Hollinsend Road, Gleadless Townend

Design Brief -

The customers already had a kitchen design from Ikea but wanted bespoke plywood fronts.

Design Challenges -

The initial plan had been done by Ikea based on the customer’s measurements. They had then approached a company in London to manufacture all the fronts based on this design.
As with every project we took our own measurements which revealed multiple issues which wouldn’t have been caught by any of the other designers who hadn’t visited the site. Structural elements would have sat inside cabinets and drawers would have clashed with appliances.
Using a single local company to design, manufacture and fit the kitchen ultimately saved both money and stress.


Finalised Design -

Having redesigned the kitchen from scratch, we provided a new Ikea shopping list for the customer. Which when the installation date came, fit without incident.
The clients wanted to use a Fenix laminate for the doors and worktop. Unlike other laminates, Fenix is super-matt in appearance and soft touch in feel.
As per the Fenix website “Thermal healing of superficial micro-scratches is also possible” which makes it a great choice for worktops, which receive plenty of wear during their life.
To contrast with the dark blue laminate and to keep the kitchen feeling light; lacquered birch plywood was used for the wall units.
A floating shelf and lighting finishes off the design and adds another bespoke touch that elevates the project far above a simple Ikea kitchen.


Materials -

Birch plywood doors with Fenix Blu Fes laminate for base and tall units and lacquered birch plywood for the wall units and floating shelf.
Combination of Ikea units and some bespoke pieces wall.
Ikea hardware throughout and a Fenix Bianco Male laminated 24mm thick plywood worktop.