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SOLID WOOD KITCHEN CABINETS BLOG

Happy New Year from Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets!

Posted by admin on December 31, 2018 at 2:55 pm. Filed under: General

2019 has officially begun, happy new year! If 2018 is anything to go by, this year should be great too. Whether you have a new year’s resolution or not, now is the perfect time to start planning a new kitchen – regardless of if you want to update an old worktop or a complete redesign.

Speaking of redesigns – our website was updated to make it easier for you to navigate and find your perfect kitchen, and our Gloucester showroom had a facelift too.

If you have had a new kitchen from us this year, we would love to see pictures of it. Please share them with us on Facebook and whilst you are there, do not forget to follow us. Thank you to all of our regular readers of the Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets blog, we look forward to share more kitchen inspiration with you throughout 2019.

 

How to Style a White Worktop for a Traditional Kitchen

Posted by admin on December 27, 2018 at 10:07 am. Filed under: General

White worktops are often associated with contemporary kitchen design, however, this colour work surface can be used in other styles too. In this blog post we show you how to style a white worktop for a traditional kitchen.

White on White

White worktops and cabinets create an airy feel in this kitchen.

Credit : Allegiance Builders

White worktops atop white cabinets look effective in a traditional kitchen, especially if you have a dark floor. The black pull handles contrast with the doors whilst the high ceiling accommodates traditional pendulum lanterns – both features accentuate the traditional style.

Marble Effect Worktops with Green Cabinets

Marble worktops look great with these green kitchen cabinets.

Credit : My Domaine

This kitchen features a white marble worktop. This stone, although beautiful, is expensive and difficult to install. As an alternative, you could replace it with a marble effect laminate worktop and still achieve a similar effect. Here, the dark pattern in the marble complements the colour of the cabinets and adds continuity throughout the kitchen. Consider a colour such as Green Smoke by Farrow & Ball, or, for something darker, Studio Green. Brass kitchen handles and knobs work particularly well with these colours.

Islands and Full height Cabinetry

Kitchen islands are ideal for traditional kitchens.

Credit : homify

If you have the space, an island is a great feature to include in your kitchen because they offer additional worktop, storage and seating space – they also look fantastic. This island has a large white worktop atop blue cabinets which have been fitted with Shaker doors. The overhang on the island gives plenty of room for seating, whether at breakfast time or whilst entertaining in the evening. Full height cabinetry, in a lighter colour, helps to separate the two areas.

Glass Fronted Wall Cabinets

This kitchen allows in maximum light, giving it a welcoming feeling.

Credit : Lovely Interior

Glass fronted cabinets allow you to store all of your kitchen equipment whilst making them visible – the perfect balance between storage and display. This style of cabinet works particularly well in this kitchen because there is a lot of natural light. The addition of glass maintains the open airy feeling that this kitchen achieves so easily.

Combine with Natural Wood

These cabinets have been left unpainted to show of the beauty of natural wood.

Credit : Deco Design Furniture

So far, all of the kitchens we have seen feature coloured cabinets. In this example, white worktops have been combined with unpainted doors. This highlights how beautiful solid wood can be when left natural – we offer both lacquered and sanded finishes. In addition to the white worktops, the walls are also pale and so reflect the light back into the room, creating an airy atmosphere.

Which of these traditional kitchens do you like the most? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for updates or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on kitchens, trends, offers and more.

 

Merry Christmas from Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets!

Posted by admin on December 21, 2018 at 10:36 am. Filed under: General

Another year has passed and the festive celebrations are well underway. We hope that if you have bought your kitchen cabinets or worktops from us that they are coming in handy when preparing your Christmas dinner.

As one year comes to an end, another begins and with it the prospects of exciting changes. New cabinets, worktops, doors or even handles and knobs can brighten up your kitchen and give you a fresh start for 2019. If you have some time between your Christmas celebrations, why not visit one of our showrooms. Our opening times are here.

Our Showroom Christmas Opening Hours

Dec 25th – 26th: CLOSED

Dec 27th – 29th: 09:00 – 17:00

Dec 31st : 09:00 – 17:00

Jan 1st: CLOSED

Jan 2nd: 09:00 – 17:00

The opening hours for our Camden showroom are slightly different, as follows:

Camden Showroom Christmas Opening Hours

Dec 21st: 09:00 – 13:00

Dec 22nd – 26th: CLOSED

Dec 27th – 29th: 09:30 – 18:00

Dec 31st: 09:30 – 18:00

Jan 1st: CLOSED

Jan 2nd: 09:30 – 18:00

If you are too busy, why not use our kitchen style tool for inspiration? Already decided on your new kitchen? You can still place your order now for delivery in the new year.

Best wishes from everyone at Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets.

 

Choosing a Kitchen Layout

Posted by admin on December 20, 2018 at 5:02 pm. Filed under: General

The kitchen is the heart of any home. At Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets, we understand that choosing a kitchen layout can be difficult. Although we appreciate that there is more than one way to design your kitchen, this flowchart has been created to help make your choice a little easier. Simply answer the questions until you get to your ideal kitchen layout.

Kitchen Layout Inspiration

Now you know which layout will work best for you, let us offer you some inspiration. We have scoured the internet to find some of the most inspirational kitchens for both large and small homes. Let us know which one is your favourite in the comments below.

U-Shaped Kitchen Inspiration

U-shaped kitchens are perfect for smaller and large houses alike.

Credit : homesthetics

Adhering to the working triangle, the U-shaped kitchen layout is one of the most efficient. It is also suitable for both large and small kitchens. Although tiny, this kitchen has the perfect balance of storage, efficiency and worktop space.

L-Shaped Kitchen Inspiration

Suitable for open or closed plan designs in large or small houses, L-shaped kitchens are becoming more popular in UK homes. It is also a great layout if you want to include an island.

G-Shaped Kitchen Inspiration

G-shaped kitchens are U-shaped kitchen with a peninsula added to one end for extra storage and worktop space.

Credit : Ideal Home

G-shaped kitchens are ideal if you want an open plan kitchen with lots of storage space. If you do not have the room, need or budget for an island, a peninsula, which typifies the g-shaped kitchen, is an ideal solution.

One Wall Kitchen Inspiration

With cabinets running along a single wall, one wall kitchens are perfect for saving space.

Credit : savvy home blog

Although we have suggested that one wall kitchens are suitable for small spaces, there is no reason why you can have one in a large open plan design. You can also add a kitchen island for more storage and worktop space if required.

Galley Kitchen

The galley design is the most suitable layout for long narrow kitchens.

Credit : home bunch

Where one wall kitchens are built along a single wall, galley kitchens feature parallel cabinetry down two walls and so offer more worktop and cupboard space. Although often restricted by width, galley kitchen design can be incredibly versatile.

We hope that you have enjoyed discovering your new potential kitchen layout. Do not forget that our blog is filled with other inspirational posts. Alternatively, why not visit one of our showrooms to see our kitchens first hand. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for other great ideas or subscribe to our newsletter for updates, information about new products, special offers and competitions.

 

Contemporary Kitchen Mood Board

Posted by admin on December 19, 2018 at 4:21 pm. Filed under: General
This contemporary kitchen mood board features Inky colours, whites, reflective metals and geometric patterns.

Credit : Farrow & Ball, smeg, i.pinimg, Tesco, world of wallpaper, design gallerist.

Inky colours combine with white and reflective metals to create an atmospheric, sophisticated and elegant kitchen. This contemporary kitchen mood board has been designed to inspire you as you create your new contemporary kitchen.


Colours

This mood board features several dark colours which inject an air of sophistication. These deep shades vary from Stiffkey Blue to Pitch Black, both by Farrow & Ball, and can be used on Shaker cabinet doors to introduce a contemporary elegance to your kitchen. The dark colours are also used on the wall clock and stylish fridge-freezer by Smeg. The beautiful matt finishes on both are ideally suited to a modern kitchen.

Brass, copper and steel have been introduced to complement the darkness and can be found on the clock, fridge freezer, handles, light fixture and wallpaper. To contrast against the dark colours, a lighter surface – like our white sparkle Andromeda worktop – is ideal and will also bring balance to the deeper hues used. The flecks of reflective metals in this work surface mirror the metals in the light, fridge and clock, adding continuity to the kitchen. We have included a wallpaper that is predominantly white as this is a great way to ensure the dark cabinets do not overwhelm – this is especially important in a smaller space..


Elements

Geometry features heavily in this contemporary kitchen mood board. The wallpaper has an overlapping diamond pattern, which, although reminiscent of 1920s style, fits perfectly into a 21st century design. Clean lines and sharp angles dominate and add a distinctly contemporary feel. Where there are curves, i.e. in the wall clock, the lines have been made purposefully simple. The blocky shape of the fridge-freezer complements the geometric panelling of the Shaker doors whilst the ceiling light, although subtle, offers enough difference to work as a focal point for the room. Fixing bold stainless steel pull handles to the cabinets will continue the geometric design.


Design

An open plan layout would work particularly well with this colour scheme as it would let maximum light into the room. Consider utilising a kitchen island to separate the kitchen from the other living areas and to create a modern feature.


Which aspects of this contemporary kitchen mood board do you prefer? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest for more inspiration or subscribe to receive updates about new products, special offers and competitions.

 

Lacquered, Sanded or Painted Kitchen Cabinet Doors: which should you choose?

Posted by admin on December 11, 2018 at 12:51 pm. Filed under: General

Here at Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets, we are proud to offer kitchen cabinets and doors made from 100% solid oak. To help you create your perfect kitchen, you can choose from a selection of finishes including lacquered, sanded or painted kitchen cabinet doors. In this blog post, we explore the different options for cabinet finishes to help you make the right decision for your home.


Painted Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Both our Traditional and Shaker doors are available in our Signature range of colours. The four options are our most popular Farrow & Ball shades and include All White, New White, Mizzle and Parma Gray. Looking for something more unique? Through our bespoke service, you can select any colour from the entire Farrow & Ball range to achieve the perfect look.


Which Farrow & Ball Colour to Choose?

There are many ways to choose a colour scheme for your kitchen – contemporary or monochrome schemes are just two methods.

Complementary

Farrow & Ball’s colours, Vardo and Radicchio, combine beautifully to create a complementary colour palette.

Credit : Farrow & Ball

By choosing two shades that sit opposite one another on the colour wheel, you can select a complementary scheme. For example, if your walls are painted teal, like Farrow & Ball’s Vardo, Radicchio red cabinet frontals would be an excellent complementary choice. For a subtler look, pairing a pale version of one of the options is perfect for a less bold design – for example, Vardo would work well with Farrow & Balls Calamine.


Monochrome

Monochrome is not just black, white or grey – it can also be used to describe different shades of the same colour. For a monochromatic yellow scheme, you could select Farrow & Ball’s Babouche, Citron and Yellow Ground. Read more about these yellows in our blog post about Gen Z Yellows.

Babouche, Citron and Yellow Ground by Farrow & Ball work well in a vibrant yellow monochrome scheme.

Credit : Farrow & Ball

Babouche, Citron and Yellow Ground by Farrow & Ball work well in a vibrant yellow monochrome scheme.

Credit : Farrow & Ball

Babouche, Citron and Yellow Ground by Farrow & Ball work well in a vibrant yellow monochrome scheme.

Credit : Farrow & Ball

Lacquered Kitchen Cabinet Doors


Traditional lacquered doors highlight the natural grain pattern of solid oak.

Our lacquered doors showcase the natural tones and grain patterns of solid oak. Each door is sanded smooth and then treated with a three-coat lacquering process. The result is an elegant and timeless finish that will complement your cabinets beautifully. These doors are stain-resistant for easy cleaning, making them as practical as they are aesthetically pleasing.

Sanded Kitchen Cabinet Doors


Sanded Shaker doors are perfect for a contemporary kitchen.

Sanded kitchen cabinet doors are ready for the application of your treatment of choice. They can also be left plain for an effortlessly stunning aesthetic – though this will leave them more susceptible to marks left from kitchen splashes and spills. Although this finish perfectly complements traditional type doors, sanded Shaker doors work equally well with contemporary kitchens.

This blog post was written to help you choose between lacquered, sanded or painted kitchen cabinet doors, but if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest for even more inspiration and advice or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on kitchens, trends, offers and more.

 

Choosing Wooden Cutlery Trays to Suit Your Kitchen

Posted by admin on December 4, 2018 at 12:38 pm. Filed under: General

Keeping your kitchen tidy is important for both hygiene and for maximising the effective space available. Choosing wooden cutlery trays to suit your kitchen is one way that you can organise your drawers, whilst in-keeping with your own personal style at the same time. In this blog post, we explore our different solid wood cutlery tray inserts for drawers.


About Solid Wood Cutlery Tray Inserts for Drawers

Available in a range of timbers including oak, beech and iroko, our solid wood cutlery tray inserts for drawers are constructed from the highest quality hardwood using a CNC machine, before being beautifully hand finished. As well as different materials, we also have a range of sizes available, from 310mm to 910mm, depending on the size of your drawers and the amount of cutlery you own. The sides have been perfectly profiled to complement our range of Blum drawer boxes.

Each wooden cutlery tray has compartments for knives, forks and spoons as well as other kitchen utensils. Engraved with symbols so you know exactly what belongs where, these trays are fully sanded and treated with Danish oil before delivery.

Size Options

To ensure that your cutlery tray fits into your kitchen drawers, we have numerous sizes available. Each tray has sections for knives, forks and spoons, along with a minimum of two additional compartments for other utensils. The options are listed below along with the total number of compartments:

  • • 310mm for 400mm wide drawers – 5 compartments.
  • • 410mm for 500mm wide drawers –6 compartments.
  • • 510mm for 600mm wide drawers – total of 7 compartments.
  • • 710mm for 800mm wide drawers – 8 compartments.
  • • 810mm for 900mm wide drawers – 9 compartments.
  • • 910mm for 1000mm wide drawers – 9 compartments.

Wood Options

Solid oak cutlery tray inserts are made from the same wood as our standard oak worktops. They work well in a traditional kitchen and farmhouse styles. Solid beech cutlery tray inserts have a mellow hue and fine grain pattern. These are our lightest coloured tray inserts and will add a warming shade to the inside of your draw. Our solid iroko cutlery tray inserts are the darkest on offer. This spectacular African timber has a rich bronze colour that becomes darker as it ages and provides a luxurious look. Due to the high oil content, iroko cutlery trays are naturally hygienic.

Choosing wooden cutlery trays to suit your kitchen should now be simple. If you have any questions about our products, please do not hesitate to contact us. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for inspiration and updates.