Kafenion, Birmingham

Back in August 2018 I was commissioned to help convert and design an old Post Office and Cafe into a new modern space that was a friendly, inclusive space at the heart of the community that appealed to all demographics. The Cafe is situated in the Bournville area of Birmingham, a model village built by the Cadbury family in an Arts and Crafts style and overlooks the village green. 

The old Post Office and Cafe is split over 2 rooms with the old cafe being at the back and featuring an amazing parquet floor, the old post office is at the front of the property overlooking the green and also has great original features such as the old post box, safe and entrance that the clients were keen to keep within the new design. 

Below are some images of the property before we made any changes.

The clients brief was to create a warm, welcoming, relaxed European style Cafe with a feeling that it had existed for years and had developed a patina over time. They also wanted to be mindful of the area it was situated and the history behind the property. 

The 1st step was deciding how we wanted to use the space, we wanted to make sure the space was as user friendly for the customer as it was for the employee. Key to this is the bar layout, the original cafe had a very small counter area that I felt wasn't very practical and there wasn't much space behind it. We decided for cost reasons to keep the original fridge and the bar in roughly the same area as moving it would have incurred lots of extra costs. The clients wanted to make it bigger and have plenty of storage so we designed this 'L' shaped bar with lots of hidden shelves and added in a row of back counter cupboards and shelving to provide lots of valuable storage space and an area to showcase their product. 

I didn't want to have just a plain wooden bar front so to create a bit of interest I designed a pattern that was a nod to the parquet flooring but wasn't too over the top that it detracted from the other pieces in the room.

 

In terms of lighting we had to make sure there was a good mix of task and accent lighting over the counter, these spindle pendants from Rothschild & Bickers over the counter top provide a focal point in the room whilst also being practical. 

 

The colour we chose for the scheme was Farrow & Balls Inchyra Blue, this colour was chosen specifically for its soft blue colour that in some lights can also appear green. We decided to use this colour throughout on both the ceilings and the walls to help make the space feel larger.

 

The client was keen to have pops of colour throughout the scheme so we went with handmade tiles from specialist Mexican shop on London's Columbia Road, Milagros for the splash back. The fact that they are handmade meant that they weren't perfectly straight and although this caused a bit of bother initially for the builder I believe this handmade quality makes them even more charming.

 

 

 

As the client was keen for the space to feel as though it had been there for years and have a European feel I thought it would be nice to have a mix of vintage pieces within the scheme. These wall mirrors, sourced through one of our trusted suppliers Stowaway London, were found in France and have a nicely aged mirror plate to them.

 

For lighting in this area I didn't want to have too much stark overhead lighting so decided to go with these deco style lampshades from Lotus Lampshades, on top of standard lamps. The shape is very traditional and is a nice reference to the period in which this property was built

 

The chairs were sourced from a wedding furniture company, Papa Shop, and I decided to reupholster the seat with something a little more exciting to add some extra interest, both myself and the client loved this Meh Meh fabric from House of Hackney, it provided a subtle hit of colour within the scheme. We mixed this House Of Hackney fabric in with a leather in green/blue colour to provide a bit of variety on the chairs and provide more comfort to the customer.

 

 

In the front room, in what was the old Post Office, we again wanted to keep the relaxed feeling, we carried on the Inchyra blue from Farrow & Ball, the use of vintage mirrors, deco style lampshades and the House Of Hackney and leather upholstered chairs. I also added into the mix some leather armchairs that had a lovely worn quality to them and provide a softer seating area, some Ercol style chairs and also a raised bar section with leather topped stools.

 

At the start of the project I was particularly keen to see if there were any brick walls that could be exposed in the property as I think having this brings some character to the room, creates a focal point and juxtaposes nicely against the silk of the lampshades. After tentatively removing some of the plaster we were pleased to see that the brick behind was in good enough condition to expose whcih we were very pleased about. 

 

The Vintage School House pendant lighting, from Fritz Fryer, add to the vintage look of the scheme and provide much needed light to this room.

By keeping the old Post Box and the Safe and integrating them into the scheme helps gives the interior a sense of place and is a reference to its history.

 

 

 

With thanks to my key suppliers on this project: Stowaway London, Rothschild & Bickers, Farrow & Ball, Fritz Fryer, Lotus Lampshades, Cult Furniture, Papa Shop, House of Hackney, North Wales Stone, Milagros and very special mention to Rhys Evans Joinery.

 

How to choose a kitchen worktop

The range and styles of kitchen worktops out on the market at the minute can be a little overwhelming when you are starting to design your own kitchen.  Below I have broken down the most common types and discussed the pros and cons of each for you to help ease the pain.

 

Granite worktops

Granite has traditionally been the go to choice for luxurious kitchens due to its stylish markings and glossy appearance. Its popularity is in part down to its hard wearing nature, its very difficult to chip or scratch this surface and once installed requires no more maintenance than a quick wipe with a cloth. On top of this the stone has antibacterial properties and is heat resistant. All of this does, however, come at a price, its generally one of the more expensive options for a work surface as its not a material that can be cut by anyone. This material is super heavy and requires templating and fitting by professionals. Also worth noting is that the markings on granite are irregular in appearance due to it being a naturally formed material, so its no good for those who like uniformity in their design.

Quartz worktops

Quartz is a man made alternative to granite and has grown in popularity over the last decade due to its more uniform and contemporary work surface. Quartz is made by combining quartz/reconstructed stone with a resin to create an extremely hard wearing and generally stain resistant worktop. Elements such as mirrors, glass and metals can be added to the mix to create a unique pattern. One of the main benefits of quartz is the fact it's non porous and therefore resistant to staining, it does have a reasonable heat resistance and as it comes in larger slabs than other materials there are fewer joints and joins in the material. It also comes in thinner sheets so is perfect for those wanting a more modern look.

 


Wooden worktops

Wood is a very popular choice for those seeking a traditional feel in their kitchen. For some the patina it develops over time is a huge appeal to many but the maintenance that wood does require, oiling on a regular basis, cleaning up spills immediately, puts others off. If maintained properly it also has anti bacterial properties It is considerably cheaper than stone and comes in a variety of colours and grains with hardwoods being the most popular choice. Fitting of a wooden worktop can be done by a joiner or your kitchen supplier on site which also helps cut down on templating and labour costs.

 

 Laminate worktops

Laminates are a very cost effective worktop option and come in a large range of colour and styles. Its easy to maintain and clean and if not scratched or damaged can have anti bacterial properties. A laminate will suit any kind of kitchen style but you really do get what you pay for with. There is a huge variation in quality and cheaper options can peel, burn/melt and scratch easily. Where previously you could only get bull nose finish many laminate companies are now offering square edge and thinner profiled options for those that want to create a more modern look.

Concrete worktops

Concrete has become a fashionable option over the last couple of years in kitchen worktops, it suits both industrial style settings but can also look great when paired with a modern gloss and shaker style cabinets. As it is created in situ it can be seamlessly produced and there is no need for joints, as its a bespoke piece  the finished texture and dappling really is unique to each worktop. The downsides is that the concrete does require sealing as its a natural porous material and all spills need to be cleaned up asap in order to prevent staining, but a quick wipe with soapy water is all thats needed to keep it clean. Many people think of this as a cold hard material but it can look warm when used in the right setting.

 

 Stainless Steel worktops

Normally the preserve of commercial kitchens stainless steel has become a go to choice for residential kitchens over the last couple of years due to the fact its incredibly durable, naturally antibacterial, easy to clean, is waterproof and heat and acid resistant. Its a very light and modern material but could feel a little overwhelming if used over a large area, many people are therefore using it on islands or a small section of workspace to help soften what could otherwise be a cold feeling material.

 

 Composite material worktops

Composite worktops have many of the benefits of quartz and stone, cool to touch, heat and scratch resistant, stain resistant, coloured all the way through and is seamless but without the high cost. Its a seamless material so even if you need a joint it should be invisible. It can also be moulded into any shape, so is perfect for seamlessly integrated sinks and can be cut on site by a competent joiner. In terms of price it is generally cheaper than a quartz or granite and comes in standard lengths of 3000mm - 4050mm, some of the key brands to look for are Corian which is at the top end of the price bracket and Miro stone which is a very budget friendly option. Its a great alternative to stone and the style goes as well with a high gloss/matt handless design or a traditional shaker

 Hopefully I have helped clear the waters when it comes to choosing a worktop for your kitchen but if you are still unsure as to what worktop is right for you then please drop me a message on the contact page

What Kitchen style do I want?

The kitchen is probably one of the most important and hardworking multi functional spaces in the house. Its also one of the biggest expenses so you want to make sure that you choose one that is going to stand the test of time and not be bored of in a year or 2.

There are numerous kitchen styles and designs out there to choose from and it can be be a bit overwhelming when you 1st decide to re do your own space. With that in mind I thought  I would help guide you with me easy explanation of all the different kitchen styles out there and help explain what each one is. Although many of these kitchens in these images are bespoke pieces and are incredibly expensive there are many elements you can take and use in your own home, just because you have a lower budget doesn't mean you should have to compromise on style.

Many of the big kitchen companies such as Howdens, Wicks, Ikea, B&Q etc have their own versions of these and you can easily create something unique to you.

See below for the 4 most common kitchen styles out there: 

 

Contemporary Kitchen

Contemporary Kitchens are characterised by their sleek, clean lines in modern materials such as concrete, gloss, steel and laminate. A minimal colour palette is used and they are generally neutral in colour, most colour is brought in by the use of artwork or carefully placed accessories.

They are un cluttured and minimalist in their design and feature high functioning and modern gadgets such as induction cooktops, built in coffee makers and minimalist cooker hoods.

The lighting is also either of the very discreet variety, hidden underneath hung cabinets and lots of spots or they feature architectural lighting fixtures.

Contemporary kitchens don't have to be cold white spaces, by introducing warm materials such as wood and metal you can create a very inviting but also practical space.

 

 

Traditional Kitchens

Traditional styles such as this ‘Shaker’ Kitchens, have traditional elements such as Belfast sinks, wooden worktops and inset paneled painted cabinets and are characterised by their clean simple lines. This style is unpretentious with all the emphasis on the quality craftmanship rather than elaborate decoration or fussy detailing

This style of kitchen suits any type of property, from country cottages through to grand houses and have a resemblance to many of the traditional working kitchens found in large country homes.

A shaker kitchen is very versatile and with the right accessories and hardware can also have an industrial or modern feel and the main bonus about a painted kitchen such as this is if you eventually get bored of it you can easily paint the cabinet fronts

 

 

Freestanding Kitchens

Freestanding kitchens are essentially ones that are made up of lots of Independent fixtures, it can create an eclectic look and is easy to create an Individual kitchen. Freestanding kitchens give you the opportunity to move pieces about if needed and to add on extra storage or replace elements on an ad hoc basis.

This sort of style would suit a house that has wonky walls in which fitting cabinetry would be difficult.

Freestanding kitchens can be a cost effective way to create a kitchen as it can be sourced from flea markets or through upcycling old bits of furniture. 

 

 Country Kitchens

A country style kitchen is one that represents a rural farmhouse type design. There are lots of traditional elements within this kitchen such as panelled wooden doors, wooden worktops and many will feature  classic components such as AGA’s, Islands and Dressers on which crockery is displayed.

They usually come in a muted palette of creams, pastels, blues and soft greys along side wood. The cabinet fronts are quite often panelled and feature simple door handles in turned wood or simple hardware

All the elements that make up a country kitchen are warm, tactile and inviting where the kitchen is seen as the heart of the home and take their inspiration from English style kitchens, French farmhouse and rustic Tuscan kitchens

 

 

This list of kitchen styles is by no means exhaustive and within each style you can get further categories such as, modern industrial, modern rustic, eclectic, Scandi, modern country etc etc. the list goes on but these are a good starting point for when you are wanting to research your own kitchen design . 

If you are considering a new kitchen and would like some help with your designs or just helping you decide which style you would like then please feel free to contact me.

Scandinavian Style Interiors

I love Scandinavian style interiors, its all about functionality, simplicity and beauty, with its clean lines simple design and understated elegance.

This style of decorating our home is becoming more and more fashionable with many remembering the hype surrounding 'Hygge' back in 2016 and our love for Ikea. But there are easy ways of incorporating this look into your home without going for a full blown Ikea makeover.

There isn't one specific Scandinavian style interior but there are elements that make up and help define Scandinavian Interiors. These include mixing vintage and traditional pieces with modern furniture with clean and simple lines. Using materials that add texture into our homes and provide a feeling of warmth, such as wood, fur, linen, velvet, metallics. Layering all these textures in one scheme in complementary shades creates depth and adds interest to what could be an otherwise bland scheme.

One of the key elements to the Scandinavian look is the use of mirrors to reflect light around the room and the use of furniture that has reflective properties, such as gloss cabinets. Alongside this the use of greenery and foliage within the interior space is extremely important and you will find many of the homes will have both large scale plants and small succulents scattered around. 

In terms of colour white is a key component to Scandinavian style interiors and works particularly well in South facing rooms where there is lots of daylight, the sun warms the colour up and the bright white walls helps bounce this sunlight around the room creating the feeling of airiness and spaciousness.

In North facing rooms you would need to add in warmer whites that have a touch of grey as their base colour, Farrow and Ball colours such as Cornforth White or Ammonite that would be perfect for this.

The white base used in many Scandinavian schemes acts as a great base for pops of colour, including black which adds a bit of drama to any scheme. 

And last point to bear in mind, don't over decorate! Scandinavian interior design is about keeping things simple and not cluttered. Easier said than done for many of us, no matter how much we love the aesthetic!

Buying Affordable Art

Your home should be a curation of pieces that you love and items that speak to you, by doing this you will create a home that is truly a reflection of your personality and life experiences. One way to help create a home that is unique to you and shows your personality is to fill it with artwork that you love. 

Many believe that buying art is completely out of their reach or didn't even realise that buying artwork was an option for them, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Rather than picking up something generic and mundane from the high street which you could find in hundreds of other homes, why not pick up some art that is affordable, distinctive and goes someway to help support artists worldwide?

There are many online galleries where you can by affordable art for all budgets and tastes, these are a pick of my favourite online galleries:

 

Artfinder- Has artwork ranging in price from £10 - £50,000 and with 10,000 artists worldwide to choose from there is definitely something to suit every budget and taste. You can pick from different media, styles, subject, price range and colour to help find something that suits your own home. A great website for a browse if you aren't sure exactly what you are after.

 

Degree art - This is a great website for discovering and buying artwork from students and recent graduates. The artwork not only has the potential to become a valuable investment but you are helping to support emerging talent. Again with artwork ranging from£10-£10,000 you can definitely find something to suit your own taste.

 

art republic - This website offers a great collection of artwork and prints from well known artists such as Picasso, Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst to less known and emerging talent who are just starting their careers. Again the prices range from £20 - £10,000 and you can browse artwork by Subject, Art movement, Colour and Celebrity, if you wish. 

 

King & McGaw - Offer prints of some of the most famous artworks in the world. They also stock ranges of posters and prints from the V&A, British Transport Museum, Vogue, Penguin Books alongside many others. Again prices are incredibly reasonable and you can shop the collection by choosing what room you want the artwork for. Their website is great for advice if you aren't sure what you want.

 

This is not an exhaustive list of all the online galleries the internet has to offer and there are many more notable ones including desenio, Print club London, Nickie Kelly, Rise Art, The Contemporary Chester, Lumitrix, Etsy to name a few. The key is to really buy something that you love, there is no right or wrong to buying art and it is a very subjective thing. Just buy what you love and will be happy to look at every day and you can't go wrong.

If you need any help picking or styling your artwork give me a shout, I'd be happy to help you wade through all the options.