kitchen units - Wren Kitchens
Transcription
kitchen units - Wren Kitchens
THE 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE FREE HOME MEASURE QUICK & EASY TO INSTALL GREAT GUARANTEES WE’LL BEAT ANY QUOTE QUALITY MATERIALS FULLY ASSEMBLED FLEXIBLE FINANCE FREE DESIGN & PLANNING STORES NATIONWIDE OF MADE IN THE UK KITCHEN UNITS. WORKTOPS. APPLIANCES. SINKS. TAPS. ACCESSORIES. WELCOME TO THE BIG BOOK OF WREN KITCHENS The kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s where we meet to talk, eat, relax and plan. You deserve a place that reflects who you are, does everything you need, and inspires you every day. Think that’s not possible? It is, with Wren Kitchens. Here at Wren Kitchens, we work with you to get the design, colour, specification and price of your fitted kitchen just right, so when it’s finished, it fits comfortably with you as well as your space. Our kitchens are made to last, in styles that will look good for years to come. And they’re affordable for everyone. Make your kitchen the heart of your home, with Wren. Made in the UK 2 3 CONTENTS 01 THE WREN DIFFERENCE Why Choose Wren The Wren Way One Room, a Thousand Uses Our Ranges at a Glance 02 EXTRA VALUE RANGE What’s Your Perfect Kitchen? DESIGNER RANGE Shaker Cream Matt 18 - 35 20 21 22 - 25 26 - 29 30 - 33 34 - 35 36 - 37 38 - 133 Autograph Kitchens Handleless Kitchens 40 - 53 54 - 71 Wren Kitchens Case Study Handleless White 58 - 61 Pacrylic Kitchens Top Trends Shaker Kitchens 4 8-9 10 - 11 12 - 15 16 - 17 04 PLANNING YOUR KITCHEN 72 - 85 86 - 87 88 - 105 Wren Kitchens Case Study Shaker Alabaster Timber 102 - 105 Shaker Ermine Kitchens Country Cream & Country Sage Antique Oak Timber Edwardian Cream Matt 106 - 113 114 - 117 118 -119 120 - 123 Wren Kitchens Case Study Edwardian Cream Matt 124 - 127 Framed Kitchens 128 - 133 134 - 143 The Best Laid Plans 136-139 Checklist140 Quick Guide to Measuring Up 141 Design a Better Kitchen with Wren 142-143 10 Ways to Colour your Kitchen What’s Extra Value All About? Can You Do It Yourself? Slab Handleless Shaker Doing It Yourself 03 6 - 17 05 144 - 146 THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION 147 - 162 A Word from Linda A Selection from the Collection 148 - 149 150 - 157 Wren Kitchens Case Study Linda Barker Shaker 158 - 161 06 APPLIANCES & ACCESSORIES Appliances - Cooking, Cooling & Cleaning Work Surface Choices Tek Wall® & Rhino Glaz® Sinks & Taps Storage Options Handle Choices Lighting Options Multimedia Options Kitchen Gadgets 07 ORDERING YOUR KITCHEN 163 - 193 165 - 171 172 - 173 174 - 175 176 - 179 180 -185 186 - 187 188 - 189 190 - 191 192 -193 194 - 210 Wren Heritage Ordering and Making Your Kitchen It’s Showtime! Making your kitchen come to Life 196 197 198 - 201 202 - 205 Buy with Confidence with Wren 206 - 207 5 MADE TO ORDER QUALITY DESIGN GOOD PRICES The Wren DIFFERENCE We believe in being a little bit different. That’s what makes us special, and makes our kitchens the best choice, whatever your budget. 6 Pacrylic Graphite 7 WHY CHOOSE WREN Here’s how we sell high quality fully assembled kitchens for less than old-fashioned flat pack At Wren, we believe that being different is important - it’s what makes our kitchens and our service the best in the UK. Family Experience 100 million units over 35 years across two continents. No one knows more about manufacturing efficiently. Here are our stand-out differences. Made in the UK - by us Wren kitchens are made in the UK in our three state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities with strict quality control at every stage. Unique manufacturing techniques It’s our factories’ techniques and equipment, including special adhesive treatments and assembling, that allows us to give long guarantees. Independence To ensure your kitchen arrives in perfect condition, we deliver it using our own trucks and delivery staff. We own every factory, production line and delivery lorry. We do not borrow from banks or financial institution. Widest range in the UK to suit you Soft close drawers - always No matter what range you can afford, all of our kitchens have soft close doors. At Wren, it’s standard, not luxury. 8 THE WREN DIFFERENCE We make your order as you need it. We do not have the cost of a warehouse full of standard “off-the-shelf” units. We don’t sell paint or gardening equipment. We concentrate on what we know and doing it well. Wren always deliver We have the best kitchen designers in the business who will help you get the most out of your space and your budget. We reinvest in our business and we own some of the most modern production plants in the world. Specialists A Wren kitchen is made to order, so you can be sure it will meet your exact requirements. Your personal Wren designer Investment Bespoke Made to order Wren have one of the largest kitchen collections in the world and there’s a kitchen to suit every home, every taste and every budget. We are a privately-owned family company. So that means no big dividends or corporate shareholders to impress. Easy installation features Longest kitchen guarantees Not only do our kitchens come fully assembled, but they are packed with extras to make installation easy. This includes fold down legs, attached and ready to fit into place. Wren Kitchens have long guarantees because we know how good our quality is – up to a lifetime on some collections. We’ll beat any quote Wren Kitchens can’t be beaten on quality or price because we work efficiently to give you the best of both. We promise to beat any quote for a like-for-like product – you only have to ask. Size We are one of the largest furniture manufacturers in the UK. We can buy efficiently and pass those savings on. Custom Fit Make sure every inch of your new kitchen is used in the best possible way with Wren Custom Fit. You can read more about this service on page 142. THE WREN DIFFERENCE 9 We know that investing in a new kitchen is a big decision. That’s why we’ve developed The Wren Way: it puts you and your home first from start to finish. From the planning stage right through to the installation of your new kitchen, we make sure you are happy with the ideas, our service and the choices you are making. Planning Design Manufacturing Installation Aftercare It starts with you It’s about your home It’s made for you It’s a perfect fit It’s done but we’re not The Wren Way begins with a free planning meeting that can take place in your home or in one of our showrooms. One of our specialist designers can come to your home to measure your room and listen to your ideas. Or if you prefer, you can take some measurements and visit our showroom. We’ve included a handy measuring guide on page 141 to help you measure accurately. The Wren Way is all about your home, so when it comes to creating a design to fit around you, that’s where we start. You will have a personal meeting with one of our expert designers, who will produce a computer-generated 3D plan of your room, showing how all the elements fit together and work in your unique space. After this design meeting, you will walk away with a detailed plan and a quote. The Wren Way is all about made to order - your order. We manufacture everything in multiple facilities here in Britain, using unique, specially-engineered equipment and technology. We make our kitchen units before delivery and they arrive at your home ready to be installed, not flatpacked. Once your final order has been placed, delivery is just four weeks away. The Wren Way is all about flexibility and when it comes to installation, you can choose to use your own contractor or one of our expert installation teams. The Wren team will ensure a smooth installation and a perfect fit, giving you a single designer to oversee the whole process from delivery to final touches. Because our units are delivered fully assembled, with all accessories, doors and drawers already fitted, a Wren kitchen can be installed in almost half the time it takes to fit a flat-pack alternative. Once you are happy that everything is fitted properly, our teams remove all packaging, leaving your beautiful new room perfect, spotless and ready for you to use. The Wren Way is all about a relationship that continues long after your new kitchen has been installed. We’ll call you once your kitchen has been delivered and installed to make sure you are happy with everything and that it all meets your standards. Your personal designer will also give you his or her mobile number so that you can call them with queries or questions any time. Our kitchens all come with a guarantee, and we only supply appliances from leading manufacturers that we trust. 10 THE WREN DIFFERENCE THE WREN DIFFERENCE 11 One room, a thousand uses More and more, we’re breaking down the boundaries of how rooms are traditionally used. In homes up and down the UK you can find homework being done in living rooms, offices in hallways and craft stations in bedrooms. Without a doubt there’s one room that bears the brunt of all this multi-tasking: the kitchen. A kitchen needs to be all things to all people - at least, all the people in your home. It may seem a little odd, but to help you use your space well, it’s worth asking yourself this question: what will you use your kitchen for? This will help you decide what to include - and leave out. 12 ONE ROOM A THOUSAND USES ONE ROOM A THOUSAND USES 13 Cook Play Clean Cooking is the obvious place to start. You’ll need all the usual things in your kitchen hob, cooker, fridge, storage and so on. But what else you get and how you design your space will depend on what sort of cook you are. Do you think an afternoon by the stove is heaven - or are you more of a “pierce film lid and microwave” type? Think about your cooking habits before you decide on the amount of cooking space, appliances and gadgets to have. You may be busy getting dinner ready, but your little ones won’t be. If you’ve got small children, then a safe place to play in the kitchen will let you keep an eye on them - and cook. This could include a carpeted area, toy boxes and space for other activities. Future-proof it by thinking how you’ll adapt it to their needs as they grow - for crafts, for homework or hanging out with friends. It could also be a space for your own hobbies. Washing and cleaning equipment is essential - but it all needs to be kept somewhere. Will the washing machine be in the kitchen? What about a dryer? Then there is the vacuum, ironing board and everything else we need to keep our houses clean. If these are all going to be in the kitchen, consider creating a cleaning or laundry station with specific storage solutions for these awkwardly-shaped but essential pieces of kit. Entertain Live Work If you love entertaining, then you’ll need a kitchen that can handle cooking for a crowd. Consider storage for extra serving plates and glasses, a dishwasher for all that washing up and, if you love having large parties, maybe even an extra oven and more work surfaces. If you’re planning a dining kitchen, you may also want to think about the lighting and creating a relaxed ambience for your guests, with a dining area for everyone to sit comfortably or a place to enjoy a few drinks. Pets are an extra member of the family, and need to be included in any plans for the home. If they sleep or eat in the kitchen, make sure you’ve decided where their bed and food will be, otherwise you’ll find yourself constantly tripping over them and end up with a very disgruntled family friend. Working life is becoming more flexible, and many of us find ourselves running businesses or working from home. Technology makes this easier, and with a worktop and ready access to the kettle, it’s not a surprise that the kitchen often becomes a workplace during the day - and sometimes into the night. If this is you, it may be worth incorporating a small workstation into your design that could save you the time and hassle of packing and unpacking. You may also want to think about storage for files, computers and other elements to make multi-tasking easier but keep your work safe from bubbling pans. Relax Opting for a more open family-style room could be a way to turn your kitchen into a place to relax and socialise as well as cook. You may want to include soft seating, a TV and a separate coffee table, so that cooking, relaxing and entertaining can all happen in the same place. 14 ONE ROOM A THOUSAND USES Organise If your kitchen is the first room everyone hits when they get home, consider a “landing zone” approach. Have a place to dump bags, coats, shoes and keys. Install a board for keeping lists and reminders, have a place for all the chargers and an “in tray” for new post and letters from school or work. If all these things are in the hub, you can save time, cut clutter around the house and stop early morning rages as you search for the car keys. ONE ROOM A THOUSAND USES 15 OUR RANGES AT A GLANCE At Wren, as well as giving customers what they want, we like to go that extra step. That’s why our three ranges - Extra Value, Designer and the Linda Barker Collection come with standard features that are an added extra at other companies. To help you compare and decide between ranges, we’ve compiled a list of services and specifications for each one. £ ££ £££ Door styles and colours 6 styles 30 styles 675 styles Unit sizes and types 40 types 300 types 675 types Worktop colours 7 colours 110 colours 250 colours 6 styles 30 styles 60 styles Free kitchen design and quote Yes Yes Yes Free home measure No Yes Yes Installation available No Yes Yes 2 years 20 years Lifetime Fully assembled & ready to install Yes Yes Yes Includes doors/drawers/wire pull-outs/legs Yes Yes Yes End panel thickness 16mm 18mm 18mm Base back panel thickness 3mm 8mm 8mm Wall back panel thickness 3mm 3mm 8mm Wall unit depth will accommodate a 12” plate No Yes Yes Finished on all sides No Yes Yes Plastic Metal Metal captive UNITS, WORKTOPS & HANDLES Handle styles £ Ideal for DIY enthusiasts SERVICES AVAILABLE Guarantee CARCASE SPECIFICATION Loose shelf support material ££ Kitchens to suit any budget HARDWARE SPECIFICATION Free soft closing doors & drawers Hinge opening cycle test Drawer box capacity Drawer box sides Drawer box opening extension Drawer box internal depth Yes Yes Yes 75,000 100,000 150,000 25kg 35kg 50kg Open rail Dual metal Glass/Solid Oak 75% extension Full extension Full extension 430mm 450mm 500mm 65kg 100kg 150kg Powder coated Chrome Chrome/Glass Pull-out interior baskets soft close No Yes Yes Pull-out interior baskets pre fitted Yes Yes Yes 5 options 20 options 30 options Hanging bracket capacity Pull-out interior baskets finish Interior wirework options £££ For the most discerning customer The features and figures used in this table are accurate at time of going to print. We are continuously updating and developing our ranges, therefore these may change. Please visit our showrooms or website for the latest details. 16 OUR RANGES AT A GLANCE OUR RANGES AT A GLANCE 17 PRACTICAL GOOD LOOKING ON BUDGET KITCHENS Wren Extra Value means a quality kitchen at an amazing low price. Good looking and flexible, ideal for DIY enthusiasts or first time buyers. Fully assembled with easy fit features, Extra Value is designed to be simple to install. So easy, it almost does it itself! £ 18 Handleless White Gloss 19 CAN YOU DO IT YOURSELF? Have you ever put up a shelf? Yes How long did it take? Shaker Cream Gloss WHAT’S ALL ABOUT? At Wren there’s a kitchen to suit every pocket and every place. For the Extra Value range, we’ve used our 35 years of experience in kitchen design to focus on the essentials and give you what you want. The result is an affordable kitchen that’s perfectly practical, a great looker and easy to install. Simple. Extra Value comes in six popular choices - Slab and Handleless in white and cream gloss and Shaker in white and cream matt. So whether your place is a new conversion, an ultra modern flat or a more traditional terrace, there’s an Extra Value kitchen that’s right on budget and bang on style. Extra Value units come in all standard sizes, making them totally interchangeable and versatile. Up to 13 unit styles are available including tall larder units and space-maximising corner units with extra 20 EXTRA VALUE RANGE special touches like soft close drawers. Wren keep prices low and quality high by manufacturing in the UK to order. All units are delivered fully assembled - even for Extra Value. That means no missing parts or time wasted on flat pack assembly - and you have the peace of mind knowing that your Extra Value units go through rigorous quality control. For maximum affordability, Extra Value is ergonomically designed. We keep things simple with adjustable corners, attached fold-down legs and integrated end panels so you don’t have to buy additional decors or finishing touches. Worktops have square edges so don’t need finishing and units and drawers have marks for easy handle placement. Designed for simple installation, Extra Value kitchens cost less to fit. And if you have some spare time, you could stretch your budget even further by installing it yourself. Wren provide detailed installation information and free expert advice. You 30 minutes can even buy Extra Value toolkits with all you need to get you started. Have a bit of fun and take our quiz on the next page to see if you are an Extra Value DIYer. Find out more about what’s involved in fitting your own kitchen on page 34. How do you tell if a wall is straight? Use a plumbline If a job needs doing do you... Lean on it... Panic! Fix it now Top Bottom Can you assemble flat pack? Yes Call a professional No Can you name this tool? No For first time buyers or buy-to-let developers, Extra Value can work with every budget - freeing up cash for some extra luxuries or other essentials - like a new bathroom. Yes Either way it’s ok, ours are ready assembled At Wren, we want you to be happy with your kitchen whatever the budget and each one comes with a two-year guarantee. Kitchen Installations Order a Wren Extra Value kitchen, and you’ll still get the works. That’s Wren’s free 3D kitchen planning and design service and flexible finance options. With a kitchen for every budget, there’s no reason why you can’t start designing your new kitchen today. No Felt like forever... Top or bottom units first? EXTRA VALUE If you’re handy with a hammer or a devil with a drill, could you step up to the plate and install your own kitchen? Take our quiz and find out if you have the skills, or the time, to do it! GRAB YOUR TOOLS It’s easy as pie! DOWNLOAD WREN’S INSTALLATION GUIDE You can do it! BOOK AN INSTALLER Let them do the work EXTRA VALUE RANGE 21 Units arrive fully assembled and ready to go! SLAB WHITE GLOSS Slab White Gloss units are hard-wearing and bring a bright feel to the kitchen. Simple silver handles and chrome appliances give an up-to-date finish. Match with neutral walls for a spacious, modern look. 22 EXTRA VALUE RANGE Extra value, and extra style! ALSO AVAILABLE IN CREAM GLOSS Extra Value doesn’t mean fewer features – check out the full range of storage options and accessories in section 6. EXTRA VALUE RANGE 23 WOW Gloss units reflect light, making rooms feel bigger. SLAB An integrated electric hob gives the sensation of more space – it fits right into the worktop. CREAM GLOSS Slab Cream Gloss has a soft, warm appeal. Suitable for any property size or style, this kitchen will get the thumbs up from everyone. ALSO AVAILABLE IN WHITE GLOSS 24 EXTRA VALUE RANGE EXTRA VALUE RANGE 25 All decor ends are fully installed and available in 7 styles and colours. Our drawers come with storage options to suit everyone. Kitchens everyone can afford Corner storage systems help you get the most out of your units. HANDLELESS ALSO AVAILABLE IN WHITE GLOSS Handleless White Gloss is a timeless design with uncluttered, clean lines. It’s the ultimate modern look with a high-shine finish. Silver appliances add a high tech touch. 26 EXTRA VALUE RANGE CREAM GLOSS EXTRA VALUE RANGE 27 HOW MUCH? Even awkward corners can be useful these pull-out wire racks can give lots of extra storage. Fold-down legs come ready attached - just click into position. HANDLELESS You just can’t beat Extra Value! ALSO AVAILABLE IN CREAM GLOSS Smooth Handleless Cream Gloss is a classic kitchen choice. This is a simple design that makes a smart statement - with nothing to add clutter to the look. The stone-effect work surfaces are a perfect match with the units. 28 EXTRA VALUE RANGE WHITE GLOSS EXTRA VALUE RANGE 29 Pull-out larder units are great for easy-to-reach storage. SHAKER WHITE MATT The classic Shaker kitchen is never out of fashion. Whether you’re looking for traditional country style or modern with a twist, these classic kitchen units work. White Matt gives a soft neutral look. Add sleek handles and a simple sink and tap for a kitchen with class. ALSO AVAILABLE IN All Wren kitchens come fully assembled CREAM MATT 30 EXTRA VALUE RANGE EXTRA VALUE RANGE 31 JUST THE JOB Soft close drawers and doors come as standard. ALSO AVAILABLE IN SHAKER CREAM MATT 32 EXTRA VALUE RANGE Shaker Cream Matt is a versatile choice that matches nearly every home and style. One of the most popular units, this is a kitchen that won’t date. Curved handles give a relaxed feel. WHITE MATT A great selection of appliances for every budget. EXTRA VALUE RANGE 33 Putting together a kitchen on a budget can be a challenge. One way to manage the cost is to install it yourself. At Wren, that’s a real option and we have the tools to help you do it. DOING IT YOURSELF There’s no such thing as a born DIYer. We all have to start somewhere and for most that happens when we buy a home. With money tight, we soon find out that if we want a few shelves or a new curtain rail, we’ll have to learn to do it ourselves. But what about installing a whole kitchen? Is that a step too far or could you do it? Read on to find out what skills and tools you’ll need. DIY Skills Check First up is using a tape measure and spirit level properly to avoid making costly mistakes. Second is power tools; confidence using a drill and a power screwdriver, and the ability to drill neat holes to precise depths are must-haves. Thirdly, you must be able to understand plans, and do simple calculations. Safety Check Safety is always important so you should be able to map out where gas, water and electrical lines are - and also have a basic knowledge of safe practices such as the right clothing to wear. Plenty of patience is another vital ingredient as is knowing your limits and not being too proud to ask for help! Installing a kitchen is not the trickiest DIY project, but it will take time and getting it wrong could be expensive. So whether you are an old hand with a drill or a newbie, it is important to know what’s involved. 34 EXTRA VALUE RANGE HERE’S A ROUGH STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE Step One Planning the installation is just as important as doing it. Make sure you’ve measured it right - measure it and then measure it again. Once your units have been delivered, make yourself a brew, then thoroughly read all instructions before picking up a single tool - Wren’s Installation Guide can be downloaded from our website. Step Two Preparation means having everything in place and ready to go. Get all plumbing and electrical work done in advance Drill holes angled slightly downwards, not straight, to give rawl plugs and screws a better grip. and check that your walls are sound - and good enough to support the required unit weight. If you are not having a new floor, protect it. If you are fitting a new one, get the heavy work done upfront. DIY GET THE KITS - EXTRA VALUE TOOLS Step Three Transfer your kitchen plan to your walls by measuring and marking out where on the walls you want all units to be positioned - including drill holes. Use a spirit level to measure down from the ceiling. The mapping process will give you a good idea about how straight your units are hanging and exactly where to drill. Power Drill - it’s cordless, with hammer and screwdriver functions and a handy extra battery. You charge one while using the other. Circular Saw - this powerful blade cuts wood quickly and precisely. Electric Jigsaw - handheld, this narrow blade makes short work of floorboards, doors and other timber. Electric Router - this multi-tasking device is the best tool for shaping wood or cutting grooves and indents. Inside the Hand Tool Kit: Step Four Wren Extra Value Kitchens come with detailed hanging instructions as well as fittings. Since walls differ, you’ll need to buy the right masonry screws and rawl plugs for your kitchen. A kitchen installation starts with the floor units. Check each unit with your spirit level before fitting the next. Get your mates and family round to help - you’ll need someone to hold units in place whilst you position them and tighten the screws. Inside the Power Tool Kit: To fit an Extra Value Kitchen, you’ll need to tool up. If you don’t have a decent tool box, installing your kitchen could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to get yourself a proper kit. To fit a kitchen, you’ll need the following tools - spirit level, cordless power drill/screwdriver with extra battery, screwdrivers (cross head and flat head), tape measure, a claw hammer, plus a pencil and the right rawl plugs and screws for your walls. Wren’s Extra Value Toolkit has all the essential tools for the household DIYer plus a few extras. Screwdriver - a decent cross-head screwdriver. Panel Saw - a medium-sized handsaw for wooden planks. Mini Hacksaw - a handsaw for metals and hard plastic. Junior Hacksaw - a handsaw for hard to access metals and hard plastic pipes. Hammer - a claw hammer to pull out what it’s knocked in. Clamp - heavy-duty for safe working. Spirit Level - to ensure units are hanging straight and true. Metal Tape Measure - for accurate measurements. Safety Knife - all-purpose knife for cutting and scoring. Set Square - to align units and work surfaces at true right-angles. Sealant gun - for pinpoint delivery of glues and seals. EXTRA VALUE RANGE 35 5. Your ideal fridge is: Try our quick quiz. It’s just for fun but could give you some food for thought when planning your perfect kitchen. What’s your perfect kitchen? a) hidden behind wood paneling b) seamlessly integrated - essentially invisible c) curved, chunky and making a statement d) reliable and unobtrusive 6. Lighting is: a) best when it creates a warm feel b) almost as important as the rest of the furniture. Spots and uplighting are a must c) for making a bold design statement d) ideal if it’s subtle and functional 7. Pick a kettle: 1. Imagine yourself in your new kitchen. Do you want it to feel like… a) a snug getaway at the end of a long day b) a cool, calm retreat c) a vibrant place to get creative d) an elegant and welcoming haven 2. Your ideal colour palette includes: a) pale green and plenty of light wood b) monochromatic white and black c) a splash of something bright d) soft greys and dark chestnut a b c d 3. Your dream getaway location is: a) a cottage in the country, with a log fire and exposed beams b) a chic apartment in New York c) on an adventure trek d) an elegant country house, with cut glass, fresh flowers and impeccable service 4. When it comes to cookware… a) vintage is best: heavy pans and well-loved wooden chopping boards 8. And finally, what sort of cook are you? a) I like cooking family favourites and hearty meals b) sleek and slimline - and easy to slot neatly away b) rolling sushi is my ideal c) bright and bold - have fun with it! c) inspired by loads of different cuisines d) classic shapes, reliable brands and pristinely kept d) I make all the French classics Results If you answered… Your kitchen style will be something all of your own - but with so much to choose from, where do you start? 36 WHAT’S YOUR PERFECT KITCHEN? Mostly A Mostly B Mostly C Mostly D Classic country Your ideal kitchen is a cosy country retreat, with traditional range-style cooker, lots of wood and a view over the countryside. Wooden, cream and soft greens are key colours to think about, and you may want to consider a Belfast sink. Have a look at our Country and Antique Oak ranges from page 114. Ultra modern Your perfect kitchen choice could feature handleless, sleek units, with curved and uninterrupted lines. Plenty of storage is a must to keep your surfaces uncluttered and a white finish will accentuate the modern look. See our range of sleek Handleless kitchens from page 54. Glorious gloss You’re something of an extrovert, so maybe a splash of high-gloss colour could be perfect. Metal handles and curved taps can give a funky look. Opt for neutral units and then accessorise with fabulous coloured gadgets and utensils. Get a gloss look with our Pacrylic range from page 72 and Autograph from page 40. Classic elegance You like traditional styles, but like to keep it chic. Dark chestnut and soft greys are colours to consider. Granite work surfaces can add a touch of understated glamour. You can add personality with more elaborate taps and handles. You might like to look at the Linda Barker Collection on page 147. WHAT’S YOUR PERFECT KITCHEN? 37 CLASSIC STYLISH QUALITY KITCHENS Our Designer range combines cutting-edge design, great quality and choice. We believe that you deserve a little bit of something special - at a price you can afford. ££ 38 Autograph Stone Grey Gloss 39 SIGNATURE STYLE AUTOGRAPH Smooth and sleek, the Autograph range is a glamorous option for any kitchen. With a wide range of colours and wood-effect finishes, you can achieve a distinctive look with a beautiful high-shine. Available in White Gloss, Cream Gloss, Black Gloss and Stone Grey Gloss. AUTOGRAPH WHITE GLOSS Clean, simple and pure. A popular choice for a minimalist kitchen. 40 DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH 41 Grey marble work surfaces and brushed silver metal handles keep the accent colour running throughout the room. Kenwood kMix in Firecracker Stripes A pull-out larder makes it easy to reach everything you need. ALSO AVAILABLE IN AUTOGRAPH WHITE GLOSS 42 DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH CREAM GLOSS FREE HOME MEASURE BLACK GLOSS STONE GREY GLOSS Electricals don’t have to be plain. The Firecracker combines all the power of a kMix stand mixer with fun good looks. Powerful enough to make light work of heavy dough - with a load capacity of 1.35kg. kenwoodworld.com/uk 20 YEAR GUARANTEE DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH 43 Ceiling height storage makes the most of your space. Contrast dark and cream units. AUTOGRAPH CREAM GLOSS & BLACK GLOSS Achieve a timeless look with Cream Gloss and Black Gloss. 44 DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH 45 Whichever oven and other cooking appliances you choose, we make sure they’re in the best place. A granite work surface creates a stunning counterpoint to the high-shine, single coloured units. AUTOGRAPH CREAM GLOSS delicate hint of colour that’s A light and airy. 46 DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH ALSO AVAILABLE IN CREAM GLOSS CUTTING EDGE DESIGN BLACK GLOSS STONE GREY GLOSS Plinth lighting is an effective, interesting way to add extra illumination. PRICES YOU’LL LOVE DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH 47 I ntegrated ovens fitted off the floor make cooking a breeze. Lighter work surfaces create a striking contrast with the black units. AUTOGRAPH BLACK GLOSS Black Gloss has a bold, dramatic look. 48 DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH 49 Sleek silver handles are a nice accent to the modern look. ALSO AVAILABLE IN CREAM GLOSS Add a wine cooler and your favourite vintage will always be just the right temperature. WHITE GLOSS STONE GREY GLOSS Bodum Bistro Salt and Pepper Grinder Mill Bright and bold - this combined salt and pepper grinder is a fun accessory to add a bit of excitement to your kitchen! bodum.com AUTOGRAPH BLACK GLOSS 50 DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH MADE IN THE UK FREE 3D PLANNING & DESIGN DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH 51 White metro tiles give a modern look. Clever storage makes the most of your space. AUTOGRAPH STONE GREY GLOSS Six-ring hobs are ideal if you enjoy cooking for a crowd. ALSO AVAILABLE IN For an elegant neutral try Stone Grey Gloss, a refined tone that perfectly complements the smooth Autograph design. 52 DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH FULLY ASSEMBLED UNITS CREAM GLOSS MADE IN THE UK BLACK GLOSS WHITE GLOSS DESIGNER RANGE - AUTOGRAPH 53 SMOOTH OPERATOR HANDLELESS Clean lines and uninterrupted curves: the Wren Handleless kitchen is a contemporary classic. Pure and simple, with graceful sweeping end units, this chic kitchen makes a big impact. Available in White Gloss, Cream Gloss, Cashmere Gloss, Charcoal Gloss and Pale Sky Gloss. HANDLELESS WHITE GLOSS White Gloss is clean and crisp. The ultimate in modern minimalism. 54 DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS 55 Wooden work surfaces add a new dimension to the minimalist Handleless design. A two-tone white and chrome sink creates a stunning feature. HANDLELESS Orla Kiely Multi Stem Kitchen Storage Jar ALSO AVAILABLE IN Accessories can be a great way to add colour and accents to your room. We love this bright, retro storage jar. orlakiely.com/uk WHITE GLOSS CREAM GLOSS 56 DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS CASHMERE GLOSS FIRST CLASS. ECONOMY PRICE. CHARCOAL GLOSS PALE SKY GLOSS FIRST CLASS. ECONOMY PRICE. DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS 57 From start to finish in four weeks! Tina and Stuart Wilding from Case Studies Lincoln got the sleek, modern kitchen they’d dreamed of in their three-bedroom bungalow. It’s Fabulous! 58 CASE STUDY - HANDLELESS Before T ina and Stuart moved into their bungalow in 2013 and the whole place needed gutting. “We ripped everything out,” said Tina. “The kitchen was extremely dated and we ended up completely changing the kitchen layout.” Tina and her husband had always talked about a kitchen-diner and after searching the internet and visiting showrooms, they had a clear vision of what they wanted. They were particularly inspired by the idea of units with no handles. “I knew I wanted something that looked nice, was bright and easy to clean,” explained Tina. “My ideal kitchen was something sleek and completely different to my previous one. I wanted it to have a modern feel.” When Tina and her husband decided to visit the Lincoln showroom, they were impressed by the efficient service they received. “The showroom was nicely laid out with lots to see,” said Tina. “We didn’t have an appointment but a designer saw us immediately.” The Wildings came armed with their kitchen measurements and explained what they had in mind. They credit the designer for using her experience and knowledge to help them create the perfect kitchen in their 19ft 6 by 9ft 4 space. The Wildings bought 12 Handleless White Gloss units from Wren, complete with a black sparkly worktop, a breakfast bar and white ceramic sink. They also got the fridge freezer, induction hob and double oven from Wren. The couple planned to fit the kitchen themselves but were happy to discover that they could get Wren to do one of the trickier parts and fit the work surfaces. “Being expensive, we didn’t feel comfortable doing it,” admitted Tina. “And I’m glad we asked Wren because the fitter did an excellent job!” The Wildings had their kitchen delivered, fully assembled and fitted within four weeks, and their designer kept in touch with them along the way. The couple are thrilled with their new kitchen and are pleased with the Handleless design, which they say is easy to use and maintain. Tina finished off her kitchen with black ceramic tiles and a feature wall in cerise. “It’s fabulous,” beamed Tina. “Every time I go in there I smile!” CASE STUDY - HANDLELESS 59 Case Studies Tina and Stuart Wilding from Lincoln chose a sleek, modern kitchen for their three-bedroom bungalow. Kitchen: Handleless White Gloss Cost of units: £3,038 60 CASE STUDY - HANDLELESS CASE STUDY - HANDLELESS 61 Stainless steel sinks look stunning with the modern Handleless kitchen. Dark wood adds a warm feel to the room. Curved corner units allow the kitchen to flow. HANDLELESS ALSO AVAILABLE IN CREAM GLOSS For a softer option, Cream Gloss is chic yet soothing. 62 DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS WHITE GLOSS CASHMERE GLOSS CHARCOAL GLOSS PALE SKY GLOSS DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS 63 HANDLELESS CASHMERE GLOSS Luxurious Cashmere Gloss tempts you to indulge. ifferent depth D worktops add new dimensions and layers to the room. 64 DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS 65 A central island adds extra work space. HANDLELESS CASHMERE GLOSS LSA Bud Vase in Peacock ALSO AVAILABLE IN Glass accessories are a beautiful way to add colour to your room - either as an accent or to match. lsa-international.com WHITE GLOSS 66 CREAM GLOSS DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS CHARCOAL GLOSS PALE SKY GLOSS FREE HOME MEASURE NO FLAT PACK - NO FUSS DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS 67 Base pull-out unit can slot in anywhere. Glass shelves look stunning and give a sense of space. HANDLELESS CHARCOAL GLOSS eep Charcoal Gloss works with the D simplicity of the design for a smart, striking finish. ALSO AVAILABLE IN WHITE GLOSS 68 DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS CREAM GLOSS CUTTING EDGE DESIGN CASHMERE GLOSS PALE SKY GLOSS Ceramic or induction hobs give a smooth, uninterrupted look. PRICES YOU’LL LOVE DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS 69 HANDLELESS PALE SKY GLOSS Handleless units have a sleek seamless look. Pale Sky Gloss adds a relaxing hint of blue. An understated way to add colour to your room. ALSO AVAILABLE IN WHITE GLOSS 70 DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS MADE IN THE UK CREAM GLOSS CASHMERE GLOSS CHARCOAL GLOSS FREE 3D PLANNING & DESIGN DESIGNER RANGE - HANDLELESS 71 GLAMOUR EVERY DAY PACRYLIC The Pacrylic range is a fresh modern design, with the added glamour of a glass-like finish that’s easy to care for and durable. Stunning colours and an exceptionally high gloss finish mean a Pacrylic kitchen can bring every room to life. Available in Cream, Blue Quartz, White, Graphite and Champagne Quartz. Tall larder units are ideal for storing everything within easy reach. PACRYLIC GRAPHITE Graphite is a striking neutral option. Add an accent colour for added impact. Simple steel handles complement the glass-like finish. 72 DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC 73 PACRYLIC CREAM A rich neutral tone, Cream brings a touch of warmth. 74 DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC 75 PACRYLIC CREAM An extra half bowl gives you more space, and the square design makes it a stylish addition. Long, narrow silver handles follow the lines of the units. ALSO AVAILABLE IN Pacrylic’s glass-like finish looks glamorous but is hardwearing and easy to care for. 76 DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC FIRST CLASS. ECONOMY PRICE. BLUE QUARTZ GRAPHITE FIRST CLASS. ECONOMY PRICE. WHITE CHAMPAGNE QUARTZ DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC 77 You don’t have to have the same colour units for the whole kitchen - mix and match to create your own style. PACRYLIC BLUE QUARTZ he high-gloss Pacrylic finish T works perfectly with the cool Blue Quartz colour. The touch of shimmer adds extra depth. 78 DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC 79 Storage solutions to fit every space. ALSO AVAILABLE IN CREAM A high-shine finish reflects light to give a feeling of space. GRAPHITE WHITE CHAMPAGNE QUARTZ Alessi Piccantino Chili Scruncher Take the pain out of cooking spicy food with the Alessi Piccantino silicon rubber Chili Scruncher for hands-free prep. Looks good too! alessi.com/en PACRYLIC BLUE QUARTZ 80 DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC 20 YEAR GUARANTEE FULLY ASSEMBLED UNITS DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC 81 Flat, brushed metal handles are a stylish option to add another texture to the look. PACRYLIC WHITE Choose pristine White to add an invigorating sense of light and space. Integrated recycling boxes make life a bit easier. 82 DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC MADE IN THE UK NO FLAT PACK - NO FUSS DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC 83 Chunky silver metal handles are big enough to stand out against the light units. PACRYLIC CHAMPAGNE QUARTZ ALSO AVAILABLE IN Choose Champagne Quartz for an inviting kitchen. The glimmering highlights add a hint of glamour. 84 DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC FREE HOME MEASURE CREAM BLUE QUARTZ 20 YEAR GUARANTEE GRAPHITE WHITE DESIGNER RANGE - PACRYLIC 85 Top Trends Want a kitchen that looks the business? These top trends will get your room looking stunning. If there’s something you fancy, just mention it to your Wren designer - they’ll be able to advise you on how to include it in your new kitchen. Colours Don’t feel like you have to stick to one colour for all the units - mix it up, with a neutral colour for the majority and a contrasting colour for one run. Mix wooden finishes with painted, or two colours of gloss. This is your chance to make your mark. Choose your favourite shade and match with creams, whites and neutrals. See page 144 to find out more about using colour in your kitchen. Perfect if: you like variety. Avoid if: you prefer the classic, uniformity of single-coloured units. You can always add a different colour or tone with a painted wall or accessories. 86 TOP TRENDS Open shelving Copper up Splashbacks with style This is a practical way to include plenty of storage and show off all that gorgeous crockery and glassware you’ve collected. Without the bulk of high units, these shelves can give a sense of extra space. The key is keeping them free of clutter stick to piles of plates and bowls, mugs and glasses that can be kept in neat lines and stacks. You can have an entirely new look for your kitchen just by getting out different crockery. The metalwork you choose can make a room feel completely different. For a warm, classic feel, copper could be the way to go. You can start with copper pans and other kitchenware to build on the trend. Be careful not to overdo it - a few touches can give the look you’re after. Copper also conducts heat quickly and distributes it evenly, making it ideal for cooking. The splashback is a staple in the majority of kitchens - but instead of just using plain tiles, we’re now looking at making this a stylish and functional feature. Make a statement with bright colours, glass, patterns, words or anything you fancy. Perfect if: you want to use your crockery as decoration as well as for eating. Perfect if: you want a warm feel that’s bang on trend. Perfect if: you want to make a statement. Avoid if: you’re searching for monochromatic minimalism. Avoid if: you want to keep everything blended in. Avoid if: you collect clutter - open shelves quickly lose their impact if they’re piled high with old bills and sets of keys. TOP TRENDS 87 SHAKE IT UP SHAKER The Shaker cupboard is a timeless design inspired by simple country living. The beauty of this style is in its versatility - it can be teamed with different handles, work surfaces and accessories to suit any home. A Shaker kitchen comes in many different colours and finishes so you can find the one that matches your style. Available in Cream Matt, Cream Gloss, White Gloss, Alabaster Timber, Sage Timber and Light Oak Timber. A central island can make a kitchen’s space more versatile. SHAKER CREAM MATT Cream Matt is a stylish choice with a velvety finish. 88 DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER 89 SHAKER WHITE GLOSS A Shaker kitchen in a high-gloss finish combines a modern feel with a classic unit. A high-shine finish feels modern and fresh. ALSO AVAILABLE IN A wine cooler can slot in easily between units. 90 DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER CUTTING EDGE DESIGN CREAM MATT CREAM GLOSS SAGE TIMBER PRICES YOU’LL LOVE ALABASTER TIMBER LIGHT OAK TIMBER DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER 91 SHAKER CREAM GLOSS Cream Gloss is a warm colour with a touch of luxury. ALSO AVAILABLE IN CREAM MATT 92 DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER 20 YEAR GUARANTEE WHITE GLOSS SAGE TIMBER FREE 3D PLANNING & DESIGN ALABASTER TIMBER LIGHT OAK TIMBER DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER 93 Recycling bins neatly slot away inside a clever unit. Light Oak Timber paired with white creates a stunning, airy kitchen. SHAKER LIGHT OAK TIMBER ALSO AVAILABLE IN Bring a natural element to your room with Light Oak Timber units. WHITE GLOSS 94 DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER NO FLAT PACK - NO FUSS CREAM GLOSS MADE IN THE UK CREAM MATT ALABASTER TIMBER SAGE TIMBER DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER 95 Corner units are a great storage opportunity - think about having a pull-out larder to make it easy to use. Placing the hob on the central island makes cooking more sociable. SHAKER SAGE TIMBER Sage Timber pairs the elements of natural wood with a cool green shade. ALSO AVAILABLE IN 96 DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER FIRST CLASS. ECONOMY PRICE. WHITE GLOSS CREAM MATT ALABASTER TIMBER LIGHT OAK TIMBER FIRST CLASS. ECONOMY PRICE. CREAM GLOSS DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER 97 SHAKER ALABASTER TIMBER For a wood finish with a lighter feel, Alabaster Timber offers textured units in a versatile off-white. 98 DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER 99 Basket-style vegetable racks add interesting variation to a bank of units. Large drawers with builtin dividers make simple work of keeping tidy. SHAKER ALABASTER TIMBER The Little Boys Room Kitchen Utensils Wall Clock ALSO AVAILABLE IN Time for tea? This statement clock will make a splash. theletteroom.com/the-little-boys-room WHITE GLOSS 100 DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER CREAM GLOSS CREAM MATT FULLY ASSEMBLED UNITS SAGE TIMBER LIGHT OAK TIMBER MADE IN THE UK DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER 101 Case Studies J First-Class Service When another supplier let Suzanne Archer down weeks before Christmas, Wren stepped in to save the day. 102 CASE STUDY - SHAKER ust a few weeks before Christmas Suzanne and her partner Keith were told the kitchen they’d expected to be delivered in November was not going to be ready until January. “I’d already dismantled my kitchen - and I had family coming to stay,” said Suzanne. “It was a debacle and I was beside myself. I played hell and asked for a full refund.” Facing the nightmare prospect of being kitchen-less over Christmas, Suzanne decided to give Wren a call. “I’d previously looked at a Wren kitchen so I called the Huddersfield store and told them what had happened. I said I needed a kitchen before Christmas,” explained Suzanne. Since it was the busiest time of the year, Suzanne thought she’d be laughed away. “The assistant I spoke to said he’d call me back and I remember thinking at the time, ‘yeah, right!’” To Suzanne’s amazement, he did call her back and that same day the couple headed straight to the store, where more help was waiting in the form of a Wren designer. “The service we received was amazing,” said Suzanne. “Wren’s designer really looked after us and went out of his way to see if the order and fitting would be possible in the time we wanted – which it was. Wren got us out of a huge hole.” Suzanne and Keith were shown around the showroom but they already had an idea of what they wanted and quickly settled on the Shaker Alabaster Timber. Their 9ft by 9ft kitchen already had old-fashioned, free-standing wooden school cupboards, so Suzanne was clear on what units she wanted, opting for units in keeping with the rest of the room, but with a slightly more contemporary feel. “It’s one of the more expensive kitchens but we wanted quality,” said Suzanne. The couple were impressed by how much Wren’s designer helped improve their plan. “He gave us lots of advice and things to think about,” said Suzanne. “He suggested a deep Belfast sink which I didn’t think would work as I wanted a pull-out drawer underneath – but it did! He was fantastic.” Suzanne was equally impressed by Wren’s installation team. “Our fitter was a real craftsman,” said Suzanne. Not only did he take great pride in his work, he gave the couple first-hand advice based on his experience. “He not only told us how to care for the kitchen but added extra touches, like making the drainer deeper as well as suggesting electrical ideas - and he left the place spotless!” Their new kitchen was finished by December 8th – having taken just four weeks from start to finish. Suzanne was thrilled. It all went like clockwork, I received a first-class service. CASE STUDY - SHAKER 103 Case Studies Suzanne Archer and her husband Keith live in a semi-detached Victorian house with period features in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Kitchen: Shaker Alabaster Timber Cost of units: £1,844 104 CASE STUDY - SHAKER CASE STUDY - SHAKER 105 LUXURIOUS TOUCH SHAKER ERMINE Shaker Ermine has the classic shaker style, with a powdered finish that makes it soft to the touch. Available in four beautiful shades, these units create subtle rooms that are relaxing, classic and full of style. Glass-fronted doors give a sense of space with feature lighting, brightening the room. A U-shaped kitchen has plenty of space for storage and work areas. SHAKER ERMINE PASSION FLOWER et a hint of lilac with Ermine Passion Flower. G A gentle shade for a soft touch of colour. 106 DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER ERMINE DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER ERMINE 107 Tall pull-out storage is flexible and handy. Wide shallow drawers are great for storing every utensil and piece of cutlery neatly away. ALSO AVAILABLE IN SHAKER ERMINE FRENCH PARTRIDGE 108 DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER ERMINE Ermine French Partridge is a gentle, powdered shade that’s an elegant alternative to a wood finish. FREE HOME MEASURE PASSION FLOWER PALE SKY TRUE WHITE NO FLAT PACK - NO FUSS DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER ERMINE 109 Curved end units are stylish and super for storage. ALSO AVAILABLE IN Designer Range - Shaker - Pale Sky Ermine FRENCH PARTRIDGE PASSION FLOWER TRUE WHITE Glass-fronted units add an interesting texture. Roberts Revival DAB Portable Radio Clarke & Clarke Kitty SHAKER ERMINE PALE SKY An iconic design and cute kitten pattern, with crystal clear DAB quality. robertsradio.co.uk Bring a breath of spring to your kitchen with the subtle blue tones of Ermine Pale Sky. 110 DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER ERMINE 20 YEAR GUARANTEE MADE IN THE UK DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER ERMINE 111 SHAKER ERMINE ALSO AVAILABLE IN TRUE WHITE Ermine True White is a soft, pure white. FRENCH PARTRIDGE PASSION FLOWER PALE SKY Curved end units make the most of storage opportunities without intruding on the space in the room. A white ceramic sink matches perfectly with True White units. Guzzini Happy Hour Blown Jug Pour in style with this curvaceous carafe. Ideal for sharing a drink with friends. fratelliguzzini.com 112 DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER ERMINE CUTTING EDGE DESIGN PRICES YOU’LL LOVE DESIGNER RANGE - SHAKER ERMINE 113 TIMELESS STYLE TRADITIONAL KITCHENS Traditional kitchen designs will always be popular: their old-style good looks have a long-lasting appeal that will never go out of fashion. For a farmhouseinspired feel, take a look at Country Cream and Country Sage, on this page. If matured, rich timber is your thing, Antique Oak Timber on page 118 could be the perfect choice for you. Or for a classic elegance, consider Edwardian Cream Matt on page 120. A soft, soothing green, Country Sage gives a hint of colour. Designer Range Country Cream COUNTRY CREAM & COUNTRY SAGE Practical and friendly, the Country kitchen is a beautiful choice. 114 DESIGNER RANGE - COUNTRY DESIGNER RANGE - COUNTRY 115 Frosted glass and ambient lighting combine to give a soft glow. COUNTRY CREAM & COUNTRY SAGE A traditional tap works well with a classic country-style room. ALSO AVAILABLE IN CREAM 116 DESIGNER RANGE - COUNTRY FREE HOME MEASURE SAGE TIMBER De’Longhi Brilliante Ice White Toaster In a high-shine, glass pearlwhite finish, this is a stylish toaster with a range of features - including variable browning and a bagel setting. delonghi.com/en-gb FREE 3D PLANNING & DESIGN DESIGNER RANGE - COUNTRY 117 Tall pull-out larder units are an ideal way to utilise narrow spaces between units. Two single ovens give enough capacity to cook for the whole family. ANTIQUE OAK TIMBER Rich, caramel tones lend themselves perfectly to a traditional farmhousestyle kitchen. Corner storage that swings out lets you see what you need easily and quickly. 118 DESIGNER RANGE - ANTIQUE OAK NO FLAT PACK - NO FUSS A ceramic curved sink with stainless steel tap is a beautiful addition to a traditional kitchen. MADE IN THE UK DESIGNER RANGE - ANTIQUE OAK 119 EDWARDIAN CREAM MATT The beautifully proportioned units of the Edwardian kitchen are traditional without being fussy. Perfect for a refined look in homes of any era. Available in Cream Matt. 120 DESIGNER RANGE - EDWARDIAN DESIGNER RANGE - EDWARDIAN 121 Extra features to suit any cook - this kitchen features two extra gas hob rings. Built-in ovens with a range of features. EDWARDIAN CREAM MATT 122 DESIGNER RANGE - EDWARDIAN FIRST CLASS. ECONOMY PRICE. Burleigh Blue Calico Coffee and Tea Storage Jars With a classic pattern inspired by Victorian designs, these pretty storage jars look great in a country-style kitchen. burleigh.co.uk FIRST CLASS. ECONOMY PRICE. DESIGNER RANGE - EDWARDIAN 123 Case Studies Kelly and Andrew modernised their entire three-bedroom house in Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire - but the kitchen was the biggest job, which they described as ‘cold and ugly’. Heart of the 124 CASE STUDY - EDWARDIAN Home Before “W hen it came to the kitchen we literally started from scratch,” said Kelly. The previous kitchen had a larder, freestanding beige units and no back door. So the couple ripped everything out, had new plumbing, boiler and re-wiring. They even re-shaped the room too, knocking down a wall and the larder to make patio doors. “I knew I wanted to go for the Shaker style but I didn’t have a plan. I just knew I wanted a modern, country kitchen but not too traditional.” The Woods got a quote from another supplier but with Wren’s Howden branch on their doorstep they paid Wren a visit. Not only was the couple impressed with the large showroom they were amazed when the designer said Wren could beat the competition’s quote. “We gave Wren’s designer our idea but with her skills and input, she designed the plan,” said Kelly. The couple were worried about storage space - especially since they’d lost the larder. “The designer suggested we box the boiler in with a cupboard so that gave us storage space, plus she advised us to opt for the larger units on the wall to give us more shelf space.” The kitchen they chose was an Edwardian Cream Matt with 14 units, a wood-effect work surface, a set of drawers and a black sink with a chrome mixer tap. When they saw a sample of the worktop they changed their mind - and Wren were only too happy to help. Kelly explained, “We felt the one we’d chosen just wasn’t chunky enough.” The kitchen, which was installed by their own builder, was finished off with large, grey slate tiles for the floor and a mixture of tiles and green matt emulsion for the walls. The new kitchen has created more room for the Wood family who eat all their meals there. It’s also used for entertaining when their relatives pop over. “I love cooking,” said Kelly. “And now when I’m in the kitchen there is enough room for my daughter Ella to run around causing havoc!” The Woods are extremely happy with their kitchen and the service Wren provided, especially the speed of delivery and attention to detail. “Our designer came around before the kitchen was delivered to double check all the measurements we’d given were correct,” said Kelly. “A representative from Wren head office also kept us updated every step of the way. They told us the delivery date and then nearer the time called us with a delivery time.” “Wren were excellent,” beamed Kelly. “And the kitchen is beautiful. It’s the heart of our home.” Wren were excellent, and the kitchen is beautiful. It’s the heart of our home. CASE STUDY - EDWARDIAN 125 Case Studies Kelly and Andrew Wood live in a three-bed semi in Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire as a family. Kitchen: Edwardian Cream Matt Cost of units: £2,031 126 CASE STUDY - EDWARDIAN CASE STUDY - EDWARDIAN 127 GET IN THE FRAME FRAMED Framed units highlight the craftsmanship and techniques found in traditional farmhouse kitchens. Ornate extra framing on units gives the room a warm and luxurious feel: it’s the embodiment of artisan skills. Available in Light Oak Timber, Sage Timber and Alabaster Timber. FRAMED LIGHT OAK TIMBER Light Oak Timber has a classic finish. It gives the traditional ambience of wood with a light tone. 128 DESIGNER RANGE - FRAMED DESIGNER RANGE - FRAMED 129 Bright white, high-shine work surfaces balance coloured units. ALSO AVAILABLE IN Round metal knobs are a modern but soft option. LIGHT OAK TIMBER ALABASTER TIMBER FRAMED SAGE TIMBER Gentle green hues and wood textures feel natural and relaxed. De’Longhi ‘Vintage Icona’ Green espresso coffee machine Get your morning going with a freshly brewed espresso. delonghi.com/en-gb Built-in drawer dividers have a spot for everything. 130 DESIGNER RANGE - FRAMED FULLY ASSEMBLED UNITS NO FLAT PACK - NO FUSS DESIGNER RANGE - FRAMED 131 Dark work surfaces with accents of gold bring depth to the room. Ornate handles match the frame detailing. Open racks keep plates safely stored and within easy reach. FRAMED ALSO AVAILABLE IN ALABASTER TIMBER Light, refined and timeless. 132 DESIGNER RANGE - FRAMED FIRST CLASS. ECONOMY PRICE. SAGE TIMBER LIGHT OAK TIMBER FIRST CLASS. ECONOMY PRICE. DESIGNER RANGE - FRAMED 133 Autograph White Gloss Planning your KITCHEN Let Wren guide you through the measurement, planning and design of your new kitchen. 134 135 Shaker Alabaster Timber Your new kitchen needs to have more than good looks, it needs to work well too. To help you make the best use of your space, you need to take a look at your kitchen triangles. These mark the most used parts of the kitchen. By plotting them out you can see how they relate to each other and how easily you’ll be able to move between them. There are two triangles to look at in a modern kitchen The first is the traditional kitchen triangle - the points between the fridge, sink and cooker. These have been the most important points in a kitchen for over 70 years, and are still crucial for mapping out a cooking space today. The second triangle is made up of the more modern additions to our kitchens - the dishwasher, microwave and plug-in appliances such as toasters and kettles. To make them effective, these triangles shouldn’t overlap. Shaping up This sounds like a lot of rules and things to juggle so to help, on pages 138 and 139 there are some typical layouts complete with kitchen triangles. Of course, the amount of space you have and the shape of your room will be a big influence on how everything works for you - but these will give you an idea. THE BEST LAID PLANS 136 THE BEST LAID PLANS Helping hand Don’t worry if you find this hard. At Wren Kitchens, our specialist designers will help you plan your kitchen, and see it right through to completion. THE BEST LAID PLANS 137 GALLEY: L-SHAPED: A galley kitchen is long and narrow with units down each side to maximise storage and work surface space. To make the best of the space, have the points of your triangle on opposite sides of the room. This is a popular kitchen layout for open plan living spaces, with units lining two walls facing into the room. Plan triangles with points on both sides to make the most use of the area. Shaker Cream Gloss Autograph Stone Grey Gloss 138 THE BEST LAID PLANS Handleless Cream Gloss U-SHAPED: ISLAND: This style of kitchen can have very effective triangles. With units and work surfaces lining three of the walls, there’s plenty of space to fit everything in and it’s easy to work between points. The main thing to remember is that if you have a large room and you place key things on each side then you’ll have a lot of walking to do whilst you cook. Adding an island can significantly increase the capacity in your kitchen. You could have your cooker or sink located here, use it as extra storage, work space or as a breakfast bar. Bear in mind that if you put your hob or sink in the central island it may increase installation costs. Shaker Cream Matt THE BEST LAID PLANS 139 QUICK GUIDE TO MEASURING UP CHECKLIST What to measure Designing your room starts with the measurements. If you would like one of our team to come by and take some measurements for you, visit wrenkitchens.com or pop into your nearest showroom and book an appointment. These questions are a good starting point for planning your new room. They will tell us how you use your kitchen, and help you decide what to put where. Bring this with you to your first meeting with your Wren designer. Or use graph paper to map out your space and bring it into your local showroom. Read this quick guide to measuring before you start to make sure you include all the details we need. Diagram 1 E External Doors Measure lengths marked A-J DIAGRAM 1 The floor plan n Measure each individual wall, including D Why do you want a new kitchen? Renewal Do you like to entertain in your kitchen? YesNo Do you eat in your kitchen? YesNo Where do you prefer to eat? Breakfast bar Do you like to cook for friends and family? Do you have pets that live in the kitchen or that you feed in the kitchen? Redesign Table YesNo YesNo How many people will be using the room at once? E.g. just you, two people, or more. What do you need to store in the kitchen? Think about everything from fresh vegetables to your crockery, cooking equipment and glasses. Do you need tall units for ironing boards, vacuum YesNo cleaners or brooms? Will you need rubbish bins and disposal units in the kitchen? n Mark on where all the windows and B doors are as well as which way they open, noting whether they are external or internal doors. J G F n Add in electrical sockets and any A YesNo What features do you need to be integrated, such as your fridge/freezer or dishwasher? window openings. Your space could be square, U-shaped or L-shaped, as shown. Electrical Socket C 3.Your unit needs 1.You and your family These details will help you and your designer plan a room that fits perfectly into your home. I Electrical Socket Internal Door Boiler Window existing plumbing as well as fixed objects such as boilers, radiators, or boxed-in pipes and their measurements. H If you choose an island, what would you use it for? Food preparation, cooking, serving, washing up or as a breakfast bar? Diagram 2 Window 2.Your dream kitchen DIAGRAM 2 The wall plan n Your new room may have a sloping What would feature in your dream kitchen? E.g. Wine cooler, island, granite worktop etc. 4.What else will you need to do with your room? ceiling or be a room with eaves. Make sure you measure the tallest (C) and shortest (A) heights as well as how far into your room the eaves extend (B). C A Is it a study? A place to do homework, a hobby or to watch TV? D Sill Height n Measure between the floor and the bottom of your windows (D). B Floor 140 MEASURING UP MEASURING UP 141 DESIGN A BETTER KITCHEN WITH WREN CUSTOM FIT EXCLUSIVE AT WREN No wasted space n No more filler panels n More sizes more space n n Custom Fit Handleless Cashmere Gloss Once you’ve decided on the kitchen you’d like, it’s time to get down to the technical details. This means measuring, planning and fitting in all the parts you want into the space you have. At Wren, we’ve got unique features that make installing your kitchen the quickest and easiest in the UK. Soft close as standard All our units and drawers come with soft close as standard - not as an extra you have to pay for. Pre-installed Made in the UK in state-ofthe-art factories We build here in the UK, in our speciallydesigned factories with rigorous quality control. Custom Fit Don’t waste time with flat pack and missing pieces. All our units arrive fully assembled and ready to go. The legs on our units are pre-installed and ready to be clipped into place. No time wasted looking for the right drill area, or costly mistakes if you get it wrong. Just fold down and you’re there! We also pre-install vegetable baskets, drawers, pullout larders, magic corners and bins. With us, installation really couldn’t be easier. Free home measuring service Adjustable corners Longest guarantees Our Designer Range and Linda Barker Collection kitchens both come with a free home measuring service. One of our team will come to your home and take the measurements for you. We make our units to fit your home, with adjustable corners that expand to fill the corners in your space perfectly. It’s another way that we make our kitchens fit your home - not the other way round. Our kitchens come with up to lifetime guarantees, so you know that with Wren, you’re getting quality that will last. Fully assembled 142 DESIGN A BETTER KITCHEN WITH WREN We manufacture units from 150mm wide up to 1000mm wide, in 50mm increments. This means instead of being stuck with a few standard sizes - that may not fit into your kitchen - you can get units that will fit perfectly into your space. We’re the only high street kitchen retailer to offer this service. Plus adjustable corner posts Wren Widths Magnet Widths B&Q Widths Homebase Widths Howdens Widths Wickes Widths Kutchenhaus Widths 150 Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes 200 Yes No No Yes Yes No Yes 250 Yes No No No No No Yes 300 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 350 Yes Yes No Yes No No No 400 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 450 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 500 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 550 Yes No No No No No Yes 600 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 650 Yes No No No No No No 700 Yes No No No No No No 750 Yes No No No No No No 800 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 850 Yes No No No No No No 900 Yes No Yes No Yes Yes Yes 950 Yes No No No No No No 1000 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes 9 9 10 9 12 Total number of options 18 9 All units include doors. The only high street kitchen retailer offering Custom Fit CUSTOM FIT 143 10 Ways To Colour Your Kitchen Picking a colour scheme for your kitchen is a challenge - but it’s also an opportunity to be brave, to be bold - and ultimately be yourself. What you and your family like is what really matters so throw out the rule book and have a little - or a lot - of what you fancy. A couple of things to remember though. Colours affect moods so think carefully about what you want to achieve - a calm oasis in the heart of your home or a buzzing meeting place for family and friends? You’ll also need to consider light and aspect - if your kitchen faces north it will naturally feel darker and cooler than south facing rooms. Textures are also important - a glossy shade could well lose its interest in matt form, whilst a simple white unit will have a totally different feel if you opt for a glamorous gloss. So visit a Wren showroom and see the final products for yourself. Chilled out blue 2. Unit reshuffle The following tips are designed to help you colour your kitchen with confidence. 1. What do you like? All little kids have a favourite coloured crayon and as grown-ups there are still colours that we prefer and even ones we hate. Have a look around your home and your wardrobe and you’ll find plenty of clues about the colours you like, the textures and tones, the shades and hues. Kitchens are often the most creative place in the home so get inspired and choose colours that excite you - and reflect your personality. 144 10 WAYS TO COLOUR YOUR KITCHEN Can’t decide between White Gloss or French Partridge - have both! Fitted kitchens no longer have to be all one colour - or even one style, so mix it up. Some kitchens even have three different colours, with blocks of units in two contrasting hues and an island in an accent shade. This could be the perfect way to keep the whole family happy! 3. Staying neutral If you like the calming effect of cream, whites, greys and neutrals - and their timeless qualities - that doesn’t mean your kitchen can’t be vibrant, fun or welcoming. Pair neutrals with rich boldly painted walls - one top colour trend is dark chocolate - or even ceilings, rich wood floors and ornate tiles. Add metal splashbacks and accent with eye-catching soft furnishings and blinds, lights, appliances and ceramics. 4. Standalone spaces Your kitchen doesn’t have to share the same colour scheme or style as the rest of your home. If you want your kitchen to be a cool, efficient workspace, that’s fine. It doesn’t have to mirror the cosy style of Handleless White the family living room. Keep some continuity by using tones or harmonising shades - or simply embrace the difference. 5. Natural selection Natural wood and wood laminates can bring a variety of colours and textures into a kitchen - and often have a timeless appeal. From rich Antique Oak to warm Light Oak, wood units and islands, work surfaces and floors create welcoming spaces that can be traditional or modern, elegant or relaxed. Or why not try Light Oak stained with hues of Sage or Alabaster to add a different colour dimension and less traditional feel. 6. Semi-permanent colours Colour isn’t permanent - even in a kitchen. Although you probably can’t afford to change kitchen units every few years, you can drastically change the rest of the colour palette - and that includes walls, floors, gadgets, pots and pans, soft furnishings and furniture from seating to tables - or even countertops. So don’t miss out on choosing your dream kitchen by worrying about future colour trends nothing lasts forever. 10 WAYS TO COLOUR YOUR KITCHEN 145 it’s all yellow 7. Light it up Light and colour are inseparable so think hard about natural and artificial light and your colour choices. Dramatic colours such as Charcoal need careful lighting and adjustable and multi-source lighting is a must - for different times of the day and year. Whilst strong lights are needed for safe working, consider under-unit lighting as well as spot lights or it could start to resemble an operating theatre at night. There are lots of options out there from recessed ambient lights to pendant lighting and plinth lighting on base units. 8. Splash out on accents Just because you love Pale Sky, you don’t have to use it floor to ceiling in your new kitchen. Choose it for units and then select a bright accent colour to go with it. Or select neutral units in Champagne, Cashmere, Cream or White and use burgundy as the accent for splashbacks, tiles, floors and walls. All good paint companies provide colour wheels to help you find eye-popping accent colours and develop a palette of colours. 146 10 WAYS TO COLOUR YOUR KITCHEN Handleless White Creating A Colour Palette The colour of your units will have a big impact on your overall look. To help you decide, it may be worth developing a colour palette for your kitchen. This should be three or four key colours that will influence every decision you make. 9. Mix and Match If you have an outgoing, quirky personality, reflect that and have some primary fun in your kitchen. Textiles, countertops and accessories can be a great way to add pops of colour in a funky way that’ll make everyday cooking chores so much more fun. Avoid looking cartoonish with some sophisticated touches - like mosaic tiles and open shelves. Choose quality appliances even if they’re canary yellow. 10. Think outside the box - it’s your kitchen Trends and experts are great for ideas and inspiration, but at the end of the day, it’s your kitchen in your home. So do what feels right for you and your family. If you all love the colour purple, go for it. It only has to make you happy. Here’s how to do it. Tonal: This uses several shades and hues of the same colour - such as a range of blues. Inject some fun into your kitchen with lots of different patterns all in the same tonal shade. Harmonious: A harmonious palette is made up of closely related colours such as a mixture of pinks and purples, or yellows and greens. Experiment as traditional colour rules no longer apply. Contrast: Make a big impact by pairing up contrasting colours red and green, orange and blue or purple and yellow. It could be overwhelming for a whole room but great for accessories. £££ Monochrome: Whites, greys and blacks can be mixed and matched for standout effect - it’s always a sophisticated look. Add soft greys for warmth. 147 Just about everything happens in the kitchen, and that’s why it’s so important to get it absolutely right. I know how important home is I started designing kitchens to all of us. Our homes complete for Wren because I wanted to us and protect us - they are create a collection that offers you havens from the stresses of something unique and refreshing. everyday living. I want to give you the opportunity to have the kitchen you need, at Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the high quality you deserve - all the privilege of decorating a my kitchens come with solid oak huge variety of homes on a huge drawers and a lifetime guarantee range of budgets. Whatever the - but without the enormous price home, whatever the style, I’ve tag of a handmade alternative. found one thing holds true for everyone: a beautiful living space In the next few pages, I’ll share nourishes us all - intellectually, with you some highlights from emotionally, spiritually. I think my collection. This is just a small living somewhere you love allows sample: there is much more, as us to flourish. well as 40 wonderful colours to choose from. I want to help you put Working with Wren has given me your own personality into a design, the chance to focus on probably the and allow you to create a space most important - and challenging that reflects who you really are - room of all: the kitchen. This and what you really want. These is a space for everyone and kitchens are for life, for living and everything: for food, family and for passion. It’s time to fall in love friends, housework and homework, with our homes again, and the making, baking and bags of kitchen is a great place to start! creativity. Just about everything happens in the kitchen, and that’s why it’s so important to get it absolutely right. 148 THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION Linda X THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION 149 Spice Mix “A kitchen that just begs to be looked at. Units in Aztec are used in combination with the deep Cornish Slate painted open shelves, natural oak design accents, and a Glacier painted island unit.” A contrasting palette of colour that results in a stunning kitchen, it’s a vibrant, energetic room for those that like to be noticed. Every kitchen deserves great lighting. Statement lights are a sure-fire way of adding an extra layer of style. Hang them low over the island for maximum impact. 150 THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION 151 Country Modern “If you have good ceiling height, then use it to its full potential. Full height storage means you can use all the space in a tall kitchen. Store your less used items at the top and make more room for the everyday things in the units below.” The units are painted in our relaxing Sea Foam, and when combined with the beautiful paneling it creates a kitchen that will be the envy of all your friends! Oak drawers with precision-made dovetail joints are offered in all Linda Barker kitchens, so that you can have top-quality craftsmanship inside and out. A floating worktop is a lovely design feature that brings a modern look to this country kitchen. 152 THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION 153 Urban Cottage 154 THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION “Tongue-and-groove detailing on the end panels, framed units, wooden drawers and an Aubergine island all work together to give a classic country feel.” Open tray-style drawers are made in solid wood. They turn a regular storage item into a dynamic design detail, and bring the material of the worktops throughout the kitchen. Patterned tiles act as an arresting and effective splashback and feature wall behind the cooker. THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION 155 And there’s much more 156 THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION “Whatever your taste there will be something to tempt you in the Linda Barker Collection. From country classics to modern masterpieces, my kitchens have something for everyone.” THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION 157 Case Studies Before We got good quality for a reasonable price and were impressed by the level of customer service M It’s Perfect Roger and Terry Loveys’ aim was to create an area in their five-bedroom detached house in Reading where they could have a dinner party. 158 CASE STUDY - THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION r and Mrs Loveys’ solid oak kitchen was 30 years old and needed updating. “We wanted something completely different,” admitted Terry. “But I didn’t have many ideas except I knew that I like things to be plain, so I wanted a clean, modern kitchen.” The couple have dinner parties once a month so it was important for them to create the right space so their dining area felt special and not like they were eating in the kitchen. The couple had shopped around for a kitchen but they found out about the Linda Barker Collection at Wren through one of their neighbours. A visit to the Reading branch followed. “The chap who greeted us was not trying to sell us a product – he was listening to what we wanted,” explained Terry. “The other places we’d looked around were just intent on selling. Unlike Wren, none of them were thinking outside of the box.” Thanks to the skill of the designer and Terry and Roger’s input, ideas slowly grew. “He was brilliant,” smiled Terry. “He helped to build ideas and inspirations. He was very patient - an absolute treasure!” Terry knew she wanted a kitchen-diner with subtle colours. She wanted them to be different but in sympathy with each other. The couple moved the toilet, which was off the dining area, to create more storage space. The new dining area has an oak feel which complements the Shaker Putty Eggshell units and granite worktop, and they have sections of oak in the kitchen to blend with the dining area. The couple found the Linda Barker Collection to have more choice in accessories to add style and make it more interesting. “We got good quality for a reasonable price and were impressed by the level of customer service,” she said. Roger fitted the kitchen himself and the delivery all went smoothly. The couple are impressed with the amount of space they have now and it means they can both cook together.“It all just works so well,” gushed Terry. “Everything is in the right place and easy to get out and it’s very spacious.” CASE STUDY - THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION 159 Case Studies Roger and Terry Loveys live in a traditional, five-bedroom detached house in Reading. Kitchen: Linda Barker - Shaker Putty Eggshell, Shaker Oak. Cost of units: £9,074 160 CASE STUDY - THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION CASE STUDY - THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION 161 Appliances & ACCESSORIES Now you’ve picked your units, you can move onto the extras like appliances, work surfaces, handles and storage. These will make a huge difference to your finished room. Get inspired… To get started, gather together all your inspirations - the colours, fabrics, patterns, styles, objects and images you love - in a mood board. This is a great starting point for deciding on the type of kitchen you want. Share this with your Wren designer: they can help you turn your ideas into a fabulous reality. Find out more about the Linda Barker Collection by coming into one of our showrooms. You’ll be able to see the kitchens, and pick up a full catalogue and colour card. 162 THE LINDA BARKER COLLECTION 163 USEFUL ATTRACTIVE CLEVER APPLIANCES COOKING Whatever else goes on in your kitchen, there’s one thing that it will definitely be used for: cooking. Whether you’re a keen cook, an aspiring chef or just need to get dinner on the table every night, you’re going to need good appliances to get the job done. Ovens Whether you choose an integrated oven or a freestanding cooker, it’s important to get one that meets your needs. With so many options to choose from, it’s worth checking out the following features carefully. Fan or multifunction For the general cook, a fan oven may be all you need. If you like to experiment, perhaps consider a multifunction oven - they offer a diverse range of specialist cooking programmes and functions. Forced air systems allow you to cook evenly on several levels without flavours intermingling. If you’re keen on healthy meals or baking, a steam oven might be the choice for you. These ovens keep baking moist, cook evenly and lock in nutrients and flavour. Hot colours Stainless steel is the most popular colour because it’s so versatile. Black is a stylish alternative, and there are really colourful options in a range of shades if you’re feeling adventurous. Open wide Some ovens come with soft close doors; ideal for a busy kitchen. Choose one with a ‘Slide&Hide®’ door from Neff that tucks away under the appliance when open and you’ll never accidentally walk into the oven door again. Stay warm Warming drawers aren’t just good for getting your plates to the right temperature - they are also ideal for keeping food warm, proving dough and low-temperature cooking. Clean break Make time-consuming, messy oven cleaning a thing of the past, with a 164 self-cleaning feature. Choose from cleaning liners to a pyrolytic cleaning system. Cleaning liners go in the cavity, and effectively absorb grease particles so that they don’t build up over time, cutting down on maintenance. The pyrolytic system superheats the oven to approximately 500°C, burning off any deposits from baking, roasting and grilling, leaving a perfectly clean oven and a residue of fine ash that’s easily removed with a damp cloth. Be efficient More efficient appliances mean lower energy bills for you. Have a look at the energy rating on the oven you select. Some ovens have an energy saving function - they optimise the heat in the oven around a single shelf, therefore reducing the energy required to generate the heat by up to 30%. Also it doesn’t affect the performance of the oven, so whatever you’re cooking, it comes out perfectly every time. APPLIANCES 165 Hobs Your hob is essential for culinary creations. Think carefully about what you need it for so you have enough space and the right look. Cooking zones Four is the standard number of cooking zones on a hob, but you can have more if you need them. Why not consider a wok burner, or choose a six-burner hob for easier entertaining. If saving space is a priority, a petite two-burner hob could be just the job. The options Ceramic hobs look smooth and modern, and are easy to clean. If you like the look of ceramic, but want a more responsive option, take a look at induction hobs. They heat up quicker than gas and are just as controllable - ideal for efficient and safe cooking. If you do choose induction, make sure you have compatible pans. 166 APPLIANCES Cooker hoods A kitchen essential to keep your home smoke free. Ducted or recirculated The best way to remove steam and odours is to extract the air out of the room through ducting. If the hood is too far away from an outside wall, the alternative is to recirculate the air. Stale air is sucked through a grease filter and then a charcoal filter for purification. Clear the air Make sure your cooker hood meets the requirements of your kitchen. It’s worth talking to your Wren designer about getting an extractor that is powerful enough to work effectively. Shape and style Chimney, island and downdraft all make striking hoods - have a think about what will suit your style and units the best. APPLIANCES 167 APPLIANCES COOKAHOLICS CLEANING USE To get everything squeaky clean you need the right kit. These machines will save you time and energy - with great results every time. “Why bake a house when you can bake a whole village?” Abbie Dishwashers A dishwasher can make a big difference to how a kitchen functions - as well as giving you more spare time. With lots of choice out there, it’s important to get the best machine for you and your space. Just think - sparkly clean pots and crockery and it’ll never tell you “it’s not my turn to do the washing up”! Some washers have an extra drawer included which offers an additional loading level for cutlery and other utensils for greater flexibility, while some have a top basket than can be raised or lowered, even when fully loaded. Laundry A good washing machine can save bags of time - and a dryer can make it even better. Have a look at some features to consider. Hidden gems Love the functionality but hate the look? Why not get an integrated dishwasher that matches your units? Slimline machines can fit into smaller spaces - great if you want to get more into your kitchen. Silent night Opting for a super-quiet machine will mean that everything is getting sparkly clean and you won’t even know it’s on. Some are so quiet that the dishwasher beams time remaining and programme information onto the floor so you can relax whilst your dishwasher quietly does all the work. Flexible functions A range of settings is really useful. A short, light wash might be perfect if you’re just doing glasses and plates, but an intensive wash will be needed after the Sunday roast. Check out electricity and water consumption as models differ dramatically in the consumption of both. Washing machines and tumble dryers are brilliant – but we don’t necessarily want them on show. Look at a fully integrated option, neatly hiding away your laundry. Wash and go Washing machine, tumble dryer or combine the two with a washer dryer when space is at a premium. Water features Make washing easy by choosing a number of functions that can make laundry a breeze. From less ironing, to a wash in just 15 minutes, there are features that meet your lifestyle. Place settings If every day is about being creative in the kitchen you’ll love the Slide&Hide® retractable oven door. It lets you get closer to your cooking. Meet our Cookaholics and see Abbie making her extraordinary gingerbread creation at youtube.com/bakeityourself Fitting in If you entertain regularly and have big parties, you may need to buy a full-sized machine with up to 15 settings. If you live alone, a compact could be just the job. ACCESSIBLE SPACE SAVING UNIQUE APPLIANCES 169 APPLIANCES COOLING Fridge freezer Another year, another Which? award. Bosch has now won a Which? award 4 years in a row. Another reason to have Bosch in your home. ards 2014 Aw Fridges and freezers They say that the contents of your fridge says a lot about you but so can the fridge itself. Get it right and you’ll have an appliance that makes your life a bit easier. Pick the wrong one and you’ll either have a vast device taking up too much space or shelf room will fast become a premium. To help you decide, we’ve had a look at some cool options. Built-in beauty Hiding your fridge away behind integrated doors will give you a seamless run of units. The perfect option to keep your kitchen stylish. Flexible options If you like plenty of space, why not consider a full height fridge - you’ll have plenty of space for everything you need. Avoid being irritated by trying to get your food to fit in your fridge or freezer by choosing split shelves, telescopic shelves and adjustable compartments for storage flexibility. The freezer is a champion for a busy family. Choose from a 50/50 split, or a 70/30 split with a smaller freezer option. For the ultimate in refrigeration, American fridge freezers open like a wardrobe, with a cold water dispenser and ice machine thrown in for good measure. A chilled tipple If fine wine is your thing, you could always have a special wine cooler fitted - either a full-sized one or a narrow, six bottle option. Lock in freshness New developments in technology mean that you can keep produce fresh for three times as long - or even longer! Look for special compartments that create the best environment for your veggies. Green credentials Fridges and freezers are on 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. In fact, they make up for around 17% of the electricity used in the home, or even more if it’s a particularly old model. It might seem odd to replace something that isn’t broken but you may actually cut your energy use – and save money - by upgrading your fridge and freezer. LED lighting is energy efficient, long-lasting and provides clear, bright illumination inside your appliance. Guten Tag. I’m Karl, the Bosch Engineer. I’m very proud to work for the company that’s now won a Which? award for an unprecedented fourth year running in 2014. That’s great news for us, but even better news for you. Because whatever questions you have about which appliance to buy next, there is really only one answer: Bosch. Watch my videos to discover more at LetKarlExplain.co.uk APPLIANCES 171 WORK SURFACE CHOICES Extra Value laminate Laminate is hard wearing and heat resilient. It’s an affordable option that still looks great. The beauty of Extra Value laminate is that you can create the impact of wood, granite or quartz at a fraction of the cost. Extra Value laminate comes in six colours and finishes to give you the style you want at a price you’ll love. Bespoke laminate Worktops and counters are an important part of how your kitchen looks and how it works. The surface needs to be tough enough to take years of use, from Sunday dinners to bags of shopping, hot pans to sharp knives, washing up and wet laundry - all the thrills and spills of everyday life. It also needs to look wonderful and work with your units and overall style. So how do you choose the right worktop? Think carefully about how you use your kitchen and your budget - this will help you decide what materials will suit you and what you can afford. You can also mix it up - and use different materials to zone areas of your kitchen and get the most from your budget. You could choose tough, cool granite for a preparation area, and warm welcoming wood for a dining or serving counter. As well as combining materials, you can also mix and match colours, finishes and worktop depths to add interest and create a more sophisticated effect. If you have space for an island or a bar, make it a centrepiece with totally different coloured units and countertops to the rest of the kitchen. Whatever you decide, Wren’s range of materials and colours is a top choice for every new kitchen. 172 WORK SURFACES Wren offer the UK’s largest range of bespoke laminates. With over 25 colours and finishes ranging from wood to stone effect, you can create a kitchen style that’s all your own. There’s even the option of contrasting edging to give a designer touch. Bespoke laminate can be cut to create curved ends, breakfast bars and islands. Super tough, laminate can cope with whatever a busy family throws at it or on it. Quartz and granite Quartz and granite make a big impact in any kitchen. The high-shine stone finishes look stunning whether you go deep and dark or bright and light. Each sheet of stone is different, meaning you’ll have a worktop that is entirely your own. These work surfaces are heavy, though, so you may need reinforced units to support the weight. To make sure they stay looking great, you’ll need to use mats under very hot pans. Wood Wood is a beautiful addition to a kitchen whatever the room style. Not only is it unique, it will mature over time, developing deeper, richer colours and tones. A timber work surface can be ideal in a traditional farmhouse-style kitchen, or to give modern gloss units an interesting twist. Before you invest in wood, make sure you read up on the care it needs to keep it looking good: it will need oiling at least once a year. Wood is also more easily scratched and scorched so cooks need to be a little more careful. WORK SURFACES 173 TEK WALL ® & RHINO GLAZ ® Resilient and stylish, our Tek Wall® and Rhino Glaz® can be made to match the exact material and colour of your units or work surface. These can be ideal to give an accent colour behind wall units. Or opt for a high-shine, glass-effect finish, to use as a splashback, or to give an extra sparkle to your room. If you like, you could add contrasting panels for a big impact. All of our Tek Wall® and Rhino Glaz® are manufactured in the UK and made to order with your units and worktops, for a pristine, perfect fit. 174 TEK WALL ® & RHINO GLAZ ® TEK WALL ® & RHINO GLAZ ® 175 Finding the right sink for your kitchen Your sink is a critical part of the kitchen. It needs to be practical, but also look nice and fit in with the rest of the room. Getting a sink that’s the right size, style and shape and taps to match is another way of creating a kitchen that’s unique to you, so you need plenty of choices. Different materials, shapes and tap styles can accentuate what you’ve chosen, whether it’s a ceramic Belfast sink and traditional tap or an integrated modern masterpiece with a statement tap. Easedale sink Superdeep Black Ceramic Ceramic sinks are robust enough to withstand high temperatures, knocks and scratches, as well as stains and tainting, and they’re easy to clean. But they aren’t just practical; this is a beautiful choice for a classic look. SINKS & TAPS SELECTION 176 SINKS & TAPS For chic elegance, try the Easedale sink - its cream finish matches a range of colour schemes, and the extra detailing gives a sense of luxury. Chrome fittings add a finishing touch. If you want a classic farmhouse look, a Belfast sink is a popular choice. Sturdy enough to withstand the rigours of busy family life, and big enough for any household task, these sinks work hard and make a feature in your room. The Langdale sink is simple, stylish and timeless. For a bit more capacity, try an extra half sink. Look at the rounded, smooth Loweswater for the ceramic look with extra space. Stainless steel Stainless steel sinks are versatile and long-lasting. They can look stunning in a traditional kitchen, or cutting edge in a modern haven - and they’re affordable. Easy to care for, they won’t chip and have more ‘give’ on impact - ideal if you drop a plate when washing up! For a stainless steel sink that will look fantastic for years to come, try the Eden sink. This has a chunky, curved draining board. It comes in three size options - single, one and a half or two full sinks. Black A black sink can make a bold statement in your kitchen. Whether it blends in with dark work surfaces and units, or stands out against lighter backgrounds, these are distinctive sinks with style. You can even opt for a two-tone look, combining matt black with shiny stainless steel - Aire is a stunning mix of the two. SINKS & TAPS 177 Taps To match your perfect sink you need a fabulous tap. But make sure you have the right functionality - for example, you might want an extra sprayer to rinse plates and pots. How it looks matters as well: do you want a curved, detailed country classic to match a ceramic sink? Or perhaps a single lever, sleek and minimalist chrome choice for a modern look? Take a look at our tap collection to see what you fancy. The chunky chrome of the Delphi tap can look fun in a kitchen with a high-shine finish, or add a fresh touch to a more traditional room. The Venus tap with single lever not only looks great but has a spray with an extendable, flexible hose. It can cut down on rinsing time and make washing up that bit quicker. Venus Tap 178 SINKS & TAPS SINKS & TAPS 179 STORAGE OPTIONS As the heart of the home, your kitchen is probably the hub for the whole family - and all their stuff. As well as storing, preparing, cooking and serving food, it may also be the laundry and ironing spot, a house cleaning and recycling depot. Close proximity to snacks could make it top choice for homework or hobbies. And if it also doubles as a dining or family room, you’ll want to be able to quickly transform it from workstation to playstation or a stylish place to relax and entertain. There’s only one way to have all this - and that’s with good storage. Having a place for everything and everything in its place saves time, saves energy, and will keep your kitchen looking great - always. Good storage isn’t about having units by the dozen. It’s about choosing the right units for the job with lots of clever features. These units aren’t just a pretty face. Behind every stylish cupboard front at Wren, you’ll find lots of clever ideas to help you maximise your space and store things safely and efficiently. Take a look at how we can help you get your kitchen organised. 180 STORAGE STORAGE 181 Swing-out corner unit. Drawers with multiple storage options. In the corner Divide and conquer Deep corner units are an opportunity to fit far more into a unit than meets the eye. But without the right storage fittings, they can all too easily become black holes for tinned goods and tupperware lids. Your kitchen layout will influence how your corner units work. You could have a metal carousel basket that spins around to show you everything in there, including the bits at the back. Or what about a swing-out shelf? These pop out so you can see what you have and slide back in once you’ve finished. As well as units, drawers also provide an opportunity to store a multitude of items, making them easy to reach but neatly stacked. 182 STORAGE Corner unit for maximising storage. For cutlery, sharp knives and utensils there are wide, shallow drawers with wonderful dividers allowing you to house everything from the chef’s knife, to herbs and spices to the always awkward potato masher. These built-in dividers are made to measure so will slot in perfectly. But drawers aren’t just for knives and forks. Deep drawers can be ideal for stacks of plates, held in place with dividers that keep everything from moving when you close them. Pots and pans can be stacked in drawers as well, making it easier to keep lids and pans together. Cupboard Love Customise your units to suit what you have. A fantastic utensil holder won’t do much good if you only own one wooden spoon. Look at having as many shelves as you like, at the heights you need. STORAGE 183 Recycling bins Pull-out wonders Pull-out larders are a veritable treasure trove of storage solutions. They are ideal for difficult-to-store foods such as bottles - especially next to the cooker. Keep all your oils and vinegars to hand, knowing they’ll stay upright and be at your fingertips. They also allow you to see everything all at once, from two sides. You can get half height, full height, narrow, wide or anything in between. Great for slotting into narrow, awkward gaps. Bins galore Vegetable basket We all recycle these days - but keeping the bins in order can be a nightmare. A system attached to the inside of the cupboard means you can get to everything easily and quickly - and colour coding means the right recycling has a better chance of landing in the right bin. Specialist solutions A pull-out larder unit 184 STORAGE You know what it is you’re likely to need in your kitchen. If you buy veg in bulk, think about getting integrated vegetable baskets, to make sure it stays fresh. Or if you know you need somewhere for all your baking ingredients and equipment, look at cupboard and larder set ups that can make it easy for you. Whatever it is, let us know. We’ll have just the thing. Curved end unit STORAGE 185 HANDLE CHOICES Small and unobtrusive, or bold and bright? When it comes to handles, think about the size, shape and materials you might like to complement your units and the look you’ve gone for. Ornate handles can add to a traditional, elegant look. Wood might be ideal for a classic farmhouse feel. Or sleek and metal could be the best accompaniment for a modern look. 186 HANDLES HANDLES 187 LIGHTING OPTIONS Light it up Thoughtful and creative lighting will bring your kitchen to life, making it easier to work in as well as showing off its finest features. Think about all the different things your room needs to do - be a place to cook, work, relax or entertain - and this will help you see where you’ll need special kinds of lighting. In the planning stage, a good approach is to think of lighting in terms of what it does. There are four basic types of lighting - task, accent, decorative and ambient. Task is all about getting the job done these light up workspaces to make your kitchen easier to use. Accent adds depth to the room and includes recessed and adjustable track lights. Decorative lighting creates interest or makes a statement - think chandelier! Ambient provides gentle light that fills a room and bounces off the ceiling. 188 LIGHTING No single type of light can stand alone. For example, if you only use ambient light everyone in the kitchen will look great because it softens shadows, but you won’t be able to work safely. Feel daunted by lighting? Don’t worry, no matter what size your room is, you can work all four types of lighting into the space. And many lights can do more than one job. Work well Well-lit work surfaces and cookers are essential for a busy cook. Make sure you can see exactly what you’re chopping and stirring with under cupboard spotlights and bulbs integrated into the cooker hood. Consider a clear, bright light to help you work easily. Perfect for: task lighting. Focal point Sconce lighting Pendant lighting is a great way to make a statement. Hang low over tables or work surfaces to add extra illumination - and extra style. Perfect for: decorative and ambient lighting. If you’ve got space on the walls or a dark corner, sconce lighting could be a good choice. This will help fill the room with gentle light, and can look great as well. Perfect for: ambient and decorative lighting. Crystal clear Background lighting Glass-fronted units with lighting inside are a wonderful way to create a feature and add extra light. With glass shelves and bright spotlights, your beautiful glass and crockery collection can take centre stage. Perfect for: task and decorative lighting. Plinth lighting comes from underneath units and adds a glam dimension to your room using just a few bulbs. This lighting is less for illumination and more for effect - consider a warm, or even coloured, light as opposed to bright white. Perfect for: accent lighting. LIGHTING 189 MULTIMEDIA OPTIONS Our consumption of the internet has become a never-ending feast, so it’s no surprise that the kitchen is a multimedia hub in most homes. Where once a radio was enough to keep cooks company, kitchens now have TVs, sound systems, PCs - even full-service offices and central computers controlling all appliances and utilities. Not all devices are kitchenfriendly though, so before you buy, do some research and get expert advice. Feel the beat With Bluetooth, you can stream music from sound systems, smart phones, computers and MP3 players all over your home. If you want music in your kitchen to cook or dine by, all you need is a Bluetooth-compatible speaker, radio or hi-fi system. During your planning stage, work out the best place to put them there’s a wide range of kitchen friendly speakers and sound systems on the market. In-ceiling speakers provide sound without spoiling the clean lines of your kitchen. Streaming cool sounds to do chores by beats whistling every time. Shaker White Gloss 190 MULTIMEDIA with good sound. Check horizontal and vertical viewing angles as you may not be always directly facing the screen. Get connected Add a computer and internet access to make your multimedia kitchen come to life. A WiFi-connected touchscreen wall-mounted or integrated into units - looks futuristic and adds a whole new dimension. Stream TV and radio, check emails, follow cooking videos or search for recipes; even check weather forecasts while you eat breakfast. Or play games and switch between your MP3, a DVD or BluRay for entertainment. Kitchen office If you work from home or need homework spaces for kids, incorporate an office nook in the kitchen. This could be a quiet corner or part of a breakfast bar - just ensure there’s dedicated cupboard and shelf space to store files, books and equipment, and a handy plug socket for computers and printers. TV times Powering up With kitchens often doubling as family rooms or dining rooms, TVs make a good addition for entertainment and information and you can add a game console to keep kids - young and old - entertained. Kitchen TVs can be freestanding, wall mounted or integrated into units - but make sure that they are clearly visible, easily adjustable and If you want a media-friendly kitchen, think about power in the planning stages. A dedicated charger drawer for the family to plug in phones and MP3s in a neat, safe place will keep messy cables out of sight yet always accessible. A couple of pop-up plug sockets built into work surfaces provide extra power when needed but can be hidden away when not. MULTIMEDIA 191 KITCHEN GADGETS The modern kitchen isn’t just about units and worktops - it’s about the Ice Cream Maker gadgets and equipment we Even if the weather’s cold, we still fancy an ice cream. Make your own with this Andrew James Ice Cream Maker with spare bowl - it won a Which? ‘Best Buy’ award. use every day as well. Take a look at some of today’s Hand Mixer top gadgets. Burger Press Purifying Knife Holder System Get equipment perfectly clean with a Purifying Knife Holder System. The holder uses Ultraviolet-C light to eliminate 99.9% of germs, viruses and bacteria. purelivinguvc.com Everyone loves a burger, especially if it’s homemade. For perfect patties every time, a burger press is an excellent kitchen tool. The Weber Burger Press is compact and light with a circular plastic tight-fitting lid. It’s easy to use and simple to clean. weberbbq.co.uk For the Great British Baker For the Ice Cream Maker If mighty meat is your thing, you may want to think about investing in some of these useful gadgets to put your cooking a cut above the rest. Bread, pastry or cake - whatever your signature bake is, make your life easier and more delicious with these baking must-haves. Fancy something a bit different, or just for fun? These kitchen creations add a little something extra to your cooking. For fast, super juicy steaks take a tip from top chefs and use a cast-iron grill press. This non-stick American press from Lodge can be used in prep to flatten meat or during cooking to cook steaks on both sides at the same time. divertimenti.co.uk KITCHEN GADGETS Hand mixers are brilliant for cutting down on stirring time, and can be stored neatly away after you’ve finished whipping up a sugary treat. We love this Kenwood kMix Hand Mixer, with a 350W motor, five speed function, kneading and beating attachments and soft-grip handle. kenwoodworld.com For the Butcher Non-stick American Press 192 andrewjamesworldwide.com Thermospatula This clever spatula is not only the ideal stirring implement, it can tell you the temperature whilst you mix. No more balancing a thermometer in the bowl! Ideal for tempering chocolate or making the perfect jam. lakeland.co.uk Popcorn Maker Nothing beats a movie and a big bowl of popcorn from your very own popcorn machine. All the flavours you love, freshly popped and healthy too. This American Originals is only £19.99. Get stuck in! Available at major department stores. KITCHEN GADGETS 193 EFFICIENT STATE OF THE ART GREAT SERVICE Ordering your KITCHEN Part of what makes Wren Kitchens different is our heritage, how we make our kitchens and your experience in our showrooms. 194 195 OUR HERITAGE The Wren brand may be new, but the family behind Wren has been leading the way in kitchen manufacturing for over 35 years. It is through their wealth of experience in manufacturing kitchens that they have successfully arrived at where they are now. So let’s go back to where it all began… In 1976, the family set up Hygena, manufacturing kitchens from a 40,000 sq ft factory in Howden, East Yorkshire. Over the next 11 years, it grew dramatically. The initial factory increased in size twentyfold and the company then looked to secure its entire supply chain by opening additional factories in Scunthorpe, Stockton and Hull. The original factories are, to this day, still manufacturing kitchens, employing thousands of people and supplying part-assembled, builder-quality products to trade customers under the Howdens Joinery brand. By the mid-1980s, Hygena was the largest kitchen and bedroom manufacturer in the UK, selling one in three kitchens and one in three fitted bedrooms. Following success in the UK, the family behind Wren Kitchens went to live and set up a business in the US, knowing that there was a huge opportunity to supply kitchens using the same formula of great quality but at a fair price. In 1987, the family was approached by the retailer MFI who, at that time, was looking to move into manufacturing. The Hygena business and factories were sold to MFI and were later split off to create Howdens Joinery. A new, 1,000,000 sq ft factory was built on a green field site in Ohio. Within just a few years, this had grown to an impressive 5,000,000 sq ft facility producing over 1 million units per month. Over the next ten years, the business invested heavily in technology and innovation. It ultimately became the second largest kitchen manufacturer in the US, employing almost 4,000 directly and many more indirectly through its suppliers. With the business continuing to grow and take market share from its competitors, an offer was made for the business by the Masco Corporation, who was the largest kitchen manufacturer in the USA. With the children growing up and the ever louder call of the green fields of Yorkshire, they accepted the offer and returned to the UK. In 2008, one of the children was heading to university so the family visited MFI to look at furniture for his student accommodation. Whilst there, they were amazed to see that the UK kitchen market had actually gone backwards from where it had been when they sold Hygena in 1987. The consumer was being offered old-fashioned flat pack at expensive prices; with missing parts and multiple deliveries a common occurrence, customer service was non-existent. From that experience it became clear that with some innovation and a lot of investment, it would be possible to revolutionise the kitchen business and to supply customers with fully assembled, high quality products at the old-fashioned flat pack prices. ORDERING AND MAKING YOUR KITCHEN In late 2009, Wren Kitchens was born… Picking a kitchen you like is just the start. Ordering and feeling sure about quality are just as important. Over the next few pages, we’ve given you a few things to help. We’ll show you our special in-store features that will help you get a kitchen you’ll love. This includes our team of specially trained designers and a huge range of kitchens and appliances on display. You’ll also get a sneak peek at our manufacturing processes, to see just how we get our kitchens to such a high standard. If you have any more queries about buying a Wren kitchen, come into one of our showrooms. Our team is always there to help you, whatever you need. 196 WREN HERITAGE ORDERING AND MAKING YOUR KITCHEN 197 IT’S SHOWTIME! When it comes to choosing a kitchen, nothing beats hands on experience and personal advice from an expert. That’s why at Wren, we’ve developed stateof-the-art showrooms with amazing tools that are designed to ease you through the process. 198 OUR SHOWROOMS A friendly welcome All of our stores have a reception area. Here you’ll find our friendly team, who are always ready to help. You can ask them any questions about our service and get more information about our products. Create real kitchens in-store Getting to grips with how much space you have and what can go where is a lot easier if you can actually see it laid out for you. Our larger showrooms have Spatial Awareness Areas, where we will map out your space on a floor grid, and let you position combinations of units so you can see how your new kitchen will really feel. These units are all on wheels, so you can move them around, see what works - and what doesn’t - and even add appliances into the mix. This gives you a real chance to test run your new room. For more inspiration on laying out your kitchen, see pages 135-143. OUR SHOWROOMS 199 Kitchen units and colours It’s the real thing that counts, so come and see every kitchen style and colour for yourself. That way you can feel the finish, see the shade in real life and get to grips with all the different options to choose from. See how they look with different work surfaces, Wren’s extra detailing and the quality of our units. This is the only way to really know which kitchen to choose. Hands on The inside of a cupboard is just as important as the beautiful outside - in terms of making your kitchen a success. In our Accessories Area, you’ll find all of Wren’s clever storage options ready for you to try out - from pull-out larders and drawer dividers to corner units. You can even see how bin dividers could help you better organise your recycling. So get in there and open everything - this is your chance to choose the details that will make your kitchen work for you. Get the price right Everyone claims to have the best prices - but at Wren, we can prove it. Visit the Price Comparison section to see how our ranges - Extra Value, Designer and Linda Barker Collection - measure up against our competitors. All of our price 200 OUR SHOWROOMS comparisons are updated regularly to make sure you get the latest information. Come and take a look, we know you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The difference We know that as well as a good price, you are looking for good quality - whatever your budget. We think that seeing is believing, so we’ve set up Comparison Bays in our stores to let you see Wren kitchen units alongside units from our competitors. We are so confident in our quality that we know we’ll win hands down. create a kitchen that you’ll love. Sit back and get stuck into the details - they’ll be happy to discuss absolutely everything with you. We’ll then take your design and turn it into a 3D plan so you can see exactly how your kitchen will look in your home. You can see what you’re buying and consider it from every angle. There’s even a play area nearby - so the little ones won’t be bored. To find your nearest showroom, visit wrenkitchens.com/stores Everything including the kitchen sink Sinks are a big feature in every kitchen and the look and feel is vital, as is making sure it’s the right size. Get a good look at all your options in the sink display areas - we’ve set our whole range of sinks in worktops so that you know exactly what they look like. See the results Once you’ve got some inspiration, go and relax in the Planning Area. This is where your Wren designer will take your room measurements, ideas and must-haves, and put them together to OUR SHOWROOMS 201 MAKING YOUR KITCHEN COME TO LIFE At Wren Kitchens, everything we do is about making sure that our customers get the best possible kitchens at the best possible prices. 202 MAKING YOUR KITCHEN That’s why we’ve built and acquired unique, state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire. These enormous workshops have been specially engineered to make high quality kitchens time after time. Many of the machines and techniques we use have been specifically developed by Wren, and we are the only company in the world to have them. MAKING YOUR KITCHEN 203 Raw materials Work surfaces We believe in starting with the best raw materials. That’s why we choose quality boards - from environmentally sound sources - to create solid kitchens that are hard-wearing and beautiful. We manufacture many of our own worktops, cutting them to lengths of up to four metres using a precise milometric system. Once again, we use the advanced Bond-X system to edge all Wren work surfaces. Bonded together Boards are cut to the right sizes in our workshops and edgings are applied using Wren’s unique Bond-X adhesive system. More water and heat resistant than the traditional hot melt systems in common use, Bond-X makes sure your kitchen is durable - it’s one of the reasons we can offer longer guarantees. Barton-upon-Humber: 750,000 sq ft Wren Kitchens are proudly manufactured in our own UK factories Pinpoint accuracy Skilled craftspeople and precision machinery mean that all unit work and carpentry is done to pinpoint accuracy, ensuring a perfect fit every time. This attention to detail runs throughout the process from the initial sizing of boards to the drilling of every hole. Fully assembled We keep a huge quantity of units and worktops in stock so that we can get your new kitchen to you as soon as possible. We assemble them to order so your kitchen is made just for you and your space. A team of skilled craftspeople assemble all units on site, largely by hand. They will create your kitchen precisely to your agreed design, checking that every unit is exactly square and meets our demanding quality controls. Once finished, our doors are covered in two coats of a unique water-based film for added protection. This remains in place until the units are safely installed in your home. Before transporting, all units are individually packed in a specially-developed protective shell so they arrive in perfect condition. We even photograph your kitchen before and after it’s packaged before it comes to you. Ready, set, go! This rigorous packing and quality control system means that by the time your kitchen leaves the loading bay, it has been checked, double checked and triple checked to make sure it’s in perfect condition, properly packed and complete so your installers can get started the moment it arrives. Smooth operator Wren’s reverse rolling system of sanding and putty application removes even minute indentations from our doors. This makes them perfectly smooth before we apply the paint and finish. Unique paint line Howden: 250,000 sq ft 204 MAKING YOUR KITCHEN Scunthorpe: 500,000 sq ft Our doors are painted using Wren’s specially-engineered, 230 metre-long paint line. This machine took two years to develop, and is the only one of its kind in the world. That’s why our doors have perfect, even finishes that don’t discolour over time. Packed for protection MAKING YOUR KITCHEN 205 BUY WITH CONFIDENCE WITH WREN Wren Kitchens are a member of the Furniture Ombudsman, so that you can buy with confidence. To find out more, visit thefurnitureombudsman.org We take every care to make sure that our brochures are accurate. However, as we are constantly improving our products, we may occasionally make small changes to our ranges after publication. All images are for illustrative purposes only. Please check that the design, specifications and construction methods described in the brochure are still valid at the time of purchase to avoid disappointment. And whilst the colours in this brochure are matched as closely as possible, we cannot guarantee an exact replication of colour or finish. Design a Better Kitchen with Wren Please note that the measurements and details used on page 143 are accurate at time of going to print. Sizes have been sourced from: Howdens Joinery Co. - Kitchen Trade Price List, May 2014 Homebase - Hygena Kitchens Price List, effective from 14th November 2013 Magnet - Summer 2014 Kitchens and appliances price guide, effective from 30th June 2014 Kutchenhaus - Kitchen Range 2014 Wickes - Kitchens Price List, effective from 24th Sept to 16th Nov 2014 B&Q - Kitchens Buying Guide, effective from 12th September 2014 to 6th November 2014 THE WREN GUARANTEE 206 BUY WITH CONFIDENCE WITH WREN KITCHENS FOR EVERYONE 207 WREN ONLINE WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE BIG BOOK OF WREN KITCHENS To find out more about our kitchens, or any of our products you can visit us online, or come and see us in one of our showrooms. We’ll be happy to show you all our ranges, appliances and accessories and answer any questions you may have. Packed with tips, advice and our entire range, the Wren Kitchens website will give you everything you need to start planning your perfect kitchen. Whatever your style, whatever your budget, Wren have the right kitchen for you. Log on to use the interactive kitchen planner, an easy way to map out your space, plan your room and try out different styles, sizes and layouts. wrenkitchens.com Made in the UK 208 WREN ONLINE 209 210 wrenkitchens.com