Q&A Robinson & White:
Robinson & White are an established kitchen design company. Would this be one of your favourite design schemes and would you say that this would be a good representation of what you do as a company?

We were pleased with the overall look of this installation and the quality of the work undertaken. Previous kitchen designers were reluctant to incorporate such a large island, however we strongly felt that by choosing not to utilise return units, the island would become the centre piece for the room, which we enhanced by narrowing down the run of storage units on the back wall. This enabled us to have the appropriate passage space for family use and easy circulation. We also had to consider the shape of the island in order to allow for the range of appliances and storage requested. By angling the unit out towards the window, we were able to create a broader top and an efficient seating solution. We encourage clients to run tall units as a block and this worked well within this space, however the fridge-freezer housing unit was created by recessing it into an existing shallow cupboard on one side of an awkward chimney breast.
The kitchen which originally had a traditional flavour is now sleek and contemporary and offers more usable work surface and storage facilities.

What were the client's overall requirements for their kitchen?

The clients desired a modern sleek look with plenty of accessible storage and worktop space, along with a casual area for dining. An island unit was of interest to them and the final specification had to include the latest cooking appliances along with a good refrigeration system to accommodate the family's needs.
We also left the back wall free of furniture and units in order to allow the client the flexibility to install French style doors to the garden in the future, further enhancing the comfort and space of the kitchen area.

The kitchen is quite long and narrow and you have used high gloss black units in the design scheme. What tricks of the trade did you utilise to stop the room feeling smaller, as black can draw a room in?

We were careful to use bright lighting, both overhead and underneath cabinets on dimmer modules. We did not use tall, heavy wall units and suggested using a wall shelf with lights in the TV area, helping to maintain an open feel to the kitchen.
The use of the blue glass wall cladding was another important factor that helped lighten the room. This splash of colour, along with the under-lights, also keeps the room looking spacious.
Finally the whole colour palate is helped by the light limestone floor which itself reflects light back into the area.

Is there a current trend for designs and materials used for kitchens?

Glass lacquered doors are still popular, especially with concealed handles. Mixing these lacquered doors with a flat panel wood veneer in horizontal grain can also be an attractive feature. Corian solid surfaces in lighter shades offer a seamless look which is also very popular and in keeping with a clean, minimal look.
Glass and stainless steel elements are often used in the contemporary kitchen, however black mirror finish appliances can offer an exclusive look to the setting.
Lastly, some shallow curves are back in vogue. These can soften the appearance of a typical layout but ideally suit a larger area.

Induction hobs are becoming more fashionable to cook with. What are the benefits of an induction hob?

There are four main benefits to induction hobs.
Firstly, they are incredibly fast and therefore responsive to heat fluctuations making them a joy to control.
Secondly, they are very safe. They only give off heat when a saucepan is placed upon the ring - no other part becomes hot even if the pot used is smaller than the cooking area. This also means they use less energy and are ultimately more economical.
Thirdly, induction hobs are much easier to clean than conventional hobs - the flat glass is very tough and requires little effort and time to keep it looking clean and fresh.
Lastly, they look good in a modern contemporary kitchen environment - sleek flat lines, seamless framing and touch control offer that 'minimal design' look often desirable in the products we aspire to today.

There is a central island for cooking. Would you recommend that the extractor fan is externally ducted where possible?

I am a great believer in venting any extractor to an outside wall. Well thought out extraction is a huge benefit to any kitchen area - it assists in keeping the kitchen environment clean and fresh which in turn creates a healthier living space. Venting out the extractor also reduces the amount of cleaning required by effectively removing many of the grease particles that result from cooking with the hob. We advise many of our clients to purchase remote motor extractors. These models have the motor placed in the loft area, on the roof or on an outside wall thus transferring the noise or 'hum' away from the kitchen.

Finally, were the clients happy with the finished result?

Yes, our clients were delighted with the finished result of the project. They were particularly pleased with the island - its shape and size, as well as its functionality. We have just started to completely renovate the utility and shower room for this client - it's a good feeling to be asked back to carry out further design and installation work

 

Factfile:

Kitchen designed, supplied & fitted by:
Robinson & White Ltd
6 Busby Road, Clarkston, Glasgow, G76 7XL
Tel: 0141 638 3900, www.robinsonandwhite.com

Designer : Mark White
Kitchen Furniture: Systemat from Robinson and White
Worksurfaces: Nero Assoluto Granite
Flooring: Beige Molianis Limestone Tile 60 x 40
Appliances: Siemens Ovens & Hob
Liebherr Fridge Freezer
Elica Canopy Extractor
Lighting & dimmers: Low Voltage Halogen throughout on two circuits

Photography by David Cadzow