Jodie McKernon chats to head of design at Holloways of Ludlow Robert Burnett about innovative projects and timeless kitchens
Re-designing a room is never something to be taken lightly, but when that room happens to be the heart of one’s home much caution should be applied to its revamp. Those novelty gadgets and fashionable fittings may seem like a great idea now, but considering the longevity required by most new kitchens, those of-the-moment items could give your home’s heart a coronary quicker than you can say chip-pan fire.
Ensuring that west London’s kitchens are saved from such flights of fancy, however, is Robert Burnett, head of design at Holloways of Ludlow. ‘[My clients] have often been planning their kitchens and gathering great ideas for years, but just need time and guidance to structure their ideas into a coherent brief,’ he says.
‘I meet them at their home for a few hours, ask lots of questions about how they use their kitchen and the adjoining spaces. We discuss their appliance needs and look at lots of pictures of kitchens, so I can understand their material and style preferences. Then I just need quiet time alone to develop some layouts and design ideas.’
It is this thoughtful approach that perhaps led to Robert being recently named as Kitchen Designer of the Year by Homes & Garden Magazine at their annual award show. Not bad for a man with a degree in Construction Management. Although he admits he was often asked for his views on home renovations, Robert’s venture into kitchen design came by way of pure chance after he offered to help one of his building clients with her kitchen after her designer let her down. The rest, as they say is history.
Since working for Holloways Kitchens, Robert has gone on to create some truly amazing designs. One design which he labels as ‘incredible’ was a created just last year, ‘It combined very traditional wood veneers (burr maple) with a contemporary high gloss polyester lacquer finish. The combination of materials created an amazing 3D effect in the veneer, although no photograph has ever done it justice!’
The use of unusual and inventive materials is common place in Robert’s workshop. One of their current projects includes kitchen doors and drawer fronts with beveled mirrors and polished nickel frames – those with sticky-fingered children may want to take a wide berth on this one.
Each bespoke kitchen is usually developed by two designers; one creates the layouts and designs on a computer, while the other is left to critique them. Once the client gives the go-ahead, workshop drawings are prepared to provide more detailed information for the joiners and after three to four weeks in their west London workshop, the kitchen is ready to be fitted.
Holloways of Ludlow is well known for its stylish lighting designs. ‘It is very important to get good task lighting on,’ he says. ‘Pendant lighting can look great over an island or peninsula, and helps to bring the lighting closer to the worktop.’
Although high-tech and ultra-modern styles have reigned supreme in the kitchen design world for the past decade, Robert has started to see a retreat to more traditional designs. ‘Timeless, classic, hand-painted, in-frame kitchens appear to be making a comeback,’ he says. This shock-free design forecast will no doubt ensure the heart of our home will continue to beat for many years to come.
