Kitchen Industry – Jones Britain

Colour Palette of the Week- Textural

7 March 2017

Textural colour palette

This ultra modern linear design which we recently created could fair looking quite stark without colour and texture to warm it all up.

2017 is the year of mixing materials!

Texture

Texture is gradually taking centre stage with increasing popularity of two-tone kitchen designs. Texture offers designers a versatile palette to mix and match with different shades to layer a design while seamlessly blending the kitchen, dining and living areas together.

Many designers like us at Jones Britain believe the use of textures is just as important as considering other elements such as colours, lighting, flooring, storage and extraction.

Texture is very important for the on-trend kitchens as it offers a less sterile look. However you can use the same idea on more traditional kitchens to give them a more modern look.

How can texture benefit a kitchen?

Textured furniture may be the latest look for a wide variety of kitchen interiors however it also offers advantages within the design.

Using textures can help to break up a large kitchen or define areas to make zones of visual impact/interest.

Colours and textures can be used to give an island impact and stand apart from the run of units behind it or to define an area such as having a dark colour along a run of tall appliance housing units.

Texture warms up a stark kitchen, with many clients choosing handless less fussy kitchen designs the area can start to become quite stark. Colour and texture offers a warm more authentic experience.

Your client may wish to use natural decors which helps bring the outside back into the room and lighten it all up.

Jones Britain’s Most Recent Design

One of our most recent kitchen designs has had this issue- it is a beautiful modern new build with lots of windows, space and our client wanted a handless kitchen.

To warm up the design we made sure there was a range of colour and textures introduced.

Along the tall run of appliance housings we used a matt concrete effect door which contrasted enough against a pergamon gloss door to balance warm and cool.

We then decided to use a 30mm Quartz for the work surfaces. Most trends and kitchen designs we have completed recently involved a lot of lighter coloured work surfaces- this is not the case in this design.

To create more of an impact and keep the kitchen area feeling warm and inviting we have used Quartzforms Veined Baroque which is a dark grey quartz with lighter whisps of grey vein which appear in parts of the surface.

Creating elements of texture which help tie the design together was needed in the breakfast bar, low seating table area and the open bookshelf area. For this we have used a solid walnut work surface which again complements everything else we have chosen as well as warming the whole scheme up which in has given the overall design a real feel of home.

Blog Post written by: Chloe Hartnup, Junior Kitchen Designer at Jones Britain Kitchens

07.03.2017

Dan’s Celebrating his 21st Anniversary of Kitchen Design

2 March 2017

Dan in 1977

This week, managing director of Jones Britain, Dan Stronge is celebrating his 21st Anniversary of being in the kitchen design industry.
We sat down to talk with Dan about how he has developed Jones Britain and how he joined the kitchen design industry.
Congratulations on 21 years of successful business!

Can you spot Dan and Sophie in their school photo 1981

So Dan take us back to the beginning… how did it all begin?

Dan’s Early Years

I had an interest in drawing and painting from a very young age, As early as 5-6 years old I entered many art competitions. I also loved building Lego, so I guess you could say Art & Design has been with me and will continue to be with me for my entire life.

1996

On the 22nd of February 1996 a rather young 20 year old version of myself joined a Sussex based kitchen retailer as an admin assistant for the company. After 18 months of working hard and having a driven passion for learning about kitchen design, I was promoted to lead kitchen designer for one of their showrooms. I continued with this role for the next 3-4 years.

2001

In 2001 I decided a change of scenery was needed and I moved over to work for a bedroom furniture manufacturer as their area manager in the South East. Working for this company broadened my knowledge for bedroom design and how each of the units are made by the manufacturer.

Making the most of being an exhibitor at the Ideal Home Show 2004

2003

In 2003 I moved away from bedrooms and back into kitchen design to work for one of my current suppliers, Mereway Kitchens. Between 2001 and 2005 I learnt how other kitchen retailers dealt with customers, designed a space, presented to the client and how they ran their kitchen showrooms. This was all extremely useful experience in preparation for opening my own showroom in years to come.

2005

In 2005 my wife and I, Sophie decided to move to France to start our own family. In France I built my own design studio and sold kitchens to expat’s as well as designing retail showrooms for UK Kitchen companies (which I had done since 2001) under the name of ‘Studio Designs’. This allowed me to keep in the loop with the UK Kitchen Retail market as well as the French market.

Cooking dinner in France 2008

2009

At the beginning of 2009 Sophie and I decided to return to the UK with our two young children and formed Jones Britain.

2011

In 2011 I was given an amazing opportunity of opening a showroom in Heathfield, East Sussex. Having been based in London for two years and working alongside architects and commercial kitchen designs I was eager to get back into designing bespoke, residential kitchens.

Biggest Achievement

My biggest achievement through business would have to be successfully running Jones Britain and it being more successful than I could have ever imagined. Another substantial achievement was being nominated as a finalist at the KBB Review Awards for one of my bespoke kitchen designs which even after 3 years still gains a huge amount of attention

Dan and our head of installations Marcin at Mark our project managers wedding in 2010

2017

This week Dan celebrates 21 Years in the Industry with his Heathfield kitchen showroom still going strong. Dan now designs bespoke Kitchens, Bedrooms and Bathrooms for the residential market of East Sussex, Kent, Surrey and surrounding areas giving clients functional yet beautiful and timeless designs. With such a wealth of knowledge and experience Dan’s clients at Jones Britain feel totally at ease that their kitchen is in the hands of a professional.

We congratulate Dan for his 21 years in the industry and wish him all the best for the future with Jones Britain.

Blog Post written by: Chloe Hartnup, Junior Kitchen Designer at Jones Britain Kitchens

22.02.2017

Colour Palette of the Week- Scandi

12 December 2016

This scandi colour palette works tremendously well in this bespoke kitchen design, allowing the beautiful curved features in the kitchen to do all the talking. The Kitchen colour palette included Farrow & Ball Pointing on the units alongside a light natural oak which was used on the chopping block and mantel. Glacier White Corian worktops and a natural light oak flooring were also used within this scheme keeping it simplistic yet complementary against the design and shapes.

The use of a Scandinavian colour palette and traditional design has put a stylish and elegant twist on this bespoke kitchen design.

Our client came to Jones Britain having seen the advertisement of our KBB review awards finalists kitchen. They really liked our design ideas and wanted to use us for our skills in imaginative design.

Our brief was to design a kitchen that was large, spacious with plenty of working surface. The kitchen design had to be light bright and interesting with a major focal point at some point in the room. A slightly more traditional feeling was discussed – the buzz words were ‘Elegant’ ‘Stylish’ and ‘Functional’.

“We are absolutely delighted with our new kitchen. We occasionally send a photo to friends overseas and, without exception, they all say it is like something out of a glossy magazine.”

Why not pop into the Heathfield Showroom and let us help design your dream kitchen?

Blog Post written by: Chloe Hartnup, Junior Kitchen Designer at Jones Britain Kitchens

14.11.2016

Colour Palette of the Week- Earthy

7 December 2016

This earthy colour palette works in brilliant harmony with the beautiful views onto our clients garden bringing the outdoors in through colour and texture. The kitchen colour palette included pergamon base units on the wall run, veneered walnut tall and island units, a textural earthy coloured tile for the flooring and glacier white Corian worktops. The Corian worktops wrap around the spectacular curves in this very bespoke made kitchen.

We were asked to design a high end kitchen for a new build project in Esher that was not only different to your average kitchen but also innovative in its design.

This called for some pretty radical thinking outside the box.

This colour palette matched our Esher client’s kitchen brief perfectly.- our clients love the curved kitchen island and the retractable TV integrated within the Corian worktop.

We were absolutely delighted to win 2nd Place in Charles Yorke’s ‘Best Design’ Awards 2013 for this kitchen.

Blog Post written by: Chloe Hartnup, Junior Kitchen Designer at Jones Britain Kitchens

19.11.2016

Colour Palette of the Week- Harmonious

30 November 2016

This harmonious, lighthearted and highly contemporary colour palette of pergamon gloss, matte graphite grey and accents of minty blue create a harmonious colour scheme which is very pleasing to the eye. The kitchen colour palette also has been united with Walnut to give warmth and substance to the kitchen design.

Our client wanted a highly contemporary, harmonious kitchen design for a traditional barn conversion. The brief was to give a wow-factor feeling with a minimalist design appeal.
In our design we chose a handleless kitchen with a mixture of pergamon high gloss lacquered doors and graphite grey matte silk accent for the tall and wall units. We integrated lights under the glass splashbacks, which give a superb effect at night. The Worktops we used are a mixture of quartz and walnut wood for the breakfast bar.

This colour palette matched our Broad Oak client’s kitchen brief perfectly.

Blog Post written by: Chloe Hartnup, Junior Kitchen Designer at Jones Britain Kitchens

20.11.2016

Colour Palette of the Week- Contemporary

30 November 2016

This ultra modern, crisp palette of white gloss and accents of graphite grey subtly marry together.

This contemporary kitchen colour palette also has been mixed with clear mirror, stainless steel, light oak and a glossy black (from the appliances).

You really can’t go wrong with this colour palette, it feels completely timeless and would work in the majority of kitchen spaces.

Corian worktops with a designer illuminated fin at one end of the island. Graphite glass breakfast bar with a mirrored post and specially lit splash backs. The final elements of the design included a cleverly designed bulkhead for extraction, lights and surround sound speakers.

Our client wanted a ultra modern/contemporary kitchen design for their stunning new build. The brief was to give a wow-factor feeling with a minimalist design appeal.

Find out how we can help you with your kitchen colour palette..

Blog Post written by: Chloe Hartnup, Junior Kitchen Designer at Jones Britain Kitchens

30.11.2016

Siemens Wine & Dine at Aveqia

25 November 2016

On Tuesday two of our Bespoke Kitchen Designers Dan Stronge & Chloe Hartnup were invited to the Siemens wine and dine evening which was being held at Aveqia, London. They were lucky enough to be wined and dined by Michlen Star Chefs Eric Allouard, Roger Rahaman & David Collard. Eric has over 20 years of cooking experience, having worked at a string of Michelin- and top class restaurants around the world, such as la tour D’argent, Fleur Sketch and L’Etranger.

Siemens at Aveqia

Siemens have recently fitted ovens, hobs and extractors into Aveqia for use throughout the commercial kitchen. The Michlen Star Chefs and our Siemens representatives went through each of the appliances explaining what they are and how we can use them. Dan & Chloe found this training very useful as it has broadened their knowledge of the products therefore creating new and exciting design ideas ready for any new customers coming into our Bespoke Kitchen Showroom in Heathfield.

They were then sat down and the Michlen Star Chefs got to work in the kitchen. With the use of the Siemens appliances they were able to create some beautiful and delicious dishes for Dan and Chloe to try. Each course was paired up with a complementary wine showing us what can be achieved with beautiful food and wine flavours.

The Menu:

*Teriyaki glazed quail with pan fried foie gras and glazed apples
For the starter, guests will infuse quail with a sticky sweet teriyaki glaze and pair with pan fried foile gras. We add glazed apples and gingerbread for a spicy depth. The preparation of this dish will give your group a great opportunity to explore flavour combinations and techniques.

*Red mullet bouillabaisse, clams and mussels, smoked aioli
The second course celebrated Christmas in a Mediterranean style through the inspiration of a sun drenched beach. Plump fillets of red mullet are combined with an intense bouillabaisse, clams, mussels enhance the taste of the sea and smoked aioli completes the dish.

*Guinea fowl breast and sausage, truffle potato croquette and smoked celeriac puree
With the main course, you will learn to prepare succulent Guinea fowl breast and make rich sausages from the thighs. Trufled potato croquette and smoked celeriac puree bring the warmth of a glowing Christmas Day fire and a piquant savoury touch is added through a pickle onion and sage jus.

*Valrhone and praline parfait, bitter orange curd and Grand Marinier gel
For the finale of this Christmas menu, luxurious Valrhona chocolate and praline are combined to create a silky parfait. A subtle coffee meringue is complemented with a bitter orange curd and punchy Grand Marnier gel. All in all; a culinary gift which is a delight to unwrap…and consume!

For more information on Siemens appliances or appliance experience days feel free to contact the Kitchen Design Showroom on 01892 337575.

Blog Post written by: Chloe Hartnup, Junior Kitchen Designer at Jones Britain Kitchens

16.11.2016

Kudos Magazine November 2016

22 November 2016

This month designs by Jones Britain Kitchens feature in Kudos Magazine (Issue 19) which is out now. Kudos is a free lifestyle magazine for Kent and East Sussex.

In this month we feature on pages 74 & 75 where Director & Head Kitchen Designer Dan Stronge explains how they achieved this stunning modern kitchen with a retro feel. Our customers were delighted with this kitchen design which brought a light yet playful living space to entertain friends and family.

Here’s a snippet of the article:
What was the initial design brief?

“The brief was to design and create a modern, clean handless kitchen, which still stayed true to the ‘kitchen being the heart of the home’ ethos but could be used for entertaining as well as being functional and practical for day-to-day life.”

Blog Post written by: Chloe Hartnup, Junior Kitchen Designer at Jones Britain

02.11.2016

Designer KB awards 2016

21 November 2016

Exclusive Invitation

Managing Director and Head Kitchen Designer of Jones Britain, Dan Stronge has been out of our Heathfield Showroom today and up in London at the Supernova embankment gardens for the Designer KB Awards 2016 (Kitchen Bathroom Awards). The Designer KB Awards is an annual award ceremony recognizing talented UK Designers in the Kitchen and Bathroom sectors of the design industry.

The Venue

The Supernova is the highest quality temporary structure availing 2,500sqm of designed event space with state-of-the-art sound and lighting to be the perfect venue to host the elaborate and significant Designer Awards event. Passion, attention to detail and creative flair ensure the Supernova’s theatrical setting has the atmosphere to surpass all others.

The Judges

This year’s panel of judges include Founder & Architect of Crawford Partnership Alan Crawford and KB network Editor Grahame Morrison.

Dan was privileged to have been invited to the awards ceremony by Du Pont as their guest of honour and found the event a brilliant evening for networking with other Kitchen designers. Among the design nominees were some fantastic bespoke kitchen designs. These have inspired Dan to enter the competition next year with one of his bespoke, handmade and innovative kitchen designs.

“Congratulations and thank you to all of those that took part and made the event so memorable and inspirational. Bring on KB Awards 2017!“
Dan Stronge

Blog post written by: Chloe Hartnup, Junior Kitchen Designer at Jones Britain

09.11.2016

Colour Palette of the Week- Industrial

5 November 2016

Colour palette of the week

This industrial palette of blue, copper/bronze and wood go really well together. Blue has been the no.1 kitchen design colour of 2016 and is in the frame for being the colour of 2017 too.

The blue used here is RAL 5009 Azure Blue. Mixed with bronze mirror, poured and troweled concrete, end grain oak butchers block, Richlite Black Diamond, stainless steel and scaffold floor planks.

This palette was used to great effect when designing our bespoke handmade kitchen from Crowborough.

Blog Post written by: Dan Stronge, Head Kitchen Designer at Jones Britain Kitchens

01.08.2016

This ultra modern, crisp palette of white gloss and accents of graphite grey subtly marry together.

Find out how we can help you with your kitchen colour palette..

Siemens at Aveqia

The Menu:

Here’s a snippet of the article:What was the initial design brief?

Exclusive Invitation

The Venue

The Judges

Colour palette of the week

Start your kitchen dream with us now

Here’s a snippet of the article:
What was the initial design brief?

Start your kitchen dream
with us now