The Naked Truth - Our Blog

Here at Naked Kitchens, we're finally getting used to the fact that summer has ended, and Autumn has well and truly settled in. Gone are the sunny days (what few there were in Britain anyway) and the rain has truly started to pour, bringing with it some very chilly mornings and evenings, and we're just about ready to start that winter hibernation. So in true Autumnal style we've cracked out the jumpers, begrudgingly flicked the heating on a couple of times and thought about our favourite kitchen designs that perfectly transition your home into the new season. With consumers turning to colour more and more and no longer sticking to a comfortable neutral as their kitchen colour of choice, one trend that we have seen stand out in kitchen design is the use of earthy colours and materials. Consumers are embracing colour so much more now, and are looking to inject colour into their homes, but choosing a more natural way to do it, with greens, reds, oranges etc, all colours from the warmer palette that are perfect to create a warm, inviting atmosphere in the cooler Autumn months.

If there is one thing we have realised over the many years that we have been creating bespoke kitchens, it's that nearly everyone wants a 'modern shaker' kitchen. A contradiction in itself, as the shaker is a very traditional kitchen design that has been in history since the 18th century, and is not actually a new, modern kitchen style. However, we understand what customers mean when they say this, as they generally want a timeless kitchen design that isn't old fashioned or super modern but will continue to look elegant in years to come. And that is a design that we love to create, time and time again.

As you may already know, colour has made quite a dramatic comeback to the kitchen. Gone are the days of an all white kitchen, and whilst neutral greys are still popular in the classic country kitchen styles, there is one colour that has definitely caught our eye recently and a lot of our clients too- the beautiful blue. Gone are the days when people can spend an obscene amount on a kitchen, and with houses generally decreasing in size alongside budgets, people are generally investing in smaller kitchens. Those who are looking to invest in a new kitchen are often turning to the calming colour blue, and are choosing Naked Kitchens to create the kitchen for them, as they can get a high end quality kitchen without the high end price tag. Contemporary Compact Kitchens Pale pastel blues can look incredible in a smaller space, bouncing light from windows to create the illusion of much more space and keeping the room light and fresh. By choosing such a bright and unusual kitchen colour, the eyes are instantly drawn to the area, and with minimal accessories throughout, there is no distraction from this incredible space. Design: 2LG Photography: Megan Taylor

Here at Naked Kitchens, one thing that is really important to us, is to try and balance functionality with style. Whilst a beautiful minimalist kitchen with uncluttered worktops is a dream for many people, the reality is that you actually need lots of extra storage for every day items and you need to be able to access them quickly. As we are 100% bespoke, we can create any storage solution for your kitchen. Whether it be larders with extra drawers, pull out shelves in cupboards, wine racks, bespoke oak storage units or islands with sleek extra storage on each side. These all help to keep kitchen items hidden, meaning style isn't compromised, but ensures your kitchen remains as practical as possible. Traditional kitchens that have contemporary, clever storage solutions create a mix of modern and classic in the most practical way.

Working with compact spaces is something we're experts at here at Naked Kitchens. Whilst a spacious, open plan large kitchen is an amazing space to work with and we can create absolutely stunning kitchens, sometimes the real magic lies in creating a kitchen to work in the smallest of spaces. With concealed drawers and hidden storage in every nook and cranny, we can create a design that has function at its heart, but is also a truly beautiful kitchen. One of the main ways in which you can make the most of a small space is with storage: think pull out shelving, a wine rack in that few centimetre gap that would otherwise be wasted, islands with cabinet space on both sides, integrated appliances and many more options. Choose drawers with bespoke cutlery holders or custom peg boards to easily store your crockery and cooking utensils to save space in cupboards and keep surface areas clutter free.

A highlight of 2017 that we haven't yet shared with everyone is that Naked Kitchens has been invited to contribute to the 2017 Parliamentary Review for the Manufacturing Industry. Sister company to Norfolk Oak, experts in solid hardwoods, Naked Kitchens are a leading manufacturer of fully bespoke kitchens. Until Naked Kitchens, the concept of an excellent bespoke product which more than challenged the very top end, but at a sensible price, was seen as unattainable. With the incredible reputation of Norfolk Oak behind it, the development of Naked Kitchens was the chance for a completely clean and fresh start, to really inject the industry with some new innovative thinking. We have a deep respect for the wood we use, a commitment to sustainable forestry and the crafting of long-lasting products with minimal waste.

One of the easiest ways to finish off your kitchen is with accessories; certain items that are exclusive to your kitchen. Here at Naked Kitchens, we've got a few tricks up our sleeve to help you create a kitchen that is extra-special. One way of making your kitchen extra-special is to add an interesting splash back. Whilst many choose traditional tiles or wooden panelling that looks beautiful in a traditional country kitchen, we decided to add something exceptional that really makes your kitchen standout- the aged brass splash back. As seen in our contemporary Ladbroke Kitchen, the splash back has become a very popular item with our customers. With each piece being aged by hand, it means they are entirely unique every time.

Here at Naked Kitchens, the inspiration for our kitchen designs is not always from beautiful imagery we see online or in glossy magazine articles, but is often found in the most natural of places. The inspiration for our elegant Cley Kitchen was found right at the heart of one of natures finest creations; Cley Next The Sea beach on the beautiful North Norfolk coast.

Here at Naked Kitchens, we regularly work with designers. Often their clients are looking for something completely unique that fits in with their lifestyle, and that's why we are their first choice. We can create designs that are 100% bespoke and we offer the highest quality too. Recently we undertook a project with Kia Designs. Their clients were looking for a kitchen that was stylish yet functional, and that would fit in with their bustling family lifestyle in North London. So that's what was created. Inspired by our Portobello Kitchen, the Highbury Kitchen was designed to be spacious and relaxing, perfect for family dinners or hosting guests.