Real Kitchen Focus – Put it in Neutral

With the soaring popularity of neutrals in interior design, we’ve naturally saw a rise in the number of beige kitchens coming through our state-of-the-art painting facility and we can see why. They offer a cosy colour choice that will stand the test of time, suiting both contemporary and classic designs that homeowners will love for years to come. However, it’s important to add layers of textures, design details and contrasting finishes to avoid the space becoming dull or monotonous. The expertise of our STORI Retailers have done just that with some of their recently completed Real Kitchen projects below.

Mr & Mrs Johnston

Satisfyingly symmetrical, this classic open-plan kitchen/dining area created by Brookwood Kitchens oozes sophistication. Using our Wakefield range as the base, the design of the overall space accentuates the traditional details of the door style, perfectly. Colour matched to a popular shade crafted by a well-established paint brand, the delicate white with subtle grey undertones highlights Wakefield’s key design features, from the grand shaker frame with beaded detailing to the authentic wood grain.

The light and airy feel is continued with a meticulous lighting scheme complemented by natural light sources as well as sparkling white worktops. Homely greige walls and edged linen Roman blinds add softness, whilst rich walnut accents from the herringbone floor and the detailing on the dining chairs add beautiful contrast and warmth to the space.

Subtle pops of contrasting metallic finishes feature throughout for added elegance whilst intricate design details set this kitchen apart from run-of-the-mill template designs and amplify the traditional aesthetic.

Key Design Features

1. The kitchen island features framed end panels and box pilasters at either end adding another layer of exquisite detail.
2. The cabinetry is topped with an extended traditional cornice and tailed with a moulded skirting plinth creating a built-in look.
3. A mantle shelf with arched legs frames the area above the range cooker making it a central, focal point.
4. Bi-fold dresser doors keep the coffee station easily accessible but neatly tucked away while plain glazed door frames allow decorative items to take pride of place.
5. Traditional knobs used throughout for a cohesive design.

 

Mr & Mrs Gawthorpe

Effortlessly combining classic design with modern styling, this newly completed open-plan kitchen and living area by Broomside Design ticks all the boxes for Mr & Mrs Gawthorpe.

Traditional inframe cabinetry is used throughout the space using a mixture of our Belgravia range and the Aurora range created by our sister brand, Novelle. The ornately detailed shaker style of Belgravia works seamlessly with the modern slab design of Aurora as they both feature an authentic woodgrain and are painted in a matching STORI exclusive shade, Shell. Our bestselling shade of 2023 so far, the warm neutral showcases a fusion of bronze, caramel, and peach undertones, creating a soft and cosy palette for a serene kitchen.

Traditional design details complement Belgravia’s opulent design, from classic pendant lights to tongue and groove panelling on the integrated bench seating whilst contemporary design features are dotted throughout the design paying homage to Aurora’s modern style. From matte black hardware, crittall windows and doors, contrasting wood slat panelling on the island and marbled worktops with a seamless backsplash to name a few. The design flawlessly balances both styles creating a kitchen that is both timeless yet individual.

Key Design Features

1. Symmetrical dresser-style cabinetry on either side of the main cooking space with bifold doors conceals drink stations to the left and right. One to house a coffee machine with other appliances and one with a solid oak wine glass & bottle rack aptly positioned above the wine cooler.
2. The mitered mantle shelf adds another classic touch marking the dedicated cooking space.
3. Storage space is maximised with full-height cabinetry and top boxes, while the larder and fridge freezer are tucked away behind triple panel doors.
4. The large island provides ample additional seating with its overhang whilst built-in drawers and cupboards provide additional storage and dishwasher space right by the sink.
5. Knurled matte black bar and t-bar handles add an industrial feel and contrast against the cabinetry’s soft neutral hue.

 

Mr & Mrs Carpenter

Flannery Kitchens have created a contemporary yet classic kitchen dining area in Strandhill for Mr & Mrs Carpenter. Wakefield’s shaker door style with its distinctive beaded centre panel and rich woodgrain perfectly combines both the modern and timeless elements of the room’s architecture creating a bright and airy kitchen in a calming colour combination of Shell and Cardamom, framing the picturesque countryside views perfectly. The soft beige and the muted green provide a tranquil colour palette in this large open plan extension complemented further by soft white walls, large porcelain floor tiles and subtly marbled worktops with a matching full height backsplash for a flawless finish.

For added warmth brass hardware features throughout from the handles to the plug sockets whilst pearlescent pendent globes, natural wood slatted panelling on the island and solid oak chopping board and tray sets provide additional texture and richness.

Extending beyond the kitchen, the design of the media unit complements the kitchen by mirroring its slatted panelling, marble worktop, Cardamom hue and brass knurled handles.

Key Design Features

1. The waterfall edge dual-height island offers additional seating space, a lowered sink for easier accessibility, and additional storage with a run of drawers facing the sink.
2. The built-in bench and seating area reflects the kitchen design painted in the same colour palette featuring tongue and groove panelling and a marble tabletop.
3. The modern canopy with double panel complements the cornice topping the cabinetry as well as the bi-fold doors on the countertop cupboards finished with plain glazed top boxes.
4. Built-in ovens with deep pan drawers underneath add a layer of additional convenience within the kitchen’s layout.

 

Mr & Mrs Marsh

The Belgravia range sits right at home in this traditional, elegant renovation. It’s true inframe design sets the scene for the kitchen’s design, complemented with further touches of luxury including profiled handles as well as matching glass chandeliers.

Colour matched to a warm light grey created by a well-established paint brand, the extremely versatile hue creates a soothing backdrop when paired with muted white walls and Calacatta Nuvo worktops, upstands, and backsplash. The rich wooden flooring adds contrast matching the warmer undertones of the cabinetry.

Built-in Siemen and Fisher & Paykel appliances are neatly hidden behind triple panel doors topped with cornice detailing for a traditional finishing touch. Metallic accents feature throughout, matching the handles in the kitchen including a hot water tap by Quooker and an 1810 double sink. The bay window floods the kitchen with natural light as well providing an opportunity for soft furnishings for added cosiness, including roman blinds and integrated bench seating styled with patterned cushions for a pop of colour.

Key Design Features

1. A large kitchen island featuring framed end panels to match the doors used throughout the main kitchen design and island offer design continuity. Trimmed with moulded skirting plinth for added grandeur with the surrounding worktop overhang offering communal seating space.
2. Full height cupboards to the left offer ample food storage and a place to conceal built-in appliances including a fridge and freezer.
3. Under cabinetry spotlights offer critical task lighting under the wall cupboards whilst adding to the overall ambience and carefully considered lighting scheme.

 

Want more Real Kitchen inspiration? Scroll through recently completed projects completed by our network of approved retailers here and follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Ready to speak with an expert, then search for your local Retailer here.