The Stuarts

The Stuarts used to rent the house next door to their current one, but decided to move when this property – whose private garden they’d always enjoyed access to during their tenancy – came onto the market. Not wanting to lose their beloved outdoor space, complete with apple tree, they eagerly bought the house and began an extensive renovation project. Wood & Wire were delighted to be tasked with creating this bespoke kitchen in Huddersfield with its expansive kitchen/dining space.

The scheme consists of a feature wall, a four-seater island unit and a double larder, and is visible in all its glory when you enter the space from the hallway at the front of the house. At the front of the scheme, greeting family and guests with equal impact is the welcoming island unit. The island comfortably sits 4 people bar-side, and it features an illuminated bookcase occupying half of the space under the white Corian breakfast bar, along with under-counter storage cupboards on the other side. Placed front and centre of the island is the flush-fitting Bora Pure hob, which allows the chef, guests and family to catch up informally while cooking takes place. We’d love to mention the aromas of cooking, but the efficiency of the BORA hob means food smells don’t linger, which in turn means fabrics are kept fresh.

The other side of the island is where the action happens, as a double cupboard sits directly below the Bora, flanked either side with a 3-drawer unit and pull-out cupboard. Finally, the large island is completed with a second illuminated bookcase showcasing the family’s culinary collection. To the left of the island stands the broad double larder, with open illuminated apertures at mid and top heights providing the family with some open-access workspace. It provides a display area too, perfect for family treasures; in this case containing handmade ceramics made by a talented artistic family member.

At the back of the scheme, the main run occupies the whole of the wall, just falling short of the high Victorian ceiling and its ornate coving. At its beginning, adjacent to the room’s second entrance and double larder is a tall configuration comprising a full-height integrated fridge/freezer, pull-out larder cupboard and two stacked ovens by Siemens, all with additional overhead storage to make full use of the high ceilings. Next up, a run of base units continues to the opposite wall, while above it a double layer of sliding wall cupboards is complemented by illuminated open shelving located at either end. At base unit level, the run comprises a three-drawer base unit; a recycling centre; an under-sink cupboard housing the Franke 1.5 under-mounted stainless steel sink with matching tap; a fully-integrated Siemens dishwasher; and, finally, a narrow cupboard. Our clients selected a sophisticated palette of black laminate and birch ply, with added wow factor thanks to pops of yellow and orange laminate in key illuminated areas. At activity height, white Corian with curved upstands meets a pale grey glass splash-back. Completing the look, warm grey-green walls and white painted ceilings echo the flecks in the large mottled ceramic floor tiles.

Kitchen Cabinets   -  Birch Plywood    |    Worktop  -  White Corian | Kitchen Doors and Drawers  -  Black, Yellow and Orange Laminate With Birch Ply    |    Appliances  -  Siemens