Case Study: A Hat-Trick Of Exceptional Kitchens From Regal Kitchens
18Dec '19
Regal Kitchens have been a Kbsa member for over two years, specialising in designing, supplying and installing exceptional kitchens to extremely high standards. The Chelmsford-based, family-run retail member's ethos has always been 'Client is King', with their whole talented team adopting this approach to delivering first-class customer service.
With this in mind, it comes as no surprise to hear of another magnificent project that has put huge smiles on the faces of one of their clients. Explore one of their latest designs in the case study below...
Having completed projects for them in their two previous homes, it was probably no surprise that Mr. & Mrs. Emerson contacted Regal Kitchens when they bought a new property in Benfleet, Essex.
With the aid of their sister company Regal Developments, Phil Edgell was able to help design an open-plan living area. Knocking down the small, cramped, unwelcoming kitchen and extending to create a generous sized (over 40 SqM) area.
When the architect plans were drawn up, they asked designer John Martin, with whom they had worked with on both their previous projects to assist with the kitchen plan.
Take a look at the before and after photos by scrolling left and right below...
After a consultation, they concluded that as well as a main kitchen, they needed a working utility space (with no visible appliances) and ideally a separate drinks area for hosting friends & family. They also wanted a dining area with additional soft furnishings, TV, and so on.
John explains the design:
“By opting for the Schuller furniture, we were able to integrate the extractor above the induction hob yet keep the bottom of the wall cabinets in a straight line, creating a modern unfussy look. We ordered the handleless trims in brushed metal to complement the seamless strips joining the Neff oven & combi. Putting the sink in the island meant that we were able to keep that big kitchen feel without demanding the cook jog a marathon to create every meal.
"Although the build granted both a sky-pod and bi-fold doors we didn’t want to lose the natural light from the existing kitchen, so the window was replaced with a narrower one to allow for the tall and wall cabinets in the new utility area," says John. "By housing the freestanding wet appliances in a bespoke deep & wide larder and duplicating that in front of the vertical beam, we were able to hide the structural support, giving us generous storage as well as creating a symmetrical look to the area with clearly defined zones."
A free-standing wine cooler, a twenty-four-bottle wine rack, a worktop ice maker and wall cabinets with built-in LED lights creates a Barkeeps dream area without compromising on the homogenous feel of the room.
Meanwhile, the countertops are 40 mm Schuller laminate to co-ordinate with the top cabinets with a warm grey Alusplash wall covering. The statement piece is the beautiful island worksurface, made from 20mm Cambria Quartz, contrasting wonderfully in thickness, colour, material and look with the other tops as well as lightening the impact of the sophisticated, dark base furniture.
The huge piece covers the integrated dishwasher, bins, sink, compulsory kettle tap, while still leaving room for additional storage, pop up electrics and seating for four! This is a kitchen that truly creates that elusive WOW factor.
Overall, Regal Kitchens and their hat-trick-achieving clients are both proud and delighted with this project.