5 Minutes Well Spent: Discover Dream Kitchen Designs
Kitchens are a fundamental part of home interior design. Not only are they a place to prepare meals, but they are also places to gather family and friends together. Kitchens are utilitarian spaces used for everything from cooking sumptuous dinners to providing venues to catch up on gossip while having a cup of tea with friends. Their design reflects the homeowner’s taste and lifestyle and creates an ambience that fits that of the whole property. The construction and style of the kitchen plays an important part in determining a home’s resale value and should not be overlooked.
As experienced Central London and Hyde Park interior designers, Callender Howorth has a lot of experience designing kitchens. We’ve selected some of our favourite styles and designs.
Modular Kitchens
Modular kitchens are an off-the-shelf solution for many homes. Sometimes known as semi-custom kitchens, a modular design enables an architect or homeowner to piece together their own plan. Modular kitchen designs are perfect for optimising storage space by using diversified materials to create an easily adjustable package.
Although the units are prefabricated, they can be of a very high standard and incorporate durable materials such as stainless steel, cherry wood, oak and marble. Every aspect of the kitchen, from the height of the countertops to the inclusion of islands is customisable. Individual components can be replaced if necessary while leaving the rest of your kitchen intact. Our Hyde Park designers filled a client’s Knightsbridge Penthouse kitchen with space-saving storage to maximise the limited space in this chic city apartment.
Rustic Kitchens
Farmhouse style kitchens offer a bucolic atmosphere and warm ambience. Using heavy woods such as oak give the kitchens an old-world appeal, and can be combined with trendy appliances to keep the kitchen in the modern age. Alternatively, you can install an Aga stove and place a pile of logs in a corner for a cottage effect.
Rustic touches such as beams or old-fashioned tiles really add to the rural vibe, while furniture or chandeliers with wrought iron components, woven baskets and a gingham tablecloth can make all the difference. Our Nice Apartment project has a modern white kitchen but its open layout, original stone wall and ceiling beams give it a semi-rustic feel.
Sleek and Modern
Modern kitchens give a glossy feel with symmetrical lines and minimal clutter. From ergonomic islands to hidden storage, modern kitchen designs are cutting edge, yet inviting. Our Essex Mansion project involved the design of a stunning contemporary kitchen that fitted the client’s brief of having a modern space, perfect for entertaining. The result was a beautiful kitchen with floor-to-ceiling closed storage, multiple wall ovens and an island with futuristic breakfast bar stools. We used a neutral palette of white and charcoal with a splash of green and marble, stone and solid wood materials.
All White
White doesn’t mean boring! White kitchens are pure and clean and their appearance can easily be adapted with bright kitchen towels, colourful appliances, a patterned fruit bowl, or any other accessory you choose. White kitchens are best when they are kept simple, otherwise they can start to look a bit too “busy” or cheap. Integrated appliances create a seamless look, and natural lighting completes the picture.
Callender Howorth created an all-white kitchen for our City Penthouse project in Shoreditch. The owner was interested in New York loft style apartment and we contrasted the exposed brickwork of the main living space with a dazzling white kitchen. We added full-length light beige coloured cupboards and stools to create contrast with the white countertop and cupboards taking up the kitchen’s main wall and the small, low island.
If you are interested in Callender Howorth designing the kitchen of your dreams, please contact us.
Luxury Book Shelves: An Underrated Feature for the Home
Bookshelves are one of the most versatile and attractive features in any home. They are often seen as a practical piece of furniture, which they certainly are, but there is so much more to them than just a place to store books. They can become the luxurious focal point of any room or they can be a subtle feature that blends in with the rest of the decor and colour scheme. They come in a variety of sizes, depths and shapes and can even be used as room dividers or walls. We’ve selected a few of our projects to demonstrate the power of bookshelves in luxury interior design.
Subtle Bookshelves
Callender Howorth’s interior renovation of the Exchange Building City Penthouse didn’t skimp on bookshelves; we fitted them as if they were already part of the construction. The project involved the complete renovation of spacious penthouse apartment in the trendy Shoreditch area of London. The client wanted to create a home that replicated the “New York loft” vibe so we emphasised the large spaces, high ceilings and natural light.
Subtle floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were fitted in the bedrooms blending perfectly with the white colour scheme. They actually became a part of the wall next to the head of the bed on either side and form perfect squares of space to be utilised with books, magazines, ornaments and other decorative features.
Meanwhile, in the living room, the same effect was employed but this time horizontally rather than vertically. We fitted a long yet narrow in breadth two-shelf white bookshelf that ran the length of the windows above it. Again, the shelf is white and seamlessly blends with its background; it is complemented by other neutral and white coloured furniture and walls.
Bold Bookshelves
Our Belsize Park interior design project prominently features bookcases in the living room and dining area. We transformed a dilapidated Victorian house into a dream home for our clients who wanted an eclectic look with Indian influences that would reflect their style and heritage. In fact, a rich brown bookcase was used as a focal point in the living room and takes up a whole wall.
The main bookcase was supplemented by a large bookshelf to create a wall above some discreet storage cupboards in the adjoining dining area and used in a very minimalist way with just one vase despite the presence of five shelves. When combined with an opulent chandelier above a dining table, the effect was a perfect contrast of empty space and detail so that the space feels harmonious, refined and uncluttered.
Similarly, our Nice Apartment project in France included fantastic full-length shelves that took up most of the wall. Framed by floor-to-ceiling cupboards on either side in the same dazzling white as the ceiling and one of the walls to emphasise a feeling of space and light that makes the ceiling seem higher than it actually is. The shelves were very sparingly populated, and the books were actually left elsewhere piled on a dresser to convey an eclectic effect.
If you would like the help of an interior design consultant to advise you on how luxurious bookcases and other items of furniture can transform your home, please contact Callender Howorth.
Callender Howorth Scoops Service Award from Houzz
It is with great pride that we can announce that Callender Howorth was awarded the ‘Best of Houzz 2017′ award for client satisfaction. Houzz is the internet’s leading platform for home design; over 40 million users worldwide access the website monthly, browsing inspiration for the design of every conceivable aspect of the home, from kitchens to home cinemas and wine cellars. The latest award, which is voted by Houzz users, builds on our already celebrated reputation amongst the Houzz community: not only are we recommended as a top supplier on Houzz, but we have also been recognised as a Houzz influencer – meaning that our knowledge and advice is highly valued by the Houzz community – and our photos have been added to users’ ideabooks over 25,000 times.
Split into three categories – design, customer service and photography – the Houzz Awards are presented with the aim of crediting the best home designers in the industry. Customer service honours are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2016. There are numerous awards in each category for each region of the country. The winners of each award benefit from a ‘Best of Houzz’ icon on their Houzz profile, and the benefit of a community-voted stamp of recognition.
“We’re delighted to receive recognition from the Houzz community,” commented Mark Howorth, Owner of Callender Howorth. “Houzz really has captured the inspiration behind interior design and become one of the industries ‘buzz words’ almost overnight.”
“We’re so pleased to award Best of Houzz 2017 to this incredible group of talented and customer-focused professionals, including Callender Howorth,” said Andrew Small, Managing Director of Houzz UK and Ireland. “Each of these businesses was singled out for recognition by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts for helping to turn their home improvement dreams into reality.”
Get in touch with the dedicated team at Callender Howorth to find out how we can help you to transform your home.
Maison & Objet 2017: A Hub for Design Innovation
The prestigious Maison & Objet Paris trade show took place from January 20th until January 24th, 2017. The show is one of the most hotly anticipated events on the interior design calendar, renowned for its carefully curated selection of great design. The bi-annual show is one of the most important events for interior design in Europe and showcases innovative decoration, furniture, accessories, textiles and fragrances, all displayed in imaginative ways. Many interior designers from the UK seek inspiration at the Maison & Objet Paris. The January event often sets the tone for the design year ahead, so we picked some highlights.
Photo credit: Maison & Objet
The five-day international homeware trade fair filled eight huge halls on the edge of Paris. British design is the largest design sector in Europe and that was apparent at Maison & Objet Paris, which was overrun with British talent. The UK does patterns extremely well and Royal College of Art graduate Kit Miles was a great representative of this aesthetic as his textile display was filled with his intricate artistry, which contrasts lavish designs with the utmost attention to detail.
Fine artist Helen Wilson paints her dark designs in oils and reworks the still-wet surface until it’s right for her dramatic wallpapers. Lancashire designers Wallace Sewell is celebrating 25 years in the industry and the team’s colourful woven fabrics wowed visitors. Their collection of throws, scarves and cushions are inspired by the colours and textures of countrysides and cityscapes.
Photo credit: Maison & Objet
International designers were also well-represented and Shanghai-based furniture brand Maison Dada had a wonderful display of Little Eliah pending lamps. The colourful and fun lamp re-imagines traditional lighting into a whimsical suspended form, which frees owners from finding surface space to place it. Portuguese furniture designers Boca do Lobo displayed traditional handmade techniques that blend together contemporary design and Portuguese tradition. The variety of textures, which this year took on a particularly sparkling and reflective sheen, added a touch of glamour and elegance to the exhibition.
Boca do Lobo at Maison et Object. Video credit: Boca do Lobo
This year, there was an outstanding mix of technology, art, craft and design, which re-purposed and merged materials and objects in extremely inventive ways. Marcin Rusak, originally from Poland, dries sacks of flowers and sets them into an inky resin which is sliced for table tops, screens and lamps. Another fantastic combination of traditional craft and contemporary design comes straight from the East. Yoshihiko Fuji is an expert craftsman who used a 400-year-old lacquering process specific to the Wakayama district in Japan to create a collection of western tableware. He made a unique tray by encapsulating thin gold and silver leaves under several layers of flake rich lacquer to create a variation of the colour depending on the angle of observation.
Photo credit: Maison & Objet
Covet House is a project that gathers the best European Design Brands in a magazine. From contemporary lighting companies to luxury furniture, Covet Lounge provided an inspiring and luxurious place to relax and have a drink during the event. The brands associated with this wonderful project are: BRABBU, Boca do lobo, KOKET, DelightFull, Maison Valentina, Essential Home, Luxxu and Circu.
Video credit: Covet House
People who enjoy nature can bring it indoors stylishly with D&M, a Belgian company who create plant pots. The designer’s amazing vertical plant pots are a revelation in minimalist white, and clean symmetrical edges. They’re not just pretty to look at, but the large version is more technically engineered to ensure correct watering and the waterproof porcelain means that the pretty pots are just as at home outside as they are inside.
If the displays at Maison & Object Paris have inspired you to redesign your home, don’t hesitate to contact us to help make your dream a reality.
Top Drawer 2017 Review
Top Drawer, Olympia, London. Photo credit: Top Drawer Twitter
The Top Drawer Trade Show takes place twice a year at Olympia – London’s most beautiful exhibition venue. Top Drawer’s 2017 Spring Show took place on 15-17th January and showcased beautiful, design-led and innovative products from both established and new exhibitors. The event includes six categories to view including Home, Gift, Craft, Food, Fashion and ‘Spotted’ (new talent). Products like home decorations, storage, stationery and travel accessories take centre stage at the three-day trade fair. It attracts London interior designers who find inspiration in the fantastic array of products being launched, sold and displayed. And this year’s exhibition didn’t disappoint, so we’ve selected some of our favourite displays.
Home
Obviously, home is our favourite section. From interior accessories to furniture and lighting, Top Drawer finds the best exhibitors to display an exceptional array of international brands and must-have pieces. We’ve long enjoyed the work of Above & Beyond’s striking minimalist and monochrome designs, particularly their ‘Between the Lines’ cushion. It’s made from 100% cotton and comes with a range of different coloured backs. Their range currently includes plates, tea towels, cushions, pillow cases and prints. Bob Crooks: First Glass also caught our eye. The company specialises in handmade decorative and functional glassware, from scent bottles to large scale bespoke pieces including lighting and mirrors.
Bob Crooks: First Glass. Photo credit: Top Drawer/ Bob Crooks
Cult British interiors brand Mini Moderns celebrate their 10th anniversary this year with a home fragrance and travel wash bag collection. The Festival of Lights Scented Candle Collection celebrates four of Mini Moderns’ classic print designs (full of clean lines and retro patterns) with a set of heaven-scented candles. We also love Hill House Design’s beautiful handmade lampshades that vary in size from small bedside lamps to oversized central pendants. Some of Home’s other exclusive exhibitors include Design Letters & Friends, Lauren Dickinson Clarke, Claribel London, Skagerak and Bluebellgray.
This ‘Abstract Print Grey & Ivory Placemat’ is an example of Claribel London’s beautiful homeware products. Photo credit: Claribel London/Top Drawer
Food Emporium
The popular Food Emporium made a return to the show and this time it was bigger than ever. More than 80 artisans and producers sold ‘giftable’ food products, from sweet treats like iced biscuits to condiments and seasonal treats. Ross & Ross Food brought along their home curing kits and BBQ condiments and Ace Tea London displayed a selection of their 100% natural teas that can be enjoyed hot, iced or mixed in cocktails. Other exhibitors included Anglesey Sea Salt, Hawkshead Relish Company, Makers & Merchants and Hasslacher’s Hot Chocolate.
Sample Ace Tea London’s flavourful teas with great taste and stunning aesthetics. Photo credit: Ace Tea London/ Top Drawer
Spotted at Top Drawer
‘Spotted’ at Top Drawer celebrates new British talent and has helped over 40 businesses make their trade show debut. This is the section to come to if you’re interested in discovering future design stars. Some highlights include Kent-based Denys & Fielding’s bright, bold deckchairs, with matching indoor/outdoor cushions and accessories for the garden or even your balcony.
Relax outside with a stylish Denys & Fielding Classic Deckchair. Photo credit: Denys & Fielding/Top Drawer
Continuing the country lifestyle theme, Tally Ho Interiors use British materials and motifs to create fabulous fabrics, lampshades and cushions. Fortunately, there is an abundance of talent in the UK and it can be scoped out at Top Drawer’s Spotted where modernist homewares harmoniously share exhibition space with filigree jewellery and handmade candles.
Callender Howorth strives to keep up with current trends in design since we never know what amazing new trend or idea will influence us to produce truly unique interior design projects.
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