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SOLID WOOD KITCHEN CABINETS BLOG

A Look Inside a Celebrity Kitchen: Jamie Oliver

Posted by admin on November 8, 2018 at 3:49 pm. Filed under: Uncategorized

For anyone who has turned their passion for cooking into a career, a kitchen is of paramount importance. Celebrity kitchens are often both beautiful and practical, but those belonging to television chefs take this to a whole new level. In this blog post, we explore the kitchen of Jamie Oliver.

Jamie Oliver’s kitchen has a traditional style and a large kitchen island for preparing food.

Credit : Instagram

Jamie Oliver’s kitchen has a traditional style and a large kitchen island for preparing food.

Credit : Instagram

Located in Essex, Jamie Oliver’s house has a kitchen designed in a traditional style. The cabinets have Shaker doors which have been left exposed so that the natural beauty of the wood can be seen. The huge island is the centrepiece of this kitchen and the large range cooker has some open shelving above it. Whilst we have only seen a small corner of this kitchen, it has a similar style to the studio where he filmed his show, Jamie’s Everyday Superfood.

Jamie Oliver’s celebrity kitchen studio has plenty of practical storage space without sacrificing beauty.

Credit : Papermill Studios

Ceramic Belfast sinks offer plenty of space for washing up whilst retaining that traditional aesthetic.

Credit : Pinterest

Papermill studios, the vintage style kitchen space shown here, is similar to Jamie’s kitchen at home – he is obviously a fan of the look. It has equal measures of practicality and stunning aesthetics. At its heart is a huge island which features casters that allow it to be moved into various positions – a great idea if you have space. At the front of the island are 20 large storage drawers made from natural wood. A similar look can be achieved by using our Traditional cabinet frontals with a sanded finish. Fit them with cast iron Brecon cup handles to complete the vintage feel.

This space has large slanted windows allow in maximum natural light which is essential for preparing and cooking food. Light colours have been chosen to reflect all of the light back into the room, and dark surfaces have been used sparingly. This is a great way to achieve a luxurious look using rich timbers without overpowering a space.

At the back of the kitchen, there is yet more valuable worktop space. This wooden worktop has warm tones, much like our iroko worktops, which contrast beautifully with the white walls and cabinet frontals. Set into the worktop is a large single bowl ceramic Belfast sink which adds yet more beauty and practicality. The upstands show great attention to detail and finish the worktop off.

With a huge wall filled with full height cabinetry, storage is clearly not an issue in this space. Open shelving provides additional space to show off fresh and dried herbs and spices as well as a collection of art and china – showing that storage can be utilised for decoration too.

How does your kitchen compare to Jamie Oliver’s celebrity kitchen? Are there aspects which you would consider using? If so, let us know in the comments below. Do not forget to head over to Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with our latest blog posts. Alternatively, follow us on Pinterest for some fantastic kitchen inspiration.

 

Kitchen Design with Tamsin Leech-Griffiths

Posted by admin on September 25, 2018 at 4:19 pm. Filed under: Uncategorized

Have you ever wanted to get inside the head of a professional interior designer, to understand how to create a beautiful kitchen? We asked Tamsin Leech-Griffiths of Swansea based No.8 Project for her opinions and advice.

Could you tell us about yourself and No.8 Project?

Tamsin Leech-Griffiths is the interior designer behind the Swansea based No.8 Project.

Credit : No.8 Project

After 13-years of designing womenswear and home wear for Toast, I changed my career to express my passion for interiors. My first project was a barber’s shop on a limited budget. Then, whilst there, a wonderful lady asked me to design their new B and B. They let me loose and embraced my ideas. The result is a beautiful business which has featured in the Guardian newspaper.

Consultancy work for other interior designers followed – including hotels in Austria, Sri Lanka and the Cotswolds, but my main focus has been in South Wales. Last year I was approached by the Interior Design Collective to join their organisation. My work has been growing from single rooms to bars and commercial premises, but my passion is whole home refurbishments, remodelling and complete project management.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

In the words of Sir Paul Smith “you can find inspiration in everything”. I have a strong interest in art, antiques and textiles and I’m constantly absorbing everything around me. In the age of Instagram and Pinterest I’m never stuck out on a design limb and I’ve made some wonderful friends who keep me inspired. Finding solutions to problems brings out my creative side. Getting my hands dirty and delving into a property to truly get to know it drives me to make a home that suits my client.

This kitchen was designed by Tamsin Leech-Griffiths and features Shaker doors.

Credit : No.8 Project

What materials do you like to use?

I’m a big fan of anything natural that will stand the test of time and develop its own patina. Form and texture play a big role for me, things that age well and retain their beauty are always good.

What is your designing a kitchen process?

I start by asking my client questions about how they want to use the space, how they entertain and even how tidy they are. Storage and layout are paramount and then the pretty bits are often inspired by the clients themselves – their artworks and possessions and the style of the home as a whole.

What kitchen trends do you really like?

This kitchen in Cowbridge was designed by Tamsin Leech-Griffiths and features two tone cupboards.

Credit : No.8 Project

I love Terrazzo. I’m so excited to use it an up-coming project. Good classic materials such as marble, brass and parquet will always be strong in my mind too!

Could you tell us about your kitchen design projects?

I’ve recently completed an 18th-century farmhouse kitchen. The clients wanted to retain the integrity of the farmhouse whilst creating a very functional space that could be used for entertaining, cooking and involving their young children.

It cried out for a galley style kitchen, but I wanted them to have somewhere for guests and children to gather. I suggested a long skinny island – it’s really transformed the space. A separate hidden toilet and utility area means they can quickly clear and hide dinner party debris and we even managed to squeeze in a laundry.

I retained traditional features. The Shaker frontals were painted in offbeat Inchyra Blue from Farrow & Ball and the handles were brass. I designed a pantry and breakfast area that used painted fence panels as sliding doors. The result is a real conversation piece and adds dimension to the room. When the clients returned from a holiday, they cried – tears of joy I may add.

What are the similarities between fashion design and kitchen design?

This kitchen in Beaufort has beautiful cup handles and dark coloured shaker doors.

Credit : No.8 Project

My interest in form, texture and silhouette has proved to be a natural progression across both fields. To be a good designer you should have an interest across all aspects of design. You will often find artwork within my client’s mood boards and I’ve commissioned artists with my colour palette.

What are your tips to achieve a vintage yet modern kitchen?

The key is moderation. If I have vintage pots I use a simple clean shelf to display them. If I use reclaimed copper for a worktop then I’ll combine it with a simple palette. I like to collect vintage pieces but I never display them all at once. I find they need to be curated to work with my interior and create a liveable and functional environment.

How much does the period of a house influence your designs?

Hugely! I’m a sucker for a period property as I find they naturally want to tell a story. I did however recently do a ground floor remodel on an 80’s house. The simple boxy rooms were refreshing to deal with and I enjoyed adding character and interest. I’d love to tackle a 1950s Brutalist home where I’d have to start from scratch.

What are the most important things to consider when designing a kitchen?

Usage, longevity and budget!


Quickfire questions


Real wood or laminate worktops?

Laminate.

Contemporary or traditional kitchens?

Contemporary.

Stainless steel or ceramic sinks?

Ceramic.

Open or broken plan?

Broken plan.

Minimalist or maximalist design?

Minimalist.


If you would like to see some examples of Tamsin Leech-Griffiths’ work or to find out more about her, visit No.8 Project. Why not follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. If you are an interior designer and would like to be featured on our blog please contact us at .

No.8 logo

 

Kitchen Trends for 2017: is Lagom the new Hygge?

Posted by admin on March 8, 2017 at 2:35 pm. Filed under: Uncategorized

In 2016 the Scandinavian notion of ‘hygge’ (pronounced ‘hoo-gah’) had a huge impact on the UK. The concept has no direct English translation, but means a feeling of cosiness and warmth – think comfort food, candles, cosy knits and spending time with friends and family – which made it a key feature in kitchen trends last year (we even wrote a blog about creating hygge in your solid wood kitchen last September!)

In 2017 the thirst for Scandinavian lifestyle trends is set to continue, but this year the focus will be on lagom (not hygge). Lagom comes from Sweden and – like the Danish hygge – has no direct translation. This movement concerns the notion of having just the right amount – neither too much nor too little. Décor for lagom focuses on being streamlined and functional and typically without unnecessary adornment or fuss. The emphasis is on quality rather than ostentatious luxury; a perfect design concept for solid wood kitchens.

This set up is perfect for creating lagom with neutral colours and minimal detailing.

Shaker cabinet frontals are perfect for lagom as they feature sleek lines and can be used to create a minimalist look. Keeping work surfaces clean and clear from clutter is also important, as it is in keeping with the streamlined aesthetic of lagom. To create this Swedish look in your kitchen, start with simple handles or pulls – these cup handles or solid wood knobs are our favourites. Colour should also be considered: neutral hues, muted tones and monochrome are the shades that you need to employ when creating lagom in your kitchen.

This monochrome kitchen features shaker frontals, a neutral colour palette and minimalistic handles and pulls.

If you’d like to keep up to date with the latest kitchen trends, have a look at our Pinterest page, or check out our Instagram. Are there other kitchen themes you’d like us to feature? Please do get in touch via Facebook or Twitter and let us know!

 

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

 

Remember, Remember: £1,000 of Free Worktops Up for Grabs!

Posted by admin on June 20, 2013 at 10:39 am. Filed under: Uncategorized

Calling all solid wood kitchen furniture fans…

We don’t mean to go on and on about our sister site, Worktop Express® – but we just had to post a little reminder regarding their fantastic promotion!

In case you don’t already know, www.worktop-express.co.uk are offering one lucky person the opportunity to win £1,000 worth of goods and services from their best-selling collection. Potential freebies include a splendid array of wooden worktops, accessories and full use of their bespoke cutting service.

To enter, all you need to do is drop in to their Quedgeley showroom between now and the 6th July and allow one of their friendly sales team to put together a no-obligation quote for you. Your details will then be added to the pot and you’ll be in with a chance of winning.

For full terms and conditions please visit the Worktop Express® website; go on, give it a go!

Win £1,000 of free worktops!

 

Sizzling Summer Competition

Posted by admin on June 7, 2013 at 9:56 am. Filed under: Uncategorized
Win £1,000 of worktops with Worktop Express!

As if the sunny weather wasn’t good news enough, those generous chaps at Worktop Express® (our sister site) have also decided to brighten up everyone’s day by offering customers the chance to win a whopping £1,000 worth of goods from www.worktop-express.co.uk!

To enter the competition, pop down to the Quedgeley showroom and let the Worktop Express® team put together a quote for you (no-obligation of course!) Your details will then be added to the draw – and one lucky person will win the prize. The successful entrant will be able to take his/her pick of wonderful timber worktops, accessories and services up to the value of £1,000.

Please visit the Worktop Express® website for more information regarding showroom opening hours and to check out the full terms and conditions for the competition. With £1,000 worth of sensational products at stake, it’s not to be missed! Let us know how you get on – we’ll keep our fingers crossed for you…

 

Too Hot to Handle

Posted by admin on May 30, 2013 at 1:26 pm. Filed under: Uncategorized

Kitchens are at the forefront of design in 2013. Increasingly, kitchens are a place to live, with a popular move toward integrating leisure areas into kitchen design and with kitchen islands taking over from dining tables as the gastronomic centre of the house. Hand in hand with this trend comes a renewed focus on reinvention and transformation – but this does not necessarily demand a drastic revamp of your whole kitchen. Little changes are recommended to freshen your look and reposition your kitchen as the heart of the home.

The team at Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets – ever mindful of the trends – have therefore been dreaming up quick and easy ways for our customers to update their kitchens; and it struck us that a new handle might be just the trick! A handle can change the appearance of your cabinet door completely, depending on its size, material and style – but with minimal fuss and for a small price.

Handles

Fortunately here at Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets we have a fabulous range of handles for customers to peruse. We worked closely with a European handle specialist to compile our collection, which offers an outstanding level of choice – and best of all, the handles have been specifically chosen to complement solid oak frontals.

So whether you’re picking handles for the first time or simply in the mood for a change, you’re sure to be a handle to suit you: our range contains everything from knobs, cup handles, drop handles and fixed handles in stainless steel, pewter and solid wood (and more). All are available at competitive prices and on a next-day delivery service. Click here to start browsing now!

 

Bank Holiday Round-Up

Posted by admin on May 22, 2013 at 2:18 pm. Filed under: Uncategorized

At the beginning of May we wrote about the first bank holiday and our enjoyment of some much-needed sunshine – three weeks of poor weather later, we’re now wondering if our blogging jinxed the nation! Oh well, when the skies are full of black and ominous clouds, there’s nothing like a three day weekend to lift the spirits…

Speaking of lifting the spirits, a nice new solid oak cabinet might also prove to be great ‘chicken soup for the soul’! So if you fancy doing a little online shopping, popping into our showroom or speaking with our friendly sales team, please check below for more information on when we’ll be open:

27th May Delivery: No deliveries on Bank Holiday Monday.

25th and 27th May Showroom and Sales Lines: Though we will be closed on the 26th May, our sales lines and showroom will be open for calls and visitors between 10am-2pm on Saturday and Bank Holiday Monday.

28th May: Back to normal!

 

Curved Cabinet Doors Are Go!

Posted by admin on May 10, 2013 at 7:54 am. Filed under: Uncategorized

As Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets customers will know, we provide several specialist options to complement our great range of standard cabinets and frontals (such as Belfast sink cabinets, wine racks, corner solution cabinets, and oven housing units)… and the list is about to get even longer.

You might remember that back in March we talked about our anticipated curved door: well, it has now arrived! Yes, you heard the good news here first – this door option, designed specifically to pair with our 300mm curved cabinet, is now in stock and ready for purchase. These curved doors also come with an exciting choice of finishes: handpainted, lacquered to match the cabinet panels, or natural sanded.

Our new door option is due to be added to the website imminently, but in the meantime we welcome you to request more information or place an order by contacting the Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets team. Simply pop us an email or give us a call at 0845 22 22 990 and we’ll be happy to help.

Curved Cabinet Doors Are Go

 

Bank Holiday Bulletin

Posted by admin on May 3, 2013 at 2:22 pm. Filed under: Uncategorized
May Bank Holiday Details

There’s nothing like a bit of a sunshine to lift the spirits – and a bank holiday doesn’t hurt either!

However, we’re well aware that a solid wood cabinet craving might just hit over the long weekend, so we have an action plan in place: never fear, our trusty sales staff and showroom team will be here…

A break-down of important information and opening hours is below, just to make things crystal clear:

May Bank Holiday Opening Hours/Delivery Details

6th May Delivery: No deliveries on this date.

4th and 6th May Showroom and Sales Lines: Our sales lines and showroom will be open between 10am-2pm on these dates (please note that we are closed on the 5th May).

7th May: Normal service resumes.

Last but not least: Enjoy the bank holiday!

 

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