HAWK K&B


Dressing the Dining Table

Author: katy@hawkkb.co.uk

Dressing the Dining Table

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

The festive period is all about catching up with those near and dear, gathering together around the dining table, making Christmas the perfect occasion to lay your table with some elegant dinnerware.

This is the time to bring out your best crockery and cutlery, stacked plates and bowls and rows of knives and forks, hinting at the feast to come. Nothing complements festive décor quite like metallics and with copper and gold being the tones of the moment, why not try using gold cutlery to add richness and warmth to the table. Elegant glassware will also add that finishing touch to your special meal.

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Image via Zita Elze Flowers

A table centrepiece will automatically enhance the dining table and create an area of focus in the room. Creating it from natural seasonal materials such as pine cones and cinnamon sticks will also fill the room with a rich festive scent. Through combining these natural elements with some glamorous baubles, you can create a Christmas table that is both elegant and richly evocative.

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Image via Neptune

The most luxurious and festive thing to add to your table décor are candles. Simple, beautiful and effective, they add instant chic, warmth and atmosphere to a room with their fragrant glow. There is a sense of luxury, spirit and visual beauty in a candle that just can’t be beaten.

For your Christmas table the long slender shapes of tapered candles can look very elegant; however the key is to use them in large numbers, either lined up individually or displayed en masse in beautiful pots or glassware.

However you chose to capture the true magic of Christmas at your table, treating your guests to a festive feast for their senses will make the day all the more merry and memorable.

Standout Entertaining Spaces

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

For many, the most important part of the festive period is the entertaining. From a lavish family Christmas dinner to canapes and cocktails with friends, the kitchen becomes the focus. Creating the correct atmosphere in your home will make your guests feel immediately welcome and with the right space to do so, you can put on a party that everyone will enjoy, including you, the host.

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Image via Hawk K&B

An open-plan living and dining area works wonderfully for entertaining and for each of our open-plan kitchen projects we always create a space plan that will achieve the perfect balance of socialising and cooking. In the kitchen above, we designed the cooking area to face outwards towards the living area so that the client could socialise whilst cooking.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Plenty of seating is also key, with a variety of seating options available. A spectacularly laid dining table is essential for a family Christmas dinner and in this open-plan setting, the guests and hosts can intermingle, creating the perfect social atmosphere.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Coupling your dining area alongside a cosy seating area means guests will also have somewhere to relax and recline after dinner.

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Image via Hawk K&B

An informal seating area, on an island or breakfast bar is great for evening entertaining. An island can act as a great focus in a room, particularly when laden with beautiful food and drink. People will congregate around it and any high stools will allow guests to take a seat without feeling left out. An integrated wine fridge or wine rack will also add a great touch.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Finally, lighting will create the ultimate party atmosphere. Multiple light sources are key to achieving a layered lighting effect that can be adapted to suit any mood. Above, the combination of under-cabinet lighting, an illuminated extractor and orange bar stools creates an atmosphere worthy of any top London bar.

Preparing the Perfect Guest Bathroom

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

At this time of year there’s always a constant flow of friends and family coming and going from our homes and it’s important that visitors feel welcome. If you are opening up your house to overnight guests this festive season, it’s important not to forget about the guest bathroom and ensure it is just as warm and welcoming as the rest of your home.

Creating a spa like feel through simple, subtle details will automatically create a relaxing atmosphere in the bathroom and therefore promote a good night’s sleep. Stock up on little amenities that your guests may need such cotton balls or buds and small bars of soap. Alongside little luxuries such as sea sponges, bath salts and loofahs you can treat your guests to a spa-like experience in your own home.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Fresh flowers or plants are also a great addition to a bathroom, adding a natural element to the room. However it’s important to pick a plant that is happy in an often hot and humid atmosphere. Orchid’s make great bathroom plants as they naturally flourish in this environment and don’t require much maintenance.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Scent is extremely important in a bathroom. A beautifully scented candle will not only create a wonderful scent and ambience in the room, but nothing is more relaxing than a bath by flickering candlelight. A diffuser is also perfect for a bathroom as the small space will always be filled with a subtle scent.

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Images via Hawk K&B

A luxury guest bathroom cannot go without some luxe linens. Ensure you have plenty of fluffy warm towels, stacked or rolled and for the ultimate finishing touch, add in a bath robe and some slippers to really make your guests feel at home.

Join Us, We’re Hiring

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

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We are looking to further strengthen our position within the industry by appointing dedicated individuals to share in our success. At this time, we are currently looking to directly employ a talented and experienced Kitchen Fitter / Installer as part of the customer care team.

The successful candidate will undertake the installations of both solid wood, traditional and contemporary German kitchens to a very high standard, ensuring the company satisfies its clients’ requirements.

The key responsibilities will include:

• Installations of kitchen furniture in occupied properties.
• Customer care work in occupied properties.
• Dealing with customers.

In order to be successful in this role you must have:

• Knowledge of the construction industry or manufacturing industry.
• Joinery skills and relevant qualifications.
• A full UK driving licence.

You will be:

• Able to manage time efficiently and effectively.
• Able to communicate confidently with people at all levels.
• Have an excellent manner with customers.
• A keen eye for detail.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
• Professionally presentable at all times.
• Willing to work as part of a dynamic team.

Salary: Neg plus van, tools and 20 days hols plus bank holidays.

In order for your application to be taken further please state your required salary. If you would like to join the team, please email your current CV and covering letter to katy@hawk.grin-test.co.uk

Craftsmanship in Kitchens

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk
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Image via Hawk K&B

Here at Hawk K&B, we value the work and craftsmanship that goes into our designs, from the workshops at Neptune where craftsmen hand craft the individual pieces, to our own carpenters who still use traditional techniques to ensure everything fits like a glove. It is also one of the many reasons that customers choose to come to us.

In a world which has become accustomed to throw away items, investing in quality design is now highly important with many clients wanting their kitchen to become a solid piece of the house itself, designed to last with it.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Solid wood cabinetry can guarantee you this. It is a trusted material, used in homes for centuries and above all it’s natural, versatile, insulating and tactile. It is for this reason that Neptune makes all their kitchens in solid timber, never using MDF or chipboard.

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Images via Hawk K&B & Neptune

Every frame, shelf and door is hand crafted right down to the traditional joints that connect everything together and stabilise the wood. The Neptune Henley kitchen is the perfect celebration of material and craftsmanship and showcases the intricate joinery and natural oak beautifully due to its unpainted appearance. Above you can see the curved pressed layers in the solid oak cornice and the dovetail joins on the drawers.

Showcasing their expert skills with wood in this way adds to the beauty of Neptune designs, allowing everyone to see the detail that goes into creating such beautiful pieces – something that is valued in today’s mass-produced, commercial world.

Creating a Couple’s Bathroom

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk
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Image via Hawk K&B

A couple’s bathroom is the epitome of luxury. Having a bathroom that you can not only share with your loved one, but also have your own designated space is the perfect bathroom solution.

The centrepiece of any bathroom, be it for the family or a couple, is the bath. For a couple, a double ended bath is a must, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing and romantic bath together without any hassle of taps in the way. Picking a bath that is deep with high sides is also a good idea to allow you to both be fully submerged under the bubbles.

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Image via Victoria & Albert

Why not add the Victoria & Albert Tombolo bath rack too, the ultimate luxury bathroom accessory for a super relaxing soak.

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Image via Hawk K&B

However for when you’re in more of a rush, a double shower is perfect for a couple’s bathroom. Walk in showers work best to create an uncluttered streamlined look, with two shower heads so everyone has their own space.

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Image via Hawk K&B

A double sink is also a must have.  There are various types to choose from, you can opt for one single double length sink which looks great in contemporary bathrooms, or two basins situated on one unit.

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Image via Hawk K&B

However for those who really want their own space, having two separate vanity units, complete with their own mirror means there will be no crossover between his and hers! Don’t forget the accessories too; a dual toothbrush holder and double hooks for your bathrobes will add those finishing touches to your couple’s bathroom.

Luxury Loft Bathrooms

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk
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Image via Hawk K&B

Space constraints in our homes today mean that when it comes to a new bathroom, transforming the loft space into a bathroom sanctuary is fast becoming a popular choice. Although initially it may seem like an awkward space to design, there are many ways in which you can transform even the smallest of loft spaces into a luxury bathroom whilst giving an unused part of a building a new lease of life.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Roof height is often the biggest concern in a loft bathroom but it is in fact these smaller spaces that can create great design features. Building in bathroom storage into the eaves is perfect for utilising any unused space and saves on the limited floor or wall space. For the smaller of loft spaces, a shower only bathroom can be the best option. Here in one of our loft bathroom designs we used the eaves to create the perfect walk-in shower, leaving plenty of space in the rest of the bathroom for a double vanity unit.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Although tiny, the eaves in this loft room created the perfect space in which to slot an en-suite shower room.

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Image via Hawk K&B

However in some situations, a sloping roof may make it impractical to fit in a shower, in this instance a bath is best. Even the tightest of spaces can fit a bath with lots of styles and sizes now available. Positioning it under a sloped ceiling is the perfect place for a bath and with the addition of skylights you can gaze up at the sky whilst you bathe…

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Image via Hawk K&B

The more windows in your loft space the lighter and spacious the room will feel. Additionally, natural light is unbeatable for everything from shaving to applying make-up. Therefore placing a vanity unit beneath a roof light is the perfect positioning. Blended with light diffusing wall lights, you will create a beautiful, light filled bathroom sanctuary.

The beautiful features that a loft can offer are what makes the space. Combined with stunning sanitary ware and clever design solutions you can create a bathroom that is unique as the space itself.

Integrating an AGA into Your Kitchen

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk
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Image via Hawk K&B

Those who choose to integrate an AGA into their kitchen design are usually the people who have grown up with them, therefore know and appreciate their beauty and usage. However, if you are thinking of integrating an AGA into your kitchen design and are new to its benefits, take a look below at how this design icon can become the heart of your home and a beautiful addition to your kitchen.

Although 90 years old, the AGA can blend harmoniously into both classic and contemporary settings. With a variety of 12 different colours to suit any scheme, a classic AGA can be all the design statement you need in a kitchen. Surprisingly it doesn’t have to be the classic cream or black that fit with a traditional kitchen, here our client decided on purple which suits this country kitchen design perfectly.

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Image via Hawk K&B

And if your home boasts original beams or brickwork, leave them exposed to create maximum texture and country credibility.

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Image via Hawk K&B

In this more contemporary setting, the electric AGA in Pearl Ash contrasts yet complements the contemporary aesthetic. Alternatively choose a contemporary style AGA with a ceramic or gas top for an even sleeker look.

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Image via AGA

Again another benefit that means an AGA can fit into any setting is its number of fuel options; oil, natural and propane gas, or electricity. This greater flexibility is designed for modern day 21st century living, with the AGA Total Control allowing it to be turned on and off at the touch of button.

For many one of the key attributes that makes an AGA so appealing within a home is its constant radiating warmth. The family huddle around it and the kitchen is always guaranteed to be warm. However even with Total Control, you can still enjoy that indefinable ambient AGA warmth while managing the amount energy used through programming it to fit the rhythms of your daily life.

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Image via Hawk K&B

For smaller kitchens, AGA cookers also come in streamlined styles such as the City60 or a standard 3 oven style so you can integrate it into those slimmer settings.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Be it stand alone or sitting between kitchen cabinets, an AGA will always be the centrepiece to a kitchen, not only for its iconic aesthetics but also for its perfect marriage of design and superior performance and of course its unrivalled cooking abilities.

Pop into one of our showrooms to discuss integrating an AGA into your kitchen design.

Tile Trends 2016

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

Featured Image via Ca’Pietra

Patterned Tiles

Patterned tiles are becoming more and more popular on both walls and floors. A patterned tile can bring even a monochrome scheme to life and offers so many options when designing. Bathrooms and kitchens are full of straight lines and hard surfaces so adding in a bit of pattern is a great way to bring some softness into the space and a bit of personality! Our favourite monochrome patterned tile at the moment is xxx or for the more daring, the Patchwork Multicolour tiles from Ca’Pietra can create the most amazing feature wall or floor.

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Image via Pinterest

 Creative Layouts

For something just as original but more subtle, get creative with your tile layout. Usually a stacked or bricked layout is standard, but there are plenty of other ways to display your tiles. Try stacking metro tiles long ways on top of one another or create a staggered finish instead of a straight line.

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Image via Fired Earth

A contemporary Herringbone layout has become increasingly popular and many companies now offer herringbone tiles such as these marble effect mosaics from Fired Earth, or for ultimate luxury opt for the Neptune Kennet Carrara Marble Herringbone tiles on your walls or floor.

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Geometric Tiles

Also in the Neptune Kennet range are these beautiful Carrara marble Hexagon shaped mosaic tiles, another top tile trend for this year. This latest trend incorporate shapes that are more irregular and geometric in tessellating designs. Hexagons, rhombuses and triangles are all proving popular shapes and are an easy way to update your kitchen or bathroom scheme. A larger tile works well in bathrooms to create a feature wall or floor where as a smaller geometric mosaic can create a subtle hint of style on a splashback.

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Image via Hawk K&B

Textured Tiles

Walls have started to become more interesting in their textures too. Textured tiles add visual interest to a room and can bring a tactile element into what can be a stark, clean space. With finishes often mimicking natural materials such as stone and rock, a textured tile can transform your bathroom into a spa like sanctuary.

Designing a Family Bathroom

Posted on by katy@hawkkb.co.uk

Designing a bathroom for an entire family requires clever design and space planning in order to cater for so many needs. There are various issues that come from sharing a family bathroom from space and logistics to storage for the clutter and toys. Below we outline some of the best ways to overcome these.

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When designing a family bathroom, above all else, a bath is key. In a large family, particularly one with young children, the bathroom is centred around the bath as it is used multiple times a day. Therefore your choice of bath is important and it is best to go for a larger, full sized option to accommodate everyone. Additionally, opting for a double ended bath with taps in the middle will not only look elegant but is also practical for bathing multiple children at one time. This will also allow you to have a handheld shower option for hosing down the smaller children!

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If space allows, a separate shower cubicle is also ideal, meaning the older members of the family have adequate space to shower and all the shampoo and shower gel bottles aren’t scattered around the bath looking untidy. Another option to hide the various lotions and potions that come with a large family is to use wall recesses, a clever solution for shower storage.

On the practical side, think about installing a thermostatic shower to reduce the risk of scalding. Temperature regulators can also be fitted to the taps in the bath and sinks. Similarly a non-slip floor tile is a good idea to remove the risk of slips or falls with younger children.

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Twin basins can also be advantageous in a busy bathroom, allowing for more than one person to use the bathroom at the same time. If you’re short on space, a double basin with two taps can be a perfect solution to a twin basin alternative and won’t take up as much space.

Storage is hugely important in a family bathroom as with numerous toys and cosmetics, it can fast become cluttered. A combination vanity unit is great for storage and means everything is in one place.

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Alternatively choosing wall hung units and sanitaryware can make the room feel much more spacious and keeps everything off the floor. It’s also easier to clean, much needed in a well-used family bathroom!