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SOLID WOOD KITCHEN CABINETS BLOG

Mother’s Day Gifts for Chefs

Posted by admin on March 28, 2019 at 10:42 am. Filed under: General

As it is Mothering Sunday we thought we would dedicate this blog post to the culinary enthusiastic mothers. We have scoured the internet for the best Mother’s Day gifts for chefs. Suitable for every budget, these gift ideas are sure to please.


ProCook Damascus X100 Knife Set

Every serious chef needs a set of high-quality knives, but these are no ordinary chopping implements. Crafted from Japanese Damascus stainless steel, ProCook Damascus knives are as beautiful as they are durable. This eight-piece knife set costs £579 and contains paring, utility, santoku, bread, carving and two chef’s knives. The handles are made from fibreglass soaked in epoxy resin and the blades themselves are constructed from 67 layers of Japanese steel – widely regarded as the best steel in the world.

Solid Wood Chopping Boards

To go with these ultra-sharp knives, why not buy your mum a chopping board. We supply a range of different timbers but for luxury, you cannot beat a wenge chopping board. Available for £40, no other timber is as dark or hard-wearing. What is more is the exotic colour and beautiful grain make it an ideal accessory for high-end kitchens and serious chefs.

Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer

KitchenAid stand mixers, like the ones featured on the Great British Bake Off, are ideal gifts for any occasion, not just Mother’s Day. They are also available in a spectrum of colours to match any style of kitchen or personality. Small 3.3L versions are available but if your mum does batch baking, a 6.9L heavy duty stand mixer is a must.

Solid Oak Spice Rack

From exotic curries to traditional puddings, a spice rack comes in handy from any type of meal. The solid oak spice rack that we offer will fit perfectly into any kitchen and will keep your worktops clear of pots of herbs and spices. Measuring 400mm x 400mm x 70mm, there is plenty of space for your favourite flavours.

Freestanding Wine Conditioning Unit

If your mum is a connoisseur of wine and if money is no object, consider this freestanding wine conditioning unit with flexi-frame and sommelier set. Store your wine in separate temperature zones and present your favourites with perfect LED lighting. The UV filters and tinted glass front make sure the wine is optimally protected whilst the sommelier set lets you enjoy it to its full potential – possibly hosting your very own wine night.

Which of these Mother’s Day gifts for chefs would you buy for your mum? 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.

 

The Psychology of Red Kitchens

Posted by admin on March 26, 2019 at 1:38 pm. Filed under: Products

Choosing the correct colour scheme can affect the overall design of a kitchen as well as how you feel in it – but why and how? In the first of a series of posts, we explore the psychology of red kitchens.

As a highly energetic colour, red is closely associated with passion. Its warmth is emotive and is often used to express both love and peril. Due to its association with danger as well as food sources (a link to our hunter gather days), red has a dramatic effect on the human psyche, causing changes in metabolism, respiration rate, appetite and blood pressure.

Obviously, there are many shades of red, from rich maroon to vibrant scarlet and some, such as crimson or cinnabar, have subtle additions of blue or yellow. These different hues accentuate specific emotive responses and alter the feeling of a kitchen when used.

Eating Room Red by Farrow & Ball is a prime example of how red can be transformed when different colours are added to produce an alternative shade. It is a rich burgundy and has an air of restrained sophistication due to the deep pigmentation which reduces its energy – a fact that is apparent when you compare it to true red.


How to Use Red Effectively in a Kitchen

Using red in a kitchen is a great way to create a bold look – perfect if you want to make a statement. For those wanting a subtler design, including red in moderation can be done easily with accessories or small appliances. In this kitchen, attention is drawn to the red island which is balanced against a more neutral background.

Pair red cabinet doors and a pale solid maple worktop for a striking look. Using different coloured base and wall cabinets is a great way to ensure that the red does not overpower the room, particularly in smaller spaces.

Key Considerations


  • •Instil feelings of passion, love, warmth and excitement
  • •Easy to use in moderation for a subtler look
  • •Pair with neutral colours
  • •Consider using red accents

Would you consider having a red kitchen? 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.

 

Our 5 Most Popular Farrow & Ball Colours

Posted by admin on March 22, 2019 at 9:20 am. Filed under: General

Are you planning on painting your kitchen or deciding on which colour would look best on your cabinet doors? There are so many popular Farrow & Ball colours to choose from that the decision can be overwhelming. To help you out we have compiled a list of our five most in-demand Farrow & Ball neutrals.


All White – The Purest Choice

As the name suggests, All White is pure white and has no other hues resulting in a mellow contemporary neutral. The lack of cool or warm pigments makes All White well balanced allowing it to be combined with any colour and can be used in both contemporary and traditional kitchens.

New White – The Freshest Choice

Particularly effective in a country kitchen design, New White contains additional warmer pigments and so has a creamier hue when compared to All White. This freshness helps to warm up any kitchen and softly illuminates the room. New White is also versatile and its appearance changes depending on the colours it is paired with – looking creamier when combined with purer colours and fresher when used with more vibrant colours.

White Tie – The Warmest

White Tie is a yellow based neutral that offers warmth. It also has a slight black pigment which subdues its freshness and adds a richness to the shade. With that in mind, it works particularly well darker neutrals like Farrow & Balls Matchstick or String, both of which have earthy hues.

Elephant’s Breath – The Darkest Choice

The darkest of our most popular Farrow & Ball colours, the distinctively named Elephants Breath is ideal for adding warmth to a modern kitchen. A mid-grey enriched with magenta, this neutral takes on a subtle lilac hue under certain light conditions and when combined with sultry browns, such as London Clay, an intense contemporary design can be achieved.

Hardwick White – The Versatile Choice

You would be forgiven if you thought that Hardwick White does not look very white, in fact, Farrow & Ball themselves describe it as a traditional grey. To bring out the white, combine it with deep shades such as Off Black or Tanner’s Brown. Whatever you decide, Hardwick White is incredibly versatile and can be used effectively in contemporary and traditional settings alike.

As one of the country’s favourite paint producers, Farrow & Ball are experts in creating high quality and evocative colours. For this reason, we have chosen them as our exclusive paint partner. If you are in the process of choosing a colour for your cabinet doors but are looking for something different from these choices, we offer a fully bespoke service that allows you to select any colour from the Farrow & Ball range. Contact us for more details or visit your local showroom for even more great inspiration.


Which of these popular Farrow & Ball colours would you choose to implement in your kitchen? 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.

 

Planning a New Kitchen with Martin Boyd

Posted by admin on March 19, 2019 at 2:05 pm. Filed under: General

Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms is a monthly magazine full of inspiration and expert guidance for the three most integral rooms of your home. In February’s issue, they had an article about planning a new kitchen, which featured our very own Solid Wood Kitchen Cabinets showroom manager, Martin Boyd. Based in Glasgow, Martin has 18 years of industry experience which made him an ideal candidate for this article. Continue reading this blog post to discover more about his project.


Planning a New Kitchen Design

For the article, Martin was tasked with planning a new kitchen design for clients Andrew and Mandy. Using his years of expertise, Martin set out to create a plan that was not only in keeping with the heritage of their house, but that also dealt with the difficult layout of the space. To achieve this, Martin aimed to maximise practicality by focusing on flow, worktop space and storage. By utilising a built-in oven and microwave integrated into full height cabinetry as well as a small peninsula, Martin was able to optimise worktop and storage space. To conserve floor space, he included curved and slimline base cabinets.

Open oak shelving and oak worktops add plenty of welcoming character to this kitchen design and is accentuated by a ceramic Belfast sink. To ensure the room does not feel too heavy, Farrow & Ball’s Mizzle has been used on the cabinet doors. This neutral colour will help to keep the space bright and airy. The final cost of this kitchen is £10,631, which includes furniture, appliances, worktops and installation.

Visit Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms website to subscribe to the magazine or buy issue 305 on back order to read Martin’s article and to discover what clients Andrew and Mandy thought of his design. You can visit our Glasgow Kitchen Showroom between 09:00 and 17:00, Monday to Saturday at Rosemount Business Park, Charles Street. Call 01415 527 431 to book your appointment today.

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.

 

Japandi – Exploring the Hybrid Japanese Scandinavian Design

Posted by admin on March 14, 2019 at 12:51 pm. Filed under: General
Japandi incorporates elements of Japanese and Scandinavian interior design.

Credit : eclectic trends

With modern-rusticity and traditional sophistication, an exciting and refreshing interior design movement is growing in popularity throughout the country. Japandi, also known as Japanordic, is a fusion of décors consisting of Japanese and Scandinavian designs. In this blog post, we explore how you can utilise it in your kitchen.


Japandi Design Explained

Central to the movement is the idea of simplicity, an element which is present in both Japanese and Scandinavian styles. ‘Wabi-sabi’ is a Japanese term which translates as ‘finding beauty in the imperfect’. This has then been united with the Scandinavian style trend, hygge, which aims to create a warm and comforting ambience.

Many of the colours in the Japanese palette, such as reds, blues and greens, are rich and so the pale neutral Scandinavian colours are used to create balance. Likewise, the rustic style of Nordic design is refined by Japanese elegance.

These two contrasting styles share a common principle and when unified, create a distinct design with minimalism at its heart.

Using Japanordic Design in Your Kitchen

There are four ways to introduce this hybrid design into your kitchen these are

  • Nature
  • Wood
  • Japanese and Scandinavian furniture
  • Functional accessories

Nature

One of the easiest ways to add nature to your kitchen is by introducing plants. In this example, we can see how these wall planters, which house a collection of air plants, have aspects of Scandinavian design.

Adding plants to a kitchen is one way of achieving a Japanordic style.

Credit : easy home décor

Wood

A quintessential design feature of Japandi is the combination of dark wood with pale tones. This contrast can be seen here in this example with the sleek full stave American walnut worktop atop base cabinets with frontals painted in Farrow & Ball’s All White.

Japanese and Scandinavian Furniture

To achieve this look, furniture needs to have clean lines and with that in mind Shaker doors and worktops with a square edge profile are ideal. Open space around furniture is typically Scandinavian and reinforces minimalism of Japanese design too. This example of a dining table exhibits both Nordic and Asian styles and colour palettes with pale wood combining perfectly with dark materials in a simplistically elegant design.

This Japanordic style dining table and chairs demonstrates Japanese and Scandinavian design principles.

Credit : domain

Functional Accessories

Japandi demands carefully contemplation of every item. When choosing accessories, ask yourself if it is functional. If so, is it beautiful? If either of those answers is no, consider removing or omitting it from your kitchen. This black Stelton Theo stoneware teapot is a fine example of Japanese influenced Scandinavian design.

This black Stelton Theo stoneware teapot perfectly demonstrates Japandi design.

Credit : sportique

Would you consider including Japandi influences in your kitchen? Let us know in the comments below. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for inspiration or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on kitchens, trends, offers and more.

 

Scandinavian Kitchen Mood Board

Posted by admin on March 12, 2019 at 11:05 am. Filed under: General

Our solid wood kitchens are ideal for creating a simple, pared-back look influenced by Scandinavian design. This Scandinavian kitchen mood board takes inspiration from Nordic design and landscape to offer ideas for your solid wood kitchen. Would you consider any of these features?


Colour

This Scandinavian kitchen mood board features a pale neutral colour scheme for an effortlessly contemporary style. To avoid a stark contrasting with the ash worktops, the cabinet doors have been painted white – which also matches the walls and the floor. The result is a light and airy room. Light wood and pastel shades used on the lighting adds colour to the largely monochrome colour scheme and is in-keeping with the simplistic design.

We recommend a lighter coloured worktop – in this case, solid ash. It is a good alternative to timbers such as oak or maple and features a soft golden grain. Likewise, the handles are also made from a light toned timber.


Features

A simplistic design is essential for any Scandinavian kitchen, and the ones featured in this mood board are prime examples of how effective this can be. Nature is also important to this style and we can see the use of plants as well as natural materials including wood. Clean lines, like those found in the lamps, help to keep the overall design modest whilst the use of natural light helps the kitchens feel more open and welcoming.


Which parts of this Scandinavian 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 or Pinterest for even more great inspiration or subscribe to our newsletter for updates and information about new products, special offers and competitions.

 

Solid Wood Kitchenette Ideas

Posted by admin on March 7, 2019 at 10:58 am. Filed under: General

Kitchenettes are small kitchens or a part of a room that has kitchen features such as worktops, cabinets, sinks or fridges. We share these solid wood kitchenette ideas to inspire you in your own home – whether you want to transform a spare room, hallway or basement.

Contemporary Kitchenette

This green kitchenette has everything you need to cook a meal, including a fridge, water supply and a microwave. The Shaker doors and fresh white worktop gives it a contemporary feel – made all the more stylish by the use of the stainless steel fridge door and brass coloured taps and handles.

This green Shaker style kitchenette features a sink, microwave, fridge, cabinets and open shelving.

Credit: Realivin

Pure White Kitchenette

For its size, this modest white kitchenette has a surprising amount of storage space. With three glazed wall cabinets and two drawers and base cabinets, this kitchenette even has a drinks fridge.

This elegant kitchenette has a total of five cabinets and a drinks fridge.

Credit: Sebring Design Build

Mixed Materials

This example features ample storage. With a plug socket for an appliance, such as a microwave or kettle, and a sink with a stainless steel cover, this is a great example of a fully functional kitchenette. The floating shelves, which draw the eye, also provide additional storage and make the most out of every available space.

This kitchenette has everything you could need for a fully functional kitchen, including a power supply for appliances.

Credit: Thrifty Décor Chick

Classic Colours

This well-balanced kitchenette has been painted in a colour similar to Farrow & Ball’s popular Lulworth Blue. Two of the four cabinets are glazed and are arranged in a pleasingly symmetrical design. The high gloss black worktop is a nice contemporary touch in an otherwise traditional style.

This kitchenette has a classic colour combination and a perfect balance between traditional and contemporary style.

Credit: Home Talk

Small Kitchenette Bar

With the majority of storage space taken up by a drinks fridge, this tiny kitchenette doubles up as a bar. Although this minimalist design features just one cabinet and a couple of shelves, it clearly fits the brief for the job.

Compact and efficient, this kitchenette doubles up as a personal bar.

Credit: Brooklyn Limestone

Bright and Modern

The first feature that catches your eye in this modern kitchenette is the full height mirror. The advantage of this is that light is reflected back resulting in a bright and airy space. Solid wood is the material of choice for the worktop and when combined with the Shaker doors, gives it a timeless appeal.

With the full height mirror, this modern kitchenette is bright and airy.

Credit: Architectural Digest

Which of these kitchenette ideas would you consider for your home? Let us know in the comments below. Do not forget to follow us on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter for even more inspiration or subscribe to our newsletter for weekly updates on kitchens, trends, offers and more.

 

These Kitchen Discount Codes Save You up to £1,000

Posted by admin on March 5, 2019 at 12:23 pm. Filed under: General

As spring approaches so does the prospect of change, with many of us transforming our homes. These kitchen discount codes are ideal for those who are planning just that and help bring the dream of owning a beautiful solid wood kitchen a little bit closer. Throughout March, this offer will run across our entire product range enabling you to save up to £1,000 on everything* from cabinets to solid wood worktops. Use the codes below when you shop to claim your saving!

SAVE150 saves you £150 when you spend £1,500

SAVE500 saves you £500 when you spend £3,000

SAVE1K saves you £1,000 when you spend £5,000

This offer ends at 23:59 on Sunday 31st March 2019, so do not miss out and order your new solid wood kitchen today.

To see what you could achieve, let us take a look at some inspiration from our customers.


Steph’s Farmhouse Kitchen

This solid wood kitchen has been designed in a traditional farmhouse style. There are many great features including a full height bookcase, open cabinets, wine rack and an oak kitchen island complete with traditional bar stools.

Peter and Bronny’s Classic Kitchen

This kitchen has been designed to stand the test of time. With a large hearth and a range cooker, this kitchen has a traditional feel – several subtle modern features, such as the stainless steel sink and spotlights, keep it from looking old fashioned.

Melissa’s Contemporary Kitchen

With fresh, neutral colours, this contemporary kitchen is ideal for entertaining. The sink and tap are made from shiny stainless-steel – an ideal choice for this style of kitchen. A large island, with plenty of worktop and storage space, takes centre stage and the Shaker doors have been finished off beautifully with chrome knobs and handles.

There you have it – three great ideas to inspire you throughout our March sale. Why not follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest for even more inspiration or subscribe to our newsletter for updates and information about new products, special offers and competitions.

* Not available in conjunction with any other offer. The cost of delivery is not included in the minimum spend required.