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

We are proud to support other British independent companies and are continually on the lookout for new and innovative products.

New Tiles in by Bert & May

We are so excited to now be selling Bert & May encaustic and glazed tiles! We have already started mood boarding with them!

To see more samples on display, pop into the studio

Kitchen Trends in 2017

We know, we know, it's the end of February and we are only just getting around to talking about trends for 2017. But so far 2017 has swept us off our feet, many of you are doing kitchen extensions and your own kitchen renovation projects so we have been busier than ever before and are so very thankful for all of our clients and the very interesting and fun projects we have planned so far this year.

 

So what trends have we been noticing for 2017? You'll see some repeats from last year but mostly 2017 is the year of buying local, not following the crowd and turning your kitchen into the new family 'living' room- making it the social hub of the home.   

 

1. Bolder Styles

We are finally noticing kitchens coming out of the clinical style. We haven't made a gloss white kitchen in a long time. Our newest range Westgate, designed and named after Westgate Towers in Canterbury near our studio is a very bold design. The structure of the kitchen is bold and strong, while we've detailed it with greys and marble in our showroom to highlight its versatility. This is definitely our favourite range (are we allowed to have favourites?). With attention to detail in that you can choose every element of your kitchen from the hinge colour to the type of wood in the interior (we love the walnut on display) this kitchen range has pushed us as a company to continue to think outside the box. 

2. Granite  

We love marble just as much as the next design junkee but are glad to see unique granites making a come back. Granite is a more durable stone, making it more practical in the kitchen. Where wine and curry can be marbles Achilles heal, granite just wipes it away. But don't get us wrong, marble will always hold a place in our hearts for its beautiful and subtle features and if you are one of those homes who can look after it well, we greatly admire you

3. Buying Local  

For this trend we are eternally grateful. We've noticed a real push back from the big national companies. Our clients tell us they want a more bespoke approach, building relationships with local businesses and keeping traditional trades alive and thriving. We couldn't agree more- when you buy your kitchen from us it supports local families, businessss and craftsmen. We are appreciative of this and work hard to give back to the community through charity. 

 

4. The Extension

This isn't as much a trend in 2017, as it is a way families are improving older homes for modern family living. Gone are the days when one person (normally a mother) cooked meals on their own in a kitchen- families and couples now a days use their kitchen as the social hub of the home. About half of our clients are doing kitchen extensions (he have a longer post about kitchen extensions here). We tell people it is best to get in touch with us as soon as possible and if not before, than definitely right after planning is granted and before the building work begins. That way we can work with you before the build to make sure that you are getting what you want out of the kitchen extension. It is very sad when couples come to us after the building work has started, only to find out they won't be able to do certain things they wanted like put a sink in an island, or they have overspent in other areas only to realise their dream kitchen is now not affordable.

If you are thinking of updating your home the most important people will be the planning office, builders and your kitchen company. We think kitchen company is most important, because the whole purpose of the build is the kitchen (but we would say that!) 

 

 

5. Making it Work for You

 Recently we've had clients who want things like making the entire kitchen one big island, to brass worktops and pegboard cabinets. We love it all! A kitchen needs to be a place you enjoy spending your time in and works practically for you. If that means you want an island the length of a double decker bus, then let's do it! The best trend of 2017 is that people are starting to not follow trends, but follow what they like- and that is something we can all really get behind!