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You’d be forgiven for thinking that the owner of an Edwardian villa in the New Forest would be looking for a classic kitchen to match her house. In fact, nothing could have been further from the truth. Her reason for approaching Ledbury Studio in the first place was because she was looking for something a world away from the standard Shaker look.

“When I first met our client, not only was she undertaking a big move from the Midlands to the New Forest, but she was also embarking on a sizeable kitchen project too,” recalls Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio. “She knew she’d be spending most of her time in her new kitchen, as it was roomy enough for both a large island with breakfast bar, a separate dining area, and plenty of tall cupboards for storage.”

To bring the required contemporary aesthetic to the room, Charlie designed furniture that combined beautiful book-matched walnut veneer with hand-patinated zinc panels. The zinc panels are edged in the same walnut and the cupboards feature aged-brass handles. This juxtaposition of timber and metal is a signature feature of the Metallics Collection from Ledbury Studio, giving Charlie’s kitchens their unique look and feel.

The stunning island – topped with an Ambre quartz worktop ­– is an obvious focal point, but you also can’t ignore the imposing Housekeeper’s Cupboard behind it. Charlie designed this piece of furniture to mimic the cupboards beloved of the original residents of Victorian and Edwardian homes, so it seems fitting that there is a contemporary version in this house. It has space inside for the microwave and breakfast items, with pan drawers below and fluted-glass cupboards on either side lit from within to create a display. There is also a tall larder next to the fridge with pull-out freezer drawers, and sufficient cupboards and drawers elsewhere in the kitchen to keep it clutter free without any need for wall cabinets.

“What’s so pleasing about this kitchen is that one of the pieces I designed for it has already become one of our client’s most treasured possessions,” says Charlie. “The bespoke walnut table was made from a single piece of walnut, which we then embellished with aged brass. We designed a banquette seat also made from wood and upholstered in leather. The banquette needed to be durable enough for the other important member of the household, my client’s gorgeous Dalmatian, to be able to lounge in comfort too!”

Bringing the whole design together – and adding an additional contemporary feel – is the chic terrazzo floor. Again, it’s a great hardwearing choice for a dog owner, and the shades of grey perfectly play off the tones of the zine panels above. Both homeowner and her canine companion are delighted with their new kitchen!

Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000.

About Ledbury Studio

Ledbury Studio is a new and exciting design studio, showcasing Charlie Smallbone’s latest kitchen designs. Small and personal, Ledbury Studio has been established to explore and develop the interface between kitchens to cook and work in, and kitchens to live in. The company offers something very different in the world of kitchen design, something not found elsewhere. Combining exquisite materials and artisan craftsmanship, the new kitchen collections are striking and innovative and the culmination of Charlie Smallbone’s history at the forefront of cutting edge kitchen design.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

When it comes to challenging the limits of what materials can do, Ledbury Studio is building something of a reputation. The latest design, the Camden Kitchen, is a textbook example of this, combining beautiful materials and artisanal techniques to stunning effect. Ledbury Studio founder Charlie Smallbone talks through how the Camden Kitchen was realised.

What was the project brief?

Our client has a strong sense of style, so was already full of ideas when she came to see us. I really like that because the design process should always be a collaborative one, and is personal to each client. In this case, the room was being extended into the garden beyond, and we were tasked with designing a relaxed and informal space for cooking and entertaining.

How did you design the furniture?

I had decided to use English and European oak throughout the kitchen, and we took particular care to select oak all from the same batch. The result is that the grain matches perfectly and can be seen to run across the width of all the drawers, it’s a really satisfying detail. And for the full-height cupboards, we introduced a design motif that completely belies the practical nature of the fridge, freezer and larder concealed behind.

What can you tell us about the worktops?

The show-stopping island top is a work of art by Lara Bohinc of Bohinc Studio. It’s a selection of Italian marbles, inlaid into an aged-brass edge trim, in a selection of shades that elegantly complement the muted colours throughout the rest of the kitchen. For the long runs of worktop, we specified Ambra quartz, for natural-looking veining in a hard-wearing manmade material.

How have you used pattern and texture in this kitchen?

We’ve employed our signature use of metal with patinated zinc panels on the cupboard to the left and on the extractor hood, where it’s trimmed with aged brass. There is an antiqued glass panel surrounding the extractor, which reflects light from the garden around the kitchen. And possibly my favourite detailing is the delicate fluted oak on the ends of the island, which is echoed in the fluted Ambra quartz splashback.

Any other design highlights?

As this was to be a room for entertaining, our client particularly requested a screen she could pull across to divide the dining area from the kitchen when required. I was inspired by a ‘70s design the client found in an antiques shop, to create this screen of brushed and polished stainless steel in a striking geometric pattern. It’s a great finishing touch to this beautifully eclectic kitchen.

Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000.

About Ledbury Studio

Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

The design team from award-winning kitchen studio, The Myers Touch, is delighted to announce the latest trends shaping their luxury, timeless and beautiful kitchen-living spaces.

Renowned for creating truly bespoke kitchen spaces that offer far more than just cabinetry and appliance options, The Myers Touch creates designs that stem from a deep understanding of their clients, their brief and how they want to interact as a family within the space around them. By applying their unique, holistic approach with the latest trends for each bespoke kitchen commission, The Myers Touch design truly personal kitchen-living spaces for clients that bring ‘light, space & laughter’ into the heart of the home.

International Influences

"Clean, simple and stylish Scandi-vibe cabinetry aesthetics are increasingly popular among clients. We can create a touch of Hygge in a home through the contrasting and layering of natural materials such as walnut and oak, that look stunning matched with white tones in a kitchen space" Jaye Tidbury, Designer at The Myers Touch.

Futureproofing Kitchen Spaces

By using natural materials and timeless colour palettes in kitchen schemes, allows a room to span current and future interior trends. To ensure it remains both a practical and social space, consider accessible and flexible storage solutions in a kitchen to bring a sense of wellbeing into homeowners’ daily routines.

Hidden Workspaces

Even as many homeowners are returning to the office, The Myers Touch report the increase for a dedicated desk space within their kitchen designs. Including a desk space behind a pocket door system provides the opportunity to include a ‘hideaway’ desk area complete with storage cabinetry boosts family ‘inclusiveness and togetherness’ in one multi-functional room.

Boot & Utility Rooms

The separation of tasks and the definition of spaces to keep homes uncluttered and clean has never been so important in the home in our post-pandemic lifestyles. A common brief from their clients is the inclusion of a walk-in Pantry, Boot Room, Utility or Laundry room to create definition and functionality within an open-plan design so spaces don’t become one large area.

“The Boot room is a space where we can cast off our muddy boots, damp coats and sports gear before entering the rest of our home. It is a perfect room for pet owners and can be as simple as providing a place for a dog bed and coat rack, or as grand as an ordered storage facility for outdoor garments and equipment of all shapes and sizes.

A Boot Room should be warm with effective heating solutions, to quickly dry off damp coats and shoes with good ventilation. We always include a bench seat so you can sit down and cast-off wet trainers and sports boots, as well as plenty of hooks for keys, belts, dog leads, coats and handbags. For pets, we can also add extra storage for pet baskets, food, water bowls and even a small pet shower or sink.” Helena Myers - Director at The Myers Touch.

Statement Splashbacks

"There is also a wider range of materials available for splashbacks against ovens and sinks such as stone, glass, antique mirrors and other composite materials that are all practical options providing a durable surface for a wet, heavy usage area, whilst being an eye-catching design statement." Sophie Mason, Design Manager - The Myers Touch.

A Place for Favourite Items

Customers are also requesting bespoke cabinetry solutions for their favourite appliances which they use every day. For example, The Myers Touch recently designed a pocket door system to house a client’s beloved Thermomix as it was used frequently but needed to be tidied away and kept out of view.

Their designer created a pocket door system next to the main preparation and cooking zone which also had space for a toaster and fruit and vegetable basket so food could be stored and easily used in the appliance. The inclusion of stainless-steel shelves meant that the Thermomix could be used in-situ and without any steam damage before being closed away after use.

Their design team also love to be creative when a client wants to display special items in their kitchen space. For example, they recently created glass display units that were situated high into a ceiling that could be accessed via a functional ladder rail.

"Adding a dresser unit or a feature display cabinet in a kitchen-living space provides a softer and contrasting look in a room and also acts as a transitional point between the kitchen and dining space." - Keith Myers, Director at The Myers Touch.

Eco-Appliances

As energy bills increase, clients are looking for ways of reducing those costs in their homes. The Myers Touch team are increasingly advising their customers to consider the most eco-efficient solutions for their family to help minimise water and energy consumption.

Image credits: Paul Craig.

About The Myers Touch

The Myers Touch specialises in the holistic design of luxury kitchens in the Winchester area, creating truly bespoke living spaces that offer far more than conventional cooking environments. Established in 2003 and based in Winchester, they enjoy long-standing partnerships with the iconic German manufacturer SieMatic and other leading brands including Gaggenau, Wolf, Sub-Zero, Miele and Siemens.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a colourful and design-led kitchen design by 2021 SBID Awards Finalist, Pikcells.

SBID Awards Category: CGI & Visualisation

Practice: Pikcells

Project: Forest Green Shaker Family Kitchen

Location: West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

What was the client's brief? 

To create a 'Kitchen of the Year' focusing on current trends such as working from home. With the kitchen space being the hub of the home and centre of different social activities, it must be suitable for not only cooking, but the kids doing homework and serving as a multifunctional entertainment space.

What inspired the design of the project?

We did research into the current use of kitchen space, how work from home areas are being adapted from other spaces (in our case we used what would have been a boot room). Colour and pattern trends also inspired the design using green and pink hues, chequered terrazzo tiles, marble worktops and backsplashes, as well as internal crittall doors creating a 'broken-plan' space and pantries.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Working within a more attainable size setting whilst still being able to incorporate all of the design features we just mentioned.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

Creating a bold, impactful colour palette for the scheme, and also successfully incorporating a functional desk area into the design to improve the client's lifestyle and use of their kitchen space.

Why did you enter this project into the SBID Awards?

We felt the design was strongly influenced by current trends and consumer needs for kitchen environments, designed for modern living. Also it showcases that luxury-looking bespoke kitchens can still be attainable and affordable.

Questions answered by Tanya Bailey, Senior Interior Designer, Pikcells.

We hope you feel inspired by this week's design!

If you missed the last instalment of Project of the Week, featuring a dual café design by 4SPACE Design, click here to read it.

Charlie Smallbone of Ledbury Studio has unveiled the Marquetry Collection. This stunning new bespoke kitchen has its debut in the studio of interior design and architectural practice, Hill House Interiors. Charlie is renowned for his luxurious design style, razor-like attention to detail and commitment to innovation – and the Marquetry Collection is no exception to this. Here Charlie reveals all about Ledbury Studio's latest offering.

What was the project brief?

The brief was an interesting one! We were asked to conceal the conventional elements of the kitchen behind beautiful cupboard doors so that the generous open-plan space can instantly switch from living to dining to cooking.

To achieve this, we specified two sets of pocket doors that slide back to reveal appliances and a wealth of storage. Particularly savvy are the walnut veneer larder pull-outs that we installed either side of the bank of ovens. Although narrow, they are great for stashing all the cooking essentials you’ll need to access at a moment’s notice.

What is unique about the cupboard design in The Marquetry Collection?

In keeping with Ledbury Studio’s signature aesthetic, The Marquetry Collection is a contemporary take on traditional artisanal skills. Directional veneers were applied by hand to form a decorative pattern and inlaid with aged bronze. Bespoke handles, also in aged bronze, add the finishing touch.

The island is spectacular, what was your thinking here?

The front of the island is clad in solid brass which has been distressed by hand, then aged and patinated. As a design feature, it injects texture and provides a contrast with the smooth marquetry panels. A porcelain surface wraps round the solid brass panel, chosen for its combination of stylish good looks and hardwearing properties. Non-porous porcelain is also a practical choice for the integrated sink, and creates a beautiful backdrop to the open shelving.

By locating the hob on the island, we have maximised the sociability of the space. While preparing dinner, the designated chef can carry on a conversation with whoever is perched at the breakfast bar or sitting at the dining table.

What does the open storage add to this kitchen?

Open storage never fails to inject a generous dose of personality into a kitchen. Although our brief was to hide the majority of the kitchen, it was important the design shouldn’t just be a blank canvas. So, by adding bespoke walnut shelves above the kitchen sink we provided space to express some individual style.

Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000.

About Ledbury Studio

Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

We are all increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability in every aspect of our lives – and lifestyles. Sustainable development in design is no exception. So, we asked the team at Mark Taylor Design to discuss this further:

The concept can be interpreted in many different ways. But we like the clarity of the Brundtland Report’s definition: “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” To achieve this, planning and preparation is key. Accordingly, we are seeing a huge demand for sustainable design services, as more and more clients prioritise sustainable development goals for their homes.

Size, location, layout, insulation and lighting are all key elements of sustainable development and design. Maximising light and space, and minimising energy expenditure, are key client priorities.

The rise of sustainable design

There are many reasons why sustainable development/design has become so important. First and foremost, it helps to lower negative impacts on the environment, and improves building performance. It minimises waste. It improves the value of your property – and, crucially, creates a healthy and productive environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly shone a spotlight on the importance of being more thoughtful about ourselves and our environment. It has also transformed how we view our homes – and what we want from them. Fortunately, this sea of change has coincided with an increase in the quality and quantity of sustainable designs available, both inside and out.

‘Opening up’ spaces and maximising the natural light available with high-performance windows is an obvious, yet highly effective way, to introduce sustainable development elements to a project. Project collaboration with Holland Green Architecture and Interior Design.

New expectations

The events of the past 18 months or so have had a profound effect on home design. There's no doubt we have changed the way we live – and the way we want to live. After all, they say that necessity is the mother of invention. “I think that people have learnt to become more self-sufficient, largely because they have had to!”, explains our director Mark Taylor. “People have also reallocated their budgets. Foreign holidays might not have been possible, yet renovations have skyrocketed. Then, of course, there’s the working from home phenomenon. This has prompted people to use their properties very differently; this is not just in terms of adding another room or a home office in the garden.”

Working from home has definitely made us much more aware of the space we have, and how best to use it. It has prompted many people to finally get round to home improvements which have long been languishing on the back-burner. In turn, trades have become so busy it’s now difficult to get renovation projects complete without booking well in advance.

A rise in pet ownership has led to demand for different areas such as this boot room, which houses the dog, and provides a handy additional storage area too.
Sustainable design should suit your lifestyle. Some clients want open spaces and others need rooms that adapt as needed. A door that slides back to reveal a hidden bar offers the best of both worlds!

Family and wellbeing

Done properly, sustainable development isn’t just good for the environment, it enhances personal wellbeing too. Spending so much more time at home and with loved ones during the pandemic has led to a marked recalibration of priorities. Many people have reassessed the importance of family life, health and happiness and have made changes to their home accordingly. This might include creating space to decompress, and changing lighting and colours. Another key development is the rise in pet ownership. This had led to the creation of more/different spaces in which to accommodate them, such as boot rooms and utility areas.

Sustainable development is a win for the environment, your personal and professional lifestyle – and your wallet. Updating your interiors, installing a new kitchen or bathroom, or even adding another room such as a properly insulated orangery, can all add significant value to your property. Before you proceed, however, it’s important to identify your key objectives. For some people, a sustainable design project is all about ‘opening up’ existing space. For others, the priority is to create more rooms, to accommodate multi-generational living and working from home. Design professionals can best advise how to do both, for example, by creating hidden break-out spaces, sliding doors, and so on.

Clever design and planning make the most of every inch of space – inside and out. Here our MeThD custom range incorporates a versatile movable island to enhance connectivity between the kitchen and the garden.

Sustainable materials

Many synergistic elements combine when creating and implementing a successful sustainable development interiors project. These include factors such as size, location, layout, insulation, lighting and energy. The use of sustainable materials has also become increasingly popular, as clients become more aware of the environment and climate change – which has been hugely publicised throughout the pandemic. With so many of us working from home over the past 18 months, there was a considerable decrease in global emissions. This in turn has made us all question what else we can do to help. Popular design trends include carpets made from recycled plastics, concrete work surfaces, large sheets of recycled ocean plastics converted into work surfaces and wall coverings, and eco paints.

Graphenstone has a great range of ‘green’ paints and coatings. This eco-friendly range of products includes natural elements that help to purify the air we breathe inside our homes. It’s recommended for indoor enclosures, hospitals, nurseries, retirement homes, hotels, environments and rooms for babies and children. It’s also suitable for people suffering from chemical intolerances. Their paints even help limit pathogens derived from Sick Building Syndrome and prevent the growth of mould, fungi and bacteria.

High quality, recycled and recyclable plastic is another sustainable material we are incorporating into many of our new kitchen designs. The Good Plastic Company aims to transform waste into beauty. In fact, its unique technology re-uses up to 75% of existing types of plastic. It uses post-industrial and post-consumer plastic waste to create stylish, modern wall panels, shelving and storage.

Eco-friendly paints, such as Graphenstone, are enjoying a huge boom in sales, as more and more people prioritise sustainable development and interior design. Graphenstone products are made from natural elements (and even the packaging is 100% recycled and recyclable). Graphenstone lime paints are carbon-neutral and ensure walls can breathe. As the paint cures over its lifetime, it can absorb up to 5.5kg of CO2 per 15 litres from the local environment where it’s applied.

Back to the future

Looking ahead, we think sustainability will continue to be a key theme within home décor. Recycling has become far more popular and prominent. Many people are now thinking of clever and unusual ways to upcycle and recycle, in order to minimise waste and be kinder to the environment. We also think smart homes will go much further than simply featuring stand-alone devices. They will provide greater insights into energy use that will allow us to become more energy-efficient and mindful of ecological factors.

All the senses will become increasingly important. Clients are becoming more conscious of how sound, textures and lighting affect mood and productivity. It was interesting to see that designing for wellbeing was a common theme at Decorex. We noticed nature and biophilic design principles have inspired many companies and brands. Wallpapering a whole room – as opposed to a token feature wall – seems to be back on-trend. Also, beautiful texture wallpapers are now featuring eye-catching pops of colour. There is definitely a shift towards warmer and more welcoming textures and patterns. Gone are the days of grey schemes. Colour is definitely back and here to stay.

About Mark Taylor Design

Mark Taylor Design is a British manufacturer of superlative bespoke furniture, cabinetry, specialist joinery and Interior Design. Our passion is to make spaces work – to create extraordinary spaces which are as personally relevant to their users as possible.

If you’d like to feature your product news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

What strikes you about this West Sussex kitchen on first glance is the sheer number of finishes and techniques on display. Testament to the craftsmanship and skill involved in creating it, the space has been transformed from its previous incarnation. “When I first visited the house, the kitchen was dated but the room as a whole was bursting with potential,” remembers Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio. Here, he reveals how he channelled his client's love of antiques and eclecticism to turn it into a sociable space designed for serious cooking.

What was the brief?

The couple are keen on entertaining, but the kitchen also has to function as an ad-hoc office, as our client's partner works from home. And then, because our client works in an auction house and loves antiques, they wanted us to take an eclectic approach to the design with a rich mix of materials and finishes. In this case, less is not more! My brief was to create the feel of freestanding furniture, rather than of a fitted kitchen – so it looks like somebody has gone out and bought lots of lovely pieces. As such, the kitchen we designed for the couple is a beautiful, informal, living, dining and kitchen space that ticks all boxes.

Ledbury Studio (8)

What can you tell us about the metallic finishes?

When the couple visited our Notting Hill showroom, they instantly fell in love with our signature Metallics Collection copper-fronted cabinets. Naturally, we integrated two into the design — either side of the window for a lovely framing effect. The copper is a living finish that will mature over time, developing a rich patina.

Ledbury Studio (9)
Ledbury Studio (1)

How did you create the paint effect on the cabinetry?

The painted cabinets were given a primer in our workshops and then hand painted in situ by our artist Emma, in close collaboration with the client. The beautiful burnished paint effect was inspired by the grey-green elements in a favourite copper vase. There are four hand-painted layers, one of which is a tinted pearlescent. This makes the paint shimmer, so the colour isn’t flat, and it’s this that unites all the finishes in the kitchen.

Ledbury Studio (11)

What is the purpose of the freestanding cabinet?

This tall freestanding piece acts as a breakfast cupboard housing a coffee machine, toaster, kettle and all other breakfast paraphernalia. It has the aged-pewter finish on the doors, over which we've put a protective finish so that fingerprints don't mark it and the surface is easy to clean.

The cabinets below the breakfast cupboard feature a pattern we call Choppy Water. Solid oak panels were carved and then stained dark to create the effect. If you look carefully, you’ll see that it’s been finished with gold-leaf appliqué, which injects a dash of glamour into the kitchen. Both the wood and the appliqué are protected by a 5% sheen lacquer. The Choppy Water finish has also been used on the appliance housing opposite.

Freestanding piece
Appliance housing

What material did you use for the worktops and why?

We used the same work surface throughout, which is a man-made quartz called Arabesque from Stone Italiana. It is a very practical solution — non porous, hard wearing, resistant to heat and scratching, and does not require sealing. What’s more, it allowed us to seamlessly incorporate a sink, also in Arabesque. Losing the join lines between the worktop and the sink lends the kitchen a sleek look.

Ledbury Studio kitchens start from £50,000.

Ledbury Studio (10)

About Ledbury Studio

Charlie Smallbone needs little introduction. The founder of iconic brand Smallbone of Devizes, he has been pushing the boundaries of kitchen design for over 40 years. Charlie’s latest venture, Ledbury Studio, was born of his desire to harness the beauty of original materials whilst creating practical kitchens that exude style and elegance.

If you’d like to feature your projects here, get in touch to find out more.

If you'd like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information. 

In response to the changing pressures on kitchen-living environments to keep them tidier and more organised, The Myers Touch Design Studio are increasingly designing kitchen pantries and larders in a range of custom solutions, so homeowners can hideaway dry foods and small appliances whilst keeping them accessible to the main kitchen space.

Large Walk-In Pantry

“A truly great kitchen will include great storage for all your family food preparation, cooking and entertaining requirements. We love the re-emergence of the pantry; that tucked away place to arrange and carefully store food, from flour and potatoes to hams and jams. Away from the harm of underfloor heating and tempted pets, these well-ventilated rooms can be as simple as a dark cupboard or as elaborate as a glass-framed minikitchen. Visibility of goods, and easy access are crucial, as is flexibility, allowing for those 3-for-one offers on extra-large boxes of cereals! Even better if you can include a fair-sized worktop for storing plated buffet food when entertaining" - Keith Myers, Director of The Myers Touch.

Walk-In Larder

Traditionally a staple in every British household, larders and pantries designed by The Myers Touch range in sizes and styles. From freestanding units and pantry solutions opened via pocket doors, to large walk-in pantries and larders featuring floor-to-ceiling shelving and box storage, pantries and larders are increasingly seen by consumers as a modern essential in a new kitchen. Even within smaller kitchen spaces that don’t have the space for a walk-in larder, tall cabinets with multiple drawers, pull-out drawers and shelves are a popular option for organising supplies and keeping worktops and cabinetry clutter-free.

Bespoke pantries and larders are also a chance for their design team to truly reflect a customer's personality within a scheme. From colourful interiors that contains internal wicker storage baskets, shelving and marble countertops to pull-out drawers that store spices, sauces, dry foods and pet foods, many customers are embracing their hidden pantry or larder as a statement piece within their kitchen.

Bespoke Larder Cupboard
SieMatic Larder Cupboard

"By incorporating both bespoke and SieMatic’s multi-award winning ‘Multimatic’ modular storage system within our pantries and larder spaces allows our design team to truly customise storage systems within our kitchen spaces. The Multimatic multi-functional aluminium system includes a comprehensive range of interior fittings for drawers and cabinets that gains around 30% more storage space. The flexible shelving system also provides easy storage for even tall objects such as bottles or chopping boards" - Helena Myers, Director of The Myers Touch.

The Myers Touch unique, holistic approach formula is to explore and apply a personal and bespoke ‘Design’ for a customer based on their ‘Life’ desires. Based on this formula, their design team carefully choose a range of cabinetry, materials, lighting, appliances and seating solutions to precisely match a client’s brief that brings ‘Light, Space & laughter’ into the finished design.

About The Myers Touch

The Myers Touch specialises in the holistic design of luxury kitchens in the Winchester area, creating truly bespoke living spaces that offer far more than conventional cooking environments. Established in 2003 and based in Winchester, they enjoy long-standing partnerships with the iconic German manufacturer SieMatic and other leading brands including Gaggenau, Wolf, Sub-Zero, Miele and Siemens.

If you’d like to feature your project news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

A kitchen by ‘Kitchen Retailer of the Year’ 2021 KBB Awards winner The Myers Touch was designed within a period home in Southsea, Hampshire.

The client had previously lived in the US and loved Sub Zero & Wolf Appliances – she wanted to incorporate them into a pure and modern combined look kitchen with American-style bench seating.

Designer Keith Myers worked with the client to create a kitchen that would create the ‘wow factor’, so they could cook and entertain for their large extended family. Danetti bench seating was installed against the island unit.

SieMatic classic SC10 range cabinetry mixed with SieMatic S2 handleless kitchen range were included in the design, as well as Silestone and Dekton worktops and a Kohler Sink & Tap.

Photography credits: Phil Green

About The Myers Touch

The Myers Touch specialises in the holistic design of luxury kitchens in the Winchester area, creating truly bespoke living spaces that offer far more than conventional cooking environments. Established in 2003 and based in Winchester, they enjoy long-standing partnerships with the iconic German manufacturer SieMatic and other leading brands including Gaggenau, Wolf, Sub-Zero, Miele and Siemens.

If you’d like to feature your project news here, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.

In this week's interview with 2021 SBID Awards winners of the KBB Design category, Extreme Design discuss the evolution of clients' wishes and what role kitchens play in homes today, as well as their approach to designing interiors that reflect the client's personal style.

SBID Awards Category: KBB Design

Practice: Extreme Design

Entry: The Lake House

How important is it to enter the SBID Awards & receive industry recognition for your work? What are the benefits?

The SBID awards create awareness for outstanding achievement and celebrates design creativity and excellence worldwide. It allows designers to push the boundaries of design and bring global recognition to those with good design practices within the industry. At Extreme, it is our vision to make an impact on design in this country, and the awards are a fantastic opportunity to showcase our work.  An SBID award carries credibility and helps build our reputation amongst clientele hoping to engage with Extreme for their unique and special projects.

What do you think made this particular design an award winner?

At Extreme, we believe that every great design starts with an inspiration. This belief and design approach gave us the freedom to design every detail of the client's kitchen to suit their vision. The elegance, sophistication and character of Art Deco design had captured their imagination and would form the basis of the design narrative. Influenced by The Churchill Bar and Terrace at the Hyatt Regency in London, the scheme works as a functional family living space and exudes luxury and exhibits a firm nod towards the clients love of everything art deco. The design transcends material and function and creates a one-of-a-kind space where every detail reflects our client.

As experts within the kitchen design sector, what do you think has been the biggest evolution in the kitchen space over the last decade? What external factors do you think have played a role in this shift?

Over the last decade we have seen clients move away from interiors which follow a common style or trend and look for something more personal, something which is a direct reflection of them and their life story. Since the 90’s the kitchen has been the centre of every household, and our clients are spending more time than ever in these multipurpose rooms. The clients story dictates the design direction, and we are selecting materials and finishes based on emotional connection and not just look and feel. Once a utilitarian design decision, kitchens now truly reflect the homeowner’s life, style and taste.

How do you make sure a design reflects the clients’ individuality and personal stories? Do you have a specific approach and how do you balance this with your own design style?

The client's story is at the heart of every design, and it stems from our belief that a design reflects a life lived, not just a lifestyle. We approach each project with a fresh perspective, bringing new ideas founded from our wealth of experience. The details we gather go beyond just practical and functional requirements. We take time to listen, understand and connect with how our clients want to feel in their new environment. Part of what makes Extreme so different is the design freedom that we bring to every project. Each design is individual, so we don't limit ourselves or our clients to set styles or ranges. Each design begins as a blank canvas and evolves to reflect each client's personal design story.

Now that you’ve won an SBID Award, what are the next steps? Is there anything new you are excited to be working on?

The awards have given us the belief and drive to continue developing our design approach, knowing that we have a formula that realises some of the most individual and exciting projects in this country and worldwide.

We are constantly working on what's new and what's next! And we look forward to sharing this with you in the years to come.

What advice can you give to young designers starting out in the design industry?

Open your eyes to the world; you can find inspiration in everything. Listen to your clients, stay focussed and don't be afraid to push your client to the edge of their boundaries. Everyone is different, so listen to your client's story and use this to fuel your creativity and create a design that is truly special.

Questions answered by Jade Jones, Design Manager, Extreme Design.

As Design Manager, my role spans every project, ensuring consistency of practices, fulfilment of Extreme’s design ethos and delivery of quality standards through close collaboration with the team. I thrive from the satisfaction of working with a creative and dynamic team, sharing my desire to create and improve the built environment to ultimately enhance each design. I enjoy following our clients’ journeys from design through to final completion, endorsing efficiency and accuracy to uphold Extreme’s design values and promise to our clients. My aspiration is to create interiors which feel exciting, and I am energised when bringing ideas that fuse ergonomics and aesthetics to realise a client’s vision.

Hey! I am first heading line feel free to change me

If you missed last week's Interview with the Restaurant design category winner Design Command, click here to read it.

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