A contemporary hub.

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This kitchen was part of a two-stage larger project in Stourbridge. The house was having a large rear extension built that would block the two access routes out to the garden. The new access into that extension would then run through the existing kitchen so our first job was to prioritise the builders, family and our needs to get that phase underway. We take a lot of care and apply much planning to limit disruption to families. Liaising with the building contactors to ensure schedules match, and smooth transitions between phases is key. Project-managing is not easy and requires skilled focus throughout. A temporary kitchen area was set up to facilitate the bare essentials and the rest of the kitchen was dismantled to allow this new access route. At this stage the mains water feed had to be re-routed from the cloakroom w/c next door out into the extension and then back into what would become the utility area. A Surestop switch was also added for convenience.

 

The old dining area that was to become this kitchen space required all new waste and water feed pipes routed to the area along with extraction ducting for the hob. All new wiring circuits supplying the many gadgets and appliances were laid as well as cat 6 network cabling.

 

The ceiling was first on the agenda so that the extensive cabling could be ran for the ceiling spotlights. New ceiling boarding, plastering, décor, and connecting the 12 main (Philips Hue smart) downlights. The floor was block & beam with tough remnants of old tiles and adhesive that all needed stripping back to prepare.

 

The overall design laid emphasis on a sleek and modern symmetrical feature back wall with the centrepiece being the smart fridge. Classic ‘American style’ in brushed stainless steel it’s well worthy of being centre-stage. Featuring a filtered ice and water dispenser, it also boasts the smart screen which offers a multitude of gadgets – the favourites being the photo album, daily recipes, and ring doorbell connectivity. Neff appliances each side with a plate warmer under the built-in microwave oven to visually align to the main oven the other side. Custom adapted push-access baking tray drawers underneath both to utilize all available space. Overhead storage to frame the fridge and ambient colour temperature adjustable mood lighting overhead.

 

Moving around the room a ‘kidney’ corner cabinet provides more accessible storage from that cavity. An Alexa speaker sits in the corner for the family to call out and add ingredients to shopping lists, announce dinnertime, and to play crisp music as you enjoy the space.  An undermounted Franke sink and an Insinkarator  boiling tap in smart black adorn the glistening white 20mm quartz worktops. Feature hex mosaic splashback tiling blends ceramic, metal and glass materials into a truly contemporary spectacle. A stylish glass, lit, floating shelf finishes the wall without clutter or imposing cabinets.

 

Integrated dishwasher and hidden 50/50 bin keeps clean, minimalistic lines.

 

Another ‘kidney’ corner unit serves the opposite side moving into 3 large, wide drawers. Above which the glorious Neff black-glass induction hob boasting five rings. The old recess for the patio doors provided both the depth for the matching Neff rise up/down surface extractor, as well as another feature lit shelf showing off more hex mosaic work.

 

A plinth heater mounted below the drawers and connected to the central heating system provides subtle additional heating to the area if ever needed.

 

The original idea was to have an island but the dimensions just didn’t work. This ‘return’ in the unit run alternative turned out to be a better result in everyone’s opinion with that boastful wine cooler being one of the first things occupants notice – stacked up with every drink from Pepsi to Prosecco.

 

The quartz overhang provides the perfect space for casual dining and socializing with underlights and a cheeky hidden brushed-black USB socket for any additional power requirements. Further matching sockets throughout provide ample power outlets for the modern demanding family.

 

The unit fronts are a wonderful matt graphite handleless ‘J’ slab design, obviously soft close, smooth feel and gliding luxury mechanisms by Blum. The 600mm matt white porcelain floor tiles compliment this look perfectly. Underfloor electric heating by Warmup with a smart, digital thermostat keeps them a cosy temperature first thing in the morning.

 

The spot-lighting by Philips Hue is completely customizable to suit clients needs. As well as automating on/off operation the shades/colours/moods and brightness can be configured to match every need throughout the day and night. LED strip moodlighting also compliments sections of the area too. It’s very true that the lighting makes a room. Every kitchen lighting system is well-thought and planned with your all-important involvement.

 

We also added a Nest smoke and carbon monoxide alarm to add to the other units in the network to watch over this amazing hub.

Oak-veneered doors and new architraves throughout.

The whole space was plastered and decorated by us including all architraves and skirting. Full design, supply, conversion project - kitchen phase - 3 weeks