Kitchen refresh in Farnborough, Kent
In 1993 we fitted a kitchen for Rita and her husband, who sadly passed away a few years ago. So it was a bittersweet reunion when Rita approached us to freshen up her kitchen design.
Preparation works
To get the right result for Rita, we went beyond simply fitting the kitchen.
Once the old kitchen had been removed we installed a new fuse board and re-wired the kitchen, to ensure it complied with the most modern safety standards. We also re-plastered the walls and ceiling, decorated the kitchen (including re-spraying the existing window pelmet which Rita wanted to retain), and installed new pipework.
As the original kitchen floor tiles we’d installed had lasted so well, Rita decided to keep them. Where possible we designed the kitchen around the tile placement, but fortunately Rita had saved a few spares, so our tiler was able to cut them to fill in any gaps.
Kitchen design
The new kitchen needed to maximise space – both storage and worktops – and bring a fresh, contemporary feel to the room.
Kitchen storage
Rita was keen to maximise storage space in the kitchen. We installed a chef’s pantry so all her store cupboard essentials would be close at hand.
In the corners we fitted easy access mechanisms, so there was no need for Rita to get down on her hands and knees to rummage for missing equipment!
Modern finish and appliances
The appliances fitted were mainly from Miele’s state of the art Pureline range.
The cabinets are in a shaker style painted light grey – giving a nice balance between the traditional shaping and more modern colour scheme.
Carrara quartz worktops with full stone splashbacks finished the light, spacious design.
Creating more space in the same space!
Not only does the kitchen storage help to hide away clutter, but we also concealed the hob extractor, bin and washing machine within the cabinetry.
The light colours we used give the room an airy feel and help to reflect light around it.
As a result, the kitchen has a far more spacious feel than it did before and is much easier to keep tidy.
Rita’s reaction
We were delighted to receive this very kind letter from Rita:
Dear Vince
My first contact with Vince at GBK&I was in 1993, when the company were based in Orpington. A wooden antique cherry kitchen was subsequently chosen and fitted, since then it has given me over 25 years of trouble free service. Although the units remained in perfect condition, I decided on an update, and had no hesitation in contacting GBK&I again.
Jack came to measure up and submitted a completely new configuration of the units. The new layout seems to make my kitchen seem larger. The tiled floor, installed by GBK&I in 1993 was still in excellent condition, so I decided to retain this. However, the new configuration left a slight gap in the floor under the double drawer units. Very fortunately, I had kept a few tiles from the old installation, and GBK&Is expert tiler was able to cut these, and, in fact, made a feature of the gap under the new drawer units. What service!
Bill was my excellent fitter. Bill and Jeremy (who had assisted his father to fit my 1993 installation) carried out all the prep work, to include a new ceiling, all new electrics and pipework – all work completed to a first rate standard.
The new units and white goods duly arrived according to the GBK&I work schedule, and during the fitting, Jack visited Bill on numerous occasions to check that everything was progressing well. The units are of top quality and being made to measure every inch of the kitchen has been utilised in the new installation. I also wanted to retain the window pelmet from the old installation. GBK&I were able to respray this to match the new units. Again, top class service.
My sincere thanks to Vince, Jack, Bill and Chris in the after-care service department, who was able to assist when I took the glass door off the oven door to clean it and could not get it back properly! My problem was resolved within hours of my call to Vince. Again excellent service.
I have no hesitation in recommending GBK&I for their expertise in kitchen planning, supply of quality products, expert fitting and after care service. I am more than happy with my new installation. Here’s to the next 25 years!
GBK&I are second to none!!
With my best wishes,
Rita McSweeney (Mrs)
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