Sometimes you may need to adjust your kitchen doors and drawers so that they sit central to the frame. Below are a series of videos to help you fine tune.
Category: Kitchens
How to Take Advantage of Our Kitchen Design Service?
Undertaking a new kitchen can be a daunting prospect. We’re here to try and make this process as simple as possible. We offer a free kitchen design service, this continues right the way through to your kitchen installation.
To help get things off in the right direction we want to highlight the essential information we need plus things to consider when designing your kitchen.
1. Architect’s or Rough Dimensioned Plan
If your project is a new build or extension you more than likely have some architect’s plans. These are really convenient for our kitchen designers to get detailed dimensions to use on our computer software. That said, simple dimensions hand drawn are just as good! Just be sure to mark out windows, doors and any other wall features. These dimensions are then transformed in to a kitchen layout.
2. Appliances, Sinks and Taps
Appliances, sinks and taps play a huge part in any kitchen design. They dictate certain unit sizes and often the design of a kitchen. An exposed American fridge freezer has a much more industrial kitchen feel than if it were to be integrated in to painted cabinets. Similarly a double Belfast ceramic sink is much more suited to a farmhouse kitchen design whereas an under-mounted stainless steel bowl, a contemporary kitchen.
3. Kitchen Cabinetry
As a bespoke kitchen manufacturer this is where our services are truly unique. First and foremost you will need to consider the difference of on-frame and in-frame cabinetry. Once this has been considered we look which materials you would like to use in the kitchen design. You’ll see paint, wood, metal and concrete throughout our bespoke projects.
4. Kitchen Worktop
If you’ve been googling kitchen worktops you’ll soon find out there are hundreds of options: granite, wood, concrete, ceramic, even glass! We work with a number of suppliers throughout the UK so any material you’re considering just let us know.
5. Kitchen ‘must haves’
Are there any other amazing kitchen accessories you’ve seen that need to be included in your design? From small custom drawer inserts to amazing fold out steps, we’ve incorporated a variety of kitchen accessories into our bespoke cabinets.
For further information about our kitchen design service, fill in our design consultation form.
The Main Style: Contemporary Kitchens
Sleek, modern and often minimalist, a contemporary kitchen knows no limits. The very look and feel of a contemporary kitchen is always changing, thanks to the evolution of interior trends. From handless kitchens, to the recent increase in popularity of darker hues such as navy, our experts create timeless kitchens, drawing inspiration from the latest styles and trends.
Not only do contemporary kitchens look good, they are also as practical and functional, as they are stylish, creating a real hub in any home. The term ‘contemporary kitchen’ encapsulates so many options, from understated neutral cabinetry to metal accents, and from pops of colour to handless cupboards.
Not only do kitchen styles evolve, but so does the technology, as years have gone by, we have been adding luxurious and modern features to kitchens, such as wine fridges and boiling hot water taps, the list goes on and on, whatever your vision, we can work with you to bring it to fruition.
So, if you’re looking to give your kitchen a modern refresh, take a look at some of our recent projects for contemporary kitchen inspiration.
Contemporary Kitchen – Whitechapel
As with all trends, everything has it time again, and this kitchen perfectly showcases just that. From the herringbone flooring to the retro, yet modern style handless cabinets and patterned tiles. This kitchen is simply stunning. Blending style and function, this kitchen comprises a smart mix of materials, from reclaimed wood to concrete, the result is a contemporary and inviting space. Open plan living has really increased in popularity over the past decade and this space takes it one step further, with an almost seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors using floor-to-ceiling windows and similar tiles and exposed brick around the patio area. To us here at The Main Company, this kitchen perfectly summarises how a contemporary style kitchen can still offer plenty of character too.
Contemporary Kitchen – Kensal Green
This kitchen is a style that has been incredibly popular on interior pages and home inspiration accounts alike, the navy shaker with marble. This beautiful kitchen has an added twist too, with the combination of glass fronted upper cabinets and exposed limed oak bottom cabinets. Blending contemporary with classic, the navy shaker style cupboards have been used alongside a quartz worktop, which is a highly sought after combination. Great attention to detail has been paid at every stage of planning, from creating warmth using the different materials, to the finishing touches such as brass handles, the end result is this sophisticated and stylish space that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Contemporary Kitchen – Barnes
It’s easy to picture an all-white gloss kitchen when you think of ‘contemporary kitchen’, but for us, it can be so much more. This urban, yet contemporary kitchen is one of our favourites here at The Main Company. The use of raw plywood creates such freshness, combined with raw steel and concrete worktops, the end result is outstanding.
If this round-up of some of our favourite contemporary kitchens has got you feeling inspired, then get in touch today to see how we can help bring you visions to life. Our expert designers and craftsmen work with you every step of the way, to deliver a high quality and beautiful space.
The Main Style: Reclaimed Kitchens
A reclaimed kitchen is the perfect combination of old meets new. Reclaimed materials are the perfect solution for those looking for a more sustainable material, with reclaimed materials being given a new lease of life. Here at The Main Company we are passionate about reclaimed materials, using it for kitchens, cladding, furniture and much more. We salvage our wood from a variety of sources, from old schools to old European agricultural buildings, delivering you the highest quality, characterful wood.
From the rich patina of reclaimed pine, to the cooler tones of a weathered reclaimed oak, The Main Company offers an extensive array of options for any aesthetic that you have in mind.
Reclaimed wood is a popular option, as exposed wood never goes out of style. The timelessness and ability to get better with age, makes it the perfect material for a heavy-duty space like the kitchen. Reclaimed wood can be used in a variety of kitchen styles, from industrial style spaces to more of a minimalist Scandinavian style.
If you’re looking for inspiration, take a look at our collection of reclaimed kitchens. You’ll see that you can use as little or as much as you’d like, from an accent island to whole cupboards…
Reclaimed Kitchen – Moor Monkton
The perfect cocktail of reclaimed materials, this bright and airy farmhouse offers beautiful living space. Embracing the location and history of this building, reclaimed wood is the main feature, used in all rooms throughout the house, whether that is exposed beams or feature wall cladding. This bespoke kitchen perfectly combines farmhouse style with reclaimed materials. The natural tones of the wood used on the island works perfectly with the cooler tones of the blues and greys used for the cabinetry. The cladded feature wall helps to add warmth and character to the space too, alongside the reclaimed wood door.
Reclaimed Kitchen – Cobham
Another reclaimed kitchen, but a completely different aesthetic. This Nordic style kitchen features a contrast of raw, oiled timbers with Farrow & Ball Lamp Grey cabinetry and off-white quartz. The bespoke kitchen remains sympathetic to the unusual style of the property, and really makes the most of the space available. With its earthy feel, the rustic materials used lend themselves perfectly to the wood clad cottage, surrounded by nature.
Reclaimed Kitchen – Cattal Street
With the 3 kitchens we have chosen from our full selection of projects, hopefully you can see the different styles that can be achieved. The beauty of using reclaimed materials is that you end up with a truly unique finish, so it can be a great way of adding a unique twist on an existing, traditional style. Our Oldham Mill board was used throughout the kitchen and works perfectly alongside the stainless steel, open shelving and industrial touches, creating a cool yet simple look.
Here at The Main Company we have years and years of experience in our craft, whether that is sourcing the very best materials or designing a functioning, yet beautiful kitchen for your space. We can work with you to create your dream kitchen, using reclaimed and sustainable materials.
The Main Style: Farmhouse Kitchen Design
Warm, inviting and full of character, these are just three words that describe a farmhouse style kitchen. As a Yorkshire based, family-run company, we are partial to a farmhouse style kitchen and enjoy the rustic feel they can bring to a home.
A farmhouse style kitchen can combine a number of other kitchen styles such as the painted shaker style and even more contemporary options. One of the key aspects of a farmhouse kitchen is the combination of rustic materials, from board and batten planks to exposed wood, the end result should be classic and cosy.
It doesn’t just stop with the aesthetic and design of the kitchen, many of the farmhouse style kitchens we work on have traditional features such as AGA style ovens and Belfast sinks, so make sure you consider these finishing touches too. It doesn’t just stop there either; we see many kitchen styles with exposed shelving, perfect for displaying cookbooks and other items.
A kitchen is the heart of the home, and a farmhouse style kitchen captures exactly that. Take a look at some of our favourite farmhouse style kitchens, as created by The Main Company.
Farmhouse Kitchen Design – York
For many of us, when think about a traditional farmhouse kitchen, it evokes visions of cream shaker cabinets and wooden worktops, paired with rattan and subway tiles. Basically, everything this beautiful York kitchen offers! Stylish and practical, this farmhouse style kitchen is full of character and has many quirky features such as the exposed shelving, brick chimneybreast and stainless steel butchers block. Finished with real wood worktops, this warm and inviting kitchen will stand the test of time and look good for many years to come.
Farmhouse Kitchen Design – Bath
A farmhouse style kitchen with a modern twist, this fabulous kitchen combines an array of raw, natural materials. The space is flooded with natural light, creating a wonderful space to be enjoyed. The grey tones of the kitchen have been paired with a chunky reclaimed oak that provides warmth and the perfect contrast. One of our favourite areas is the exposed wood drawers, shelves and stable door style cupboards, this wall provides a focal point and as a whole, the kitchen provides plenty of charm and character.
Located in one of the top 10 idyllic villages in the UK, this beautiful family home features this traditional, farmhouse style kitchen. Sympathetic to the property and the surroundings, this characterful kitchen uses the very best in new, salvaged and reclaimed materials. Original brickwork and an original AGA provided the perfect starting point for the design of this kitchen. The shaker style cabinets were finished with Farrow & Ball Downpipe and work beautifully alongside the reclaimed oak flooring and granite worktops.
A farmhouse style kitchen is perfect for turning your house into a home. A farmhouse style kitchen is traditional and offers the perfect backdrop for day-to-day life.
At The Main Company we can work with you to create something that works within your home and that will be built and finished to the highest of standards, at our family-run Yorkshire workshop.
Top 5: Kitchen Handles and Knobs
As well as colour, choosing kitchen hardware can be very difficult. The handles or knobs you select can change the whole aesthetic of your kitchen design. Over the years of installing our bespoke kitchens we’ve used many different hardware suppliers. From heavy industrial metals to minimalistic leathers, we wanted to share some of our favourites with you.
1. Buster + Punch – Pull Bar Handle
Buster and Punch’s pull bar is made from solid metal and characterised by their cross and linear signature knurls, giving an extraordinary look and feel. The metal pull bar handles come in a variety of finishes that make a truly industrial kitchen vibe.
2. Armac Martin – Cotswold Bun Knob
Inspired by the traditional beauty of the Cotswold villages, Cotswold is a timeless range of luxury solid brass hardware that takes note from the iconic English countryside. The Cotswold knob works beautifully in shaker style kitchens, with smooth fluid shapes leading the design and offering an array of choice to adorn cabinet doors and drawers. Like all their hardware, the Cotswold Bun Knob is made to order. What’s better is that there are over 20 finishes to choose from.
3. Finesse – Bradley Pull Cup
Finesse Design are the only UK manufacturer of solid pewter door and window hardware products. Their luxury pewter hardware always give our kitchens a timeless design with modern twist. We feel their quintessentially British range of hardware is summarised in the Bradley Pull Cup. The Bradley Pull is so versatile you can see it throughout our kitchen designs from reclaimed and rustic, to classic and contemporary.
4. Croft – Plain 6″ Handle
Croft Architectural Hardware’s products are finished by hand by local craftsmen in Willenhall. Their level of care and attention to detail involved in the manufacturing process produces a level of excellence unrivalled by most. By combining traditional skills with modern manufacturing techniques, their craftsmen produce luxury cabinet hardware built to stand the test of time. The quality of craftsmanship and design that goes into producing the Plain 6″ Handle means that each one is truly unique.
5. M Marcus – Door Pull Handle on Plate
M.Marcus Ltd was established in 1940 in London. Owned and managed by the same family over three generations they have a reputation for a wide range of products. Their simple designs are available in a wide range of finishes allowing a seamless transition between rooms in the home. The Door Pull Handle on Plate works so well for larders in our Farmhouse Kitchen designs.
If you’re still undecided about your kitchen hardware take a look at our Bespoke Kitchen Designs. You’ll quickly be able to find out the aesthetic that draws your attention. It’s also always very important to see the hardware in reality, the feel of a product can sometimes sway your decision.
The Main Style: Shaker Kitchen Design
At The Main Company we create kitchens that are built to last, bringing together high-quality design and sustainable materials. The painted shaker kitchen is a classic and timeless kitchen style, and is a firm favourite amongst our team. The beauty of a shaker style kitchen is its timelessness and simplicity. The characteristics of a shaker style door are the framed effect with an inset panel and the style lends itself perfectly to both modern and traditional homes.
Simply adding a different handle or using a different paint colour, can totally change the end look of a painted shaker kitchen. Over the years we have seen a variety of colours used, from neutral tones such as creams and greys, to bolder choices such as navy and black, the options are endless and suit an array of interior styles. By addig different materials and work surfaces, you can transform the look even further, think quartz or exposed woods.
Our painted shaker kitchens are the epitome of true craftsmanship and will bring you joy for many years to come. Each kitchen is designed bespoke to your needs and hand crafted at our Yorkshire workshop, using the highest quality materials and finishes.
Looking for painted shaker kitchen Inspiration? Take a look at some of our favourite painted shaker kitchens…
Kensal Green
A modern twist on a classic favourite, this beautiful kitchen perfectly mixes the painted shaker style with more modern touches. Navy kitchens have been having a moment over the past few years, and finished with the quartz worktop, this kitchen is not only on-trend, but will look equally as stylish in years to come. One of the things we love about this kitchen is how it embraces a variety of natural materials, from the cladding feature wall, to the glass front cupboards, we are sure you’ll agree that it’s simply stunning.
Weybridge
Here at The Main Company, when we think about a painted shaker kitchen, this is what comes to mind. This classic kitchen is the heart of the family home and combines traditional cabinetry with exposed, rustic brickwork. The heritage feel of the painted shaker units is accompanied by modern touches such as the quartz worktop and brass handles, creating this perfect sanctuary.
Northallerton
A quirky twist on the traditional painted shaker kitchen, this bold and bright kitchen fits perfectly in this open plan living space. Boasting original features and character, this former coach house is home to this bespoke shaker kitchen. Finished in Farrow & Balls Chinese Blue and Pointing, this painted shaker kitchen combines open shelving with cabinets, creating a smart but informal setting. To add even more character, the island was finished with a zinc worktop, to really create a focal point whilst adding warmth to the space.
At The Main Company we want to help you create your perfect kitchen. The kitchen is the hub of any home, a place where you reminisce about days gone by, or talk about those to come, and it should be tailored to your needs and life. Our in-house designers will work along you, sharing ideas and bringing your visions to life, before our master craftsmen get to work at our Yorkshire workshop. Get in touch today to see how we can help you.
The Main Style: Industrial Kitchen Design
Industrial style kitchens come in many shapes and sizes. Here at The Main Company, we just love an industrial aesthetic, and it was actually a style we incorporated into our new London showroom as you’ll see later on in this journal. As well as being highly practical, an Industrial kitchen makes a huge statement too, characterised by exposed elements such as pipes and brickwork, an industrial style kitchen combines a variety of raw materials for a unique look.
An Industrial style kitchen takes its inspiration from old factories and industrial buildings and can complement not only an older, characterful home, but also a modern home too. The style is incredibly versatile and works just as well in a smaller room, or open space.
Materials and textures are two of the most important things to consider when it comes to putting together your industrial style kitchen, you can take it as far as you want, from just flashes of metal work to factory style shelving. For us, exposed brickwork, metals, natural and reclaimed woods, glass and synthetic materials like concrete, can be used alongside one another to create a truly stunning space. At The Main Company we have seen a variety of colours used, from charcoal greys to rich greens, we use a selection of high quality paints to complete the look.
Take a look at some of our favourite Industrial Kitchen projects…
Kitchen Project 38 – Earnley
A standout style, this kitchen is one of our favourites to date. Full of quirks and character, this outstanding kitchen combines everything that we love at The Main Company. Exposed brick, concrete, metal and wood, work alongside each other perfectly, and the result is exceptional. This industrial style kitchen also looks incredibly luxurious. From top of the range appliances to the concrete feature wall larder, this kitchen has it all. Great attention to detail has been paid at every stage of planning, incorporating many industrial features, such as the use of reclaimed oak alongside the concrete, and also the mesh fronted cupboard doors. We think you’ll agree, the end result is striking.
Commercial Project 17 – Islington
A project close to our hearts, our London showroom was a labour of love. Known for our love and passion for rustic and raw materials, this is something we wanted to capture within the showroom. The combination of materials used created this warm, welcoming and industrial style space. From the open shelving used instead of upper cabinets, to the island with exposed metal work. At The Main Company, we love using concrete as part of projects, so we chose to create a concrete worktop, which finishes the space perfectly, tying the look together. The surroundings also work perfectly with the industrial style kitchen with Crittal style doors and weathered oak adding to the factory chic style.
Kitchen Project 37 – Tonbridge
This industrial style kitchen captures the Victorian era down to a tee. The beautiful property offers a modern take on local agricultural and Victorian buildings, and the kitchen was designed with this in mind. The off-black cabinets work beautifully in the light and airy space, with gold accents and aged brass providing the perfect contrast. This kitchen showcases a variety of industrial features, from the green tiles to the Falmec industrial hood, if you’re looking to create an industrial style kitchen, this will be sure to inspire!
At The Main Company we are passionate about creating high-quality kitchens that can be enjoyed for years to come. We will work with you to create a kitchen that is practical, as well as aesthetically pleasing, before bringing the vision to life at our Yorkshire workshop, get in touch today.
Introducing ‘STONE’ by Little Greene
The Main Company are very excited to see the launch of the new ‘Stone Collection’ by Little Greene. We exclusively use Little Green paints and have done so for many years; the paints are hard wearing, fantastic to apply and sumptuous in the colour ranges found on the existing three Colour Cards, Colours of England, Grey and Green, now joined by Stone.
Looking at the tempting photos on the Little Greene website, the Light Bronze Green looks a fantastic accent colour and how beautifully it pairs with aged brass hardware.
The Green Stone Trio, Green Stone, Green Stone Light and Green Stone Pale, will pull in those wonderful mineral tints found in light granite. Green Stone and Green Stone Pale offer enough contrast for classically neutral finishes but with contrasting, subtle colour.
Elysian Ground 320. Book Room Green 322.
Nether Red looks like my first choice for experimenting, how can one resist that wet, ‘just plastered’ finish, how difficult to achieve that look! Well done Little Greene, we are going to have a lot of fun with your new ‘Stone Range’.
25. Baluster
Bespoke Kitchen Options: The Main Finish
One of the best things about a bespoke kitchen are the endless options. This can be very daunting though, and having it broken down makes the process much easier.
Below we’ve broken down our cabinet construction in to bite size sections with the options available. You can download this guide or on our useful documents under Main Kitchen Finish.
Frame
All of our frames are made from solid tulip wood as standard. A very subtle detail on this can make a huge difference to the overall look of your kitchen.
There are two options when selecting your door frame:
- Shaker: Totally flat frame
- Cockbead: A small 5mm round bead is routered around all doors and frames
The majority of our projects have a cockbead frame.
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Cockbead Frame -
Shaker Frame
Door Style
As standard our doors are crafted from solid tulipwood with an MDF panel in the centre. You have the option to select which profile goes in to the centre of this panel. Note that all our drawer fronts as standard are flat. If you require profiles on drawers please discuss with your project manager.
There are five door styles available:
- Traditional: A large bead
- Oxford: A similar profile to Ogee
- Chamfer: A 45 degree angled cut
- Shaker: A 90 degree straight cut
- Small Bead: A series of small beads
Below you can see the design of each door profile.
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Small Bead -
Traditional -
Oxford -
Shaker -
Chamfer
End Panel
As standard our end panels are crafted from solid tulipwood with an MDF panel in the centre. You have the option to select which profile goes in to the centre of this panel.
There are six door styles available:
- Traditional: A large bead
- Oxford: A similar profile to Ogee
- Chamfer: A 45 degree angled cut
- Shaker: A 90 degree straight cut
- Small Bead: A series of small beads
Tongue and Groove: An unframed flat panel with a series of beads
Below you can see the design of each end panel profile.
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Oxford -
Chamfer -
Shaker -
Traditional -
Small Bead -
Tongue and Groove
Hinges
For a more traditional hand made look to your cabinets we would always advise selecting a butt hinge. For modern projects we often see soft close being used.
There are five options with hinges:
- Stainless Steel: Butt hinge
- Anvil: Butt hinge in a pewter finish
- Brass: Butt hinge
- Antique Bronze: Butt hinge
- Soft close: Not seen when the cabinet is closed
As standard all our cabinets have either a Stainless Steel butt hinge or Soft Close.
Please note that any integrated appliances have the cabinet door attached so will give the appearance of a soft close hinge
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Stainless Steel -
Brass -
Antique Bronze -
Anvil -
Softclose
Internals
Often overlooked, it’s as important for us what happens on the inside of a cabinet as outside.
There are five options when considering cabinet internals:
- Birch Plywood: Finished with a 2% lacquer
- Oak: Solid
- Oak Ply: Engineered plywood with a oak face
- Raw Pine: Solid finished with a 2% lacquer
- Waxed Pine: Solid pine finished with Fiddes rugger wax
As standard we quote in raw/waxed pine. Please speak to your project manager for further details.
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Birch Plywood -
Raw Pine -
Waxed Pine -
Oak & Oak Plywood
Handles
When it comes to handles you have plenty of options to choose from.
Here’s a list of handle suppliers we recommend:
- Buster + Punch
- Armac Martin
- Carlisle Brass
- Finesse Design
- Croft Architectural
- Hafele
- M Marcus
- Yesterhome
If you’ve found something you love then we’re more than happy for you to supply and we can install.
Two very popular combinations that we use are burnt brass and hammered pewter (see below). Both these finishes can be seen below and on many pieces in our Yorkshire showroom.
Plinth
Our plinth options can change the whole aesthetic of your kitchen. Whether you want a fully fitted or freestanding look we will have an option for your vision.
There are four options when selecting your plinth:
- Traditional: A skirting board style finish that is fitted to the front of the cabinets and scribed to the floor
- Brighton: Each individual unit has a set back kick board between the cabinet frame
- Manhattan: Certain sections have set back kick board between the cabinet frame
- Contemporary: This is completely set back behind all of the kitchen cabinets
The majority of our projects have a traditional plinth.
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Contemporary -
Brighton -
Manhattan -
Traditional
Cornice
Like our plinth, we have plenty of cornice options for you to choose from. From a traditional farmhouse to modern flat, we’ll have cornice that works for you.
There are four options when selecting your cornice:
- Oxford: A modern take on our traditional cornice. This stands proud 60mm
- Traditional: A firm favourite, numerous beads make up the 50mm profile
- Round End: Only available if round end corners are in your design
- Square: Crisp and modern, square cornice is a subtle finish to you cabinets
The majority of our projects have a traditional cornice.
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Square -
Round End -
Oxford -
Traditional
Colour
We use the full colour palette of Little Greene. All our kitchen units are painted in their Intelligent Eggshell finish. This has been formulated to resist moisture, staining and general wear and tear, it has a tough yet subtle finish and is a superb paint.
It is possible for us to colour match other brands using Little Greene paint. Please note that these colours cannot be guaranteed to the original.
All our cabinetry goes through the following paint process:
- One Aluminium Primer
- Two sprayed Under coats
- Two sprayed finish of chosen colour
- Two hand finish of chosen colour
- Final touch up on site
You’re able to select any colour by The Little Greene Paint company.