STYLE

Style, a broad way to think about the look you are after. There's the big picture - are you going for a classic English country look or a more contemporary, urban feel? And then there's the pieces too - the things that add up to the overall feel and vibe. So check out our helpful tips, tricks hints on taps, sinks, worktops, ironmongery and shelving too.

DOORS

SINKS

WORKTOPS

SHELVING

IRONMONGERY

TAPS

TAP TIPS

Every kitchen sink needs a tap. Some pantries and utility rooms need them too. They need to be functional and look good. Things to consider? The size, the type and the finish.

TYPE: Deck mounted, means they sit on the worktop (deck) and are best for the main sink in the space. If you've got a prep sink, a smaller pair of bibcock (one or two individual taps) may work as well. These days, you can get a sprayer or instant hot water tap - another decision to make!

SIZE: The size of your tap depends on the size of your sink. How deep is your sink (from the base to the top)? The spout should be high enough to get big pots and pans underneath for filling and washing, but a tap too high will create splashes!

FINISH: Don't worry about mixing metals. We love using a different ironmongery and tap finish and you'll notice it in our British Standard showrooms. Some combos we love: matte black + chrome, brushed brass + nickel, antique brass + iron.

SINK TIPS

In most spaces with running water, the sink gets the most use. The position and style of your sink needs to work with the use of the space, while looking 10/10.

Consider the material of your sink and what will work best with your lifestyle. Two options we love:

Ceramic sinks: Easy to maintain and mostly stain resistant. Originally more of a traditional look but we think they work well in any style space. Sometimes a ceramic sink can get scratched and small cracks in the glaze can form. We call that the patina and welcome it, but something to think about if you'll spend more time worrying about your sink than the washing up.

Stainless steel: A practical, tough and hardwearing material. A little industrial but also very sleek and won't smash your fancy glasses that come out at Christmas. A great option for a sink that's going to be put through it's paces in a kitchen or utility room.

Now that we've looked at the material of the sink - it's time to choose the style. A Butler or Belfast sink - by this we mean the front facade of the sink is on show when you look at the cupboard. These often have a traditional farmhouse/cottage look but can also give a contemporary twist. Sometimes the sink is the focal point of the kitchen - centred under a window so you can gaze outside while washing dishes. Other sinks we've used in the past - concrete, copper, teak. We love them all.

WORKTOP TIPS

Worktops - the most hardworking element in the space. In a kitchen, the spot where food will be prepped, plates will be loaded and if you can get away with it, where the bike may be mended.

Worktops also have a big visual impact on a space and are usually the most dominant material of the room (aside from the flooring). When deciding on a worktop, think about what will be the main use and then mix practicality with looks and you'll find your perfect solution!

Sometimes a space can call for two workstops of different materials. A stone and a wood?

Wooden worktops can add warmth to a space. They do develop a 'lived in' look with everyday use and love. Water and spills will need to be wiped up quickly and we'd reccomend re-oiling a wooden worktop every 3-4 months.

Sometimes a piece of reclaimed and reloved wood can work as an interesting worktop. Already full of stories and character so you can be a bit more relaxed and enjoy adding a mark of your own.

But we get it, wood isn't for everyone. So a stone can be a better option. For a more durable option we'd go with a granite or a quartzite for a natural stone. Man-made products such as Silestone or Cesarstone are increasingly popular if you want something that you can't damage.

Other worktop materials: a Carrara marble, concrete, zinc or even stainless steel. Each with their own unique visual and tactile qualities.

It's all down to the way you use your space - our Design Team can lend a hand if you're feeling stuck making your choice.

WALL SPACE TIPS

Wall cupboards or shelves?

Wall cupboards are practical and sometimes needed for additional storage. Open shelves provide open storage and also give you a place to display items.

IRONMONGERY

The finishing touches - the ironmongery. Different materials and types to choose from, it's important to consider which cupboard needs what treatment.

For a cupboard that requires a bit of 'pull' like a dishwasher or bin a drawer pull is best.

For drawers, this is a personal preference, we like how pulls and knobs look. For bigger pan drawers like our No.14 we'd maybe go for a drawer pull. But for our smaller drawers No.13 a knob may be better.

For wall cupboards it's nice to use something with a slightly smaller scale such as a small knob or a push catch. As we mentioned in our tap tips we encourage mixing your metals!