5 Tips for Designing a Kitchen

Designing a kitchen is a big task for any home owner because of the work involved and potential costs. With that in mind, you will want to make sure that you get it right the first time.

Bespoke kitchen designs vary in several ways, from layout and style to purpose and function. Over time, kitchens have served a variety of different purposes in households, making the design of a kitchen very different throughout history.

For many in the modern world, the kitchen has become almost a central hub within the home, acting as a family space similar to a living room. Although the area has grown into a gathering space suitable for entertainment and lounging, the kitchen’s core function has (naturally) remained unchanged: cooking food.

Designing a Kitchen Professionally

To ensure that you get the kitchen done right, it’s advised that you call on professional help. These professionals will often work directly with you to help you bring your dream kitchen to life whilst advising you on any potential challenges.

But how exactly do the professionals design a kitchen? Our guide will go through some of the key steps and considerations that a professional kitchen design company, such as Cheverell, will go through when designing a kitchen.

Off white kitchen with white marble surfaces

1. Setting a Budget

Before beginning any kitchen design project, it is absolutely crucial to set a budget that both you and the designers can work with. This will help set expectations early and help the designers with their initial design projections.

More often than not, the cost will safely remain within budget, however, it is advised that you set aside an additional 5%-10% for any unforeseeable costs.

2. Understand What You Want From Your Kitchen

As previously mentioned, some kitchens offer more than just a cooking facility. Understand exactly what you require from your kitchen and how you envision using the space.

As central hubs within a household, you may want to incorporate a dining area and/or a lounge area that will truly help bring your kitchen area to life. If your sole focus is on your cooking experience, you may consider larger worktops and more room for appliances.

The benefit of working alongside a professional kitchen designer is that they have the expertise to help maximise the space.

If you’re still unsure about what design and style you’re hoping to achieve, check out a designer showroom or gallery to take inspiration from existing projects.

3. Choosing Your Style & Theme

Once all special and budget considerations are done, it’s time for the more exciting part of the kitchen design process: choosing how your kitchen is going to look.

The world is your oyster when designing your kitchen, giving you almost unlimited range to customise everything in the design.

Colours

Arguably the first and most important decision when designing a kitchen is choosing a colour. This will determine a whole host of other elements within the design.

When it comes to colour, there are a few things to think about:

● If you are designing this kitchen for your long-term home, are you going to like this design choice in 10, 20 or even 30 years later?
● If you’re going to rent out this property as a short term holiday let, is the colour of paint easily accessible to help repaint?
● If you’re intending to sell the property in a few years, will the design attract buyers or will it put people off the sale?

All of these factors need to be considered before you choose the colour you’re looking to design your kitchen with.

Cabinetry

Your cabinetry will play an extremely large part in how you intend to shape your kitchen design. Choosing the right cabinetry will determine whether your kitchen has a modern style, shaker style or even a traditional style kitchen.

On top of choosing your cabinetry, you will need to choose your handle features that complement the style you’re looking to achieve. Discuss this with your professional designer to ensure you get the best results.

Flooring

Often overlooked, the flooring you choose can make or break your total kitchen design. By taking up such a large amount of visual space, the flooring in your kitchen needs to be carefully chosen to complement your cabinets’ style and colour.
Some kitchen designers choose to match their flooring with certain features within the kitchen such as countertops, appliances or cabinet handles.

Flooring for your kitchen can come in a variety of different materials including:

● Laminate
● Wood
● Stone
● Wood effect tiles
● Stone effect tiles
● Porcelain tiles
● Vinyl or vinyl tiles

Discuss your flooring options with your chosen kitchen design professional to decide which flooring type works best with your budget.

Lighting

The lighting used in a kitchen often feels like a finishing touch, but it can impact the design of the room in a couple of different ways.

Firstly, the most obvious impact on the design of a kitchen comes from the design of the fitting itself. The colour and style of the fitting must align with the rest of the kitchen. Some choose to keep their light fittings simple whereas others choose to make it a centrepiece. Lighting over an island can be an example of this.

The other impact lighting can have is through the bulbs themselves and the light they emit. Warmer bulb colours will help to create a cosy and more homely vibe. White bulbs may be sharper, but they will help to make the space feel modern and clean. Unlike most other aspects of the kitchen, lighting can be changed a lot more easily.

You can even take your lighting a step further and go for smart lighting. Bulbs such as Philips Hue and Govee Smart Bulbs can help give your kitchen a more modern approach.

4. Choosing Appliances

When designing a kitchen, traditionally designers would work around the sink. With bespoke cabinets made specifically for your kitchen, you can work around all of your kitchen appliances, helping them to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your kitchen.

It’s important to budget well for your appliances to increase longevity and lifespan without

At Cheverell, we utilise a variety of different branded and premium appliances such as Quooker, Miele, Neff and more!

5. Personal Decoration

Once you’ve had your kitchen designed by the professionals, now is time to personalise your space even more.

By adding pictures and centrepiece displays, you can make your new kitchen look even more personal to you and your family. But you can go that one step further by getting cutlery, dining sets, pans and cooking utensils that suit the colour scheme of your kitchen.

Need Help Designing Your Kitchen?

Having a professional kitchen design service will take the weight off your shoulders whilst ensuring you achieve the results you are looking for.

With over 30 years of experience designing and fitting kitchens across the UK, we have the ability to bring your dream kitchen to life. Simply contact us online or book to meet with one of our designers when visiting our inspiration showrooms.

What is a Bespoke Kitchen?

Most of us have a vision of how we imagine our living spaces looking and considering we spend a lot of time in our kitchens, we have a good idea of how we want them to look and function. By choosing a bespoke kitchen, you can create a kitchen in your own image. 

What makes a kitchen bespoke?

By choosing to have a bespoke kitchen fitted, you’re opening your kitchen up to endless possibility. What this means is that you are not limited to any restriction other than the space that your kitchen sits in. 

For example, if you’re looking for a certain type of kitchen cabinet, but you’re not quite happy with any of the panels that any of the pre-made kitchen offers, bespoke cabinetry will allow for you to adapt and change parts to suit you. This goes for every element within the kitchen. 

Alongside having the ability to choose the exact design you want, you will have the chance to work alongside kitchen specialists who can help you design your ideal kitchen. Unlike regular retailers, these specialists will work a lot more closely with you to design your kitchen and even made many of the pieces within your kitchen by hand, delivering quality to maximise space and optimise detail.

With all this in mind, a bespoke kitchen sets itself apart from typical standard off-the-shelf kitchens that you would find in a large retail kitchen brand. 

What are the benefits of a bespoke kitchen

When choosing to have bespoke made, you will see a variety of benefits that you won’t get when opting for a regular, off-the-shelf or measured-to-order type of kitchen. 

Made to suit you – Arguably the biggest benefit of having a bespoke designed kitchen is that you can customise your kitchen exactly how you want it. From materials to size and dimensions, you can work within your space to create the kitchen that suits your both style and needs. 

More attention and care – When you get a bespoke made kitchen, you will have a team of kitchen specialists working closely with you to help make your dream a reality. These specialists have vast experience in working on tailor made kitchens and can offer you insights that go above and beyond a regular kitchen fitting. 

Superior quality – Kitchens that have been bespoke made for your kitchen will be cut, measured and designed by hand in house. This attention to detail ensures that the quality of kitchen you receive is noticeably superior to that of a mass produced kitchen from a kitchen retail brand. 

Maximise Space – Due to everything being tailor made to fit your kitchen, every single inch is maximised to ensure that you get the most out of the space available. Whether you’re fitting a wine wrack or a spice cabinet, everything will be measured to fit within your boundaries. 

Property value – Just like any other improvement on your property, improving your kitchen will greatly improve your property. But bespoke kitchens can do that little bit more. Providing your style is popular, the quality and durability of the bespoke kitchen will give the property an even greater boost in value. 

Our Kitchen Services

At Cheverell, we will work closely to help you design and create your dream bespoke kitchen. Our team of kitchen design specialists will work closely with you to create a kitchen that suits you both in style and functionality.

Looking for some inspiration? In our gallery we feature a variety of different bespoke kitchens that we have worked on. Whether you’re looking for contemporary and modern style kitchen design, a classic timeless shaker, or even a blend of both, our services give you the chance to build a kitchen truly bespoke to you. 

On top of tailor made designs and an expert specialist service, we utilise some of the best brands available in terms of utilise and decoration including Farrow and Ball paints, Neff, Quooker Flex and Cube.

For more information on our bespoke kitchen services, contact us today to speak to one of our design specialists. 

What is a Shaker Kitchen?

A Shaker kitchen is the name for a kitchen design that offers simplicity, functionality and craftsmanship.

The Shaker kitchens a popular kitchen design featured all across the globe and has become a timeless style choice. The simplistic Shaker designs would typically have units utilising one panel with no added features other than a handle.

But what has made this kitchen design such a timeless choice amongst those upgrading their kitchens and what makes it different from other styles?

Shaker kitchen design

History of the Shaker Kitchen

Before we understand what makes the Shaker kitchen so popular, we must first understand the origin of the design.

The Shaker kitchen gets its name from an 18th century Quaker American group known as the ‘Shaking Quakers’.

Modesty was and humility played a part in many aspects of the lives of the Shaking Quakers, extending through their behaviours, clothing and even their home. This religious practice meant that they were to show humility before God, meaning that the use of any elaborate kitchen design was forbidden.

When designing their kitchens, the Shaking Quakers focused on their ability to self-sustain their families and communities, often building their own furniture. Some of the typical wood types they would have used in their kitchens would include cherry or pine timber.

Key Characteristics of a Shaker Kitchen

The Shaker style kitchen design is still incredibly popular today. It displays that very same style and key characteristics that the Shaking Quakers originally used in their kitchen. Here are some of the key characteristics of a Shaker kitchen:

● Simple Design – Shaker kitchens feature straight lines and minimalist design elements. They often avoid flashy details or excessive decoration, keeping things simple and modest.
● Functional Layout – Shaker kitchens prioritise functionality and efficiency. They often have well-organised storage solutions and ample workspace due to their historical purpose of self-reliance.
● Quality Craftsmanship – Craftsmanship is a hallmark of Shaker design. Cabinets and furniture in a Shaker design are usually well-made from high-quality materials, such as solid woods such as cherry and pine timber. Modern Shaker designs can use a variety of different materials whilst still boasting wooden features.
● Neutral Colours – Shaker kitchens typically feature a neutral colour palette, with shades such as white, cream, grey, or natural wood tones dominating the colour scheme. This ties in with the theme of simplicity as boastful and bright colours would deviate from the modest design

Shaker kitchen design

Why are Shaker Kitchens so Popular?

A kitchen designed in the Shaker style has become an increasingly popular design, growing in popularity amongst home owners. But why are people opting for a Shaker design of kitchen?

Minimalist – As Shaker designs are very simplistic and minimalistic, they have found themselves fitting in with modern fashion. Although these kitchens are known for their minimalism, the straight edges and clean look allow for an elegant and stylish tone.

Functionality – Due to the original purpose of the Shaker kitchen, these kitchens put functionality at the forefront of their design. In a Shaker design, everything should be easily stored, accessible and kept tidy, all whilst offering a large workspace.

Homely – Many stylists and homeowners love the Shaker kitchen. This is because it offers something nostalgic or a yearning for a time long forgotten.

This nostalgia radiates warmth, comfort and, to some, offers a family feeling.

Timeless – The Shaker design is a property investors dream as this design is known for being able to stand the test of time.

As a design that has been popular since the 18th century, you’re guaranteed to see this kitchen design in many years to come.

Even if your house is modern, the Shaker design is still well placed to pair with any property style.

Our Shaker Kitchen Designs

At Cheverell, we offer completely bespoke kitchen designs, allowing you to adopt any style of kitchen that you desire, including the popular Shaker design.

Ranging from modern handleless style kitchens, to timeless classic shaker kitchens, we offer something for every style and function needed.

Shaker kitchen

Examples of Shaker Kitchens

If you’re looking for some inspiration on what a Shaker Kitchen might look like, take a look at our gallery for examples of some of the Shaker designs we have worked on.

Contact us

Our team of kitchen designers are happy to assist you with any kitchen design questions you may have. No project is too big or too small for our team of experts.

Simply head over to our contact page to get in touch.

Bespoke bathrooms in 3 distinctive styles

The best bespoke bathrooms are tranquil, balanced spaces, created with relaxation in mind. 

From handmade vanity cabinets to carefully selected colours, fixtures, and fittings, you’ll always find made to measure detail and thoughtful design behind our bathrooms. 

Here are 3 of our favourite bespoke bathroom projects, brought to life by our designers, craftsmen, and project management team. Each one reflects the owner’s unique tastes and lifestyle.

A recreation of Georgian charm

Our project at the ‘Woodlands House’ was wide-ranging in scope, including a master bathroom, children’s bathroom, shower room, and cloakroom. 

To reflect the Georgian heritage of the property, we designed, built, and hand-painted traditional vanity cabinets and bathroom panelling for each of the bathrooms.

Bespoke bathroom in Georgian style
The master bathroom

A sunny encapsulation of Georgian elegance and colour, the master bathroom features Sanderson Wallpaper’s “Finches”, unlacquered solid brass sanitary ware, and porcelain planked timber effect flooring. The new bath and vanity cabinets were fitted with gorgeous Honed Carrara marble worktops.

Bespoke bathroom in Georgian style
The shower room conversion

The shower room was a brand new conversion, created entirely from scratch. This called on our full-scale project management service and included knocking through to the downstairs bathroom to bring the plumbing up.

Serene modernity  

We refurbished four bespoke bathrooms at the ‘Wiltshire House’. Minimalist calm runs through the property, and we crafted our designs with this aesthetic in mind. 

The master bathroom is a study in pared-back luxury. We built a custom handleless floating vanity cabinet, which was spray painted and topped with modern freestanding basins and wall-mounted taps. 

Bespoke bathroom in modern style
Master bathroom

Caesarstone worktops and a painted glass splashback enhance the room’s light, spacious feel, while Artisans natural stone flooring adds a touch of warmth. A freestanding bath and frameless walk-in shower finish off this dream bathroom. 

Bespoke vanity unit
Cloakroom

The other bathrooms, including a children’s bathroom and cloakroom, also featured made to measure cabinetry and calming colour palettes. 

Opulence and playful patterns

We always love working with Julia Blunt Interiors, and our collaboration at the ‘Hampshire House’ was a lot of fun. 

Once we’d refurbished it, the cloakroom became a standout room in this property, most notably for its beautiful Osborne and Little wallpaper, which features beautifully drawn ornamental coy carp in swirling water. 

Bespoke bathroom
Cloakroom

We complemented the bold colours and patterns with custom-made walnut shelves, a polished steel basin, and contemporary wall mounted taps.  

Creating your perfect bespoke bathroom

If you’d like help realising your vision, please get in touch. Whether you’d like to come into the showroom or have a virtual consultation, we’re happy to accommodate. If you’d like to know more about what we do, check out our other services.

Cheverell’s dedicated project management service

When people approach us, they’re looking for something bespoke and beautiful: handmade cabinetry and joinery for bespoke kitchens, bespoke bathrooms, dressing rooms, and more; carefully crafted one-off pieces; the highest levels of skill and made-to-measure detail. However, many clients are surprised to discover how far our project management service extends.

The opposite of a modular, flat pack company

Every Cheverell commission begins with a conversation. We take the time to understand your requirements, desired aesthetic, and practical considerations, tailoring the project to suit your lifestyle and personal tastes. From here, we translate your brief into reality.

Our project management service in action

Our experts only design and manufacture to the individual client’s specifications – no flat packs in sight. Every element of the design and manufacturing process is undertaken in our welcoming showroom and factory in Devizes, Wiltshire. But our work doesn’t stop there.

A hands-on project management service

We view project management as an integral part of our made-to-measure cabinetry and joinery service. Having worked on a diverse range of prestigious properties, we understand the demand for ever more varied workmanship and materials.

Undertaking building works can be enormously stressful and time-consuming. Should you wish, we’re able to completely manage your project from concept to completion, making sure all runs smoothly and on time.

Project management service

Our trusted team of sub-contractors includes electricians, plumbers, plasterers, decorators, tilers, metal workers, and upholsterers, hand-selected by our experienced designers.

Discuss your project with us – in person or virtually

Cheverell’s design and manufacturing service is available to individual clients, design houses, and independent interior designers.

In addition to designing, manufacturing, and installing your new project, we can help you select the perfect worktops, flooring, and paint colours. We also supply all major brand appliances, sinks, and taps such as Miele, Mercury, Siemens, Neff, Fisher & Paykel, and Perrin & Rowe.

Our showroom is home to stunning displays of our craftsmanship, including hand painted traditional cabinetry, spray painted contemporary kitchens, hand painted wardrobes and vanity cabinets, and hand veneered media cabinetry – as well as the best coffee in Wiltshire.

A project management meeting

To make your dream project happen, please contact Cheverell – we’re here to help. If you want to find out more about our services, check out our what we do page.

Collaborating with interior designers: Julia Blunt Interiors

Just like us, interior designers and architects are often sought by clients seeking unique, high-quality design – in the home, hotels, retail spaces, and more. 

From hand-made furniture and cabinetry to striking one-offs, the bespoke nature of Cheverell craftsmanship makes us an ideal partner for those working on prestigious projects of all sizes. 

Our service is hands-on and dependable, shaped by a love of creative teamwork. Nowhere is this more evident than in our enduring relationship with the exceptional team of interior designers at Julia Blunt Interiors (JBI). 

A blend of JBI and Cheverell handiwork
A blend of JBI and Cheverell handiwork

A Cornish collaboration 

Cheverell was introduced to JBI by one of their clients, back in 2015. They were managing a large-scale project in Cornwall, designing the interior of a spacious new build.

We were called on to craft bespoke furniture for each room in the property. This included a sociable kitchen and bar area, fitted cabin beds, bedroom wardrobes, vanity units, and cabinetry for the media room.

The end result was vibrant, modern, and airy, marrying JBI’s light, bright design with Cheverell’s sleek fitted furniture. We’ve been working together ever since. 

“Without a doubt, Cheverell is our go-to for bespoke fitted furniture, kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms. We work with them from London right down to Cornwall.” – Rosie, Partner at Julia Blunt Interiors.

Cornwall project with interior designers JBI
Our first collaboration with JBI, at a property based in Cornwall

How we work together…

When working on a project with JBI, we’ll start by taking a brief, accompanied by either the builder’s or architect’s drawings. At this stage, we’ll discuss their vision, how the design is going to work for the client, and a “wish list” of practical, workable items, along with the availability of specific samples. 

Next is the introduction. We’ll meet the client at our showroom – either accompanied by a JBI designer, or alone. 

Cheverell showroom
The Cheverell showroom

After we’ve chatted through the requirements, we create a preliminary design and quotation for the fitted furniture, which corresponds with the plan of proposed works.

We will then send our design to JBI – in some cases, this will be one of a few versions, tweaked in collaboration with the client. During this process, JBI might come up with a specific idea and ask us to source additional elements such as flooring or lighting, which we are more than happy to do. 

Once the client and JBI are satisfied, the design is commissioned and signed off. We will then begin manufacturing their bespoke furniture, ready for installing once JBI’s transformative decorative work is complete. 

Bespoke, creative, beautiful 

An excellent example of Cheverell and JBI’s collaborative process is the Hampshire-based project pictured below. Together, our teams created soft, welcoming, and beautifully furnished spaces.

Project with interior designers JBI
A calming balance of minimalism and luxury in the bathroom

JBI’s client had their heart set on a virtual rendering of a bespoke kitchen created by a national kitchen company. However, the team at JBI could see this design wouldn’t work – the exterior view and quality of natural light depicted in the video were not true to life. They recommended our services to the client. 

Working with JBI’s stunning design and colour palette, we conceptualised and manufactured bespoke cabinetry that perfectly complemented the structure and feel of the kitchen. 

A gorgeous antiqued mirror splashback was fitted behind the hob, amplifying the sense of light and space. We enhanced this with an exquisite piece of white marble effect quartz, which topped the kitchen island.

Bespoke kitchen with interior designers JBI
Antiqued mirrored splashback, quartz island worktop, and bespoke cabinetry

We also designed and installed furniture for the main dressing room, drawing room, two bedrooms, the main bathroom, and a private study. This included a curved desk, elegant panelling for the bath, and vanity cabinets adorned with handles carefully selected by JBI. 

A truly enjoyable partnership 

Why do we love working with Julia Blunt Interiors? They’re an incredibly knowledgeable, talented, and warm team of interior designers with a deep understanding of their products and their clients.

Ski chalet look with interior designers JBI
Another JBI and Cheverell collaboration. Meeting a client’s brief to create a “1970s ski chalet” look

We’ve had a lot of fun partnering with them over the years, sharing many a cup of delicious coffee in our Devizes showroom.

In turn, we asked Rosie what attracts JBI to Cheverell…

“Your understanding of the client. Everyone is approached as an individual, nurtured, and attended to with excellent people skills – that’s very important to us. You also deliver what you say you’re going to deliver, without a doubt. It’s a very happy marriage.”

We love working with interior designers and architects. If you’re interested, please get in touch.

In addition to our bespoke design and joinery work, we’re able to provide a comprehensive project management service, incorporating building works, electrics, plumbing, plastering, tiling, flooring, and decoration, upon request.

Transforming a home with bespoke cabinetry and colour

An uninspiring kitchen. Clunky, cramped storage setups. Decor that’s more tired than uplifting. Stuck inside, most of us have found ourselves noticing all the things calling out for improvement in our homes.

Bespoke kitchen cabinetry and clever colour palettes can transform even the most difficult of spaces. To give you a little inspiration, we thought we’d share the story of a stunning home makeover we recently completed.

Going back in time to the 70s

The history behind this project made it a real labour of love. The property we were working on was built by the owner himself, back in the early 70s. He also installed the kitchen in 1974.

We were called on to give the kitchen, utility room, and pantry a total makeover. After an initial onsite meeting, we followed up with a design and quotation for the three rooms.

Transforming what was dark and moody into something so light and airy was a great challenge – one that suited Cheverell through and through.

We started from scratch, removing the old kitchen and project managing the electrics, plumbing, plastering, flooring, decoration, and tiling, alongside our design and joinery work.

Before kitchen makeover
Before …

The marriage of bespoke cabinetry and colour

To open up the space, we started by conceptualising and building bespoke cabinetry for a Country Shaker style bespoke kitchen, pantry, and utility room.

We designed the new cabinetry to be compact yet elegant. Unlike its boxy green predecessor, it complements the rooms rather than dominating them, letting in as much natural light as possible.

We completed the cabinetry with a sprayed paint finish in Farrow and Ball’s ‘Cabbage White’, a shade that helps magnify the sense of light and space. This effect is further enhanced by a sleek, glass-panelled cabinet, which we custom-built for the kitchen.

Bespoke cabinetry
After: glass-panelled cabinet

No longer an overcrowded cupboard, the pantry morphed into a well-balanced space structured by thoughtfully designed storage solutions.

Bespoke pantry
Pantry: before and after

We continued the light, bright theme with solid oak and pristine quartz worktops in each room, along with new Ca’ Pietra limestone flooring in the kitchen.

To add a modern splash of colour, we switched the retro tiles bordering worktops in the kitchen with ones handmade by Marlborough Tiles, in soft shades of blue.

Bespoke kitchen cabinetry
Tiles and cabinetry: before and after

Blending the old with the new

While our client wanted a dramatic home makeover, he was keen to retain some original elements, including the warm terracotta tiles in the utility room and pantry.

The tiles needed restorative work, so we sourced a skilled refurbisher who did an excellent job bringing them back to their former glory.

Utility room makeover
Utlity: before and after. Original, refurbished Terracotta floor tiles.

We also incorporated a piece of history in the kitchen island worktop: an exquisite piece of marble that had been in the property for 35 years. It makes for a striking focal point in the kitchen, doubling as the perfect spot for casual family meals and drinks with friends.

Bespoke cabinetry kitchen makeover
Kitchen island marble worktop. Utility: before and after, including stylish Belfast sink

A brand new black Aga replaced the old green version in the kitchen – another nod to the traditional character of the property.

To add an element of classic charm to the utility room, we installed a stylish Belfast sink.

Bespoke kitchen with breakfast bar
Kitchen: after, with new black Aga

What a fantastic project and client. The contrast between the before and after shots serves to illustrate the transformative power of bespoke cabinetry, craftsmanship, and design.

If you’re keen to get started on your home makeover, please get in touch, and we can arrange a virtual consultation. If you’d like to know more about what we do, check out our service page.

Straight from the showroom…

Well, I’m back in the office, and I’m glad, having missed the structure and balance of the work environment. Just by walking into our showroom, it’s hard not to feel inspired. 

Our MD, Production Director, and CAD drafter remained working onsite (observing government guidelines) over the last six weeks. 

We wanted to let you know that Cheverell’s purpose remains the same: to create beautiful and unique spaces such as bespoke kitchens, home offices and furniture for our clients to enjoy. As a result, we’ve taken positive steps to ensure we continue to deliver the best level of customer service. 

In place of site meetings, we’re now offering virtual design consultations. At just the click of a button, you can discuss your vision with us – from the comfort of your own home.  

Virtual consultation in the Cheverell showroom

The New Normal

We’re carefully introducing measures to adapt to ‘the new normal’ and keep everyone safe.

For peace of mind, I’ve moved my workspace down into the showroom, utilising the handmade study display as my base. It’s the ideal spot to focus while maintaining social distancing – plus, there’s excellent coffee. 

Social distancing is working well amongst members of the team who have returned to our premises. We’re implementing safeguards to protect those on the shop floor and office personnel, and everyone is aware of the new protocol. 

Kitchen Designs Going Virtual

Our virtual design consultations are easy to arrange. Most importantly of all, they’re convenient for you.

These meetings tend to take place via Zoom, but other live video feeds are available, should you wish to use one. We’re also communicating with our clients via Instagram, WhatsApp, email, and Pinterest Boards, keeping the creative ball rolling. 

In addition to our consultations, we can virtually showcase samples of quartz, granite, paint finishes, and material swatches, along with the intricate detail featured in our handmade cabinetry. 

Another great thing about digital innovation? We’re able to give handheld virtual tours of the showroom and the factory, so you can see first hand that we are a completely bespoke design and manufacturing company. 

If you’d like to talk or arrange a virtual design consultation, please get in touch. We’re here and ready to help. If you’d like to know more about what we do, check out our service page.

5 tips to transform your kitchen into the perfect home office

Many of us are working from home at the moment, setting up makeshift offices in various rooms around the house.

The bedroom and living room should be sanctuaries of rest and relaxation, and, if you have a study, it may have been snapped up by your other half or changed into a classroom for your children.

So, where can you get your work done, comfortably and in peace? The kitchen, of course. Almost always the heart of the home, it can double up as the perfect home office – with freshly brewed coffee just a few steps away.

Here are 5 top tips to transform your kitchen into the ideal workspace…

1. Utilise your kitchen island or table

Whether you have a kitchen island or a freestanding table, both make for a great workstation. By necessity, they’re highly versatile, acting as the family breakfast spot, entertainment area, and, during working hours, a spacious desk for you.

Whereas kitchen counters tend to be populated by appliances and cooking utensils, the surface of a kitchen island or table is easy to clear for work purposes, transforming back into a hangout zone come evening.

Kitchen islands

2. Pick the best view

As one of the largest rooms in most homes, the kitchen is filled with natural light – great for keeping you energised throughout the day.

Rather than opting for a seat opposite the fridge or cooker, pick a position with a view out across your garden or the surrounding landscape. By looking up from the screen intermittently, you can give your eyes a rest and resharpen your focus, so why not enjoy a restorative view of nature instead of your toaster?

Kitchens with views

3. Repurpose your kitchen storage

The bespoke kitchen is packed with clever storage solutions for your work materials, from under-counter nooks to spacious cupboards and pantries. Take the time to reshuffle kitchen items, and make room for work equipment, ensuring your home office remains organised and clutter-free.

Kitchen storage

4. Bring the outdoors inside

Create the best possible work environment for yourself by bringing a little bit of the outdoors inside. A vase of fresh flowers or some verdant potted plants can add a splash of colour and natural beauty to your surroundings, lifting your spirits on those days when the hours seem to drag.

Kitchen plants

5. Create a break area

Throughout the day, it’s good to step away from your laptop for a few minutes here and there. While a change of scene will be welcome during your lunch hour, it’s worth creating a small ‘time-out’ area for the occasional breather, somewhere in your kitchen.

You might choose to move an armchair into a cosy corner, or perhaps you’ve spotted a generous windowsill that’s just waiting for a cushion or two. Once you’ve set it up, you can sit back and relax.

Kitchen break area

To find out how Cheverell can help you create your dream space, please get in touch with our design team today. We are open for business remotely and telephone or online face-to-face consultations are available.

Want to know more about what we do? Check out our service page.

An Ode to: Period Properties

Works of art in their own right, period properties are celebrations of traditional craftsmanship and character. Of course, we’re big fans.

We’ve worked on many period properties over the years, restoring and reimagining their rooms to reflect the present owners’ tastes.

Here are just two of our favourite projects…

The Butlers Pantry

The Butler’s Pantry, Bradford-on-Avon

Sitting in 9.4 acres of lovely landscaped grounds, Grade II-listed South Wraxhall House is a beautiful Georgian property steeped in historic charm.

Cheverell was called on to renovate the ‘Butler’s Pantry’ and give it a new lease of life.

We tidied up the existing wooden panelling, complimenting this with bespoke cabinetry, built in our Devizes workshop. These components were then hand-painted in a vivid jewel tone, Farrow & Ball’s ‘Stiffkey Blue’. Artisans tiles were used for the flooring.

Washing the room in one bold, monochromatic shade filled it with warmth and personality, making ‘The Butler’s Pantry’ a space you can’t help but enjoy being in.

The Butlers Pantry Sink

The colour was accented by new, solid concrete worktops and a Butler sink, also in concrete, adorned with the elegant Rudge Arundel tap in Weathered Copper, a nod to the room’s traditional heritage.

The Manor Kitchen

The Manor Kitchen, Newbury

The characterful Manor House was one of our favourite projects – we had a lot of fun collaborating with a wonderful client.

We were asked to design a classic bespoke kitchen that would sit in harmony with the property’s period roots, dating back to the 1800s.

The room we worked on called for a great deal of respect. We hand-crafted a bespoke shaker inframe kitchen with an inset mitred bead, carefully installing our handiwork in the existing architectural setting.

The cabinetry was hand-painted in Farrow & Ball’s rich navy shade, ‘Railings’. Two kinds of work-tops were used, adding texture and drama to the space: Honed Carrara marble for the counters and solid planked Limed Oak for the island, merged with a 4” thick end grained chopping block.

Oak kitchen storage

The classic theme was continued with the choice of fittings and fixtures, including a gorgeous double Belfast sink, Adobe Pronteau 4in1 brushed nickel tap, and a rustic Aga, brought along from the client’s previous property and lovingly refurbished.

The beauty of bespoke

The reinvention of a room within a period property calls for intelligent design and skilled craftsmanship – that’s what we’re all about.

To us, our service extends beyond bespoke bathrooms, home offices an joinery and furniture. We’re here to help: our designers work closely with you, from the outset of your project right through to its completion, guiding you every step of the way.

Want to know more about what we do here at Cheverell? Take a look at our service pages to find out more. Alternatively, you can find out more about our business and our story on our ‘About Us‘ page.