Herringbone Parents Pub with Erica Davies
The Two Week Wait
A new kitchen is an exciting time for any homeowner! The process from when you start a pinterest board and gathering ideas, to seeing it come to fruition can be long, with so many decisions along the way. We try to make the design and fit process as easy as possible for our clients, but ultimately, there is not much we can do during the fit, when you may be without a kitchen for two weeks. We've put together a list of some of the most helpful thing we've seen (and tried ourselves) over the years.
1. Get with Your Glamping Self
The electric camping hob is your friend. It can be set up almost anywhere and when needs must, means you can make a warm meal.No they aren't as glamorous as your new Aga, or Rangemaster, but they will work just fine and dandy during the two week wait.
2) Microwave
Most people have one and many meals now a days can be made in the microwave (ask any student). The only warning we should say is that you will start to hear the 'ding' sound the microwave makes when its done in your sleep if you have a large family and are heating up a microwave meal one by one. Does it work though for the two week wait, 'ding.'
3). No Utility? Bathtub it is
We know desperate times call for desperate measures. Sometimes you can be without a sink for a very short period of time. We always try to put a temporary one in but, every once in a while, you might be without one for a night. When this happen to us, we discovered that the bathtub was a fine place to wash up dishes, we just don't recommend taking a bath afterwards.
4) Tea, lots of Tea
You'll need a nice cuppa in the chaos, and so will your builders, fitters, electricians, plumbers, plasterers.... Tea warms the soul, lightens the work and eases the pain. Make sure you have plenty of tea bags and a tea station for the tradespeople to help themselves to and you'll be a fan favourite.
5) Call in Favours
Once you have your new kitchen we are sure you will be having everyone over for big dinner parties. We highly suggest calling on favours from all of those people before hand for a warm meal- family, neighbours, friends, the postman.... everyone is fair game when you are two weeks without a kitchen and generally people really do come and help out. We once had a client who's neighbour made them nightly meals, and another who's mother would come around with cake. It's the little things that sure make a big difference.
5.5 Get Away
If you are lucky enough to be able to get away during this time, we highly recommend it. Always fancied sailing around the British Coast, hitchhiking through South America or hiking Kilimanjaro, yes all of those things might be more relaxing (we kid).
All in all, yes your life will be disrupted for a little while, the transformation from a dry fit normally takes about two weeks. We can't promise those will be the easiest two weeks of your life, but much like childbirth, most people forgive the pain and say they would happily do it again.
Made in Britain
We are very proud that our kitchens are made in Britain. Proud because it means we have the opportunity to support local crafts, create local jobs and continue to pass down traditional methods of joinery. Our bespoke kitchens are built by passionate craftsmen in Kent. Keeping things local and working with independent British brands is important to us, not only is the quality of the products superior, it is also a way of ensuring independent retailers thrive. We know there are many choices when choosing a kitchen, and we are appreciative when families choose to invest in us.
Today we decided to share the love to some of our other favourite companies who make their products in the UK and represent some of the best in innovation in the UK. We have asked Armac Martin, Perrin & Rowe and Mylands paint why they too are proud to make their products in the UK.
Armac Martin
Armac Martin have been making beautiful handles from their workshop in Birmingham since 1929. We absolutely love when our clients choose Armac Martin handles, as the quality is perfection. When we asked the Commercial Director of Armac Martin to tell us why they make and design their products in the UK, he told us,
"We believe it is incredibly important to manufacture in the UK. We continually invest in people to ensure skills are handed down from generation to generation. Alongside this we always embrace new technology and are continually investing in plant and machinery. Having our in house design team working so closely with our production team, as well as having input from clients, allows us to hone in on the finest of details to ensure that the products we launch are exactly what our clients desire."
Richard McGrail, Commercial Director
Perrin and Rowe
Most of our clients purchase a Perrin and Rowe tap, the quality is unrivaled. Perrin and Rowe have been making their taps from their workshop in Essex since 1978. When we asked Perrin and Rowe about their business model they told us, "We are proud to say that Perrin & Rowe products are still made in England in an environment that treasures our staff, promotes family values and concentrates on the perfection of each product it designs, makes and delivers."
"By controlling the entire manufacturing processes from our UK facilities – from concept design through to prototyping, casting, machining, soldering, polishing, plating, assembly, testing, logistics and after sales service – we are able to deliver high quality brassware according to any company’s specific requirements."
Mylands Paint
Mylands paint is beautiful and so durable, making it the perfect choice in the kitchen. Established in 1884, Mylands is Britain’s oldest family-owned and run paint and polishes manufacturer. Over four generations, we have quietly but proudly crafted quality paints and wood finishes inLondon.
"We’re preserving the time-honoured, traditional approach to making the finest quality paints and finishes, while making the most of the latest technical advances in paint development. By blending the old with the new, we’re creating time-honoured shades and finishes with all of the benefits of modern performance and technology."
Dominc Myland
