Shaws Of Darwen Joins Historic Institution

We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded entry into The Guild of Master Crafstmen. It's a fantastic and historic institution that recognises unrivalled skills and service, it feels great that Shaws are in the company of Aston Martin, Harrods, Fortnum & Mason and many other amazing British companies.

HOMEOWNER KITCHEN DESIGN INVESTMENT CONTINUES

Kitchens continue to solidify their place as the centre of the home with many homeowners choosing to invest while the housing recovery continues.

The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey for the fourth quarter of 2014, which focused on kitchen and bath design trends.

Kitchen design is increasingly devoting more emphasis toward the space being a gathering spot for family and entertaining.

“The kitchen has become what we call the ‘activator,’ the main space in the residence, and the design requirements often include high functionality to accommodate multiple activities,” said James Walbridge, AIA, chair of the AIA’s Custom Residential Architects Network.

Material composition is also becoming an essential focal point of the entire design. Natural products are becoming a lot more desirable as consumers consider personal environmental responsibilities within their home.

According to the survey, popular kitchen features continue to include LED lighting, a computer or recharging area, larger pantry space, a double island and high quality appliances.

TRENDS TO COMPLIMENT YOUR KITCHEN IN 2015

Apart from your superb sink, the first thing visitors notice when entering your kitchen are your cabinets. To make sure you keep up with the latest trends and technologies, below are a few popular suggestions we can recommend for 2015.

Add a Splash of Colour

Not everything is black and white, although in kitchen terms this has been the case in recent years. Either strong accent colours or perhaps lighter cabinet shades will change kitchens up and down the country to be more vibrant than ever before.

Laminate Speaks Volumes

Manufactured surfaces like textured laminate, get better and better. The wood look and feel is extraordinary. If you’re looking for a chic cutting edge finish, laminate could well be the answer for your modern kitchen.

Think Outside The Box.  

Touch-and-motion cabinet technology is starting to drive behaviour in 2015 and beyond as we all look for the next new thing. With just the touch of a finger cabinets will simple open and close effortlessly, providing easy access when your hands are full – and of course ‘wow’ your friends.

Let There Be Light. 

LED lights are now available in all kinds of colours and can easy compliment your kitchen shades or accents with warm or cool toned colours. Lighting options both inside and outside your cabinets make it easier for you to work and find the items you need quickly.

The simplicity of modern design is proving ever more popular during 2015. The new tends for 2015 go hand in hand with our Classic Collection to create a stylish contemporary kitchen you’ll be proud of for years to come, while everyone else catches up.

SHAWS OF DARWEN CLASSIC DOUBLE BOWL SINK

Creative design and superb craftsmanship are combined in the Shaws Classic Collection of fireclay ceramic sinks.  Produced in Darwen, Lancashire in the North of England, the sinks are of contemporary design and create a stylish collection.  The Classic Collection is a unique range of sinks manufactured to appeal to almost any style of kitchen, as the trend today is to mix both modern and traditional.  Every Shaws sink is individually handcrafted, making them ‘simply the best in the world’

With the total refurbishment of this country cottage kitchen it was a golden opportunity to bring back some of the original characteristics like the heavyweight, Classic Double Bowl sink with a central dividing wall.  The sink is available in both white and biscuit finishes and each bowl has central 3½” waste outlets for basket strainer or waste disposer plus round overflows.  With plenty of space in the new kitchen, the largest size of sink was installed under the window – the sink is available in two sizes, 800 and 1000.  It is recommended that bespoke cabinetry is installed professionally to take the weight of any Shaws sink.  

The Classic Double Bowl is the perfect choice for a busy kitchen or for those looking for a multi-purpose sink, especially in new build or refurbishment projects.  Shaws sinks have a long lasting, durable glaze which will last for years.  Visit www.shawsofdarwen.com to see the full range of sinks, complementary taps and accessories.

Note: Hand-made kitchen cabinets in our image are by Matt Dawes.  Readers can visit his website at www.shakertraditions.co.uk