013 only. Best of all, the great 10% saving applies to all of our superb products, so customers can feel free to browse the entire range of kitchen cabinets, solid oak frontals and accessories: we’re sure you will be delighted by the tremendous value on offer. And don’t forget, you can place orders according to your convenience: either through our website, over the telephone, or in our beautiful Gloucester showroom. Simply quote the discount code ‘SUM2013’ and enjoy a remarkably healthy purse…

So go on, treat yourself, but don’t take too long: this sizzling summer sale will be running for just one more week!

Summer Sale 2013

 

Colour of the Month: Cinder Rose

Posted by admin on July 17, 2013 at 2:26 pm. Filed under: Products
Cinder Rose painted frontal

We’ve seen how zesty shades, glimmers of jewel, and neutral colours are key to this year’s colour trends: but let’s not forget about those rulers of rose, pink and red.

Design expert Christine Chang Hanway (editor for Remodelista, a celebrated resource for interior designers) suggests that summer 2013 is certainly a time to think pink. Neutral palettes are very fashionable and these can be highlighted perfectly with dusky pinks or salmon colours. But don’t be fooled by their gentle exterior – pretty pastels can be striking, too. For example, a trend known as ‘colour blocking’ is extremely popular at the moment. This bold technique utilises clashing colours to create an eye-catching look. For ‘colour blocking’ interiors in summer 2013, Hanway advises that ‘Pastel pinks, orange and a bit of fluorescent coral combine well.’

When it comes to kitchen cabinetry, Cinder Rose is a great choice: a lovely, rosy pink with just a hint of yellow, this paint will bring plenty of life and warmth to north-facing rooms. Kitchens with plenty of natural light will bring out the best in the shade. Pair with other accent colours – vibrant reds or corals – as Christine Chang Hanway suggests; or, if you’d like a more understated look, try contrasting with grey. An elegant grey like Farrow & Ball’s Charleston Gray or Dove Tale would work well: the pink will bounce off this colour, creating a truly chic kitchen with a hint of sparkle.

 

Summer Sale

Posted by admin on July 9, 2013 at 3:51 pm. Filed under: Uncategorized

‘Blue skies
Smiling at me…
Nothing but blue skies
Do I see!’

Happy Tuesday, cabinet fans – we very much hope that you are all enjoying the sun!

Whatever the weather is like wherever you are, we’ve decided to spread the summer cheer: today marks the start of our Summer Sale!

We’ll be offering a fantastic 10% discount across the entire Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets collection until 31st July 2013. With so much choice for such affordable prices, the difficult part might be deciding what not to buy: so do feel free to browse the website and get acquainted with our sensational range of solid oak cabinets, frontals, and accessories, if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration. And don’t forget to contact us with any questions that you might have – our friendly sales team are on hand to help.

The discount will be automatically applied at checkout, so don’t hesitate: add some items to your basket, enter SUM2013 and enjoy the superb value on offer!

Summer Sale: 10% discount on all orders until July 31st

 

Shaker Kitchens: an Introduction

Posted by admin on July 3, 2013 at 1:23 pm. Filed under: General
Shaker Door

The word ‘Shaker’ has been a mainstay in interior design for many years. But getting a clear idea of what the term actually entails is another thing entirely. We know it’s popular, stylish, and well-crafted: but just what is a Shaker kitchen?

Origins of the ‘Shaker’ Look

Shaker kitchens have a unique and quirky history: in fact, the ‘Shakers’ were a religious offshoot of Mancunian Quakers, earning their name from the vibrating motions used in worship.

The sect eventually settled in New England where they established orderly and self-sustaining communities. Believing that making something well was akin to an act of prayer, they prioritised austerity, hard work and perfection above all. The result was a developed, independent culture of architecture, music and fine art.

Furniture was hand-crafted and unadorned; created for optimum functionality rather than aesthetic appeal, though its beauty was nonetheless undeniable.

Perfect for contemporary kitchens

Beauty and simplicity are the essential elements of the Shaker style. Tradition is important too; but this doesn’t mean that a contemporary look can’t be achieved with Shaker elements.

Indeed, the clean lines of Shaker furniture work well in classic or modern schemes. The look always brings a sense of personality: these are kitchens to be used, lived in, and enjoyed.

What to buy

  • Embrace solid wood! Warm wood surfaces and a natural ‘feel’ are crucial to achieving a Shaker look.
  • Panelled unit doors are an integral component of this style: our solid oak ‘Shaker’ frontals are the perfect option, offering the traditional quality demanded by the movement with a clean design free of any frills.
  • A natural finish for solid oak frontals is a good choice. Lacquered oak frontals celebrate the timber’s innate beauty while being easy to maintain.
  • You could also paint your doors or drawers – but choose carefully. We will paint your frontals in any colour from the Farrow & Ball range; and for true Shaker authenticity, we utilise a sophisticated handfinishing technique that produces a wonderful sheen of colour but still allows the oak’s grain pattern to sing out. We recommend a neutral palette – creams, whites, pale browns or greys – or delicate pastels such as duck-egg blue.
  • Keep it simple when it comes to cornices and pelmets: no ornate mouldings or mantels here!
  • Continue the look throughout the kitchen with open shelving, basket storage, peg rails and wooden dining furniture.
  • Solid wood knobs are a fantastic choice, rounding off the scheme with an organic, pleasingly chunky finishing touch. There are many different varieties available: from beech to iroko, big to small, lacquered to sanded. Have a look at our own handles page for some inspiration.

And finally…

Shaker spells satisfaction: end of. These kitchens may be ostensibly simple and pared down in terms of design, but they really pack a punch, creating a memorably serene and inviting atmosphere for cooking, dining, and living.