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SOLID WOOD KITCHEN CABINETS BLOG

Introducing Your New Warrington Showroom

Posted by admin on July 15, 2020 at 1:36 pm. Filed under: General

We’re hugely excited to announce that the Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets Warrington showroom has moved! Your new, bigger showroom is on Europa Boulevard, just off the M62 J9 and is open now. With brand new kitchen installations and our very latest worktops available, it’s the perfect time to learn more about transforming your home.

Showroom Manager Jamie Smith stated:

“Moving into our new premises is a fantastic opportunity to make sure we’re offering the very best service to our customers. Our larger space showcases even more choice and customers can enjoy our newest products and designs.”

Your new Warrington showroom’s address is:

Unit 226 Europa Trade Park,
Europa Boulevard
Warrington
WA5 7TN

You can also contact the Warrington showroom on 01925 830615, or contact our friendly team on 0345 22 22 990 for any general queries.

Social distancing measures are in place at all Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets showrooms, so please review these before visiting us.

 

How to Style Marble Laminate Worktops

Posted by admin on July 2, 2019 at 10:38 am. Filed under: General

Marble is a timeless material to include in a kitchen, but it is often very expensive and difficult to install. Here at Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets, we offer marble laminate worktops that perfectly imitate real marble at a fraction of the price. Let’s take a look at a few examples of marble kitchens to give you some ideas about how you can use marble effect features in your own kitchen.


Marble Worktop in a Light Coloured Kitchen


Marble worktops are perfectly suited to kitchens with a light colour palette.

Credit : Pinterest

White marble is the perfect worktop for a kitchen with a pale colour scheme. It helps to create a light and airy feel and lends itself to producing a sophisticated and elegant kitchen. Here you can see how well it works with pure white cabinets, tiled walls and a pale wooden floor.


Marble Worktop in a Dark Coloured Kitchen


Marble worktops worktop perfectly well in darker coloured kitchens.

Credit : Pinterest

Marble is versatile material and also works just as well in darker kitchens. Here you can see how a grey colour palette complements the darker swirls and streaks in the marble worktop. This colouration is also picked up in the cabinets, floor and wall colour while the high gloss finish complements the stainless-steel light fixtures.


Marble Splashbacks

Pairing a marble worktop with a matching splashback is an excellent way to add continuity to your kitchen. A marble effect splashback is easy to install and in fact, only takes one person a few minutes to do. Compared to tiling, which takes a lot longer and can be more costly, splashbacks are more hygienic and give an instant result.


Marble Upstands


Splashbacks are perfect for finishing the look in a kitchen.

Credit : Pinterest

Like splashbacks, upstands are a great way to add finishing touches to a marble effect kitchen. They’re a great alternative to tiling right down to the surface of a worktop and are perfect for hiding any gaps along the wall. In this kitchen, marble upstands have been used to create a stylish aesthetic in this contemporary kitchen.


Marble Kitchen Islands

You don’t need a kitchen island this long to create a striking impact. Even a small island in your kitchen makes a stunning feature, especially if you use a marble effect worktop. Not only do they introduce interest, but they also add valuable worktop space and storage too. You could even add a few stools to create a seating area for eating or working.


Would you like a marble effect worktop in your kitchen? Let us know in the comments below. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest for even more great inspiration or subscribe to our newsletter for updates and information about new products, special offers and competitions.

 

4 Tips for Mediterranean Kitchen Design

Posted by admin on June 14, 2019 at 10:56 am. Filed under: General

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Mediterranean is probably sun, sea and food. With that in mind it’s easy to see why Mediterranean-style kitchens are so popular. The attraction comes from the richness, warmth and diversity of cultures associated with Mediterranean, all of which can be brought into a kitchen design. Continue reading to learn 4 tips to create your own elegant, classy and timeless Mediterranean style kitchen.

Tiles and colours such as blue are an integral part of Mediterranean kitchen design.

Credit : Architecture décor


Warm, Earthy Tones

The design of a Mediterranean kitchen should start with the colour. Choose warm colours such as terracotta to represent the architecture and fresh blue inspired by the sea. Combining these colours evokes emotion and brings to mind the landscape associated with the Med.


Curves and Geometry

An integral part of design styles such as Spanish are curves. Sensuous curves, be it on worktops or cabinets, give a kitchen a timeless appeal. Geometric and curved details help to create a sense of unique style as well as improve flow throughout a kitchen.


Unique Tiles

Terracotta tiles or those in other Mediterranean shades, whether on the wall or floor, create a fantastic feel. Consider hand-painted mosaic tiles for a splashback for an even more authentic feel. Tiles are an easy way add a Mediterranean look, especially if they have ornate prints and beautiful patterns. They are an integral part of Mediterranean design so if you can it is highly recommended that you add some to your cooking space.


Choose One Region

The Mediterranean is a large area that includes several different countries and culture. Although they share similarities, they often have unique design styles and so it is best to stick to one region or to avoid confusing the design. Research different Mediterranean countries including Spain, Italy and Greece and look at how furniture, patterns and colours from each area might align with your own personal taste and design preferences.


Would you like a Mediterranean kitchen? Let us know in the comments below. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest for even more great inspiration or subscribe to our newsletter for updates and information about new products, special offers and competitions.

 

The Psychology of Yellow Kitchens

Posted by admin on June 4, 2019 at 2:33 pm. Filed under: General

One of the key factors to consider when designing your kitchen is choosing the correct colour scheme because it can have a huge influence on how you feel. In the third of a series of blog posts, we explore the psychology of yellow kitchens.


Farrow and Ball have a range of yellow shades, perfect for kitchens.

Credit – Farrow & Ball

When you think of yellow, what springs to mind? Perhaps you think of sunshine, flowers or a golden beach – all cheerful, warm and optimistic thoughts. Using yellow in your kitchen helps to introduce these feelings to create a happy and energetic cooking space.


The light yellow colour on this wall is Pale Hound, by Farrow and Ball.

Credit – Farrow & Ball

As with all colours, yellow comes in various tones, from the pale and subtle cream hues to the more bright and vivid shade of lemon. Knowing how to use them in the context of your kitchen is vital, as too much of the vibrant shades will overpower the senses and too little of the subdued shades will be lost in the overall design. Pale Hound, by Farrow and Ball is a light and delicate yellow that works equally well on walls or cabinet frontals. Babouche, on the other hand, is a bright and cheerful yellow that becomes intensified the more you use it.


These yellow cabinets help to brighten the kitchen.

Credit – i.pinimg.com

How to Use Yellow Effectively in a Kitchen

Although cheerful, using a lot of yellow can create a strong sense of anxiety – especially with vibrant shades such as gold. Using yellow in moderation can be more effective. For example, including accessories and appliances that have shades of yellow like this Kenwood kettle.


This yellow Kenwood kettle is ideal for adding a pop of colour into your kitchen.

Credit – Kenwood

Key Considerations

  • Yellow instils feelings of cheer, warmth and optimism.
  • When used in excess can generate a sense of anxiety.
  • Although predominantly light, there are several darker shades that can work well.
  • Consider introducing yellow accessories and appliances to add pops of colour.

What do you find appealing about yellow kitchens? Let us know in the comments below. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest for regular updates and ideas or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on kitchens, trends, offers, and more.

 

3 Inspirational Solid Wood Attic Kitchens

Posted by admin on May 28, 2019 at 11:30 am. Filed under: General

Attic apartments vary in size and shape as much as any regular house but the one thing that they all have in common is the slanted ceiling. This can restrict the planning of solid wood attic kitchens and make them tricky to design. So, to help you out we have scoured the internet to bring you three of the most inspirational solid wood attic kitchens to give you some ideas for yours.


Sleek Monochrome Attic Kitchen


This small contemporary monochrome kitchen features black shaker doors.

Credit – SHOKO.design

This first example of an attic kitchen comes from SHOKO.design. The space is quite small but through the use of white walls, ceiling and floor, light from the roof window is reflected back into the room, giving the illusion of more space. This makes using black Shaker doors more appropriate, because in a darker room this could become too oppressive. To complement the cabinets and to add continuity to the kitchen, several accessories in various dark hues have been included such as the lamp, grey carpet and picture on the wall. The beautiful combination of the white ceramic sink and oak worktop adds a classic charm whilst the pull handles further add to the contemporary look. From a practical aspect, the electric hob has been positioned directly under the window for ventilation purposes.


U-Shaped Attic Kitchen with Island


This attic kitchen is large enough for an island.

Credit – infoupdate.org

Although attic kitchens can be quite small, this does not always have to be the case, as this example proves. With an island surrounded by a U-shaped layout, there is ample worktop and storage space. Similar to the previous kitchen, white has been used on the walls, floor and ceiling to maximise the light from the skylights. Although there are several rustic features, such as the end panel on the island, this space maintains a modern feel, mainly due to the Shaker doors being painted in a contemporary grey colour.


Small Yet Beautiful


A traditional design has been used in this bijou attic kitchen

Credit – Decoist

Although this last attic kitchen is completely different from the other two contemporary kitchens, it is no less beautiful. This bijou design is packed full of traditional charm, from the weathered dining table right down to the chequered wall tiles. Due to the constraints of space, a restricted colour palette is particularly important – anything too bold would overpower the design, so where colour is used it tends to be muted or neutral.

Would you like a solid wood attic kitchen? If so, would you choose a contemporary or traditional design? Let us know in the comments below. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest for even more great inspiration or subscribe to our newsletter for updates and information about new products, special offers and competitions.

 

Camden showroom Kitchen Case Study

Posted by admin on May 21, 2019 at 2:13 pm. Filed under: General

If you have ever been to one of our nationwide showrooms, you may be aware that we can help you design your new kitchen and also provide a realistic illustration of how your finished kitchen will look using ArtiCAD’s leading kitchen design software. In this case study, we take a look at a recent design by our Camden showroom manager, Marek Nagajek.

The rectangular shaped kitchen Marek was tasked with planning measured 6.2M x 3.4M. He faced a few challenges – the first being that the customer wanted an area where they could work and secondly the exposed brick chimney breast, which the customers were keen to turn into a feature. The kitchen included two windows, a single door and a boiler which also had to be considered as part of the design.

The plan Marek drew up follows the popular L-shape design with cabinets running down the left-hand side and the back of the kitchen. The addition of a central island not only adds extra worktop space but also storage and the option for seating. The space at the back of the room would make an ideal seating area for entertaining or relaxing .

To accommodate the customer’s desire for a workspace, Marek devised a design using a worktop and drawer units. The result is this sturdy desk, with storage and space enough for two laptops. Above the desk is a row of wall cabinets flanked by full-height cabinetry.

At the far end of the kitchen are a variety of drawers and cabinets, along with a contemporary Reginox ceramic single bowl Belfast sink. The wall unit to the right of the cooker hood conceals the boiler and on the left-hand side, are floating shelves. These shelves are a useful addition to give some utility to an otherwise awkward wall space.

On the other side of the feature chimney breast are more floating shelves as well as a standard base cabinet and drawer unit. Next to these stands a pair of solid oak full height cabinetsoffering ample storage space. Solid oak cornices and plinths have been added to the tops and bottoms of the cabinets to add a finishing touch to the kitchen.

If you are looking for a new kitchen why not pay a visit your local showroom? We are always happy to assist with planning and design and can provide realistic illustrations allowing you to visualise your dream kitchen. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest for even more great inspiration or subscribe to our newsletter for updates and information about new products, special offers and competitions.

 

How to Update Your Kitchen on a Budget

Posted by admin on May 16, 2019 at 1:56 pm. Filed under: General

You do not need to buy a brand-new kitchen to achieve a fresh look in your home. In this blog post, we explore how to update your kitchen on a budget.


New Worktops

One of the most significant features in your kitchen is the worktops and if yours looks a little tired, replacing it with a brand new one is a guaranteed way to freshen up your cooking space. We supply many different types of materials, but if you are looking for an inexpensive option, our laminate surfaces are ideal. Costing from just £60, our oak effect, walnut effect, Taurus beige and white laminate worktops not only look great but are easy to install and maintain.

New Cabinet Doors and Drawers

Aside from worktops, the next features to catch your eye in a kitchen are the cabinet doors and drawers. By removing your old frontals and replacing them with brand new versions, you can lift the feel of your kitchen and give the appearance of brand-new cabinets. Our standard Traditional and Shaker doors start from just £55. To learn how to install them visit our guide on How to Choose and Install Cabinet Doors.

New Handles

If you think replacing entire cabinet frontals is a bit extreme, you can achieve a similar effect by just swapping your handles. We supply a wide selection of knobs and pull handles for both contemporary and traditional settings, so you are bound to find one that will instantly freshen up your kitchen.

Replace Old Taps

Accessories or fixtures made from stainless steel, chrome or aluminium create a real distraction if they are tarnished, damaged or tired. Taps are a good example of this. If yours are past their best why not replace them and add the shine back into your washing area.

Conceal Your Bins

Clearly, bins are an important accessory, but having them on display is not always best for your kitchen’s appearance. Our Easy-Cargo waste bins are available in a 40L single bin or 19+30L dual designs. They have been made to fit inside your cabinets so that you can easily conceal unsightly refuse.

Now you know how to update your kitchen on a budget, which of these tips do you think you will try? Let us know in the comments below. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for even more stories like this or subscribe to our newsletter for updates and information about new products, special offers and competitions.

 

Classic Kitchen Mood Board

Posted by admin on May 14, 2019 at 2:37 pm. Filed under: General

Solid wood kitchen cabinets look great in a classic style kitchen. This classic kitchen mood board takes inspiration from a customer of Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets. Which aspects would you consider?


Colour

This classic kitchen features a range of different colours. For example, the Shaker cabinet doors have been painted in Farrow & Ball’s Lime White to match the walls. The pale colour works particularly well with the dark coloured flour – a shade that is highlighted and used for the handles and knobs. The worktop has a granite style which you could emulate with a Winter Carnival worktop.

The use of floating oak shelves and cornices and pelmets add a nice mid-tone colour throughout the kitchen and show off the true beauty of solid wood.


Features

Full height cabinetry is a popular feature in many kitchens and offers excellent opportunity for storage. The alcove next to the range cooker presents an ideal solution to include full-height cabinets without taking up additional floor space.

The WEX Calypso Sink – 1.5 Bowl and tap which have reflective surfaces contrast with the non-shiny metal of the bronzed and brushed brass knob. The resulting mixture of textures gives depth to this kitchen.

A granite worktop has been utilised on the peninsula and adds much interest in the kitchen. Granite is an expensive and difficult to install material, so a worktop that replicates the pattern, such as our granite effect Winter Carnival worktop is a great, cost effective alternative.

Solid oak floating shelves, which tie the whole kitchen together, have been included as a way to display attractive kitchen items such as pans and bottles. Displaying items like this is the perfect way to add your personality to a kitchen.

Which parts of this classic kitchen mood board would you feature in your kitchen? Let us know in the comments below. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest for even more great inspiration or subscribe to our newsletter for updates and information about new products, special offers and competitions.

 

How to Take Instagram Kitchen Pictures

Posted by admin on May 9, 2019 at 4:00 pm. Filed under: General

Instagram is one of the best places to find inspiration for your kitchen. If you are one of the many Instagram users, you might be wondering how to take Instagram kitchen pictures that are worthy of the best interior design influencers. To help you capture beautiful photos of your kitchen, we have enlisted the help of Chantelle, our in-house photographer, who has given us her four top tips.


Lighting

Choosing the right time of day to take a photo is imperative, after all, even the most stunning kitchen can look gloomy with inadequate lighting. If your window is east facing, take your pictures in the morning as this light tends to give the best results – conversely, west-facing windows do not get optimum light until the evening. It is important to remember that focusing directly on the window can result in the room appearing darker.

If your kitchen does not receive a lot of natural light you can, of course, use artificial light sources to improve brightness. Under cabinet lighting and spotlights are ideal for this and can be used to highlight focal points in your kitchen. You can read more about lighting in our ultimate guide to kitchen lighting.


Position

One of the key challenges with kitchen photography is trying to avoid making the room appear smaller than it actually is. The trick here is to position the camera on the angle, rather than head-on. This adds depth to the photograph and makes the room appear more spacious. Taking a picture from a height allows you to capture the full width of the kitchen – again making your room feel more spacious.


Be Aware of Reflections

Kitchens tend to be filled with reflective surfaces such as metal kettles, taps, appliances and high gloss worktops. This makes it all too easy to accidentally capture unwanted reflections in your kitchen snaps so be cautious when positioning the camera around shiny objects and double check your images before posting.


Add Your Personality

Adding your personality through the use of decorative touches will bring your kitchen to life. The aim is to achieve a lived-in feel without making the space look too cluttered. You can do this by using accessories such as vases of flowers or open shelving with cookery books but the key to making your photo stand out from the rest is to add things that reflect your own style and personality.


Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and, of course, Instagram for regular updates and ideas. You can also subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on kitchens, trends, offers and more.

 

The Psychology of Blue Kitchens

Posted by admin on April 30, 2019 at 12:10 pm. Filed under: General

We all know that choosing the correct colour scheme can affect the design of a kitchen but did you know that it can also change how you feel? In the second of a series of posts, we explore the psychology of blue kitchens.

Farrow & Ball offer a wide range of blues, from the light Blue Ground to the deep Hague Blue.

Credit : Farrow & Ball

Blue is a conservative and traditional colour that is popular for its soothing feel. It has an air of calmness and serenity that adds a peaceful, tranquil and secure ambience, bringing a sense of order to any room it is used in. Conversely, blue is sometimes associated with sadness or detachment, especially within art, and has connections with appetite loss – which makes a lot of sense when you consider that blue rarely occurs naturally in food. For these reasons, it needs to be used wisely in a home so as not to give off the wrong feeling.

This kitchen island has been painted in Farrow & Ball’s Cook’s Blue.

Credit : Farrow & Ball

There are many shades of blue, from delicate baby blue to vibrant and rich ultramarine. Colours such as teal have subtle additions of yellow and when used in combination with a variety of other shades can either emphasise or diminish blue’s calmness and change the overall sensation of a kitchen. Inchyra Blue by Farrow & Ball is a great example of how blue can be transformed when yellow is added to create a green tinge. Depending on the light, this dark moody tone can even look grey.

This cabinets in this kitchen have been painted in Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue.

Credit : Farrow & Ball

How to Use Blue Effectively in a Kitchen

Although calming, using blue in a kitchen can create a bold statement – more so with the rich shades than the powder hues such as Pavilion Blue. Using blue in a controlled manner results in a subtler design – introducing blue accents on accessories or appliances for instance. In this example, Farrow & Ball’s Lulworth Blue helps to retain the light airy feel of the kitchen.

Pale blue cabinet doors paired with oak worktops results in a serene feel whereas a whole kitchen painted in fluorescent blue can be incredibly stimulating.

Although a calming colour, the fluorescent blue in this kitchen is stimulating.

Credit : Domino

Key Considerations

  • •Blue instils feelings of peacefulness, tranquillity and security.
  • •Creates a stimulating effect when used in excess.
  • •Use to create a light and airy kitchen.
  • •Consider using blue accents on accessories and appliances.

What do you find appealing about blue kitchens? Let us know in the comments below. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest for regular updates and ideas or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on kitchens, trends, offers, and more.

 

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