Were there any specific layout specifications you had to consider in the design ?
Being the most important room in the home , the kitchen entertains and is the family-hub : it must be practical and must work . Therefore , its layout is important . The traditional ‘ triangle rule ’ ( hob , fridge , sink in a triangle ) is a good starting point . However , this rule does not always fit and , more recently with open-plan living , kitchens are being designed in zones .
Doorways often dictate the traffic-flow of the kitchen , and kitchen design must ensure rooms are still easily accessible . Linkhill House has three separate entrances , including one from the boot room . The furniture also had to fit around – and complement – its large windows and a fireplace . And , we do really love the dresser fitted into one of the chimney recesses : it is so in keeping with a Georgian Shaker scullery theme . Bespoke designs work with these features and offer specifically made storage solutions often fitted into awkward areas .
How did you find the balance between an excellent design-led kitchen which also kept to budget and is practical too ?
Nick Collins , creative director for Collins Bespoke , advises clients ‘ have a realistic budget in mind and list the items that are an absolute must ’ because , although they are designing beautiful kitchens , they do need to be practical too – and , with a period property , sometimes additional hurdles can appear . Collins Bespoke kitchens are fully bespoke so the heights and depths of cupboards which will best suit the room are considered in the design process . The height of the rooms in Linkhill House ’ s kitchen meant higher cupboards work well . However , openshelving does too – allowing the design to be useful yet show the grandeur of the room too .
The style and colour of cabinetry makes a difference to a space . This kitchen ’ s style is kept classical with the simple Shaker . A flat door will give a contemporary look in comparison . Using the darker painted finish , Farrow & Ball ’ s Railings , has enhanced the cabinetry ’ s presence within the room . However , the room ’ s lightness is maintained with the central light oak island .
As for hardware – there are so many styles and they each have varying effects – we love the mixed choice of Armac Martin ’ s Bakes and Cotswolds collections in burnished brass : simple and effective , modern yet traditional .
Appliances are really important considerations when designing a kitchen – this kitchen combines traditionalism with modernism : a flush induction hob in the island , integrated ovens , a hot water tap , and a double farmhouse sink . As much as we want our kitchens to look beautiful , they must be workable too . Therefore , think about your own needs . For example , for large families , it might be useful having two dishwashers or more than one oven . And , dog owners might want a tap with a hose in the boot room !
It is also useful to consider where freestanding items will go , such as a toaster or a coffee machine . If you do not want anything on show , then a dresser or breakfast cupboard is sometimes a good option to hide these . As for electrical points in the kitchen , plug sockets may be useful inside a breakfast cupboard .
Finally , worktops . While natural wood is rustic and charming , it is not often practical . Likewise , a natural marble is stunning but is a lot more expensive and a lot less practical than a quartz stone . Polinato Black Forest and Carrara Marble stone worktops are the varieties used in Linkhill House , and we love them . There are so many options and Collins Bespoke ’ s designers can always talk through these .
What was your installation timeframe ?
With every kitchen being designed and made specifically from plan , design stages are thorough . Using virtual reality software , Collins Bespoke ’ s designers present a good real-life proposal of their kitchen designs before they are made . This is great for perspective , but the accuracy does demand a timely process . This stage can take as long as it takes for the client to be fully sure of their final design . It takes about six to eight weeks to make the kitchen and two weeks to install .
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