Kitchen Design – some help and inspiration from Inglish Design, Bespoke Kitchen Manufacturers, Harrogate

Its that time of year when people are starting to think about home makeovers. The kitchen is the epicentre of the home – so why not start there ! If you are looking for kitchen design ideas or planning a new kitchen there are many factors you have to consider, including layout, storage, appliances and lighting. also there is the consideration of what you need in  your made to measure kitchen, and who will make and install your kitchen – Inglish Design is here to help !

Kitchen Design Ideas #1: Think about Activities

The first thing you should remember about your kitchen is that often despite just being a kitchen you will do other things in that space – dining, watching TV, socialising, homework – it often more than just a place where you cook. So, you have to choose a kitchen layout which will prioritize work flow, and provide you with a multi functional kitchen area. Also, keep in mind that the kitchen is often a gathering place for friends and family…and so the kitchen design must lend itself to family enjoyment! Most kitchens we design at Inglish Design are designed as multi use spaces – the brief often needs to include an area to dine, an area to snack, a tv area, a homework area, and a space to relax/entertain. Understanding our clients lifestyle helps when we establish the design brief for the kitchen.

Kitchen Design Ideas #2:  Designing the kitchen space  – Think about Layout

The basic layout should be the classic triangle where possible, by which we mean that the cooking area and sink are at both legs of the triangle and the refrigerator at its apex. This layout ensures that the space between the assorted services isn’t too far, which makes it easier to make the cook to work. When you’ve got a bigger kitchen, you are able to allow much extra space in the planning, including perhaps a kitchen island. But always take care to think through travelling distances from say hob to sink, and prep to cook areas. Think about the areas where you will prep and what you need to hand. Think about storage and where it is best positioned. And key is to think about the flow through the kitchen and space; for example if you have a coffee machine perhaps it is best located at an area where drinks can be served without affecting working areas of the kitchen. Good kitchen design will make the space more functional and more emjoyable to work in. Decide whether you want a fitted kitchen, or a freestanding kitchen. Traditional kitchens look fantastic with freestanding elements i.e. kitchen worktables, large detailed islands and fridge housings. Contemporary kitchens tend to utilise the space in a more fitted way, using every inch of the space available, and many modern kitchens are currently styled to be very minimalistic with sleek lines and integral or hidden handles. Which leads us on to style.

Kitchen Design Ideas #3: Style

The style of a kitchen is dependant on taste. Over the years Inglish Design has manufacture all sorts of kitchens, from very traditional oak kitchens and elaborate hand painted kitchens, to very modern kitchens featuring high gloss doors, or feature elements in exotic veneers such as Zebrano and Wenge. Interior design magazines are very helpful in firstly establishing what style you want. Many people would say that the style of your kitchen must be dictated by the style and age of your property. However, a house will carry any style of kitchen, so long as it is well designed, well made and is tasteful in style. Now everyones “taste” does differ, and you should bare in mind that at some point in the future you may wish to sell your property – so it is wise to style your kitchen with some care. Kitchen design trends really haven’t changed that much in the past say 10 -15 years. Yes, there are big progressions in technology with appliances, but door styles and colour choices have not really moved on too radically.

Hand painted kitchens are timeless. A simple shaker door in a framed kitchen is a classic look, which can of course be completely changed in appearance just by paint colour selection. Inglish Design have manufactured many hand painted kitchens in Harrogate and North Yorkshire. Generally the Farrow and Ball paint range provides most clients with a palette of stylish yet timeless paint colour options.  Oak kitchens are also a favourite, and in fact combining a painted kitchen with elements in oak can look stunning. Walnut kitchens are popular at the moment as well, and by combining dark stained walnut kitchen doors with  paler painted kitchen doors can look very chic. There are of course many other timbers kitchens which are popular for  example Maple, Beech, and Cherry, and Sycamore to name just a few. Inglish Design provide a free kitchen design service to help you select the right timber, or paint  colour for your kitchen. Our contemporary kitchen designs can also include high gloss doors, semi matt spray painted doors, and laquered doors.

The advantage of a bespoke kitchen by Inglish Design, is the ablity to have a kitchen in whatever style you like,made by skilled cabinetmakers to fit your kitchen area. Your kitchen is handmade and made to measure. It can be as unique as you want it to be. You are not selecting it from a brochure along with everyone else. Many companies claim to be bespoke kitchen manufacturers but in fact are not. A lot of people assume that bespoke or made to measure kitchens are very expensive. But actually when you consider all aspects of kitchens, the quality of the kitchen and the value it will add to your home it really is the best investment you can make. Off the shelf kitchens simply do not have the same level of detailing, finish, and durability. The cabinets and doors are a vital a part of any kitchen, so you ought to give a great deal of thought to the sort which you want. Quality varies hugely from one supplier to the next, and this will make a difference to how long your kitchen lasts and how durable it is. Inglish Design kitchens are made in Harrogate, and are high spec. using the best materials and quality construction methods. Our kitchens are also made to measure. This gives the flexibility to have a made to measure solution and include curved doors and cabinets. Your home is the largest investment in life and your most personal belonging, in so  far as you spendmost of your free time there so it must be enjoyable and practical to suit your lifestyle. A bespoke kitchen will provide you with not only an attractive room, but one which is tailor made to suit you.

Visit our Kitchen showroom near Harrogate  for inspiration !

Kitchen Design Ideas #4: Appliances 

 There are vast amounts of choice with kitchen appliances. Budget often controls what people choose, however be careful as you do get what you pay for. Its better to opt for a more basic model from a recognised brand than to go for a multifuntional gadget from a lesser brand. Often on the poorer quality brands more functions mean more problems. As with installing good quality kitchen furniture and worktops, your appliances will add value to your kitchen. Think about how you cook and what you require. Coffee machines and steam ovens are popular “extras” and worth the additional investment. Kitchens are often used as multifunctional living spaces, so these appliances work well with the lifestyle of using the kitchen as an entertaining area. Plan cooking areas and extraction from the outset and duct out if at all possible to remove cooking smells. Decide what you need – do you bake and enertain a  lot ? or do you not do so much cooking ? How much refridgeration and freezer space do you need, and should this be integrated or freestanding. Do you want specific appliances like wine fridges or instant boiling hot water taps ? So there are lots of things to consider. However, Inglish Design have installed many kitchens over the years so we are always  happy to advise you on your kitchen appliances.

Kitchen Design Ideas #5: Think about Lighting

When you first start exploring your new kitchen design  you should also consider lighting. Lighting is a very necessary a part of kitchen planning. The incorrect lighting could make your kitchen look too utilitarian or too shadowy and unwelcoming. The best kitchen lighting finds a balance between practicality and magnificence, provides enough light for that cook to determine what they do while creating an environment that makes people feel at home. And do not forget to include some decorative lights to make the kitchen look more attractive. Our new lighting display for kitchens is in the Inglish Design Showroom near Harrogate – this shows sensor and touch lighting. Door activated lights can work very well in kitchen wall cabinets, and these are more energy efficient than constant light sources. So plan this aspect carefully and the results will be stunning.

Kitchen Design Ideas #6: Worktops and Cabinets

Kitchen Worktops not only need to look attractive but have to be functional. Choose wisely the ones which will resist stains and scratches, while simultaneously looking great. Granite worktops make an excellent enhancement for a overall kitchen design, and lend an air of elegance for a kitchen. Corian worktops provides a seamless man made solution. Silestone and quartz provide the luxury look of granite but with a wider palette of available colours, and the ability to have various finishes. Timber worktops  are beautiful as a feature area in a kitchen, but does require regular maintenance. Inglish Design has a wide choice of kitchen worktops, often our kitchens include a mixture of these. So don’t assume that your worktops have to be the same throughout your kitchen.
 

Kitchen Design Ideas #7: Kitchen Flooring

Do not neglect the flooring, choosing the wrong flooring material can result in a surface that is not practical. Kitchen floors need to be easily cleaned and non slip. If you opt for floor tiles, the size and layout of the tile can hugely effect the overall look. So research the options carefully. Make sure you use a qualified tiler – a badly laid floor can ruin the appearance of a new kitchen ! If you opt for natural stone make sure you seal it several times to avoid staining from the inevitable spills. Timber flooring is not ideal – spills and leaks happen in kitchens and timber does not respond well to this. You may decide to explore engineered timber flooring which is more reactive to temperature and moisture fluctuations.

The End Result !

So consider all aspects carefully – use our free kitchen design service to help you achieve the best bespoke kitchen design.  By selecting the best features for your new kitchen we will make sure that the end result will be a kitchen which is both functional and attractive. Like any room in your home, if it is well planned, creatively designed and well made it will change your life !

The Inglish Design Kitchen showroom is in Knaresborough near Harrogate and open 9-5pm Monday til Friday and by appointment at weekends. Contact 01423 864951 or email : info@inglishdesign.co.uk

Posted by INGLISH DESIGN at 09:14 1 comments

 

Labels: Kitchen Company Harrogate Inglish Design

 

Furniture Harrogate Made to Measure by Inglish Design

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Walnut study furniture was made to measure by bespoke furniture company Inglish Design of Harrogate. The desk was designed to match a range of furniture. It incorporates filing drawers, server storage and cable management. The walnut furniture was stained to acheve a rich colour finish and then hand oiled. This bespoke furniture was made in Harrogate in the Inglish Designs workshops. Custom made study furniture is a favourite with our clients and can include fitted bookcases, filing cabinets, and office storage. Because it is bespoke furniture, the Inglish Design cabinetmakers can make it fit any space within the home. Walnut home study furniture is popular and so is oak furniture, maple and beech. We can manufacture in solid timber or veneered boards, often our cabinetmakers inroporate both. Some desks will include a leather insert to the desk top as a writing pad. We have also included cork notice boards and open shelving into study furniture. This desk featured pewter handles, however often handles with a leather insert make a nice feature to study furniture. All of our bespoke furniture can be either freestanding or fitted. Our furniture showroom in Harrogate displays exaples of our furniture and kitchens.The chair is by Caligaris. Inglish Design have a large portfolio of Dining chairs which have been selected to suit our furniture. A nice walnut or oak dining chair works well to compliment a bespoke desk and study. Lighting is another consideration for a home study. This can be integrated into shelves, or in display cabinets and bookcases. We also supply freestadning lights and table lamps. If you are interested in a bespoke home study please contact info@inglishdesign.co.uk or telephone 01423 865941. Our furniture workshop and showroom are based in Knaresborough just outside Harrogate.

Company website is www.inglishdesign.co.uk

 

Posted by INGLISH DESIGN at 01:32 0 comments

 

Labels: Bespoke Furniture/Study Furniture Harrogate by Inglish Design

 

Bespoke Kitchens Harrogate by Inglish Design

 

 

 

 

 

New Bespoke Kitchen trends, Inglish Design, March 6, 2012

http://www.inglishdesign.co.uk/

While kitchen design isn’t as fickle as say fashion, it definitely still has its trends.We love sharing the latest innovations with you, so here, fresh from industry show KBB, are three that deserve a place in your new bespoke kitchen.

Coloured taps
Taps with a band of colour mean you can match them to your sink or even a whole kitchen. One of our favourites was the BlancoYovis-S, available in nine Silgranit colours, and with a handy pull-out spray.

 

BlancoYovis-S in Tartufo
Rising appliances – Pop-up products were still all the rage, from downdraft extractors to the neat S-Box. However, here’s something we hadn’t see before from Caple. Rising star – Caple’s new C5100 Lift oven. It’s an oven that lifts from the worktop, complete with telescopic glass shelves and crush prevention sensors to protect fingers. At around £2,000, it’s a real showpiece.

 

Kitchens that don’t look like kitchens !
With the rise of integrated appliances comes a desire for cabinetry to not look so ‘kitcheny’. Therefore the sleek look of a bespoke kitchen designed to have no handles, or with drawers and doors set on touch release catches so no handle is required looks like a kitchen style set to continue for some time. Also the concept of combining kitchen and living spaces, allows the bespoke kitchen to include co-ordinating furniture for dining and living areas. At Inglish Design our bespoke kitchens often incorporate for example dining furniture and sideboards, drinks areas and entertainment areas made in the same style as the kitchen so that the interior works visually as one large living space. Integration is definately the future in kitchens, and will constantly challenges the ability of the mass manufactured kitchen companies. Bespoke kitchens which are made to measure can be custom designed to include for example AV equipment and other home technology for living, and therefore bespoke will definately lead the way. At KBB we also saw the latest technology in storage integration, pull out larders with no handles, that are activated with a simple tap of the hand on the door – the larder then opens out smoothly – very impressive and a definate for Inglish Design Bespoke Kitchens in the future !

 

Ceramic Worktops

Jetstone are introducing ceramic worktops. A relatively new concept for kitchens, but one that works well with modern kitchens. A ceramic layer is built up in two sheets and then backed by quartz and a sub layer. The result being a very durable surface and a very different look to Granite, Silestone or Corian Worktops. We are keen to find out more about this as a new product for Inglish Design bespoke kitchens. So hopefully we can incorporate this in a Harrogate kitchen very soon !

 

 

Keep an eye on our bespoke kitchens in Harrogate on our website http://www.inglishdesign.co.uk/ where you will also see our very latest projects in Bespoke bedroom furniture, freestanding furniture, study furniture and interior design.

 

 

 

 

Posted by INGLISH DESIGN at 02:02 0 comments

 

Labels: Bespoke Kitchen Company Harrogate

 

Bespoke Bedroom Furniture Harrogate

This bespoke bedroom furniture in Harrogate has just been installed by Inglish Design.

Made to measure bedrooms allow our clients the ability to custom design their bedroom furniture, so that they can have any style and any internal storage that they want. This bedroom in Harrogate has Walnut doors with mirror panels, giving a very luxurious look. The dressing room furniture includes fitted wardrobes as well as a dressing table with large mirror above. All of the wardrobes have integral door activated lights. Storage inside the wardrobes includes shoe drawers, long and short hanging for clothes, and drawers. Becasue the bedroom furniture is made to measure it utilises all of the available space, but because of the mirror aspect to the dark walnut doors the room retains a bright and open feeling. The walnut bedroom furniture compliments the highly polished solid timber floors. The end result – another truly stunning bespoke bedroom by Inglish Design.

 

Posted by INGLISH DESIGN at 06:44 0 comments