HAWK K&B


Mixing Materials In The Kitchen

Author: katy@hawkkb.co.uk

Mixing Materials In The Kitchen

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

When choosing a new kitchen, people usually have one cabinet colour and one type of worktop in mind; however you don’t have to have a uniform or matching look throughout your kitchen. We have been mixing cabinet colours in our kitchens for a while, often with islands in a different colour, allowing it to become the focal point of the space, and now we are beginning to mix materials too.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Using different worktops for different zones in the kitchen is not only practical but also adds interest to the space visually. Wood has always been a brilliantly warm and tactile material for kitchen worktops, however it’s just not practical with heat and moisture. Above we mixed worktop materials and used a Silestone quartz by the sink and cooker with wood for the breakfast bar. The juxtaposing result looks stunning and also adds texture to the space.

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Image via Franke

Stainless steel is also another material that has entered the kitchen worktop market recently, with Franke launching theirs later this year. This is supremely practical in a kitchen as for one thing, it’s stainless, so no tea, coffee or red wine marks and it’s great with hot or cold temperatures as well as being antibacterial. Being the worktop choice of chefs, people’s immediate thoughts on stainless steel worktops are that they are the preserve of clinical kitchens however just looking above, the Franke stainless steel worktop adds a brilliant contrasting texture against the natural wood.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Mixing materials on cabinets is another way to introduce contrast and texture to your kitchen as well as zoning the space. In contemporary kitchens, mix wood effect laminate doors with solid colour doors and in a traditional setting mix painted cabinets with natural wood such as this walnut island and mantle we did above.

Gone are the days when it was a standard fit throughout – now it’s about thinking what you are doing and when you are doing it so that we can then work out what you need in a particular zone and design a kitchen that works for you.

Creating a Classy Cloakroom

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

More often than not, the cloakroom is the smallest room in the house, tucked away under the stairs or in a far corner of the home. However, it’s one of the most used and not only by family members, but guests too, making it an important room to get right.

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Images via Hawk K&B

Due to its size, it’s a great room to experiment with your creativity and be a bit bolder with your design choices. Pattern is often more effective in a smaller space whereas in a larger space it may be overpowering. Here two of our clients opted for patterned wallpaper, one bold and statement Orla Kiely print paired with a glass orange splash back, whilst the other decided on a more subtle print that highlighted the grey tones in the tiles.

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Image via Hawk K&B

However, pattern doesn’t always need to be on the walls. In this cloakroom above, tones are muted and furniture is minimal, yet the patterned tiles on the floor offer a beautiful design element to this simple and stylish room.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Limited space means storage is key and in particular retaining the feeling of space at the same time. Wall hung units are perfect for cloakrooms, leaving floor space free and by adding a floating shelf as we have done here there is hidden storage space. Niche’s in the boxing are also a great additional place for more decorative items.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Bring interest to your cloakroom by adding texture. Here we used shiplap panels at either end of this cloakroom to create a unique and inviting space and combined this with other types and colours of wood in the vanity unit and mirror. The blue on the walls also adds a slightly nautical element.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Alternatively, for more of a classic look try tongue-and-groove panelling. It visually frames this stylish cloakroom and the bold colour choice works beautifully with this traditional look in this compact space.

Neptune Suffolk Spring Update

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

This spring sees an update to Neptune’s Suffolk Kitchen. It has now been pared back even more so it’s minimal the whole way through – as Shaker designs should be.

Ticking boxes for both form and function, changes have been made on every level, right down to the finest details. Below are our three favourite elements of the updated Suffolk:

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Images via Neptune

Larder Concepts

Suffolk is the only Neptune collection with a double-door larder and due to their growing appeal, it now has some more larder-style cabinets. Perfect if you’re looking for something slightly smaller, the countertop bi-fold unit can pair with a drawer base to create a deconstructed larder. The full-height piece can then be used either as a mini pantry or a broom cupboard.

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Images via Neptune

Drawer Details

In Suffolk, any cabinet with a drawer will come empty but with a new collection of drawer accessories and inserts, you can organise your drawers perfectly. Oak storage boxes can be configured to feature spice inserts or a wet store for sponges, while tan leather and black rods will protect drawer bases from pan scuffs.

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Image via Neptune

Freestanding Island

The latest kitchen island from Neptune is freestanding and combines both storage and seating space. It can be configured to be as small or as large as your space can take, topped with your choice of work surface, and painted to match or contrast with your core cabinetry.

If you like the look of the new Neptune Suffolk kitchen, pop into one of our showrooms for a discussion.

KBB 2018 Kitchen & Bathroom Trends

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

Yesterday we attended the UK’s largest kitchen, bedroom and bathroom trade show, KBB. With hundreds of brands launching their new collections and latest technologies it is a great place to find the next up and coming trends and KBB did not disappoint. The trends we noticed spanned across both kitchens and bathrooms in equal measure, highlighting their influence across the entire industry. Below we discuss the three overriding trends:

BLUSH PINK

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Image via Hawk KB

With Pantone and Dulux’s colour of the year for 2018 being Ultra Violet and Heart Wood, both warm, pink/purple tones it was clear to see why at KBB. Blush pink was prominent across both kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, a very bold change from previous years but a change that looks surprisingly stunning. Paired with warm coppers and brass, this colour sits perfectly.

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Images via Hawk K&B

In recent years we have seen people become braver with their kitchen colour palette going for navy and forest green and blush pink takes another step into the direction of making the open-plan kitchen another room to make unique. It is not only reserved for contemporary kitchens such as this from Brigitte Kuchen either, Masterclass Kitchens showed their shaker door island in a beautiful blush pink, accented with a brass handle.

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Images via Hawk K&B

However bathroom trends for many years have stuck to monochrome, black whites and greys for many years so blush pink or colour in itself is a very bold step up in bathroom design. However, again with the rise of copper and gold brassware in bathrooms, this colour goes hand in hand as you can see on this Vlaze rose enamelled vanity unit with gold trim and handles and the Dansani gold taps paired with this beautiful gloss pink unit.

INDUSTRIAL

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Image via Hawk K&B

Last year black came into its own within bathroom design in particular with black baths and tiles in abundance. Naturally this paired well with white sanitaryware, you can read more on our blog ‘Black & White Bathrooms’. This has now ultimately led to a more stripped back, industrial look which we have seen prominently across both kitchens and bathrooms this year.

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images via Hawk K&B

In bathrooms, the industrial edge comes across in the details. Contemporary shower screens, inspired by industrial partitioning were seen from Impey and Fiora, among others. Crosswater also launched their Union range of brassware taking influence from traditional levers and wheels with knurled detailing for a contemporary edge.

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Images via Hawk K&B

On cabinetry, steel or mottled effect finishes emulate the industrial feel alongside details such as edging on corners, shown on this unit from Diesel Living with Scavolini.

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Image via Hawk K&B

On the Diesel Living kitchen, modular structures and different textures such as steel tubes, ribbed glass and feet and corner elements epitomised the contemporary industrial style. Brushed steel cabinets and open shelving was also prominent, with Franke launching their stainless steel worktops at KBB.

COPPER

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Image via Hawk K&B

Last year we saw lots of copper accessories and an introduction to copper or ‘rose gold’ brassware. This trend has now evolved into the main components of kitchens and bathrooms, from cabinetry to sanitaryware itself.

In kitchens, copper was used a lot as an accent within contemporary cabinetry, shown above in this Rotpunkt kitchen.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Surprisingly this also extended to copper accents and trims on appliances, from Kuppersbusch and De Dietrich to Smeg with Smeg co-ordinating this with a copper sink.

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Image via Hawk K&B

In bathrooms, Hurlingham went all out with copper showers, shower trays and accessories. Elsewhere copper was ever more prevalent as a brassware option, including the Serenitie range from Abode.

 

Lighting Your Bathroom

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

Light is often limited in bathrooms as windows tend to be small or even non-existent. For this reason lighting needs to be well planned and each fixture have a purpose.

Layered lighting is important in any room however in a bathroom it is often an afterthought, with people assuming ceiling lighting will be enough. In fact, the bathroom benefits greatly from various lighting. With limited textures in a bathroom, lighting can enhance the look and feel of a room and can add a spa-like ambience.

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Image via Hawk KB

When thinking about your general, ambient lighting, think about where light is most needed and why. Also consider areas that should be highlighted such as a wall of textured or interesting tiles and do so by directing downlights towards them to create a wash of light over the area.

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Image via Hawk KB

However, a downlight above a mirrored vanity unit will not be enough if you want to use this space effectively, as too much light overhead will create unflattering shadows on the face. Therefore add wall lights for that extra layer of light.

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Image via Hawk KB

Alternatively backlighting a mirror with an LED strip or using a mirror with integrated light such as this circular one from Bagno will not only create the perfect soft light with an added wow factor.

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Image via Hawk KB

Another area where lighting is important is in the shower enclosure. Having one light overhead is unflattering, so provide an even light either side or instead consider washing lights down the back wall of the shower to draw attention to the colour or texture of the tiles.

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Image via Hawk KB

Finally ensure accent lighting key areas of the bathroom such has adding downlights in wall niches or low level lighting under units. These small lights are what will help create a spa-like feel in your bathroom.

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Image via Hawk KB

Accent lighting can also be used to create a feature of your bath as we have done here. Adding uplighters in the floor or placing it on a raised platform with added lighting will highlight your bath as the centerpiece of the room and create a focus.

One important thing to note when lighting your bathroom however, is IP rating. A bathroom is split into various zones, based on the distance between the water and the light fitting, with certain lights being rated between IP0 (in the bath or floor of the shower) and Zone 2 (600mm either side of a water source/shower/bath). However a bathroom designer and fitter such as ourselves will be able to advise on this.

Pantone Colour of The Year 2018 – Ultra Violet

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

Pantone’s colour of the year for 2018 is vibrant and bold and through careful and considered design, ultra violet can be a colour that will bring energy and freshness to your interior scheme in 2018.

Purple works particularly well in kitchens, as we have seen on some of our own projects. Whether through tile or splashback colour, soft furniture and furnishings or appliances, it will always create a focal point for the room.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Purple is a colour that blends well with soft, neutral tones. Here we injected violet into this room through a glass splashback behind the hob and by pairing it with a taupe/grey cabinetry, toned down this bright shade. Blending it with elegant fabrics, such as this floral blind, also softened the space.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Mixing ultra violet with metallics will bring out the warmth of the shade, especially the brassy gold tones we are seeing across kitchen brassware recently. However even the silver sheen on the wallpaper above and the brushed chrome appliances create a dramatic and glamorous pairing.

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Image via Hawk K&B

For more of a subtle nod to the tone, think about adding in some dining chairs in a violet hue or alternatively, for a real feature, add in coloured appliances such as a Smeg fridge or an Aga in heather or aubergine as shown above.

Ultra Violet can initially seem bold but purple has always been present in interiors in varying shades and tones and serves as an elegant backdrop for any interior scheme. Its versatility means it can be tailored to your design style, whether it’s modern or traditional, enriching your kitchen colour palette. Once again Pantone has chosen a fantastic colour to take us through 2018.

BUYING A BESPOKE BRITISH MADE KITCHEN

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

Bespoke is a word used frequently in the world of luxury design. Bespoke design is fundamentally about creating a product that is precise to a client’s brief or specification. When you have a vision of what you would like your kitchen to look like, your vision is what you expect; a design that is truly individual.

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At Hawk K&B we not only deal with luxury kitchen brands but we also offer our own bespoke, British handmade kitchens, meaning we can design exactly to your specification. Choosing Hawk K&B to design a bespoke kitchen for your home allows you to have a kitchen that perfectly fits the space and works within the interior. It also enables us to create a truly unique kitchen that is absolutely seamless and stunning without compromising on the layout.

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Offering various styles to suit every taste, for homes both large and small; our kitchens are built to last a lifetime. Whether you choose one of our contemporary handle-less kitchens or a timeless wooden shaker style, what we think is important is that each element within a space is looked at individually and considered carefully to meet your needs. This is part of our approach and we spend time understanding our client’s lifestyles and delivering the details that makes their kitchen unique.

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All of our bespoke kitchens are handmade by skilled British carpenters from their workshops in the heart of the Peak District, something we are very proud of. The fact our kitchens are made in Britain signifies their quality and timelessness. Every frame, shelf and door is hand crafted right down to the traditional joints that connect everything together and stabilise the wood.

We value the work and craftsmanship that goes into our designs, from the workshops in the Peak District where craftsmen hand craft the individual pieces, to our fitters who still use traditional techniques to ensure everything fits like a glove.

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Our bespoke service also extends beyond kitchens, meaning we can create furniture for anywhere in your home. From sideboards for the hallway and built-in shelving for the living room, to wardrobes for the bedroom and beyond; we can create something to fill any space to the millimetre. The perfect made-to-measure piece.

When it comes to designing beautiful bespoke kitchens for homes around Hertfordshire, going above and beyond comes as standard for us and is one of the many reasons that customers choose to come to Hawk K&B.

Join Us, We’re Hiring

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

We are currently seeking an experienced Bathroom Designer to join are friendly team in our Gaddesden Row showroom near Hemel Hempstead on a full time basis.

Working with high net worth clients, you will be designing on a CAD based software programme and presenting the client with visuals, elevations and floor plans. You will have an intricate eye for detail and have experience of ordering products and ensuring schedules are kept up to date. You will be incentivised with commission, on top of your basic salary, on all sales. Excellent communication skills along with administration skills are an absolute. This role is hands on and will involve taking deliveries, ensuring that the showroom is in perfect order and invoicing. A great team player is key in this busy organisation. We would consider a more junior candidate who has worked in a bathroom showroom and is bright, switched on and has a good understanding of bathroom products – training provided. Salary will be dependant on experience. Start date for January 2018. You must live within a maximum of 15 miles from our showroom.

Qualifications and Skills

Educated to A level standard or equivalent.

1 years experience in a design based role.

Knowledge and Experience of CAD

Benefits

28 days annual leave including bank holidays.

Please email katy@hawk.grin-test.co.uk for more information.

Creating Hygge in Your Bathroom

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

Hygge: A quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh), the defining characteristic of Danish culture, is the latest living trend to enter our homes. For bathrooms specifically, the market is already seeing designs leaning toward this trend, with home-spa bathrooms and a focus on nature and wellness growing in popularity.

With much of our everyday spent in our homes, Hygge is centered on the warmth of the home so is particularly prominent as the evenings draw in towards the winter months. Although loosely translated as cosiness, hygge encompasses much more than that. It is about slowing down and appreciating the everyday moments.

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Image via Victoria & Albert

One of the rare moments when we are alone is usually in the bathroom. Although a quick shower is usually favoured in today’s busy lifestyle, taking the time to run a warm bath and relax with a book or a glass of wine will give you a greater sense of wellbeing. Choosing a bath that is both deep and comfortable, such as the Victoria & Albert Vetrella, along with the Tombolo bath rack, will give you all the more reason to take that time for yourself.

However if bathing isn’t for you, ensure you go for a walk-in shower with a large rainshower head for the most natural  water flow, as if you were simply standing in a warm downpour. There are now many shower options available for you to create your own personal tailor-made spa experience. We recommend GROHE’s F-digital Deluxe, complete with lighting, sound and steam, to stimulate all your senses and transform your bathroom into a space of hygge for physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

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Images via Hawk K&B

Texture is vital for achieving hygge. Opt for a beautifully soft bath mat and thick fluffy towels with a focus on comfort. Enveloping yourself in a super soft robe or towel after a hot bath or shower is what hygge is all about. Or for the ultimate in comfort, install underfloor heating.

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Image via Hawk K&B

One of the key principles of hygge is lighting. Low, warm lighting is best, creating a calming ambience so light plenty of flickering candles and keep harsh lighting to a minimum. If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace in your bathroom, light a fire for the perfect natural warm light.

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Images via Hawk K&B

You can also bring added hygge into your bathroom through natural colours and materials such as wood and marble. Above, the natural wood cladding and wooden vanity unit, paired with low level lighting create the perfect cosy cloakroom. However where using natural materials is awkward such as in a shower room, opt for wood-effect or stone-effect tiles which will produce the same look and feel but with much better practicality.

Similarly, hygge is about simplicity so using the same tile across walls and floors, as we have done above, will create a simple yet elegant bathroom interior. A frameless shower screen or door will also add to the seamless appearance of the space.

Overall, the bathroom is the perfect space to introduce hygge to your home. With natural lighting, materials, colours and warmth, it is easy to achieve that cosiness and contentment that hygge is about. Just take the time to relax and immerse yourself in it.

Dine With Us During St Albans Food & Drink Festival

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

The St Albans Food & Drink Festival returns later this month to showcase the fantastic range of food and drink available throughout St Albans and to celebrate everything foodie.

As a result of the ever growing trend for cooking and entertaining at home, no dining experience is without a first class kitchen to create fabulous food and of course the skills to do so. Therefore as part of St Albans Food & Drink Festival, Hawk K&B will be hosting a live cooking demonstration in our new St Albans Showroom.

St Albans Showroom

The new kitchen and bathroom showroom on London Road features both contemporary kitchens from German manufacturer Rotpunkt alongside our own brand of classic solid wood kitchens. All kitchen displays have been fitted with top of the range appliances from Siemens and Neff, making it the perfect space for a live cookery demonstration.

All food will be created by Siemens Home Economist, Dawn Elsom, who will be utilising the beautiful kitchen displays within the showroom to prepare and cook dishes throughout the day for guests to taste and try.

Using the very latest intelligent and innovative Siemens appliances, Dawn will be demonstrating how to use steam within your cooking, when using the Siemens Steam Oven, to elevate your dishes to the next level. She will also be using the various integrated ovens and induction hob to cook a variety of different recipes from canapes to cakes, showing how versatile and efficient the ovens really are and demonstrating how to get the most out of your kitchen and cooking appliances.

The drop in event is open to anyone to get some handy cooking tips or just simply watch a talented chef at work whilst tucking into all the treats on offer in the gorgeous kitchen setting of our new showroom.

Join us on Saturday 7th October, 11am – 3pm at Hawk K&B, 70 London Road, St Albans, AL1 1NG.

More info can be found on the Facebook event page