Fresh & Modern Handleless Kitchen

Sally and Gary’s previous kitchen was installed by Gardiner Haskins eleven years ago. The couple recall a very positive experience back then, so when it was time for an upgrade, they had no hesitation in returning to us. This time around, the kitchen would be part of a larger project to transform the ground floor of their home into an open-plan, multi-function living zone. With eight children and fifteen grandchildren between them, space for cooking and entertaining was a priority. Amongst the changes, they planned to remove their conservatory and build an extension in its place, creating a roomy, new dining area with a ten-seater table.

Realising they would no longer need a table in the kitchen, Sally and Gary chatted with our designer Alec Yull about a revised layout that would make the most of their extra space. Sally wanted her new kitchen to feel fresh and different from the old one, and top of her wish-list was the largest island unit she could have. She also wanted an update on the curved, cream gloss cupboards she’d chosen last time. Remembering Sally’s favourite colour is blue, Alec showed her Crown Imperial’s simple Zeluso cabinets in Midnight Blue, which fitted the bill perfectly for wall units down one side and across the back of the room. The bold, inky colour, matt finish and no-fuss, handleless design all give the kitchen a stylish, on-trend feel without being too extreme. To break things up and add another layer of interest, Alec suggested contrasting gloss white for the large, rectangular, central island, and shades of pale grey for the work surfaces and Luxury vinyl tile flooring,

“The flooring was a really important choice, as it extends from the hall, through the kitchen, to the living and dining areas, and pulls the whole space together,” says Sally, I’m very pleased with my choice, but it’s one probably wouldn’t have looked at, if Alec hadn’t showed us how beautifully it worked alongside the other elements.” “Gardiner Haskins supplied the flooring for us, and advised on a fitter too,” says Gary, “Having one point of contact just made the whole process easier and more convenient.”

To complete the cabinetry, a freestanding drinks unit was another ‘must-have’ for Sally. Alec talked through various options with her before coming up with a design she loved. The gloss white cabinet, which incorporates lighting and glass shelves, acts as a display piece, as well as storage for drinks and glassware.

Some of the couple’s existing appliances, including their two Neff ovens and induction hob, were still in great condition, so Alec was more than happy to integrate these seamlessly into the new kitchen. The hob was moved from the wall onto the island in the middle, so there is more work space around it and Sally can now look out over the garden while she cooks. The ovens are flanked on one side by easy-access, pull-out food storage, and on the other, by a new larder fridge. Having had a small wine cooler before, Gary also added in a new, bigger model, and cupboards along the wall neatly conceal an undercounter freezer and a new washing machine. Sally was keen to keep the surfaces clear, so Alec guided her towards a Quooker boiling water tap,

“I find it easy to use, the work-tops stay tidy, and it gives filtered drinking water as well as boiling water,” she says, “Alec really encouraged us to consider it, and I’m so glad we did.”

After the success of their last kitchen eleven years ago, Gary and Sally returned to us with high expectations, and they were not disappointed. Installation was a smooth process, with the majority of the work completed in a week. They are both delighted with their new kitchen, especially the way it integrates so smoothly into their updated, open-plan ground floor. Gary is pleased with the sleek, smart look and calm, clutter-free vibe. Sally is a fan of the pull-out food storage, which has put an end to bending down to reach into the back of cupboards, and the glass-sided drawers mean everything is easy to see. Her favourite element however, is the island,

“It seats four and it gets used every day for breakfast, lunch, coffee and a chat, or when we have guests,” she says, “It’s given us a new way of living.”

Looking to modernise your kitchen? Make it happen with Gardiner Haskins. Visit our Bristol showrooms for some inspiration or call us on 01179 292 288.

Kitchen Details:

Designer: Alec Yull

Kitchen type: Modern True Handle-less

Cabinetry: Crown Imperial Furore Gloss White & Zeluso Matt Midnight Blue

Worktop: Caesarstone Airy Concrete

Tap: Quooker

Flooring: Karndean Van Gogh Light Distressed Oak

All imagery contained in this case study were taken by Colin, PhotoWord.