The Rise of Home Offices

In recent years, the home office has transitioned from a luxury to a necessity for many professionals. As remote work and hybrid models become more common, the need for a dedicated workspace that fosters productivity and creativity has never been greater. Designing a home office that is both functional and stylish can be a rewarding challenge. Let’s explore key considerations to help you craft a space that meets your work needs while reflecting your personal aesthetic.

Assessing Your Space

Before diving into design elements, the first step is to assess the space you have available. Consider the following:

• Location: Choose a quiet area in your home, away from distractions. Ideal spots might include a spare room, a nook in your living area, or even a converted loft.
• Size: Take accurate measurements to understand how much room you have to work with. This will inform your choice of furniture and layout.
• Lighting: Evaluate the natural light available in the space. A well-lit area can boost your mood and productivity, so consider the placement of windows, and plan for additional lighting.

Defining Your Needs

Think about how you will use your home office. Will it be primarily for computer work, meetings, or creative projects? Understanding your specific needs will help you design a space that caters to your daily tasks.

• Equipment: Make a list of essential equipment, such as computers, printers, and other technology. This will help determine the electrical outlets you may need and influence your furniture layout.
• Storage Requirements: Consider the amount of paperwork and supplies you need to store. Built-in shelves, filing cabinets, and desk drawers can help keep your workspace organised and clutter-free.

Ergonomics and Comfort

An office should support your physical health as much as your productivity. Investing in ergonomic furniture will make a significant difference.

• Chair: A quality office chair with adjustable height, lumbar support, and comfortable padding is vital for maintaining good posture during long hours of work.
• Desk Height: The desk should be at a height that allows your elbows to rest comfortably at a 90-degree angle while typing. Adjustable desks can provide flexibility for standing or sitting work.
• Accessories: Don’t forget ergonomic accessories like keyboard trays or monitor stands to enhance your comfort further.

Style and Aesthetics

Your home office should reflect your personal style while remaining practical. Here are ways to inject personality into your design:

• Colour Scheme: Choose colours that inspire you and create a pleasant atmosphere. Soft pastels can evoke calmness, while bold hues can promote energy and creativity.
• Decor: Incorporate artwork, plants, and personal items that inspire you. These elements can enhance mood and add character to the space.
• Furniture Selection: Look for furniture that harmonises with your interior design theme. Whether you prefer modern, minimalist pieces or classical, traditional styles, ensure that your furniture complements the overall look of your home.

Organisational Solutions

A stylish home office is one that balances aesthetics with functionality, and organisation plays a crucial role in achieving this balance.

• File Storage: Invest in stylish file cabinets or bookshelves that disguise paperwork while contributing to the decor.
• Cable Management: Keep cords hidden and well-organised with cable management solutions or through clever furniture design that integrates storage.
• Desk Accessories: Choose attractive desk organisers to keep frequently used items within reach, enhancing both form and function.

Creating Your Perfect Home Office

Designing a home office that is both functional and stylish is an opportunity to combine your personal preferences with practical needs. By thoughtfully considering space, ergonomics, aesthetics, and organisation, you can create an environment that not only enhances productivity but also reflects your individual style. Transform your workspace into a place where creativity flourishes and professional goals are achieved, resulting in a harmonious balance between work and personal life.

Ready to transform your home office? Reach out to us at 01892 750310 or email us today to start designing a space that works for you!

Selecting the ideal kitchen layout can dramatically enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of your space. This comprehensive guide explores key considerations and popular designs to help you make the best choice for your home.

Finding the Right Kitchen Layout for Your Home

When it comes to creating the heart of your home, the layout of your kitchen plays a pivotal role in both its functionality and appeal. The right configuration can make daily tasks more efficient, foster enjoyment during meal preparations, and even enhance your home’s value. With numerous styles and arrangements to consider, the decision can feel overwhelming. Here, we break down the key factors to consider when choosing your kitchen layout.

Assess Your Available Space

The first step in determining the best kitchen layout for your home is to accurately assess the available space. Measure your kitchen dimensions carefully, including doorways, windows, and any architectural features that could influence your design choices.

Consider how much space you have for walkways and pathways; a well-planned kitchen allows for easy movement between zones, facilitating an efficient workflow. Remember that space is not just about square footage—it’s also about how you use that space. A thoughtfully planned small kitchen can be more functional than a large one that feels cluttered and disorganised.

Understand Different Kitchen Layouts

Having taken stock of your space, it’s time to explore various kitchen layouts. Here are some common designs to consider:

– Galley Kitchen: This layout consists of two parallel runs of cabinets with a central walkway. It’s perfect for small spaces, allowing for an efficient kitchen work triangle. The compact design makes cooking and cleaning a breeze.

– L-Shaped Kitchen: Ideal for open-plan living, the L-shaped kitchen employs two adjoining walls of cabinetry. This layout maximises space and provides flexibility for a dining area or living room.

– U-Shaped Kitchen: Featuring three walls of cabinets, this design offers ample storage and counter space, making it great for larger families or avid cooks. However, ensure there’s enough room for movement.

– Island Kitchen: Adding an island can provide additional counter space and serve as a central hub for cooking and socialising. This layout works well in open spaces and encourages interaction.

– Peninsula Kitchen: A slightly different version of the island layout, the peninsula involves a counter that juts out from the main kitchen area. This is a fantastic way to create separation in open-plan spaces without blocking flow.

Choose the layout that best suits your lifestyle and cooking habits. Picture yourself using the space: will you be entertaining guests? Do you need room for children to prepare meals alongside you?

Prioritise Functionality

While aesthetics are important, functionality should be your priority when planning your kitchen layout. Think about the kitchen work triangle—this refers to the relationship between the sink, stove, and refrigerator. Ideally, these three components should be positioned in a triangular format to allow for an efficient cooking experience.

Consider elements like storage solutions, work surfaces, and the integration of appliances. Are you an avid chef who requires multiple cutting boards and prep spaces? Or maybe you prefer a more compact setup for simple meals? Custom cabinetry and smart organisation solutions can significantly enhance functionality, so keep this in mind when selecting your layout and accompanying features.

Incorporate Personal Style

Once you’ve settled on a layout that meets your functional needs, it’s time to infuse your personal style into the design. The kitchen is often the social hub of the home, so it’s essential that it reflects your personality.

Choose colour schemes, materials, and finishes that resonate with you. Whether you favour a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional, rustic feel, your choices should align with your overall home aesthetic. Don’t forget about lighting, as it plays a crucial role in setting the atmosphere and functionality of your kitchen.

Plan for Future Needs

When designing your kitchen layout, consider not just your current needs but also how your lifestyle might change in the future. Are you planning to start a family, or could your children be moving out soon? Will you be entertaining more frequently? Designing for the future can help you avoid costly remodels later on.

Having a versatile layout can allow the kitchen to adapt as your needs evolve, making it a wise investment in your home’s longevity.

Choosing the best layout for your kitchen involves a blend of practicality and personal touch. With careful consideration of space, functionality, and aesthetic preference, you can create a kitchen that meets your needs today and for years to come. Whether you opt for a sleek galley or an expansive island design, your dream kitchen is within reach. Embrace the journey of designing your perfect kitchen, and enjoy turning your culinary haven into reality.

Drawers with tidy ideas, a place for napkins, special whisks, place mats and cutlery can all be stored with easy access.

At David Haugh we use all of the space giving you extra depth and size for no extra charge.

A small walnut spice drawer looks stunning with dovetails showing on the front.

A stack of drawers is a must for easy access to your pots, pans, and crockery.

Some features are so special that when it is in place and finished, it is so satisfying to see that the extra effort to make it work has been all worthwhile. This is the case with the ribbed walnut detail we inserted above a tall curved glass cabinet. It really added the necessary ‘wow’ factor that we were all looking for.

Such luxury touches are carefully thought about on every kitchen.

It is ‘all in the detail’ allowing flourishes crafted by skilled craftsmen, to be displayed as beautiful features above cabinetry. Other features are available, just ask what can be done to set your kitchen apart.

With more of us spending more time in the kitchen than any other room in the house, it’s importance cannot be denied.  It is the ‘heart of the home’ where we prepare meals, tackle homework with the kids entertain friends and family, or just flop into a cosy corner.

If you are contemplating a major overhaul or just updating what you have, here are some pointers.

Colour trends
Green is a strong favourite whether in soft tones like sage in a green/grey colour or a bolder dark green such as on this island.  This is Little Green Paint Company’s ‘Obsidian Green 216’.  Try Little Green Paint Company’s ‘Pompeian Ash’293 a warmer earthy green on a statement wall

Dark blue remains a trend for cabinets or an island for contrast.

Brass trimmings

‘aged’ or patina finishes are particularly popular

Brass accents added to chimney breast features or handle/knob choices, mixer taps remain popular this year.

Drinks corners
Dedicated drink areas is a growing trend where coffee bars, teas, breakfast food, cups, bowls are all stored.  A lovely way to start the day!

Glass splash backs
Behind cookers and drinks bars with interesting picture images or mirror glass add a talking point.

Fun art works on the wall
Chose a famous print or an installation made with china plates for a bit of fun.

The size and scale of an electric log fire for which David Haugh agreed to build a surround as part of the lounge furniture was quite something! Gigantuous

proportions it had to sit neatly and squarely in the middle of a modern interior. Our designer Ayesha came up with the concept and it was up to David to take on the challenge.

Now under construction at our workshops the fire surround is taking shape. Watch this space. More news and pictures to follow

We put sustainability at the core of our business values as furniture manufacturers we strive to be responsible where we can by recycling our waste and lowering our Co2 emissions where possible.

We build furniture to last with a lifetime guarantee on our bespoke work.   We aim to produce sustainably by manufacturing locally at our own workshops in Bells Yew Green, near Tunbridge Wells, and are dealers of STONEHAM kitchens who manufacture in Sidcup, Kent.  By keeping local we have full control over our operations and with 30 years of experience in the business, we have carefully selected our suppliers to ensure a minimal carbon footprint.

We use temperate hard and soft woods and avoid the use of endangered tropical timbers where logging practices are less regulated. Our timbers are sourced from well-managed, responsible forests where the cycle of clearing, and replanting has been continuing for generations.

Our main timber and board supplier are based in Essex where products are independently certified, coming from well-managed forests and organisations such as the Forest Stewardship Council®

(FSC® FSC-C007658) or from the program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification™ (PEFC™). We use materials with low VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) and water-based paints wherever possible.

We minimise our use of energy with LED lighting controlled by sensors and our heating is controlled thermostatically using less energy.

Our floral arrangements are from a company supplying life-like flowers made from recycled plastic. Although plastic isn’t always seen as eco-friendly, with repeated use the carbon footprint is less than using fresh flowers.

We try to operate a paperless office as much as possible producing digital designs and correspondence.

We recycle all our sawdust waste by giving it away to a local organic chicken farmer who uses it for outdoor bedding.

PLANTLIFE membership

And to help offset the other waste products we are proud supporters of Plant life.

This charity works to improve our wildlife by planting wildflowers and plants across the UK from road verges, chalk meadows, mountains, and Atlantic woodland.  Plantlife is working throughout the UK to save wild spaces for plants and pollinators.

The Ranscombe Farm Reserve Kent is a wonderful place to visit to see this work being done. We looked for a charity to support that has a real impact on all of nature and Plantlife does just that. We are proud to be members of this wonderful organisation and extremely lucky to be in the same county as this reserve.

British Cooker Hoods Hand-built with precision In Yorkshire

The Westin Hood is synonymous with quality high-end luxury Kitchens they are manufactured in Huddersfield, Yorkshire with cutting-edge technology for folding and cutting steel.

The finishings to hoods are to this day done by hand including polishing, welding, wiring, packing, and storing. For painted finishes, the hood is baked in an oven with the paint to ensure the durability of the paint but prior to that, the hoods are spray painted by hand to achieve a high-quality finish.

The specialist skills at this company mean they can modify any standard-size product to Weston plus which can be adapted to any size and fit any internal dimension, lights removed, and duct position changed, etc.

The Hoods are so special because they are literally a cut above the rest, Westin Bespoke provides a special service for completely unique designs and performance requirements literally meaning they can build any cooker hood you can imagine.

Here is an example of just some of their standard products:

In the built-in collection designed to fit into kitchen furniture or a chimney you have the Prime extractor which comes in various sizes 520mm, 700mm,800mm, 900mm, 1000mm, and 1100 with a depth of 292mm or with Prime slim a depth of 255mm the Prime hood has one motor which is enough for the typical home cook.

However, there is also the Prime Pro for the more adventurous cook which has two motors for double the extraction. This comes in one size Width of 1100mm and a Depth 292mm.

The Bloque is another hidden extractor but with a more industrial look with stainless steel baffle filters again there is an option for one or two motors with the Bloque pro. They come in different sizes with the standard Bloque width being either 860mm or 1400mm or the pro being 1200mm and 1500mm in width.

There is also Vector from the ceiling series for island extraction. It is a contemporary hood with sleek tuneable LED strip lighting along the front and with industrial-style baffle filters.

The ducting is only from the top.

Then you have the Vault which is similar in design but is mountable against the wall with a rear duct position. You also have completely concealed ceiling extractors like Stratus built for British ceilings in mind. The Stratus offers discreet but effective extraction.

We then have a more traditional design to be paired with range cookers and is available in any colour match to suit the range or stand out from the rest of the kitchen. Featuring a polished front hanging rail, the traditional is a timeless classic hood design.

And finally, we have the Masterchef hood. It is a hood designed to be paired with range cookers and is available in any colour match. Featuring a hand-polished strap and rivet detail. The Masterchef is a classic hood with a contemporary twist.

Meet the iconic Sub-Zero fridge – come and view it in our showroom it is known for its distinctive design with strong lines, prominent grille, sleek hinges, and clean stainless steel.

But it gets far more impressive on the inside, designed in the 1940s by Westye F. Bakke. He was an engineer and pioneer in preserving food at ultralow temperatures below -18 c hence the name Sub-Zero. He was deeply motivated to design superior refrigeration to protect his diabetic son’s insulin supply and today It’s still a family-run business headed by Westye’s grandson James B. Bakke.

What makes the fridge so special is the separate cooling systems for the refrigerator and freezer. This is important because it makes a big difference in the freshness and flavour of your food. The fridge has cool and moist air whilst the freezer has frigid dry air. This is unlike other fridge freezers as they share the air which leads to a drying effect in the fridge and freezer burn in the freezer.

This ability to keep food fresh for up to two more weeks than the average fridge can save the customer thousands over a year. The system also has antimicrobial air purification based on NASA Technology. This technology filters the air of mould, viruses, bacteria, and ethylene gas which contributes to spoilage. This also extends to superior filtration for the inbuilt filtered water system which also removes microbes and pollutants leading to safer fresher tasting water and ice cubes.

The whole design has been engineered for optimal performance and even the drawers are built especially secure with incredible seals so if there are power outages food remains frozen for a couple of days. They are also smart with the connected app to control the temperature remotely.

The average fridge freezer lasts 10 years but Sub-Zero’s are expected to last 20+ years and come with a five-year warranty. They are also so efficient that running them is equivalent to a 75-watt bulb.

So, between the money saved on less food spoilage, the running costs, and the extended lifetime of the Sub-Zero it is a great investment.

As keen gardeners and cooks, Avril and Stephen wanted a tidy boot/ utility room to store their vegetables and flowers straight from their beautiful garden.  Coming straight in from their garden, this room had to do a lot of tasks. 

Their wish list had to have an area for wellington boots and shoes, an area to wash hands and vegetables, a space for their laundry appliances plus a tall integrated freezer for freezing meals and garden produce, a new larder/ pantry cupboard with drawer storage and a tall cupboard to hide their new boiler. With space saving ideas in all areas, we came up with exactly their dream boot/ utility room. 

By adding a solid oak window cill, plus an oak seat with a coat hanging above (all made at our workshops), they were delighted with the end result.

The kitchen needed a small revamp to bring it up to date.  By fitting new coloured glass splashbacks and glass upstands in ‘Green smoke’ and by removing a wall cupboard and a ‘fly-over lighting shelf’ above the window, the light came flooding in. Fitting a new modern cornice improved things even more and has made their kitchen more contemporary in feel.

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What the customer had to say

From the moment Vimal and Priyanka walked into our showroom to discuss their dream kitchen in Epsom, Surrey who would have thought that they would add gold flourishes. To compliment the gold Quooker tap and the Crofts and Assinder brass handles and knobs, their interior designer Laura Garcia came up with the novel idea of featuring brass type strips on the mock chimney breast.  A very bespoke feature but we were able to make it work. The brass coloured strips enhances the subtle colour scheming of the cabinets and it brings out a touch of luxury. 

We also received this great testimonial from Vimal and his family;

When our architect Laura Garcia came up with a kitchen plan to accommodate our wish to have an island, it had to be round in shape to fit it into the available space.  Laura casually said that we will have to get our kitchen done by a ‘bespoke’ kitchen maker since no high street kitchen retailers would be able to offer a round shaped island.  Fortunately, we found David Haugh who are genuine bespoke manufacturers of kitchens with fantastic manufacturing facilities just next to their studio.  Priyanka and I are delighted they managed to incorporate all the bespoke elements such as the corner cupboard and the brass/gold accents to the hood and doors.

We are also equally impressed by their fitter with his professionalism and can do attitude. We were left with incomplete electrical works which could have easily delayed the installation however he brought all his experience to resolve the issue and we managed to complete the installation in time.

We are now having raving feedback from our friends and family and it has been variously described as ‘classy’, ‘classic’ and ‘looks like a show kitchen’.

I would like to thank the whole team at David Haugh to bring this project to reality which was initially conceptualized by Laura our architect, designed and installed by David Haugh and team with lots of help and support from my wife Priyanka and daughter Manushree.

Dear Sue

Thank you for the fabulous kitchen which you have installed for us.  It is now up and running and we are delighted with it. 

I particularly like my white stone worktop and the ease with which I can access everything.  The overall design and quality of the workmanship is second to none.

The team were very professional from start to finish.  They were very friendly and reliable and a joy to have in the house.

We would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone else.

Best wishes