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