Curves offer us something different, they change our perspective and the evoke an emotional response, all perfect if you are creating the perfect car, casting the perfect star in a Hollywood blockbuster, or creating a bettaliving space with the ultimate, and perfect kitchen.

Love her or hate her, no one can deny that Beyonce is just as famous for her curves as she is for her voice and talent, and how often do we hear Jeremy Clarkson harp on about how beautiful curvy cars are? Indeed if you look at the car Clarkson and Top Gear said was the most beautiful car of 2009, namely the Alfa 8C Spider, you can’t help but notice the curves. The same can be said for other winners of the most beautiful title over the years, such as the homage to a previous winner (Audi TT) with the Peugeot RCZ that won it in 2010 and the 2011 winner Citroën`s DS4 which won the title as a direct result of its sweeping curves.

Why Do Curves Work?

Curves are versatile and can work in both traditional and contemporary kitchens and as previously mentioned, curves evoke an emotional response. Whilst functional, mathematical and precise are more commonly associated with straight lines, throughout history some of the most beautiful people; buildings, cars and consumer goods have featured curves. Curves portray beauty yes but they also give a life like quality to an otherwise lifeless object. The use of curves shapes our objects, our homes, cars and other products to feel better to touch and to allow us to use, integrate and feel more comfortable with them.

Curved Kitchen Doors making the kitchen island more beautfil - Style shown Avant White Curved

How to Use Curves in Your Kitchen

Curves can be added into your modern kitchen in a variety of ways, from rounded edges at the end of a run to circular workstations. Curved fronts and cupboards can also increase storage room, which can be further enhanced with the use of Clever Storage solutions from the likes of Blum and Kesseböhmer.

Curved Doors on Island and on L-shaped Kitchen - Style shown Avant Terra

Are Curves Right for YOU?

As with any design feature, the visuals will make or break the outcome so instead of just ordering straight away and regretting it later, let us design the kitchen for you and produce a 3D concept based on your room dimensions, style preferences and we can see whether you can visualise curves working for you or not. We have a fantastic range of curved kitchen doors over and above the examples shown in this blog post today.

Why not take advantage of our Nationwide, Free Design Planning Service, and let us consult with you on what you want from your new modern kitchen and what you want to use it for, and let us design and visualise the kitchen of your dreams.

We can design Contemporary Kitchens, Modern Kitchens, Shaker Kitchens and Classic Kitchens for the more traditional customer or  White Gloss Handleless Kitchen with or without curves….

Simply call 01925 255 500 or leave you details via our Quick Contact Form, and we will have a Free 3D kitchen concept drawn up to your preferences, using our expertise in no time at all

The showroom is located close to Manchester Rugby Club in Bramhall, Greater Manchester and a couple of minutes from Junction 6 of the M56 and Junctions 1 and 3 of the M60 Manchester ring road.

We expect the showroom to be ready in a few months time as we are currently busy making alterations to the building and planning what great new displays we want to showcase.

The new Manchester showroom will be ideal for customers looking for kitchens in Manchester and Stockport, Kitchens in Wilmslow, Knutsford and Cheadle or other surrounding towns and districts of Manchester such as Macclesfield, Hyde, Altrincham and more.

In the market for a new modern kitchen?

Why not take advantage of our Nationwide, Free Design Planning Service, and let us consult with you on what you want from your new modern kitchen and let us design and visualise the kitchen of your dreams.

We can design Contemporary Kitchens, Modern Kitchens, Shaker Kitchens and Classic Kitchens for the more traditional customer.

Simply call 01925 255 500 or leave you details via our Quick Contact Form, and we will have a Free 3D kitchen concept drawn up to your preferences, using our expertise in no time at all

‘The countryside has always been my life, and that is reflected in my food – good ingredients cooked simply with flavour.’

Mike is the owner of the highly acclaimed Pot Kiln Pub and Restaurant in Yattendon, Berkshire www.potkiln.co.uk and co-owner of the successful Harwood Arms gastro pub in Fulham www.harwoodarms.com together with Brett Graham of The Ledbury fame.  The Pot Kiln Anywhere catering company was set up in 2006 by Mike and friend Oliver Shute in response to a growing demand for traditional country cooking at private events and parties in the local area www.potkilnanywhere.co.uk.

Since 2007 De Dietrich has joined in partnership with Mike to use the latest innovative kitchen appliances in The Game & Wild Food Cookery School.  Having spent most of his formative cooking experience in France, Mike has always been a keen exponent of cooking with induction, so French brand De Dietrich the pioneers of induction technology, was the perfect choice.  The Game & Wild Food Cookery School www.gamecookeryschool.co.uk , based in a converted diary, has been designed by Mike and his team to be both functional and inspiring, and features only the most advanced kitchen appliances.  Any course is an experience in both food and cooking using produce from local, sustainable resources including Mike’s well-maintained kitchen garden at the Pot Kiln pub just a short stroll up the lane!

Mike’s TV career began with the just-launched TV channel UKFood and after 3 successful series, Chalet Slaves, Good Food Live and Safari Chef has led to regular appearances on BBC 2’s Saturday Kitchen and as a co-presenter on Great Food Live for UKTV Food followed by Heavens Kitchen and Heavens Kitchen at Large filmed at the Pot Kiln during and after it’s renovations into the gastro restaurant it is today.  Mike’s culinary skills can be seen at a number of events held throughout the year such as the Newbury Show, British Association for Shooting & Conservation (BASC – for which Mike is a Council Member) country fairs and events and particularly at Grand Designs where he is renowned for wowing the audience!

Following on from the Heaven’s Kitchen TV series Mike has written Wild Flavours featuring recipes from the series and a new book, Fit for Table is soon to be released in September alongside a new series of DVD’s – further information is available from the De Dietrich E-shop.  You can also find Mike’s foodie deliberations in his monthly cookery article in The Field.

Click here for Mike`s delicious menu

About De Dietrich

De Dietrich boasts a long history, full of discoveries and innovations.  Borne from generations of passion for excellence coupled with a desire to offer continual progressive solutions in a forever-changing world, De Dietrich has been at the forefront of life-changing technological advances for over 300 years.

Initially the business centred in the ironworking trade.  Over successive centuries, De Dietrich expanded into the steel sector, decorative ironwork and railway rolling stock, with fine design and innovative solutions always the driving factor.

In 1910, De Dietrich ventured into homeware with the launch of the Mertzwiller Cooker – the founding product of all De Dietrich home appliances.

The brand name De Dietrich derives from a French family of the same name, a peerage honour having been bestowed upon the family by King Louis XV in 1761. The De Dietrich logo itself of a hunting horn has been in use since the 18th Century. Having originally been introduced by the De Dietrich family as a pre-cautionary guard against counterfeiting, it was also the first ‘brand logo’ to appear in France.

De Dietrich is renowned as a supplier of market-leading premium kitchenware appliances that are innovative as well as beautiful in their design. De Dietrich has continued to pioneer technological advances in the homeware market, regularly introducing ground-breaking innovations and concepts.

Over the years the Ultimate Kitchens team have designed and delivered over 5000 individual and bespoke kitchen solutions.

We pride ourselves, not just on the Ultimate Kitchens we deliver, but the ultimate solutions we provide so why not take advantage of our Nationwide, Free Design Planning Service, and let us consult with you on what you want from your new modern kitchen and what you want to use it for, and let us design and visualise the kitchen of your dreams.

We can design Contemporary Kitchens, Modern Kitchens, Shaker Kitchens and Classic Kitchens for the more traditional customer.

Simply call 01925 255 500 or leave you details via our Quick Contact Form, and we will have a Free 3D kitchen concept drawn up to your preferences, using our expertise in no time at all.

ECO™ by Cosentino offers high performance against staining, scratching and scorching and being non-porous, does not require sealers. Its available in 10 designer colors and two textures (Leather™ and polished) in 63″x 128″ slab and standard size tiles and backed up with a 5 year limited warranty.

ECO™ BY COSENTINO

What are Post-Consumer Materials?
Post-consumer material is an end product that has completed its life cycle as a consumer item. Post-consumer materials include recyclables collected in commercial and residential recycling programs, such as office paper, cardboard, aluminum cans, plastics and metals, glass, mirrors, and porcelain. It is simply the garbage that individuals routinely discard in a waste receptacle that without recycling would otherwise end up as landfill. Post-consumer recycled materials have served their intended use, been collected from the end-user, and reprocessed as something new.

What are Post-Industrial Material?
By contrast, post-industrial material is derived from manufacturing waste or sub-standard products that have not been used. This material is collected, recycled and used in the creation of a product other than that for which it was originally harvested. Post-industrial material comes from factories and manufacturing processes and can include many forms of plastic, glass, metal, and industrial ashes. For example, broken and flawed glass discarded in the production of car windscreens. Cradle to Cradle

Cradle to Cradle (C2C) is a third-party certification that provides a company with a means to tangibly, credibly measure achievement in environmentally-intelligent design and helps educate customers on ECO™ by Cosentino-friendly products. All C2C products are made from non-toxic materials that, at the end of their life, are taken apart and either turned into raw materials for new products or returned to the earth as compost. These products are manufactured using renewable energy and marketed with socially responsible strategies. For example, a towel made of organic cotton which can be recycled or is biodegradable is a C2C product.

ECO™ BY COSENTINO

There are other eco-friendly surfacing materials in the market today. ECO by Cosentino reutilizes materials that have reached the end of their life cycle, thus saving on the creation and consumption of natural resources. Most of the raw materials used in the creation of ECO by Cosentino are:

Materials include:
•    Porcelain
•    Mirror
•    Crystallized Ash
•    Glass
•    Stone Scraps
•    Corn

ADVANTAGES OF USING RECYCLED RAW MATERIALS
Post-consumer/Post-industrial Mirror
Materials used to produce ECO by Cosentino are post-consumer and post-industrial waste. The advantage of this is that the material being used has no other lifecycle. For example, every year tons of broken mirror is wasted all over the world because there is no other use for the material.

Post-consumer Recycled Glass
Producing ECO by Cosentino results in the salvation of raw materials and reduction in new mining (3000 bottles equals 1Tn of raw materials). It also reduces the amount of bottles going to landfills, which helps the problem of uncontrolled trash. Every year Cosentino expect to recycle the equivalent of 65 million glass bottles!

ECO™ BY COSENTINO

Post-consumer Waste
Garbage accumulation all over the world is a fast growing problem as consumer consumption increases. The source of raw materials is almost infinite (iron scrap) and it undergoes a burning process that is highly efficient. (Quitariamos iron scrap).

Post-industrial Ceramic
Material from bathrooms, dishes, cups, shower pans and defective porcelain tiles. There is no other use for this material – it cannot be incorporated into any other industrial product. This material is reused in the production of ECO by Cosentino which saves building up tons of waste in landfills year after year.

Good waste management processes must incorporate the recycling and reutilization of products and materials as a way to contribute towards the preservation of our environment. Social responsibility grows day to day not only from the consumer stand point, using eco-friendly and recycled products, but also from a manufacturer’s stand point as we consider the growing concern of national and international environmental and legal groups.

ECO™ BY COSENTINO

Cosentino maintains guidelines for the continuous improvement and development of eco-friendly processes through innovation and technology achieved by our investment and commitment to the environment.

The growth of Cosentino is directly linked to its eco-friendly practices that respect, protect and rebuild the environment, from the early stages of mining and transformation of our products, and raw material sourcing all the way through our distribution.

During the manufacturing process of ECO by Cosentino, 94% of the water used is recycled, thus minimizing the consumption of a very important resource. All of the minerals used in the production of ECO by Cosentino come from quarries that are fully restored under strict stewardship programs and the manufacturing process is strictly controlled to avoid emissions of any harmful particles into the air.

Over the years the Ultimate Kitchens team have designed and delivered over 5000 individual and bespoke kitchen solutions.

We pride ourselves, not just on the Ultimate Kitchens we deliver, but the ultimate solutions we provide so why not take advantage of our Nationwide, Free Design Planning Service, and let us consult with you on what you want from your new modern kitchen and what you want to use it for, and let us design and visualise the kitchen of your dreams.

We can design Contemporary Kitchens, Modern Kitchens, Shaker Kitchens and Classic Kitchens for the more traditional customer.

Simply call 01925 255 500 or leave you details via our Quick Contact Form, and we will have a Free 3D kitchen concept drawn up to your preferences, using our expertise in no time at all.

Integrato’s hidden handles contribute to a clean, uncluttered look. Style doesn’t prevail over substance, however. The wide, contemporary drawers and floor-to-ceiling units provide extensive storage, and the eye-level appliances are ideal for keeping a watch on your cooking. Integrato´s light-reflective surface creates a sense of space in even the smallest kitchen and the integral drawer lighting adds to this effect.

The Integrato White Gloss Handleless Kitchen from Ultimate Kitchens

The Integrato Gloss Handleless Kitchen as shown above was also featured in the EKBB magazine and website. Essential Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom (EKBB) is a specialist glossy monthly magazine, celebrating the very best in design and innovation in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms so it was lovely to see the handleless Integrato Gloss feature.

Over the years the Ultimate Kitchens team have designed and delivered over 5000 individual and bespoke kitchen solutions.

We pride ourselves, not just on the Ultimate Kitchens we deliver, but the ultimate solutions we provide so why not take advantage of our Nationwide, Free Design Planning Service, and let us consult with you on what you want from your new modern kitchen and what you want to use it for, and let us design and visualise the kitchen of your dreams.

We can design Contemporary Kitchens, Modern Kitchens, Shaker Kitchens and Classic Kitchens for the more traditional customer or if inspired by this blog post the Integrato White Gloss Handleless Kitchen.

Simply call 01925 255 500 or leave you details via our Quick Contact Form, and we will have a Free 3D kitchen concept drawn up to your preferences, using our expertise in no time at all

Blum fittings systems shout “high quality” with their well-thought-out function, recognised design and high durability. They are designed to spark inspiration and create an emotional experience out of day-to-day kitchen tasks.

With BLUMOTION, kitchen users will simply love the way their furniture doors close silently and effortlessly day in and day out. BLUMOTION is now showing a new side of itself – the hinge side. BLUMOTION redefines the term “quality of motion”. The system is quick and easy to install and, once fitted, creates a perfect closing motion. The effect is truly inspiring.

About Blum – With over 5000 employees working worldwide realising their goal to create perfect motion for Blum fittings systems and within this process, they always focus on the needs of the kitchen and furniture user.
With sales of EUR 1.166 billion, Blum is entirely family-owned with Herbert Blum 26%, Gerhard E. Blum 26%, and the Blum private trust 48% sharing the ownership. The Blum name stands for innovation, motivated employees and top-quality products and has had its reputations since Julius Blum founded his company on 1 March 1952 producing his first product: a horseshoe stud.

Blum first made a hinge way back in 1964 and they are as much the pioneers now that they were back in 1964. Whether you are talking about CLIP, tool-free assembly, smooth running action, the use of storage space, BLUMOTION with its silent and effortless motion or the SERVO-DRIVE opening support system innovations from Blum, they are seen as milestones in the furniture manufacturing industry and this tradition will certainly continue for the future.

Over the years the Ultimate Kitchens team have designed and delivered over 5000 individual and Bespoke, Modern, Contemporary, Classic, Shaker and other kitchen solutions, many of which used accessories from Blum.

We pride ourselves, not just on the Ultimate Kitchens we deliver, but the ultimate solutions we provide so why not take advantage of our Nationwide, Free Design Planning Service, and let us consult with you on what you want from your new modern kitchen and let us design and visualise the kitchen of your dreams.

Call 01925 255 500 or leave you details via our Quick Contact Form, and we will have a Free 3D kitchen concept drawn up to your preferences, using our expertise in no time at all.

Miele Kitchen Hood - No more "whats that smell?"

Ultimate Kitchens brings you in todays blog post, an article about Extraction.

GENERAL
Cooker hoods help remove cooking smells, vapours and condensation. As a general rule the hood should be activated before cooking commences. You will mainly use the lower and mid speeds during normal cooking, resorting to maximum speed when dealing with emergencies – such as burning the toast! Maximum speed is sometimes necessary when using all burners or when griddling meat as this can create excessive vapours. The performance of a hood is extremely important and is normally measured in cubic metres per hour, i.e. how much air is moved. All Cooker hoods have different power motors so it’s well worth making comparisons before making your decision.

CORRECT AIRFLOW LEVELS
Choosing the appropriate extraction power of the hood (airflow) generally depends on the size of the kitchen and the kind of cooking that takes place there.

The air capacity of a hood is expressed in cubic metres/hour (m3/h), and represents the quantity of air which the hood is able to extract at maximum speed, measured according to international standard IEC EN 61591.
To calculate the appropriate airflow level for your kitchen, multiply the volume of your kitchen by ten. For example: if your kitchen is 3 metres wide, 5 metres long and 2.7 metres high, your calculation would be (3 x 5 x 2.7) = 40.5 x 10 = 405.
This would mean a hood with an extraction of 400 m3/h or more will achieve efficient ventilation of the room.
If you often cook fish, fried foods, grilled meat or other dishes which produce a large quantity of smoke, grease and odours, we advise that you select a hood with an even greater air capacity.

DUCTING OUT OR RECYCLING
It is always preferable to use Cooker hoods as ducted models, i.e. ducted through an outside wall.

Air is drawn into the hood, fats are trapped by the grease filter. Odours, fumes and condensation are then expelled to the outside.
On certain models you can choose to install the hood as a ducted model or a recycling model – we would only recommend that a hood is used as a recycling model if it is impossible to duct out.

When using a hood as a recycling model, air is drawn into the hood and fats are trapped by the grease filter. The air then passes through charcoal filters to help absorb cooking odours and the purified air is recycled back into the kitchen.

It is realistic to assume that using a hood on recycling mode will circulate at least 30% less air than by ducting out – this is because the charcoal filters will restrict a certain amount of airflow. Charcoal filters are an optional extra unless otherwise indicated and will require replacing at least every 2/3 months or earlier with frequent use. Charcoal filters are not required if you duct out.
If a hood is used on recycling mode it will help reduce cooking odours but will not reduce steam or condensation. If you wish to reduce odours, steam and condensation, then you must duct out to expel these to the outside.

DUCTING
Try to plan your hood and cooker onto an outside wall in the kitchen if this is at all possible. By doing this, you will minimise the length of the ducting and maximise the hood performance.

The majority of Cooker hoods have outlets which accept 150mm diameter. Do not be tempted to use reducers and fit 125mm or 100mm ducting as this will dramatically reduce performance and increase noise levels. Do not use concertina type expanding 150mm ducting.
When planning your ducting run try to keep the number of bends to a minimum as this will also help maximise the hood performance.

ISLAND HOOD INSTALLATIONS
When deciding on an island hood, there are several factors to take into consideration. Ensure that the ceiling is sound and that it has adequate strength to accept the weight of the hood. Also consider the route for the ducting and in which direction your ceiling joists run. It is not possible to run ducting in the opposite direction to the joists.

CANOPY HOOD INSTALLATIONS
These hoods are designed for fitting into the aperture of a canopy housing which can be of metal or cabinetry construction such as an over mantle arrangement. Sometimes a canopy hood is the ideal solution for positioning above a cooker that is sited in a disused chimney breast. If you are having a canopy housing constructed, it will be beneficial to incorporate a catchment area into the underside of the housing – this would be a recess to hold and contain fumes, vapour, etc. before the canopy motor extracts these away. If the underside of the canopy housing is totally flat, there is also a risk of fumes spilling around the front and/or sides of the canopy housing. If the canopy housing is constructed in a combustible material it must be a minimum of 650 mm above the hotplate.

IN SUMMARY
With all this information in mind remember to check your room size to see how much extraction power you need then move onto the aesthetics. There are so many different styles and looks in the marketplace so narrow them down and then compare manufacturers. In the modern kitchen the extractor can be the main feature and if selected well can transform the overall look and feel of your new kitchen.

Over the years the Ultimate Kitchens team have designed and delivered over 5000 individual and Bespoke, Modern, Contemporary, Classic, Shaker and other kitchen solutions.

We pride ourselves, not just on the Ultimate Kitchens we deliver, but the ultimate solutions we provide so why not take advantage of our Nationwide, Free Design Planning Service, and let us consult with you on what you want from your new modern kitchen and let us design and visualise the kitchen of your dreams.

Call 01925 255 500 or leave you details via our Quick Contact Form, and we will have a Free 3D kitchen concept drawn up to your preferences, using our expertise in no time at all.

As such, a kitchen island comes very high on the wish list for customers looking for a new modern kitchen.

Top Tips for Kitchen Islands
Space – A minimum of 1m floor space should be allowed around the island for standard depth unit so that there is sufficient room to open the doors and drawers and move around the island without comprising ease of use in the kitchen but 1.25m is ideal for a perimeter space and will improve the ergonomics.

If there isn’t enough perimeter room (1-1.25m) around the island, another solution could be a kitchen peninsula instead.

Features – If the island is for food preparation and storage only (i.e. no cooker or hob) then there will be no need to have extraction above the island. If the island is to comprise either a hob (preferred and more sensible option) or hob and cooker, then extraction is a must and there are also health and safety considerations.

The minimum space between a gas hob and an extraction should be 700mm which can seem quite obtrusive and ideally 800mm space is desired so it does have implications in the choice of hob. The ceiling height is an obvious restriction but if room is minimal then flat extraction versus chimney style extractor hoods.

If you want flush and modern lines and surfaces then a ceramic or induction hob would create this look but if you are a Wok-er (Wok user) then gas hob is a must and this again will influence the direction of your island.

Using the Island – If the island is for the most popular format and use, with is mixed use, containing Storage, Clever Storage, Drawers and Pullouts under the worktop, and hob, food preparation, sink and tap plus a breakfast bar above then one useful tip is to have a slightly lower breakfast bar at one end as perching on a high stool is not for everyone’s liking.

Examples of Kitchen Islands

Ultimate Kitchens - Kitchen Island using Avant Beige Ebony style

The above example of a kitchen Island is using the Avant Beige Ebony contemporary and modern kitchen style and in this example we can see that the island is many used for food prep, storage and informal dinning via the breakfast bar, which as per the suggestion earlier on this blog, is slightly lower in height than the worktop so that chairs, not towering bar stools can be used.

The cooker and hob are also on separate walls, but have been placed for ease of use and to create a triangle around the chef/cook/boss of the kitchen so that each of the necessary tools used in cooking anything from a quick family meal to a sumptuous dinner party menu are easily accessible around a central pivot point.

Having the informal dinning / breakfast bar on the opposite side to the food prep / cooking zones is crucial in minimizing stress in the kitchen. Children, be they young or old are away from the action zone and during a party, the cooking / food prep zones are not in the way.

Ultimate Kitchens Island Example using Milton Suede Style

The above example of a kitchen Island is using the more classic kitchen style of Milton Suede offers a format where the island is used for food prep and for cooking.

The pivotal triangle of the two cooking and food prep zones are still evident with the twin double ovens at one point, the sink at another and the hob with small food prep at the third point in the triangle, but in easy reach of the double fridge (mostly out of shot to the left) is a bigger food prep zone for the messier stuff.

Again the eating / dinning zone is away from the action (again think of reducing stress here) but with the space this island affords, a larger bar surface and accompanying stools are the option of choice.

The hob, with overhead extraction is gas, which is perfect for a more classic or shaker style kitchen island and overall theme but essential for the eager chef or part-time Wok-er (think Ken Hom)

What Next?

If you want some help and advice on how to make the best of your kitchen and incorporating an island as part of the design then simply give Ultimate Kitchens a call and take advantage of our UK wide Free Design Planning Service.

Over the years the Ultimate Kitchens team have designed and delivered over 5000 individual and Bespoke, Modern, Contemporary, Classic, Shaker and other kitchen solutions.

We pride ourselves, not just on the Ultimate Kitchens we deliver, but the ultimate solutions we provide so why not take advantage of our Nationwide, Free Design Planning Service, and let us consult with you on what you want from your new modern kitchen and let us design and visualise the kitchen of your dreams.

Call 01925 255 500 or leave you details via our Quick Contact Form, and we will have a Free 3D kitchen concept drawn up to your preferences, using our expertise in no time at all.

Whilst the term now largely refers to kitchens, especially in the UK and US, the term ‘Shaker’ does have former religious tones and the term was originally from the 18^th century to denote a break-away Christian group, namely the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing (USBCSA) which apart form being a mouthful to say, had its roots in the English Quakers but grew more so in the US when one of the early founders, settled in New York after leaving England.

The term ‘shakers’ itself is derived from the method of worship that the breakaway Quakers used, namely ecstatic dancing or “shaking”, which dubbed them as the Shaking Quakers, and later just ‘Shakers’.

Shaking Quakers not Shaking Kitchens

The philosophy of Shakers was engrained into their daily lives and greatly influenced their furniture style, and their philosophy is evident in everything they made or built, which can be summed up in two frequently quoted phrases:  “whatever is fashioned let it be plain and simple and for the good” and “beauty rests on utility”. As part of their strong religious convictions, the Shaker craftsmen invariably made items for the glory and worship of their god and accordingly they strived to make them to the highest levels of craftsmanship, using only pure and simple lines without any ornamentation. The Shaker Craftsmen were also interested in making their homes and furniture, hardwearing, durable and, above all, practical.

Modern Day Shaker Kitchen

The Shaker Kitchen style is mainly preserved through copies of their furniture as owing to the period, original pieces will obviously fetch princely sums of money and rareness.

There was a revival of Shaker style, for UK kitchens, back in the early 1990s and one of the most popular kitchens back then, and before the creative late 90’s and onwards was from DIY retailer B&Q which made a beech kitchen shaker inspired kitchen, with green doors. Other retailers mainly kept to more muted tones, or earthy tones such as Sage.

The Milbourne Shaker Style Kitchen from Ultimate Kitchens

The traditional and hardwearing philosophy from the Shaker style usually meant using material such as beech but as with the 90’s, real beech wasn’t as sought after as in today’s natural and organic times but instead ‘beech effect’ doors and end panels and accessories were the norm and so began the laminate days.

More upmarket versions of the Shaker style often used a painted finish as aspiration to re-create the authentic shaker vision rather than copy it with a tacky fake. Furthermore, although the chipboard unit carcasses of modern kitchen units probably don’t meet the durability criterion of the Shakers I doubt the choice of colours and the mix of painted finishes wouldn’t have been found in an 18^th century Shaker home before the advent of laminate.

The Milton Ivory Shaker Kitchen Style from Ultimate Kitchens

Shaker Example Kitchen: Set in a solid timber frame, Milton´s simple Shaker-inspired door has a classical in-frame design which lends streamlined sophistication to any contemporary or period kitchen. The example above is Milton Ivory. Understated ivory may be a neutral, but it has real warmth. Its inherent versatility makes it ideal for a range of styles, from contemporary chic to rustic charm, and it works well alongside a wide range of complementary and contrasting shades.

Since that initial revival, the term ‘Shaker’ has come to refer also to just the door style of a kitchen – a very plain, square panelled door with fairly sharp, well defined edges; no fancy profiles or curves. There are two distinct versions: one with a vertical groove, the other more plain, with no grooves, and very square and simple profiles.

You may also find doors with grooved centre panels – to look like tongue and grooved – but these are rarely made from separate pieces and are commonly described as being Shaker style. These days, shaker doors are produced in virtually any colour and in gloss finishes, bearing no relationship to the original look so the times have indeed changed and Shaker, more than anything just means ‘traditionally inspired in today’s modern kitchen styles.

Over the years the Ultimate Kitchens team have designed and delivered over 5000 individual and bespoke kitchen solutions.

We pride ourselves, not just on the Ultimate Kitchens we deliver, but the ultimate solutions we provide so why not take advantage of our Nationwide, Free Design Planning Service, and let us consult with you on what you want from your new modern kitchen and what you want to use it for, and let us design and visualise the kitchen of your dreams.

We can design Contemporary Kitchens, Shaker Kitchens and Classic Kitchens for the more traditional customer. Call 01925 255 500 or leave you details via our Quick Contact Form, and we will have a Free 3D kitchen concept drawn up to your preferences, using our expertise in no time at all

Island Kitchen / Galley Kitchen / Double Galley / L-Shaped / U-Shaped

Island Kitchen – The Island is a popular choice and when the island also serves as part diner with a breakfast bar, it is a perfect use of space, increased storage and with separate designated zones for food preparation, cooking, washing, and eating, with the island acting as a natural barrier between the cook/chef and the rest of the family it can reduce stress often associated with catering for families and parties.
The Island is obviously a standalone `island` feature and not a self contained kitchen in itself but is an integral part of a modern functioning kitchen and is usually accompanied with a Galley or L-Shape arrangement of complementary units, larder units etc.

Island Style Layout - Ultimate Kitchens - Avant Beige Ebony

Galley Kitchen – The Galley layout is one of the most highly used in new build properties where over the years, space (being at a premium) is one of the key considerations.

The Galley is also referred to as a Single Wall kitchen and as the other namesake suggests, the Galley/Single Wall layout sees all of the units, cooker, fridge, dishwasher and sink all across one wall. Galley kitchens, especially in new build flats and apartments can be a little cluttered if not designed correctly and with little space available for storage, clever storage solutions should be implemented where ever possible.

Galley Style Kitchen Layout - Ultimate Kitchens - Avant White

Double Galley – The Double Gallery is an improvement on the single Galley where a little more width to the kitchen gives the opportunity to increase the usefulness of the kitchen and as everything is being squeezed onto just one wall, it allows for better storage as with the single Galley, the appliances tend to consume most of the space.

One consideration of the Double Galley (and which our Designers will point out) is that you should not just `double up` on the single Galley!

With a single Galley, you will have (typically) base units which include a single cooker (under) housing, the sink unit and some storage and wall units, one of which will be an extractor housing or space.

The key consideration is that there is usually a wall on the opposite face to the Galley and if you were to double up without careful consideration you can end up with somewhat of a cluttered kitchen.

L-Shaped – L-Shaped Kitchens are typically used where (unlike a new build flat/apartment) there is a little bit more room to move and as such the kitchen can be a little bigger, a bit more clever in terms of layout and storage and perhaps by even adding a breakfast bar, a bit more user friendly?

With extra space come opportunity to have designated zones for storage, food preparation and cooking and with more worktop space, using an L-Shaped kitchen day in day out is therefore far less stressful than say a Galley kitchen where a few pots or pans can take up your entire work surface.

Whilst there may not be the available space for an Island, by using Clever Storage solutions such as Magic Corners and Pull-out larders, according to the storage experts Blum, including drawers & other clever space-saving storage solutions within your kitchen cupboards can increase your kitchens storage capacity by approximately 55%.

L-Shaped Kitchen Layout - Ultimate Kitchens Izari

U-Shaped – A U-Shaped layout is considered to be a versatile layout for the smaller sized kitchens, medium sized or even larger footprints, where space is not a premium. Whilst a U-Shape can be the full foot print of a kitchen and uses 3 walls, it can also be laid out so that one of the longer sides of the U can be storage on one side, and a breakfast bar on the other.

Owning to the footprint of a large U, they tend to be some of the more expensive kitchens on a like for like basis as the number of units, worktop area (esp if you choose granite) etc are all many times larger than say a Galley layout.

U-Shaped Kitchen Layout - Ultimate Kitchens Fenton Wenge

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