With home improvement stores reporting huge queues for their online shops, more than ever before, people are considering how to improve their homes. For most, the kitchen is the hub of the house. It’s no longer just the place we make food. Families mingle there, it’s often the access point for the garden and, under lockdown, it’s where couples are recreating date night and ensuring a night away from the TV.
So, if you’re considering a kitchen overhaul, make sure you plan the one that fits in with your lifestyle while supporting local businesses too.
Before shopping for anything start taking the time to notice exactly how you use your kitchen. Here are some things to be aware of:
Keep a notepad and paper somewhere in the kitchen and note down everything that doesn’t have a ‘home’. For example, do you spend half your life looking for the kitchen roll because it is always getting moved? Or perhaps those bright neon kitchen cloths really make you grimace? Make a list over the course of a week to see what crops up.
What is your kitchen table getting used for? Is it an office for part of the day, a homework space in the afternoon and a place for the evening meal? Be conscious of all the ways you use your table as this may inform future decisions on how you use your space.
What comes into your kitchen from other rooms? For example, are there toys from the garden or watering cans constantly by the back door? Are you often tripping over shoes? Do you find magazines and books where people have been reading? Keeping a note of this means you’ll be aware of how your kitchen is actually used ready for planning a change.
Once you’ve realised just how much storage you might need and where it is needed you can start planning your new kitchen! As you can see from the above, how you use your kitchen will totally depend on you and your family. Therefore, one of the perks of using a local kitchen company means they can change designs and create something completely bespoke.
Skipton based TF Building and Renovations make handmade timber kitchens. Tom, the Director of the company, has loads of inspiration on his website here, all of which are kitchens he has designed and built.
This handmade shaker kitchen really has storage sorted, there’s even a cupboard just for beer!
So, if you’re considering a kitchen overhaul, make sure you plan the one that fits in with your lifestyle while supporting local businesses too.
Before shopping for anything start taking the time to notice exactly how you use your kitchen. Here are some things to be aware of:
Keep a notepad and paper somewhere in the kitchen and note down everything that doesn’t have a ‘home’. For example, do you spend half your life looking for the kitchen roll because it is always getting moved? Or perhaps those bright neon kitchen cloths really make you grimace? Make a list over the course of a week to see what crops up.
What is your kitchen table getting used for? Is it an office for part of the day, a homework space in the afternoon and a place for the evening meal? Be conscious of all the ways you use your table as this may inform future decisions on how you use your space.
What comes into your kitchen from other rooms? For example, are there toys from the garden or watering cans constantly by the back door? Are you often tripping over shoes? Do you find magazines and books where people have been reading? Keeping a note of this means you’ll be aware of how your kitchen is actually used ready for planning a change.
Once you’ve realised just how much storage you might need and where it is needed you can start planning your new kitchen! As you can see from the above, how you use your kitchen will totally depend on you and your family. Therefore, one of the perks of using a local kitchen company means they can change designs and create something completely bespoke.
Skipton based TF Building and Renovations make handmade timber kitchens. Tom, the Director of the company, has loads of inspiration on his website here, all of which are kitchens he has designed and built.
This handmade shaker kitchen really has storage sorted, there’s even a cupboard just for beer!
While this other kitchen created by Tom has ensured space for this cooking-lover’s bibles:
If you have a window above a sink then ensure you get an open feel with French Casement Windows which open outwards for uninterrupted views. Don’t forget to talk to us about hardware options (handles and openings). We have options from contemporary to traditional to compliment your chosen kitchen style.
Many of Tom’s kitchens are painted using Farrow and Ball and if you’re replacing a door to your kitchen too then we also colour match to Farrow and Ball colours! Why not replace your back door with a stable door for a farmhouse feel no matter where you live?
If your kitchen is adjacent to the garden and you want to make more of the outdoors then bi-folding or French doors can be fitted to make the most of your space. This is also a great option if you find yourself multi-tasking between cooking and watching children – let them run outside while you cook!
There are a huge range of colour options to choose from. Aluminium ones can be powder coated to most classic RAL colours. For timber bi-folds, we spray finish in a colour of your choice. As previously mentioned, we can colour match to most well-known brands including Farrow and Ball. You can also choose if you would like them the same colour both sides or a different colour internally to externally (dual colour).
There are a huge range of colour options to choose from. Aluminium ones can be powder coated to most classic RAL colours. For timber bi-folds, we spray finish in a colour of your choice. As previously mentioned, we can colour match to most well-known brands including Farrow and Ball. You can also choose if you would like them the same colour both sides or a different colour internally to externally (dual colour).
We find a lot of people opt to put the dining table near their new doors so they can feel they are dining ‘al fresco’ even if it is a bit too chilly to eat outside.
The Home Company, based in Skipton, have a great range of dining tables if you’re looking for something new. Why not take a look now so you’re ready to order once the Covid 19 crises is over? We love the Chamonix Dining Range…
The Home Company, based in Skipton, have a great range of dining tables if you’re looking for something new. Why not take a look now so you’re ready to order once the Covid 19 crises is over? We love the Chamonix Dining Range…
If your kitchen isn’t next to the garden then it is still a good idea to place the dining table near a window to ensure you are near lots of natural light when working or eating. We’ve worked with all kinds of spaces and shapes to make this a reality in a wide variety of kitchens. For example, in this one we created tall, thin windows next to the dining area and it makes for a really relaxing space with a great view. (Image with thanks to TFM Luxury Lodges).
So if you’re going to be bringing the outdoors into your kitchen then use this time to make your garden perfect too. If it could do with some TLC then support local garden nurseries. Both Woodbank Nurseries in Bingley and Lay of the Land in Settle are accepting orders over the phone and then delivering locally.
For those of you who aren’t very green-fingered add a little pop of colour with a vase of flowers on your work surface! (Thanks to TFM Luxury Lodges for this image of our bifolding doors and windows)
For those of you who aren’t very green-fingered add a little pop of colour with a vase of flowers on your work surface! (Thanks to TFM Luxury Lodges for this image of our bifolding doors and windows)
If you’ve gone to all the effort of replacing your kitchen you’re going to want some lovely new kitchenware too. Rachel in the Dales Pottery makes handthrown pottery finished with homemade glazes made from local, natural materials foraged in the Yorkshire Dales. Her work is truly unique and means you’re ensuring your kitchen is really authentic.
We hope that has helped give you a little inspiration if you’re planning a new kitchen. If you’d like us to help with new doors, whether Stable or Bi-Folding, or windows, then we can create a quote for you with just a few measurements and a photo of your desired look. Simply email carrswindows@gmail.com
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