Projects – John Strand MK

Kitchens Hidden From View

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 13:07:50 GMT

We have been making and selling kitchens for small spaces for a long, long time, so long in fact that we feel comfortable to call ourselves ‘expert’ in the field. An early design development was from the ‘mini kitchen’, which is solely a base unit, to the hideaway kitchen. ‘ Hideaway kitchen’ is the name they have always been given but then it dawned on us, do our customers (and potential customers) understand what a hideaway kitchen is?

Simply put, a hideaway kitchen has a top unit with doors which can be shut to conceal the workings of the kitchen so thus hiding it away ! Other names for these kitchens include ‘kitchen in a cupboard’ and ‘concealed kitchen’ or the ‘hidden kitchen.’ We refer them to as hidden kitchens these days to avoid confusion.

All pretty straight forward stuff. Simple but great, especially if you need a kitchen in a studio apartment or meeting room.

Focusing on the design, the questions we most commonly get asked relate to safety.

Can the hob be this close to the sink and is it safe to have doors?
Safety is, as it should be, at the top of the list. Sinks must always be positioned with 300mm space between the hob and or any sockets, and the doors can be fitt

ed with power supply cut-out and / or the hob is fitted with a safety timer so will cut out after a set time.

Hidden kitchens are increasing in popularity every year and when you consider the combination of style, function and suitability for small or multi-use areas it just makes sense.

For more information please visit our website…johnstrand-mk.co.uk

Unlock the full potential of your living space

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 17:15:12 GMT

John Strand Sofa Wall beds

1. Maximizing Living Areas: The most apparent advantage of a sofa wall bed is its ability to maximize living areas. During the day, the sofa serves as a relaxing seating arrangement, allowing you to make the most of your space. When night falls, seamlessly transform it into a comfortable bed, eliminating the need for separate pieces of furniture and optimizing your floor space.

2. Dual-Functionality in Compact Spaces: For those renting or living in smaller apartments or studio flats, the sofa wall bed is a revelation. It effortlessly combines two essential pieces of furniture into one, providing a seating area for daytime activities and a sleeping space at nighttime. This dual-functionality is a game-changer in compact living situations.

3. Effortless Transition: The mechanism behind sofa wall beds is designed for ease of use. Transitioning from a sofa to a bed, and vice versa, is a smooth and hassle-free process. This user-friendly feature ensures that you can transform your living space with minimal effort, making it an ideal solution for all age groups.

4. A Stylish Addition to Any Room: Sofa wall beds are not just about functionality; they also add a touch of style to your living space. Available in various designs, colors, and materials, these pieces can complement any decor style. The seamless integration of a sofa wall bed enhances the overall aesthetics of your room.

5. Storage Options: Our DILE sofa wall bed comes with built-in storage under the sofa, further maximizing its space-saving potential.

6. Enhanced Rental Value: Unlike a traditional bed and separate sofa, our combined sofa wall beds take up a minimum of space and free up valuable floor space which increases the living area and creates a more usable and practical environment especially in studio apartments .

Concealed Kitchens: The Sleek Solution for Modern Living

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 17:12:05 GMT

The benefits of a concealed and hidden kitchen.

In the ever-evolving world of interior design and home architecture, concealed kitchens have emerged as a revolutionary concept that combines functionality with aesthetics. John Strand's innovative kitchen designs are redefining the way we perceive and utilize our cooking spaces. Hidden kitchens are a perfect fit for modern living, offering a host of benefits that make them an attractive choice for homeowners.

Space Efficiency:

One of the primary advantages of concealed kitchens is their space-saving nature. In smaller apartments or open-concept homes, space can be at a premium. Concealed kitchens neatly tuck away cooking elements, appliances, and storage behind sleek panels and cabinetry. This design choice maximizes the usable living area while keeping the kitchen hidden when not in use.

Aesthetically Pleasing:

John Strand's hideaway kitchens are a design marvel. When closed, they blend seamlessly into the surrounding living spaces, creating an uncluttered and minimalist look. With a wide range of finishes and materials available, concealed kitchens can be customized to match any interior style, from ultra-modern to classic and timeless.

Functionality & Convenience:

Despite their discreet appearance, John Strand's concealed kitchens are designed for functionality. When it's time to cook or entertain, these kitchens reveal their full potential. Appliances, countertops, and storage compartments are easily accessible, ensuring that cooking and meal preparation are a breeze.

Multifunctional Living:

Hideaway kitchens contribute to the growing trend of multifunctional living spaces. They enable homeowners to use their kitchens not only for cooking but also for dining, socializing, or even working. The ability to conceal the kitchen when not in use helps maintain a clutter-free and versatile environment.

Innovative Technology:

Many hidden kitchens incorporate cutting-edge technology, such as motorized cabinets and smart appliances. This adds an extra layer of convenience to the cooking experience, making it more efficient and enjoyable.

In conclusion , John Strand's concealed kitchens are a modern marvel that combines practicality, aesthetics, and innovation. They are redefining the concept of kitchen design by seamlessly integrating with living spaces while providing all the functionality needed for a well-equipped culinary haven. Whether you have a compact city apartment or a spacious suburban home, concealed kitchens offer a versatile and stylish solution for today's homeowners. So, if you're looking to transform your kitchen into a hidden gem that enhances your living space, consider the sleek and sophisticated world of hidden kitchens .

Small Kitchen Design Layouts

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 14:15:00 GMT

Small Kitchen Design Layouts

How to make kitchens work in a small space?

Kitchen design, like many forms of design, relies on what have become traditional formulas and concepts. These ‘design rules’ have been tried, tested and work a treat; such as the classic triangle of fridge, sink and hob within a 7 metre maximum triangular distance.

There are times for rules to be broken and small space living has to take thinking outside of the box, so living inside a box can be made comfortable.

Here at John Strand we often work with developers on projects involving very small self-contained living areas, whether they be studios apartments for students, new builds or apart-hotels. Studio apartments are embracing tiny space living, particularly with the continued popularity of office to residential conversion.

Some of the plans we have worked on:

When the footprint of a studio apartment is small, in some cases the whole apartment is no greater than 18m2 it can seem an impossible task to create any sort of practical and desirable living space.

A helpful start point is to stop thinking conventionally. Small apartments, particularly single room living arrangements need to be considered from a very logistical perspective, how is it all going to work?

The increase in the use of POD and pre-fabricated units built off-site (especially bathrooms) are a popular choice for many micro-apartment layouts.

When it comes to kitchen design and layout, appliances are a good place to being, as they will largely dictate what else will be possible within a space.

The project featured here was for staff accommodation for a live-in Nanny.

The post Small Kitchen Design Layouts appeared first on John Strand MK .

Making space in Studio apartments – A guide to open-plan, multi-functional apartment living

Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:49:00 GMT

The diminishing size of homes, is a topic you often hear discussed but what truth is there in it? Is it just a cliché and common misconception batted around, along with the lines of; “It wasn’t like that in my day”. So are humans getting bigger (we are but that’s another story) or are our homes getting smaller?

The fact is undeniable; our homes are decreasing in size. The issue is in fact one of concern and debate. The relaxation of laws relating to planning have allowed offices to be converted into residential developments with no need for any planning permission. It has been reported [1] that 1.6 million square feet (which equates to 6% of London’s office stock) has been converted to residential, many of them very compact studio apartments.

The official UK guidance for a studio apartment designed as a single person dwelling is to have a minimum floor space of 37m ² . However, since office to residential conversions are not required to meet these standards many studios are even smaller, the smallest being reported at 9m ² .

When everything you need to live in has to be fitted in such a small space, the design challenge is really on. This is what we (John Strand) have lots of experience in doing, so here are some ideas and suggestions:

Firstly, the kitchen. The heart of the home. Concealed kitchens really are such a brilliant option here. They are compact – for example a unit of about 1.6 metres can provide everything within that space; combi-microwave, hob, fridge/freezer and washer dryer. The best part comes, when you’re not using the kitchen you close the doors and your kitchen just becomes a cupboard.

Secondly, the bed. As a studio is, in essence, a house in the room the bed can completely take over the space. Wall-beds are designed for everyday use and really transform the usable space of a studio apartment. They are even available with a free-standing option for those tenants who are not allowed to drill into walls.

Both the wall bed and the concealed ‘hideaway’ kitchen embrace an approach to styling a flat with an ethos focusing on being multi-functional. In addition to beds that fold away and kitchens that hideaway, other piece of furniture can be put to work. Coffee tables that open out to become dining tables or desks and more. Take a look through our website for ideas.

There are also lots of articles and guides full of useful tips for designing a small apartment. Links to a couple of our favourites are here:

https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-decorate-a-studio-apartment

https://www.thespruce.com/perfect-studio-apartment-layouts-to-inspire-4124066

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/9-smart-design-ideas-for-your-studio-apartment-225955

[1] Source: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/slums-of-the-future-permitted-development-conversions-in-london-by-tom-copley-am.pdf

The post Making space in Studio apartments – A guide to open-plan, multi-functional apartment living appeared first on John Strand MK .

Wall beds for studio apartments

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:14:00 GMT

The objective was to create light filled, desirable apartments aimed at young professionals in a town centre location but the challenge was in the size.

John Strand worked with property developers for a project of contemporary flats in Watford Hertfordshire. The objective was to create light filled, desirable apartments aimed at young professionals in a town centre location but the challenge was in the size.

Each of the 66 apartments are small but the designer and property developer did not want to compromise on neither the aesthetic nor the living space itself.

John Strand came on board when it became apparent that the answer to the problem lie in wall-beds. After design consultation, the ‘Houdini’ wall-bed was selected. This wall-bed is set within a frame which is just 29cm deep so can bit discretely fitting against the wall, with a comfortable sofa as part of the design. The sofa simply folds down on itself when it is time for bed with the easy action drop down bed. The bed is made with a strong aluminum frame and slatted base with a ‘proper’ mattress. This wall-bed does not scrimp on comfort and is purpose-built for every day usage.

To ensure cohesion throughout the design John Strand also provided complimentary furniture, wardrobes, tall beside units and media consoles.

The end result are 66 elegant studio apartments that had a queue of occupants waiting for them as soon as they were finished.

Buy our wall beds online: https://johnstrand-mk.co.uk/space-saving/wall-beds/ or call us on 020 8930 6006 if you have a project you’d like to discuss.

The post Wall beds for studio apartments appeared first on John Strand MK .

Luxury Cabins by the Sea

Thu, 14 Nov 2019 15:38:00 GMT

Oh we do like to be beside the seaside!

The aim of Cabü by the Sea is to provide beautiful buildings for everyone. An ambition successfully achieved with the Scandinavian inspired cabins offering a relaxing space within the wild and windswept surroundings of St. Mary’s Bay.

CABU approached John Strand Kitchens for a development of architecturally stunning retreats by the sea.

The kitchens were designed as a bespoke solution for the project to compliment the black, paired down styling of the architecture

The John Strand bespoke kitchen for CABU was designed with a focus to the holiday rental market. Open shelving is in-keeping with the architectural design and makes it easy for guests to find things.

The kitchen was produced in high grade handle-less doors, painted in the client’s choice of black paint. The final design includes an inset induction hob, inset bowl sink, wall mounted black taps, built in electric oven, integrated fridge and integrated washer/dryer. All you could want for a hideaway retreat by the sea.

To find out more visit: https://cabu.co.uk/holidays

The post Luxury Cabins by the Sea appeared first on John Strand MK .

Office to residential converstion in Harrow

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 11:23:00 GMT

Change of use from office space to stylish contemporary studio apartments with John Strand Contract kitchens.

Harrow sits on the North West of London’s Metropolitan line. A short tube-ride into central London and a stone’s throw from the rolling countryside of the surrounding home counties. It’s a popular destination with first time buyers and therefore an ideal location for a new development of apartments.

John Strand were approached by builders and developers W.E. Black when they needed 16 kitchens for their change of use project.

The building had previously been designed and used as commercial office space. The building had permission totransform this office space into light and stylish compact apartments as part of a change of use scheme.

The kitchens used within this project are designed in house at John Strand by Director Calvin Reeves.

The width of this kitchen is just 1700mm but it packs a lot into a small space. 130 litre refrigerator with freezer compartment, built-in combination microwave over, 2 plate ceramic hob, extractor fan, LED lighting, stainless steel inset sink, glass splashbacks and storage. A contemporary grey gloss was selected for the door finish.

The development needed to maximise space and thanks to an artfully planned floor-layout by the architects combined with the John Strand kitchens this was successful achieved.

The post Office to residential converstion in Harrow appeared first on John Strand MK .

Kitchens in a Grand Location

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 12:37:00 GMT

Bespoke kitchens for a beautiful and grand refurbishment

The majority of John Strand clients call looking for expert help, they need a kitchen but don’t have space for one! On the opposite end of that scale is Barrington Hall, lack of space was definitely not a concern for this project. A magnificent Grade II listed Georgian country manor house set in 45-acres of parkland. Its long list of desirable features include: an oak lined driveway, stately bedrooms, portico hall, marble fireplaces, pool, and gym; the list goes on and on, oozing high end luxury.

John Strand were chosen by Silvertown Properties to supply and install new kitchens and make updates to existing kitchens. Being able to provide a hands-on design service with a true bespoke service to ensure the exacting standards for this opulent refurbishment requirements could be met.

The first kitchen, a beautiful and unique cast iron black kitchen made specifically for Barrington required updating with new worktops. The antique kitchen was sympathetically updated with solid granite worktops and brass upstand were fitted to compliment the original design.

Two new kitchens were supplied to the house, the first for the coach house needed to strike a balance between fitting in with the original features of the late 19 ^th century architecture whilst providing a simple yet sophisticated kitchen design for modern living.

The second L-shaped kitchen again uses a simple muted colour palate and classic shaker style doors. Cabinetry uses 18mm painted oak doors, all manufactured exclusively for John Strand kitchens in the UK

The final element was to supply stone work tops for the fireplace and sink/drinks preparation area of the modern light filled games room.

The post Kitchens in a Grand Location appeared first on John Strand MK .

A Brief History of the John Strand Mini Kitchen

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 11:54:00 GMT

It’s small and mighty. John Strand has been supplying compact kitchens for over 30 years and here is the history of how it all began, and why, three decades on, the one-metre-wide kitchen units are still sold across the country. Constructed of steel with a powder coated white finish; it houses a sink, a drainer, a fridge, hotplates and storage. It’s simple, easy to fit and durable.
These free standing mini kitchens, in all variations, are increasingly popular in today’s ever decreasing dwellings and workspaces, but where did it all begin?

The ‘kitchen’ (the meaning of which originates from the Latin ‘coquere’ to cook) began life as an open flame and it’s evolution into what we consider to be, and expect of a modern kitchen has been driven by 2 factors: technology and social development.

One of the landmark moments in the development of the modern day kitchen was made in Germany by Austrian designer Margarete Schütte-Lihotzky. In 1926 she created the now famous ‘Frankfurt Kitchen’, despite the open acknowledgment that she did not herself cook. The kitchen, measuring 1.9 x 3.4m was the result of almost scientific time-motion studies and interviews with future tenants and the design went on to be included in 10,000 apartments in social housing projects in 1930’s Frankfurt. New York’s MOMA featured ‘The Frankfurt’ as a centerpiece of its 2011 exhibition ‘Counter Space ’ The foundations of the modern compact kitchens were established.

The John Stand style of mini-kitchen was initially developed by electrical manufacturers to extend the productivity of their existing tooling’s for refrigerators but they also fulfilled demands from architects, contractors and end users. A simple unit which could be delivered complete with the only installation required being connection to water and waste, plugging in and switching on. John Strand was one of the first companies to bring the mini kitchen to the UK market.

John Strand had originally been part of a larger interiors company which was separated and sold in 1996. Calvin Reeves could see the opportunity for the small kitchen solution and became Sales Director of the newly acquired John Strand MK Ltd. Initially, the mini kitchen famed for its easy install and durable steel construction, was a popular choice within offices, schools and staff rooms. Universities and colleges realised the suitability of the mini-kitchen for student accommodation because of its compact nature and durability.

Calvin, who had spent the majority of his experience within high-end office design, recognised the potential of the mini kitchen. He worked with the manufacturers (firstly Bauknett, then Electrolux) to extend the basic model and include features such as the microwave and pan drawer. Over the last 2 decades the range has extended and now includes designer range kitchens and hideaways. Calvin works with manufacturers in Sweden and Germany to develop designs which deliver optimum functionality and style for a small space. In recent years use of UK cabinet makers have allowed the company to also produce bespoke solutions which are particularly popular with developments of student accommodation. Commenting on the popularity of the mini kitchen Calvin Reeves:

“The mini kitchen is popular firstly because it delivers a fully functioning kitchen in a very small space. Secondly the process, from specification to installation, is easy and reduces costs and time delay implications of more traditional kitchens. In recent years the demand for hideaway kitchens has increased most likely linked to the increase in open-plan living and studio apartments. Living spaces are definitely reducing in size but the expectation of needs the kitchen should service have increased. A large proportion of our clients will be looking for dishwashers, washing machines, induction hotplates; they are working with small spaces but they want to ensure all of the latest technology and kitchen aids are included.

The styling of kitchens for what were once considered utilitarian and just ancillary spaces such as staff rooms, meeting rooms or indeed student accommodation are now design led. Therefore we work with architects and designers to offer a massive range of finish options and accessories. Aside from our commercial work we see an ever increasing demand from end-users seeking kitchens for their home office and granny annexe and this sector we expect only to increase. As for the future of mini-kitchens, as technology advances and appliances shrink in size I think the potential of mini-kitchens will only increase”.

The post A Brief History of the John Strand Mini Kitchen appeared first on John Strand MK .

Empty Nesters – How to re-design your spare room and keep everyone happy

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 13:55:00 GMT

Empty Nesters – How to re-design your spare room and keep everyone happy

The four walls that surround you have changed a lot over the last 18 years or so. Pastel safari animals, Thomas the Tank Engine and more recently a selection of sporting flags and posters have all had their time and place in this room. The feeling of your child leaving for a new life at university or to their own new home can be a momentous one. ‘Empty Nest Syndrome’, scoffed by some, can prove to be a challenging time of change. That now lonely, ownerless bedroom a symbol of good times passed and a future not yet known.

Re-designing and perhaps even repurposing the room can help ensure that the changes occurring are positive. Here are some tips for what to consider when designing an empty nest room:

Are they coming home?
If your child has left to study but will be returning home for the holidays or to live after their course has ended, then ensure you talk ideas through with them. Whilst you don’t want to keep a museum of their teddies for their odd self-indulgent trip down memory lane once a year at Christmas, you also don’t want to make them feel ousted. If they do want to keep the room as their base, sensitively approach the re-design as a cooperative. How to work the design around your returning adult-child:

Discuss your ideas and keep your son/daughter informed. Ensure to keep referring to the space as ‘your room’; ‘your old room’ might just be too soon and rejection could set in.
Agree on a colour scheme.
Include ample storage for clothes and items not needed at university to be stored within.

1. What do you want to use the space for?

Could this be the dream room in which to pursue your hobbies that your heart has always desired. Potter’s wheel, music studio or sewing room? Start by deciding if this is indeed the best use for your space. Consider the natural light, ease of access, space and even things such how many plugs the room as. All of these factors might make you realise this sudden empty bedroom is not the best room for your personal adventure.

2. Measure

Some time may have passed since you last decorated or re-styled the room so go back to drawing board. Take a note of all the dimensions and sketch out ideas.

3. Dual purpose

Putting the space to work by making it dual purpose would be a solution that will keep everyone happy. Using multi-functional furniture such as the Girevole Wall bed from John Strand will allow you to have a comfortable slatted base bed with comfortable mattress without sacrificing the bedroom’s floor space.

4. A studio apartment

If your room is big enough, then transforming the space in to a self-contained studio apartment with a kitchenette and en-suite bathroom could open up the possibility to offering adult children an independent space within which to live as they launch their career. Check with your local planning office for guidance and advice.

The post Empty Nesters – How to re-design your spare room and keep everyone happy appeared first on John Strand MK .

A guide to designing a granny annexe

Mon, 09 Sep 2019 11:49:00 GMT

Why create a granny annex in your your home or garden?

How and who we live with is starting to change. It appears the number of multi-generational households are increasing and the reason is most likely linked to the UK economy. Whether it be ‘Brexit’, a credit crunch or double dip recession, over the last few years house prices continue to rise (especially in the South East and Metropolitan Areas). The cost of purchasing a home appears to go hand-in-hand with with statistics demonstrating an influx in the number of parents living with their adult children. So perhaps, all Mother-in-law jokes aside, this could be both a personal and financially savvy decision.

Multi-generational households are on the rise. The Government estimates that the number of people aged over 85 will increase by 184% over the next 30 years. The risk of property being sold to pay for the high costs of care homes and knock on effect of loss of inheritance*make moving elderly parents in a more appealing option for end of years care.

Of course, there are those active Octogenarians, without whom many working parents couldn’t cope; relying on as both grandparent and child care provider. The multi-generational household solves a lot of problems.

If you make the decision to move a parent or both parents into the family home, how do you go about it and most importantly of all, where do you put them?

Privacy

A division of space is important, and where possible, can make life easier for everyone. Allowing the parent to maintain independence and escape when family quarrels flare up.

Where to build the annexe

We have worked with a number of customer’s developing ‘Granny Annexes’ and they have taken various forms. Garages, attics, outbuildings being converted; essentially the ideal solutions is to create a self -contained studio or apartment within the actual house or grounds of the family home.

Planning for your Granny Annexe

It is always advisable to liaise with the planning department of your local authority before finalising designs. Conversions and extensions may be liable for a separate council tax fee, capital gains tax or conversely financial support could well be available for those who will be living with relatives requiring care for a disability.**

Plan ahead. Your now active parent might find some tasks a little trickier as the years tick by and arthritis takes hold. Consider the design of your kitchen. Under-counter appliances can be difficult to access. Control switches and knobs should be in easily reachable locations. Arthritic hands find lever handles easier to manoeuvre than knobs, which require twisting; an induction hob is a popular solution.

10 Design Tips for Designing a Granny Annex

Find granny annexe kitchen ideas in our case study here: https://johnstrand-mk.co.uk/projects/kitchen-for-a-conversion/

If you would like no obligation advice or assistance in the planning of a kitchen for your Granny Annexe send us an e-mail to enquiry@john-strand-mk.co.uk or call 020 8930 6006.

*Tax implications are made a little clearer on the HMRC website, see this link: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/inheritancetax/pass-money-property/pass-home-to-children.htm

**CAB website has some good advice, http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/tax_index_ew/council_tax.htm

The post A guide to designing a granny annexe appeared first on John Strand MK .

MOD – The Brand new range of small kitchens from John Strand

Fri, 26 Jul 2019 14:03:00 GMT

What are MOD kitchens?

Designed and manufactured in the UK, MOD kitchens are the latest offering from long established experts in the field of small kitchen design John Strand. The range includes 4 new models, 3 of which are concealed kitchens. What is a concealed kitchen? I hear you ask. These genius little kitchens actually close away behind doors to hide and conceal the kitchen when not in use. Perfect for meeting rooms, small studio apartments and for being lazy when you don’t want to wash-up. Oh yes people, hide the dirty dishes in the kitchen and hit the sofa and Netflix.

What is different about MOD kitchens to standard units from the high street?

MOD Kitchens have been created by Director Calvin Reeves. Reeves has been celebrated as expert in the field of small kitchens for over 2 decades and has designed countless compact kitchens. The decision to create this new range was born of demands from customers and a desire to update the offerings from John Strand Kitchens.

The MOD range is not only of British design but it is also made by skilled British cabinet makers. Each unit is supplied in pre-built sections and only requires minimal assembly.

Kitchens for small spaces

Bi-fold doors are a game changer when you are trying to fit a kitchen into a small space. Larger cupboard doors can be heavy, cumbersome and difficult to navigate. Bi-fold makes life simple.

Bi-fold half doors

Offering something a little different, the model MOD-BF has bi-folding doors to the top unit only.

Kitchenettes with choice

The MOD range of kitchenettes is available in a selection of 18 colour finishes and measures only 1.2 metres wide.

Choice and options

All of the mod range come with so many options and choices. Dishwashers, hobs and many finishes.

Buy online today

MOD Concealed range

MOD Kitchenette

The post MOD – The Brand new range of small kitchens from John Strand appeared first on John Strand MK .

How to design the perfect home office

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 15:02:00 GMT

How to Design the Perfect Home Office

The popularity of from working from home is on the rise. Even those workers who have permanent employment in a traditional bricks and mortar HQs are being encouraged to ditch the commute and work from home a day or two a week as the practise of ‘hot desking’ increases.

Working from home: great, idyllic even. Stay in your pyjamas, no commute a longer lay in, eat lunch cooked from your own kitchen, listen to the music you love and be productive in this relaxed environment. However, such a relaxed environment isn’t always the most conducive to productivity. There is a lot to be said for having a dedicated work space. The perfect solution, therefore, is to create a work zone within your home, the home office

The 8 most important factors to consider when designing your home office

1. Do you have space?

The majority of British workers do not live in a home in which they are fortunate enough to have such a surplus of space that they can dedicate an entire room as home office. So what are the alternatives? How can we have it all? Extensions and garden rooms are brilliant solutions but will require significant investment. Those with compact homes should look around and really assess how they use each room, the space and where they want to work. Guest rooms, bedrooms, sheds, kitchens, even inside large cupboards, you will be surprised where you can fit in a work space but plan it well.

2. Peace and Quiet

You may have read articles in design publications recommending home working parents set up their work station where they can oversee their children at play. Don’t believe them! Whoever recommends this clearly doesn’t have children and has never tried to concentrate for more than 5 minutes let alone have a telephone call with a child present. We love them to pieces but be they 2 months, 2 years or 10 years, if you are in the room and you try to concentrate/be productive rest assured your child will want your attention; immediately. A place where you can get ‘into the zone’ and focus and take phone calls with privacy is vital. This steers you away from communal areas such as the kitchen or living room.

3. Positivity and Well-being

Often over looked is how the room in which you are working makes you feel. If you decided to tuck yourself away on a desk in the corner of a dark spare room or shove all of your paperwork and laptop on your dressing room table, you’re not valuing the work you are committed to doing. Consider this, when you are office based and receive a promotion you get the best office. Reward yourself, start by finding the space in your home where you want to be, this will increase productivity and importantly happiness and well-being.

4. How much space will you need?

Size will depend on your work. The best way to start is to observe how you work. Spend a day or two working, maybe in your usual office or a larger dining table and then take stock and see how much space you actually used. If you didn’t stray far from your laptop keyboard, a small desk will suffice, if you’re a designer with reference material spread out, you’re obviously going to need a bigger desk and maybe additional storage. It seems such common sense but by actually assessing how you work and then designing your new home work space accordingly could be a game changer in your productivity.

5. Office design

Visit offices and work spaces up and down the UK and you will be met with the familiar sight of beech desks and swivel chairs, carpet tiles and magnolia or white walls. The reasons many offices still look like this largely lie in practicality, cost and somewhat still being stuck in the era in which the buildings were developed. The key to a really lovely home work space is not to design an office. Design a space that appeals to you, do not endeavour to emulate a 1990’s office in an industrial park in Staines.

Dress and style your work space, houseplants, scented candles and artwork will stamp your identity on the area and create a positive environment you can enjoy.

Linking back to well-being, it is very important to ensure your home office suits the work you are doing. This is serious stuff; inadequate lighting and poor posture from inadequate working positions can cause serious health conditions so check out the official information on how to get it right and safe from HSE http://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/assessment.htm

6. Take a seat

Do you need a desk and a swivel chair? Maybe you do but standing desks are gaining popularity for good reasons, so maybe a bar and stool might better suit you r needs. Vintage desks can be found at great prices and work brilliantly whilst also reducing waste.

7. What to do if you don’t have space for a desk

So you have a spare room but are not sure about turning it into your home office as you often have family and friends visit. Then the dilemma arises, how will I fit in a desk and a bed? Multi-functional furniture is your friend. Wall beds with desks, even free standing ones (so if you’re a rental tenant and aren’t allowed screw fixing, no problem) are a great solution. A sofa-bed is often the go to answer for the home office in a spare room but this can be problematic, trying to squeeze a sofa and a desk into a compact bedroom. Wall beds are easy to use, take up minimal space when not being used as a bed and because they are designed for everyday use are really comfortable.

You can conveniently buy these online : Desk / Wall Bed

8. Occasional desks

If your home office is not used every day then an occasional desk might be all you need. These desks have hidden storage so would be perfect for the messy worker who likes to opt for ‘creative filing’. The desk easily drops down when you need to work. See more of these hidden desks with storage here.

The post How to design the perfect home office appeared first on John Strand MK .

Old World Charm with All Mod Cons

Thu, 15 Nov 2018 15:17:00 GMT

"We felt the compactness of the John Strand solution, and the ability to shut it away made it unique."

Tony Barsham

The Granary

The popularity of holidaying in the UK has seen a healthy increase in recent years. The introduction of Airbnb has helped to revolutionise the self-catering holiday rental market and opened up a world of unique, interesting and wonderful places for travellers to find rest and relaxation.

A charming rural escape has been created within a refurbished Granary in West Sussex. The proprietors were looking to offer guests the flexibility to be self-catered but wanted a kitchen that was compact, discreet within the period property and maximised the small space.

After successful installation of a John Strand made-to-measure concealed ‘hideaway’ kitchen we spoke to our clients about the renovation.

Can you tell us about your project?

My wife and I refurbished a ‘granary’ at our home in West Sussex. It is a beautiful ‘timbered’ building with a bedroom, bathroom and large living area. The building is over 300 years old. We are now renting this property out for weekend holiday lets.
To make it a viable holiday let we needed to put in a kitchen facility – but we had very little space. We also wanted something that would be in keeping with the building – hence we came up with the idea of a ‘mini kitchen’ which could be closed away.

Where did you find out about John Strand?
We found John Strand via the internet, and also through an interior designer who had dealt with John Strand previously. t.

What factors made you choose to work with John Strand?

We looked at a solution from Wickes as an alternative. We felt the compactness of the John Strand solution, and the ability to shut it away made it unique. We also liked the choice of finish which allowed us to match it to the surrounds. The pricing was also very competitive with the ‘traditional’ approach.

How would you describe the design and selection process?

Very efficient. My wife and I visited the office in Harrow where we were able to agree on the design. A number of sample finishes were sent to us a few days after at which point we were able to confirm .

How was the delivery and installation process?

A date was agreed at the time of order, and John Strand delivered on that date. We asked a local builder & electrician to fit the unit which took 1 day.

What feedback have you received from your customers?

The kitchen has been used by a number of guests and has been very well received so for!

Finally, would you recommend us? We would most definitely recommend John Strand.

If you fancy an escape to the country you can stay at The Granary, check out their Air BnB page here: The Granary – Airbnb Listing

John Strand could have the perfect kitchen for your next project call us on 020 8930 6006 or e-mail to enquiry@johnstrand-mk.co.uk

The post Old World Charm with All Mod Cons appeared first on John Strand MK .

Dream kitchen in a tiny space

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 10:32:00 GMT

Secrets to success when designing a compact kitchen

Kitchen design is big business. The decision to get a new kitchen is a major life decision and for many one of the biggest investments they will put into their property. The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. A sacred place within which we prepare meals to nourish our bodies and share time with our loved ones to nourish our soul. Little wonder then, that when re-designing a kitchen so much importance is placed on getting it ‘just’ right. Designing a kitchen in a small space creates an even bigger challenge. The list of appliances are there, the desire for appealing aesthetics are there, the only thing missing is the capacity within which to have it all. The key to successful design in a small space places vital emphasis on the brief and the following 5 questions are part of the secret to success:

1. What are the dimensions of your kitchen space?

Seemingly an obvious starter question but when working with tiny spaces you need to think of every restriction. This will include obvious measurements of length, depth and width but also height restrictions and a consideration of access. It is frequently the case that small kitchens are in studio apartments at the top of buildings without lift access or within period and listed properties with small apertures, narrow staircases and wonky walls. You know that motto “measure twice, cut one”. That’s a good motto for small kitchen design.

2. What appliances do you need?
This is a very different question to what do you want ? I want a temperature controlled wine fridge, a proving drawer, a 5 zone induction hob, lovely big double oven…the dream list of ‘wants’ goes on. In reality, many of the dream features that manufacturers promote to solve all of our problems, save time and make our lives a breeze are the product of wonderful marketing and not really utilised on a daily basis. Hobs, think of the last time you had three pots simultaneously on your hob? Yep, thought so, can’t remember. The majority of us have only one or two zones of our hob in action at any one time so actually a domino (2 zone) hob is perfectly sufficientand a great space saver. Apply this thinking to all of your appliances and most can do with far less.

3. Who will be using your kitchen?
Design the kitchen for the user. Fit for purpose is the goal for the perfect small kitchen. If more than one person is likely to be using the kitchen at any one time, plan around this. Consider access to the tea making area and safety spaces around hot cooking areas.

4. How much money do you want to spend?
The skill, experience and technology required to make cabinetry account for the largest costs in kitchen production (second to the appliances). Large budgets can therefore accommodate more sophisticated cabinetry such as solid wood, hand painted bespoke finishes and retractable doors. The more simple the cabinetry the more cost effective the kitchen .

5. What do you want your kitchen to feel like?

The style and look of your kitchen will be governed by the ‘feel’ you hope to evoke. Even the smallest kitchen of just 1.2 metres long can be styled to fit in with a period property with profile edged solid wood doors or contemporary sleek with a high gloss finish and handle-less doors.

The post Dream kitchen in a tiny space appeared first on John Strand MK .

A Kitchen that works for everyone – Work Space Kitchens

Tue, 22 May 2018 10:40:00 GMT

"The efficiency of the design and selection process was excellent. We are very happy with the kitchens. "

Olivia Hutchinson

Silvertown Properties

Hot desking is becoming an increasingly popular practice. It allows small companies and even independent freelancers to enjoy access to high quality workspace that would otherwise be inaccessible. Sharing space is cost effective and also has all the benefits of networking and shared knowledge.

Property developers Silvertown were developing just such a space, when they needed kitchens for shared communal office space in Great Sutton Street, London. They came to John Strand and we created made-to-measure kitchens.

Located in the heart of London this work space will have a dynamic appeal. The kitchens needed to serve as a communal tea, coffee and meal preparation area for workers.

The minimalistic design was selected to reflect the contemporary design of the space with its hardwood floors, whitewashed walls and exposed brickwork. Olivia Hutchinson from Silvertown Properties commented: “ The efficiency of the design and selection process was excellent. We are very happy with the kitchen. The delivery and installation was good and we would recommend John Strand. ”

Do you need a kitchen for your office or workspace?

Maybe you can’t find what you need so made-to measure might be for you.

Call us today and we talk through options for your kitchen design 020 8930 6006.

The post A Kitchen that works for everyone – Work Space Kitchens appeared first on John Strand MK .

Mini Kitchens in Micro Flats

Tue, 17 Apr 2018 11:58:00 GMT

"The installation is very good and excellent end product. "

Laura Encinas

Studio Find

The property market in London is a tough place.

Every year demand continues to outstrip supply. One solution that is gaining popularity is to think micro. Different to the average studio apartment, the micro flat does not scrimp on style, storage or design but harnesses the best of architecture and creativity to create spaces that are Alice-in-wonderland-esque. John Strand supplied made-to-measure kitchens on just such a development of micro-flats working with Studio Find, an architectural and design studio founded in 2016 by Laura Encinas.

The London based studio is focused on understanding how constant social, economic and cultural changes impact the way we interact and behave within internal spaces, placing importance on a sense of positive responses from the users. Consequently, well-being was the studio’s priority when developing design concepts. The result was a development of innovative apartments with functional solutions and added value to the project

The property consists of a four-storey terraced house with back garden. The house has eleven rooms that were offered as studios before the client acquired the property. Seed Property Consultants Ltd wished to convert the property in a new living concept according to the current strong rental demand in London and the changing market conditions. Monitoring a new trend in recent years of the rise in rents in London, housing crisis and changes in the way people lives in big cities, micro flats seem to become the solution to address these needs. The brief established a design that would offer serviced accommodation of high quality standards with a ‘homey’ atmosphere, maximising the space of each room and integrating smart technologies within the design. The new serviced apartments include shower room and kitchenette facilities but the property also offer shared communal spaces.

We spoke with principal architect Laura Encinas about the project and her experience working with John Strand.

How efficient do you feel the design and selection process was?

Excellent! Once we decided to go with John-strand for the kitchenettes supply, the process was very straight forward. Calvin showed the available product range and how this could be easily adapted to the design. The interior proposal of each apartment follows a very compact solution, so it was very important that the kitchenettes would perform accordingly. We were after good quality but affordable, so John-strand kitchenettes fitted well with these requirements and budget.

How did you find the delivery procedure and ease of installation of the kitchens?

The delivery was very straight forward. The team issued final design drawings and specifications very quickly, therefore helped in the purchasing process. The installation is very good and excellent end product.

What did you think of our kitchens overall?

John-strand offers a good range of products and accessories. This helps to finds the best solution to fit within the budget. The product is very good and John-strand team offered an excellent customer service.

Would you recommend John Strand MK?

Yes. Very good quality, many options and bespoke solutions and excellent customer service.

The post Mini Kitchens in Micro Flats appeared first on John Strand MK .

Wild About Mini Kitchens

Thu, 12 Apr 2018 13:02:00 GMT

"Our overall experience with John Strand has been excellent. "

Belinda Fairhurst

The Camping and Caravanning Club

Imagine the scene. The sun is setting in an amber sky after a day exploring the beauty of nature and the wonder of the local wildlife. You are sitting on the deck of your safari tent overlooking the verdant hills of the forest beyond. Camping in the wild but wait, there’s no need to board a plane because the wonder of the safari is now available right here in the UK thanks to Ready Camp. Not only can you have the fun of staying in a safari tent but there’s no need to worry about lighting the camping stove as John Strand Kitchens have teamed up with The Camping and Caravanning club to fit-out their ‘glamping’ safari tents with their own kitchenettes.

The Camping and Caravanning Club established in 1901 is the world’s oldest and largest Club for all forms of camping. Their aim is to help people enjoy the simple pleasures that camping can bring. As a not-for-profit organisation, every penny spent with the Club is invested back into improving facilities and services for its members.

In a bid to ensure members were being offered a range of options they decided to introduce glamping tents to their network of campsites. The safari tents offer a camping experience in a spacious canvas tent all without the need to pitch-up. In order to offer a true ‘glamping’ experience a kitchen was required that would be free-standing, easy to maintain and compact in size. After online research and looking at other kitchen suppliers The Caravanning and Camping Club found John Strand’s bespoke ‘made-to-measure’ option would provide everything they needed.

Belinda Fairhurst, Site Operations and Business Development Manager commented on working with John Strand and using their kitchens for the project:

“ The design and selection process was excellent.
Delivery and ease of installation has been very straight forward. Our overall experience with John Strand has been excellent. We initially had a few issues with the microwave which John Strand quickly resolved for us.
They also helped when we had a slight design tweak, ensuring we now have over 200 quality identical kitchens in all our Ready Camp Tents. From our first meeting in Harrow, communication has been excellent and a good understanding of what we were trying to achieve with our bespoke kitchen.”

To find out more about the Ready Camp Glamping Safari tents visit: https://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk/readycamp/ .

If you have a project which you feel would suit a bespoke kitchen give us a call: 020 8930 6006 or e-mail us: enquiry@johnstrand-mk.co.uk

The post Wild About Mini Kitchens appeared first on John Strand MK .

A Kitchen that’s a little bit different – unique kitchen design

Tue, 23 Jan 2018 11:02:00 GMT

A Kitchen for a church

Our clients vary greatly. We have worked with large scale developers for new-build residential blocks for private dwellings and student accommodations, our kitchens have also been used in safari tents, hotels, staff-rooms and even Buckingham Palace. A very diverse mix of uses!

The common features requested by many of our clients’, to create a kitchen in which to prepare food and drinks but maybe not always a main meal and having restricted space within which to build their kitchen.

In such situations standard configurations of kitchen cabinets will not be suitable to optimise the space. We work with our clients to find out what they want to use the kitchen for, who will be using the kitchen and how, this we believe, is the basis of excellent kitchen design.

We have worked with several churches to date and it’s a great challenge.

This kitchen needed to fit in with the surrounded architecture, use of wood and not look like a kitchen when not in use, effectively, a kitchen in diguise.

The kitchen pictured in the church below is used by lots of different groups but two of the key requirements: that it would be suitable for making hot drinks and as a preparation and work area for preparing the church’s floral display. An additional storage unit was designed with castors to create a flexible work space.

Thinking outside the box for kitchen design

It can be difficult to find the perfect kitchen when you have a limited space a particular requirement so why not give us a call to see if we can help you create your unique kitchen.

The post A Kitchen that’s a little bit different – unique kitchen design appeared first on John Strand MK .

It’s all about the space…no trouble!

Thu, 09 Nov 2017 13:45:00 GMT

"The design and selection process was excellent… "

Anne

The kitchen is at the heart of the home. We cook meals with love, we wash up and above all we get things done. There is no doubt about the important role the kitchen serves but as one of the most frequently used spaces which must be, above all else, practical and functional is it feasible to squeeze it into a small space or even to disguise it? The answer is a resounding yes.

Water supply, waste, electrical supply, cooking facilities, storage and refrigeration. It all adds up but with considered design and selection of suitable appliances is it possible to meet the demands of a working kitchen in a limited space.

A recent project completed by John Strand and delivered a ‘big’ kitchen in a small space. An American client needed a kitchen for their ‘vacation’ home in London. The kitchen would be situated in the basement under an existing mews house. As a holiday home the projects’ budget and timescale were flexible. John Strand was recommended to the client by their architect and working directly together it was decided that a bespoke kitchen would be the most suitable option.

John Strand’s in-house design team relish the challenge of a compact kitchen design. In this case a concealed kitchen with panelled retractable bi-fold doors. After initial meetings with the client, first draft designs were produced and after further conversations and consultations the final design was produced.

Client’s thoughts

Anne gave us some feedback…

“… The design and selection process was excellent … Calvin Reeves was very patient in describing all the options and helping us through the selection process. Our carpenters were easily able to assemble the kitchen. Our overall experience was excellent. Calvin was just terrific. There was a small problem with a retracting door mechanism and Calvin came for a home visit with a fitter from the factory. It is rare to see a company stand behind its product in such a way. The overall design looks quite attractive. I felt like I could really customize the kitchen to get exactly what I wanted. I would absolutely recommend John Strand.”

November 2017.

If you have a project which you feel would suit a bespoke kitchen give us a call: 020 8930 6006 or e-mail us: enquiry@johnstrand-mk.co.uk

The post It’s all about the space…no trouble! appeared first on John Strand MK .

Kitchen for a Conversion

Tue, 19 Sep 2017 14:10:00 GMT

"...with the help of John Strand we got exactly what we wanted"

Helen

John Strand kitchens are small, practical and affordable. These qualities make them a popular choice for contractors and large scale developments. We know that small kitchens are required for many different uses beyond the trade contracts we regularly deliver on and so we are proud to be able sell our products online and work directly with clients when they need a kitchen but the standard ‘off-the-peg” selection just doesn’t fit the bill.

We recently had the pleasure of working with just such a client. Helen is private home owner and has undertaken a conversion from an existing en-suite set up which comprised of an interconnecting bedroom, study and bathroom/toilet, to make a self-contained independent living space. The new space required acoustic insulation from the rest of the house, with its own separate exterior staircase and entrance. The project needed to be completed within 12 months and part of the design required a new kitchen. The finished product is a stylish bespoke kitchenette. The kitchen boasts soft close matt cream coloured doors, stainless steel worktop and upstands, combination microwave oven, LED counter lighting, ducted extractor, refrigerator and induction hob, all in a space under 1800mm wide. Helen’s clever use of built in storage and tasteful soft furnishings in a neutral palette has resulted in cohesive space with a real sense of flow that looks fantastic.

Client’s thoughts

Helen gave us some feedback…

“The design and selection process was excellent. The delivery process was straight forward and we encountered no difficulties installing. We felt the lighting above the unit was too bright and not in keeping with the lights in the rest of the room. This was quickly remedied by John Strand (Calvin) exchanging it for a set of “warmer” lights… Overall we are delighted with our mini kitchen, and John Strand have been fully engaged with our project from start to finish. We had to fit a mini kitchen, with all the mod-cons, into a particular space. With the help of John Strand we got exactly what we wanted.”

September 2017.

If you would like to find out more about a bespoke kitchen
call: 020 8930 6006 or e-mail us: enquiry@johnstrand-mk.co.uk

The post Kitchen for a Conversion appeared first on John Strand MK .

Small style tips for a cosy Autumn space

Wed, 30 Aug 2017 09:51:00 GMT

The post Small style tips for a cosy Autumn space appeared first on John Strand MK .

Wonder wall…beds

Wed, 14 Jun 2017 10:27:00 GMT

Save space put your bed in the wall! Common sense dictates that in a bedroom the bed occupies the lion’s share of the floor space. A lovely, big comfy bed and squishy cushions to collapse on and drift into a slumber at the end of a hard days work. It’s idyllic. Alas diving into a luxurious bed can be somewhat hampered when you have to shuffle like a penguin practising pliés but this is so often the case as new homes are increasingly built to much smaller scales.

As room sizes shrink a wall-bed becomes not just a seriously viable option but a seriously good idea. In addition to generally smaller residences many people are having to re-design for single room living also known as studio apartments or bedsits. Wall beds offer a practical solution.

Why choose a wall bed?
The most frequently heard concerns regarding wall beds relate to ease of use, comfort and practicality for everyday use.
Unlike sofa beds, which can be clunky and lumpy to say the least; wall beds are a real bed, with a slatted base and real mattress. A wall bed is comfortable.

Ease of use is at the heart of the design. The bed lowers from the wall with a simple lever handle and gas pistons slowly release and the lowers the bed into position. Closing the bed is just as simple with straps and even space to leave slim cushions and bedding in place, and close it all away. There’s no fear of the bed dropping on you because the gas pistons take the weight of the mattress and bed base and equally there is no fear getting trapped in the bed.

Isn’t having to open and close a wall bed every day a total pain?
Our wall-beds are designed for reptetive every day use. It is true, you will have to open and close the bed everyday but it literally takes seconds. No head scratching and muffled swearing as you try to phathom just how the mattress folds back into itself like you have to with sofa beds. Just push and click . Then, enjoy the extra floorspace!

If you have any questions or would like to receive some samples please call 020 8930 6006 or e-mail to enquiry@johnstrand-mk.co.uk

The post Wonder wall…beds appeared first on John Strand MK .

5 Simple Solutions for Small Kitchens

Wed, 05 Apr 2017 10:49:00 GMT

1. Keep it simple
Yes, it seems like common sense to pare down, be streamlined and de-clutter but these all become essential when space is at a premium.Tidiness is next godliness and when a kitchen space is restricted, less is more.

2. Some like it hot – cooking

Think about how often you cook on our hob. OK, now try to remember a time you used 4 rings of the hob? Or even 3 rings? Domino hobs save so much space and are often all you need. Now apply that thought process to all of the cooking that will take place in the kitchen. Do you need a full size oven? Maybe a combination microwave will be enough? Or even just a standard microwave.

3. Take down the wall
It is often the case that tiny kitchens are formed within apartments by partitioning a very small room with a stud wall. If the kitchen is re-designed to occupy just a small section of a larger room it frees up lots of space. It doesn’t have to be a big open plan affair, smart ‘hideaway’ concealed kitchens do a great job.

4. Build it in
Don’t let the conventional sizes set by kitchen manufactures dictate where and where you shouldn’t have a kitchen. Bespoke solutions and clever cabinetry mean cabinets and storage can be created in all sorts of nooks and crannies.

5. Hang it up
Shelves and rails are another simple but brilliant way to have tidy storage in a tiny kitchen.

The post 5 Simple Solutions for Small Kitchens appeared first on John Strand MK .

A Bespoke Kitchen to Inspire Bright Ideas

Wed, 22 Mar 2017 09:49:00 GMT

"The kitchen blends in well with the space perfectly. "

Paul Shoosmith, Director

Enigma Lighing

Enigma Lighting is one of the leading lighting suppliers in Europe. Their clients include major retailers, hotels and shopping centres across the UK and Europe, optimising the latest lighting technology with modern design and high quality project management. Enigma’s new design studio in Manchester serves as their showroom. The studio showcases their range and provides an inspirational space for clients to meet with project managers and kick start the design process.

Paul Shoosmith, Director at Engima needed a kitchen for the staff and clients to enjoy refreshments from. The brief was for the kitchen to reflect the contemporary design of the showroom and John Strand were selected to supply a bespoke solution kitchen. Paul talked to us about the project.

Can you tell us about your new showroom?
The showroom was a new build from the shell of an existing unit. It is an important space to showcase our products and for designers to meet with clients.

How long did the project take to complete?
The project was 4 months from start to finish.

How did you find out about John Strand?
We were recommended by Day2 interiors. We wanted to establish a relationship with someone via a recommendation. It worked!

What was the appeal of a bespoke kitchen from John Strand?
We liked the simplicity and finish of the products.

How would you describe working with John Strand from the design stage to delivery?
Very quick and easy. Delivery was made the day before install and a recommended local contractor fitted.

What do you think of the finished kitchen?
The simplicity was key. The kitchen blends in well with the space perfectly.

Would you recommend John Strand MK and if so, why?
Yes for service, price and lead time.

If you would like to find out more about Enigma Lighting call 01420 473 889 or visit their website: www. enigmalighting.com

The post A Bespoke Kitchen to Inspire Bright Ideas appeared first on John Strand MK .

What is a concealed kitchen?

Tue, 17 Jan 2017 14:11:00 GMT

We have been making and selling kitchens for small spaces for a long, long time, so long in fact that we feel comfortable to call ourselves ‘expert’ in the field. An early design development was from the ‘mini kitchen’, which is solely a base unit, to the hideaway kitchen. ‘ Hideaway kitchen’ is the name they have always been given but then it dawned on us, do our customers (and potential customers) understand what a hideaway kitchen is?

Simply put, a hideaway kitchen has a top unit with doors which can be shut to conceal the workings of the kitchen so thus hiding it away ! Other names for these kitchens include ‘kitchen in a cupboard’ and ‘concealed kitchen’ or the ‘peek-a-boo’ kitchen – not really, we just made the last one up. We refer them to as concealed kitchens these days to avoid confusion.
All pretty straight forward stuff. Simple but great, especially if you need a kitchen in a studio apartment or meeting room.

Focusing on the design, the questions we most commonly get asked relate to safety.
Can the hob be this close to the sink and is it safe to have doors?
Safety is, as it should be, at the top of the list. Sinks must always be positioned with 300mm space between the hob and or any sockets, and the doors can be fitted with power supply cut-out and / or the hob is fitted with a safety timer so will cut out after a set time.

Concealed kitchens are increasing in popularity every year and when you consider the combination of style, function and suitability for small or multi-use areas it just makes sense.

The post What is a concealed kitchen? appeared first on John Strand MK .

Mini Kitchens for Tiny Houses

Wed, 05 Oct 2016 09:49:00 GMT

"I would recommend John Strand, in fact I already have done …"

Mark Burton

Tiny House ® UK

The ‘Tiny House’ movement has been gaining popularity in the USA over the last few years and now this concept in simple, small space living has hit our shores in the UK.

Quite simply, it involves exactly what it says on the tin, living in a tiny house with style and mod-cons but without excess. In essence, it’s all about quality not quantity. Aside from affordability this way of life has positive benefits on the environment and those who reside in Tiny houses boast about the positive changes living this way has on mental well-being.

Leading the way in the Tiny House movement, Mark Burton from Tiny House ® UK selected the John Strand MK mini kitchen to use in a Tiny House exhibited at The Glamping Show in September this year.

Can you tell us about Tiny House UK?
“We have 2 parts to our business, mobile Tiny House’s and Static Tiny House Cabins. All of which are used as extra space or accommodation. Our cabins are built like a loft conversion and are expected to last the same timescale as well as oooz charm and character.”

What is included in a Tiny House?
“All our cabins are custom built to order; no cabin is the same which makes our service more personal to the customer.

How did you first find out about mini kitchens?
“We found John Strand on Google.”

Have you always used specialist mini kitchens?
“We used to install standard kitchens from a well-known trade supplier but found the John Strand self-contained mini kitchen suitable for our cabins and quicker to install.”

What did you think of the John Strand mini kitchen?
“ We used the standard, basic model. The order system is very easy, not too complicated at all.
Delivery was swift, it took approximately 15 minutes to install and connections were self-explanatory”

Where has your mini kitchen been used, and how has it been received?
“The kitchen is very simple to use, we exhibited our cabin at “The Glamping Show” and lots of visitors commented on the kitchen and wanted contact details.”

What are your overall impressions on John Strand?
“I would recommend John Strand, in fact I already have done at ‘The Glamping Show’.

Find out more about Tiny Houses ® UK online at http://www.tinyhouseuk.co.uk and www.tinyhousecabins.co.uk

The post Mini Kitchens for Tiny Houses appeared first on John Strand MK .

Small Space Ideas: our first blog post

Tue, 31 May 2016 13:11:00 GMT

Hello!

Welcome to our first ever blog!

In this section ‘ Small Space Ideas ’ we (that’s the team in the office at John Strand) will aim to bring some of the tips, tricks and stories that we have picked up over the years of working on small space projects.

We know the challenge presented in designing compact interiors in the UK is becoming more widespread; from new build developers with tiny studios apartments to those in 16th century cottages . Small spaces can seem almost impossible but we like to see the positive opportunities and love a design challenge.

We would love to hear from customers / followers so please feel free to comment, ask questions and share photos.

Watch this space…

The John Strand Team

The post Small Space Ideas: our first blog post appeared first on John Strand MK .

Student Accommodation – College House, Birmingham

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 14:37:00 GMT

“... our experience with John Strand has been excellent."

James Homer

Director, City Student

The demands for student accommodation are still increasing and developers ‘City Student’ has been meeting some of those demands by creating accommodation at College House, in Birmingham

This development involved refurbishing a 24,000 ft2. B1 office with change of use into a student residence. The planning consent was granted in March 2013 for 90 en-suite studio apartments, complete with communal areas and launderette. The building costs were circa. £2million with works commencing shortly after planning was granted in April 2013. The programme was extremely tight to ensure completion in time for the 2013/2014 September student in-tact.

Sales Director at John Strand, Calvin Reeves was responsible for overseeing the project supplying and installing 90 kitchens.

We asked Director of City Student James Homer some questions about why, after researching competitors in the student accommodation kitchen market, he selected John Strand and how he found working with us:

Why did you decide to use John Strand kitchens for this project?
“We chose the 1200mm and 1500mm kitchenettes, as well as a dining table and chair. John Strand had a good range at a competitive price, and a track record of similar projects which was very important. Crucially though, Calvin instilled confidence in us that John Strand were fully capable of delivering within the relatively short timescale”.

How efficient do you think the design and selection process was?
“Extremely. I visited the showroom once earlier in the year, and was shown a number of different options from which I chose the most suitable solution. Calvin was always on hand to advise on any design issues

Please describe the delivery procedure and ease of installation of the kitchens?
“The kitchens and furniture were all scheduled for delivery and installation via our building contractor. I understand that the process was very efficient and professionally handled.”

Would you recommend John Strand and if so, why?
“Without question. From the initial contact with Calvin, right through to the installation of the final dining chair, our experience with John Strand has been excellent. Lines of communication were always open for any queries, and any amendments or minor errors were dealt with swiftly and efficiently. Many thanks to Calvin – he made the whole process painless, I won’t hesitate to call him again for our next job.”

The post Student Accommodation – College House, Birmingham appeared first on John Strand MK .

Student Accommodation – University of Exeter

Tue, 09 Feb 2016 12:51:00 GMT

“Input from John Strand was excellent. Deliveries were as agreed schedules and they were flexible in absorbing changes due to site restraints."

Joe Watt

Cowlin, Senior Project Manager

The need for good quality student housing is an ever present situation across the country and one which certainly applied to the University of Exeter with a student population of 17,950. In 2010 Cowlin Construction were awarded the contract to build a new facility and they approached John Strand MK to provide kitchens for the new INTO centre at Exeter.

Cowlin Construction (which is a Balfour Beatty company) discovered John Strand MK Limited on their group database and with INTO liaised with Sales Director, Calvin Reeves in the decision making process to develop the design schemes. The final project went to commercial tender and John Strand MK were the successful bidder. Their decision was based on the look and versatility of the kitchens and service.

The project, which had a budget of £20 million and a 65 week timescale, incorporated kitchens over 2 floors. This was a new build development with a brief that demanded high quality for overseas students which would work well within a studio setting and some kitchens for shared communal use.

Calvin commented on securing the contract: “Of course price is important, more in today’s economic climate, than ever before. But we are quite unique at John Strand; we have a very flexible approach and strive to fulfil the design requirements within the price range, normally within smaller than standard spaces. We use UK cabinet makers so we monitor the manufacturing process and can offer clients literally hundreds of finishes to choose from. Where multiple units are required the decision making process is imperative, get it right to begin with save a lot of headaches later on. To assist with this, we provided a sample kitchen for a ‘mock up’ room. This ensured the perfect colour could be matched and any modifications made before commencing the manufacturing process.”

In total John Strand supplied 195 kitchens comprising of 160 studio kitchens, 34 communal kitchens and 1 accessible communal kitchen. The programme started in September 2010 and a delivery schedule was planned with a document tracking procedure set up to coordinate phased deliveries to site. On a large scale project such as this, organisation is paramount especially when working around other trades on-site.

The post Student Accommodation – University of Exeter appeared first on John Strand MK .

Holiday and Leisure – The Farmyard Retreat

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 17:08:00 GMT

"The whole process was fantastic. Calvin was extremely helpful in all aspects, especially after-sales..."

Gemma Snell

The Farmyard Retreat

The acronym ‘B & B’ is synonymous with a certain type of accommodation and hospitality; one might evoke an image involving acres of floral wall paper, musty curtains, lumpy beds and soggy toast. They may be cheap but they are not always quite so cheerful. Then The Farmyard Retreat was opened, the brainchild of the Snell family, which offers the bed and the breakfast but with the style and service of a five star hotel.

Gemma Snell and her family have been farming the Somerset countryside for five generations, in addition to rearing organic beef their farm is now also a luxury retreat.

The Farmyard is comprised from a collection of converted barns including stables and the old dairy, which is now Francis House. The Retreat was carefully designed by Gemma into a selection of tasteful and contemporary self contained holiday apartments.

The apartments offer privacy and seclusion for guests to relax in but it is in the clever design and use of space that the The Farmyard’s concept really excels.

Each apartment boasts a large entrance hall, which leads to the sitting room and a hidden compact kitchen, which in turn opens out onto the patio. Large picture windows allow natural light to flood in and the guests’ eyes to look out and explore views of the lake and the beautiful rolling hills beyond.

John Strand’s innovative products were selected by Gemma to compliment the modern design with Hideaway Kitchens from the Italian range. The kitchen neatly folds away to maximise all available space but still provides every facility you would expect to find in a much larger kitchen.

Director, Calvin Reeves, was on hand throughout the process to offer advice on utilising the space and ultimately ensure the kitchen met all the requirements of the project.

See more of the interior at The Farmyard retreat’s website.

The post Holiday and Leisure – The Farmyard Retreat appeared first on John Strand MK .

Apart-hotel – My Edinburgh Life

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 16:58:00 GMT

"We selected Hideaway Kitchens and these fulfilled the functional specifications and also the quality that the project demanded…"

Peter Cannell

My Edinburgh Life

Nestled in the West End of Edinburgh city centre is a sanctuary to weary travellers and a temporary home from home for short term tenants. ‘My Edinburgh Life’ is a project undertaken by owner Peter Cannell, which reflects the British preference for private space by combining hotel luxury with the comforts and convenience of home.

The four storey Victorian Town House underwent a six month major renovation with a budget of £350,000.00. The result is outstanding and achieves the goal of marrying the design principles and quality of an upmarket hotel with a homely feel to provide accommodation for tourists, business visitors and longer term visitors such as students.

The design was inspired by the My Edinburgh Life philosophy:”Peace, sophistication, comfort and modern appliances in stylish spaces, where guests can study, work, relax and socialise.” There are a total of 13 rooms available to guests, of which 6 are studio apartments. Rooms and studios aim to offer a peaceful base to live soundly and sleep well for the full academic term, a monthly contract or just for few nights.

In order to offer a home from home with luxury experience various elements were carefully considered. All of the rooms have access to a shared kitchen and living room, furnished with a TV and social area. The garden was landscaped to provide a delightful setting for outdoor relaxation. The decision to include a kitchenette within the design of the studios was taken to attract those guests who would be staying for longer periods.

Peter Cannell was responsible for sourcing the kitchenettes and after some initial research discovered that John Strand MK could provide the perfect solution: “We selected Hideaway Kitchens and these fulfilled the functional specifications and also the quality that the project demanded…”

The Hideaway kitchen is manufactured by Electrolux exclusively for John Strand. The kitchen boasts a 120 litre refrigerator with ice box, sink and drainer, ample storage, shelving and microwave oven all within a 1200mm wide unit; all of this can all be hidden away behind closed doors. The Hideaway is often selected for single room living and proved ideal for this situation. It offers everything one might need to cook as if in their kitchen at home or indeed, just make a cup of tea.

To fit elegantly with the ‘hotel chic’ style options selected for this project included black and burgundy gloss finishes for the doors and stainless steel accents with the backboard, ‘T’ bar handle, combination microwave and ceramic hob. A wooden chopping board which fits over the sink provides additional work top space. Peter Cannell, owner remarked: “We also used some (John Strand MK) doors on our own fitted wardrobes in order to enhance the design integrity of the rooms…. After 6 months the kitchens seem to be performing and still look good.”

Calvin Reeves was appointed project manager for this development and worked closely with Peter to ensure the overall look and design brief was accomplished. John Strand MK has excellent relationships with UK based cabinet makers and combined with 30 years of experience within furniture design are uniquely placed to offer clients a bespoke service.

The post Apart-hotel – My Edinburgh Life appeared first on John Strand MK .

New Build Development Apartments – Buckminster Homes

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 15:58:00 GMT

Ashley Gate is a luxurious and stylish development comprising of six versatile studio units...

Buckminster Homes specialise in developing property; their team boasts an impressive 120 years cumulative experience in the industry and by working closely with expert teams of designers, architects and planners Buckminster pride themselves on transforming old Brownfield sites into desirable places to live.

A recent such development at Ashley Gate, Walton on Thames has proved extremely successful with 100% being reserved off plan within seven days of release. Demonstrating the demand for high quality, well designed and realistically priced new‐build developments.

Ashley Gate is a luxurious and stylish development comprising of six versatile studio units and three one bedroom apartments. This beautifully bold architectural statement, with a sweeping curved façade in a contemporary take on the Art Deco style, further compliments the prominent corner location.

The studios feature the practical yet stylish Italian Designer Hideaway kitchen and the cleverly designed Smartbed, which is a sofa and a bed, without being a sofa bed! John Strand Ltd. worked closely with Buckminster Homes to maximise the studio space and select products that would appeal to the target market of young professionals.

Commenting on the success of this development, June Morgan, Senior New Homes Client Manager said: “I always believed that Ashley Gate would be hugely successful as the end product perfectly matches the lifestyle needs of the many young professionals who are increasingly drawn to Walton on Thames thanks to its recent regeneration and the speedy transport links into London…”

Overall size of kitchen:
2334W x 602D x 1980H

The post New Build Development Apartments – Buckminster Homes appeared first on John Strand MK .

Studio apartments – Hurdwick Place

Wed, 03 Feb 2016 15:27:00 GMT

The space is compact but with intelligent use of design the apartment has a feeling of freedom...

Young professionals in London need a haven, a home, somewhere to relax after a hectic day in the office but finding the perfect bolt-hole can be a daunting task. Fear not the dreaded ‘bedsit’ because Nice Group are here to help with their latest development of ‘Nice pads’. Realising there is a definite need for apartments which offer modern designer living in the heart of London without the heady price-tag one so often associates with this.

Hurdwick Place is a development of 17 luxury studio apartments situated in the popular hub of North West London just a moment’s walk from Mornington Crescent tube. The project undertaken by experienced developers Nice Group has transformed a tired and worn out building into desirable studio’s; ideal crash pads for young professionals.

Warm dark wood floors welcome you as you walk in. The space is compact but with intelligent use of design the apartment has a feeling of freedom, as the sunlight floods in through the original sash windows. Nice Pad’s demonstrate classic style choices and will prove practical for their occupants. Aiming to provide their residents with a comfortable home to live in rather than just place to stay.

The apartments’ potential is realised by the use of functional furniture; John Strand’s British made ‘Superior ‘range of kitchens in white gloss and very clever Italian ‘Smartbeds’. John Strand Ltd has been providing compact living solutions for over 30 years so were an ideal choice to give design advice and supply the key pieces of furniture.

The kitchen includes sink and drainer, integrated refrigerator, washer/dryer, combination microwave and essential in any small space, storage. The Superior range is available in a variety of finishes; white gloss was selected with a slate effect worktop for its contemporary feel and to coordinate with the colour scheme.

The Dile Smartbed quite brilliantly converts from sofa into a comfortable double bed. Unlike most conventional sofa-beds the Smartbed is very simple to operate and even includes storage for bedding to make it practical for everyday use.

Together the use of the John Strand Smartbed and Superior kitchen has helped to accomplish the aim of the Nice Pad’s, which already have a queue of tenants waiting to move in.

The post Studio apartments – Hurdwick Place appeared first on John Strand MK .

Student Accommodation – Whole Room Solutions for Unite

Tue, 02 Feb 2016 14:38:00 GMT

“The client is delighted with the final scheme, and the project has gone extremely well, delivered on time and to budget. “

John Horgan

Mansell, Senior Project Manager

Affordable and stylish accommodation in central London is rare, if not impossible to find. For students and those making their break in the big city whether studying as post-graduates, undertaking internships or just starting out in their career, finding centrally located apartments is a privilege only a few can afford.

Unite Group has set out to change this as can be seen in their developments at Canto Court (close to Old Street), Kirby Street and Woburn Place; London addresses with residences that would normally command a price far beyond the budgets of most graduates. However, Unite has made these central, exclusive and desirable postcodes into developments of stylish apartments and studios which offer the perfect home to students and graduates.

Unite are the largest providers of student accommodation in the UK; established for over 15 years they home over 36,700 students in 126 properties across 23 towns and cities in the UK. Their pedigree in student housing means they are the experts in understanding the needs of students and young professionals, and have created developments which combine high standards of accommodation, service and security.

John Strand were selected jointly by Unite Group and appointed contractors Mansell to provide their expertise in compact living and were responsible for supplying 150 kitchens and wall-beds at Canto Court, 125 kitchens and wall-beds with bedside storage units at Kirby Street and 300 kitchens at Woburn Place.

The brief demanded furniture that would optimise single room living for the target occupant with all of the necessary facilities and to work within the design criteria, budget and time-scale of the developments.

Sales Director Calvin Reeves, worked closely with the team to ensure that the perfect products were selected. After consideration and consultation the Italian Hideaway and Dile Smart-beds were chosen to work in combination. The hideaway is produced in Italy exclusively for John Strand. The kitchens are modular meaning vital time and money can be saved on installation but John Strand were able to provide bespoke elements to ensure the kitchens met all of the design specification. This meant including a washer/dryer within the design and also finding the perfect match for the red doors; working closely with manufacturers John Strand were able to provide flexibility for such options and changes to the style of the kitchen.

The Dile Smartbed was the perfect solution for the limited space. The bed neatly folds away into its wall cavity with a comfortable and contemporary sofa available when the bed is not in use. The mechanism is easy to use and its durable design suitable for everyday use. Unlike other wall-beds or sofa-beds the sofa is a separate element so there are no bulky cushions to store when using the bed and conversely when the bed is folded up there is handy storage for the bedding within the cavity of the sofa. The development at Kirby Street required some additional bedside storage which is where John Strand was able to use their expertise and excellent links with manufacturers to design storage furniture which would complement the design and optimise the space.

The post Student Accommodation – Whole Room Solutions for Unite appeared first on John Strand MK .

Holiday & Leisure – Shepherd’s Hut

Fri, 11 Dec 2015 08:51:00 GMT

The Shepherds Hut Company transforms traditional huts which were used by shepherds tending their flocks on the hills in the 19 ^th century into fabulous self-contained accommodation on wheels! They are full of rustic charm but with all mod-cons.

The MK18 mini kitchen from John Strand was chosen because it provides everything you need from a kitchen in the tiniest of spaces. The kitchen is pre-built which is ideal as it minimises installation time on site, an important feature when space to work within is restricted.

To find out more about these lovely huts visit their website
www.shepherd-hut.co.uk

The post Holiday & Leisure – Shepherd’s Hut appeared first on John Strand MK .

Retirement Home – Superior Senior Living

Thu, 13 Aug 2015 10:00:00 GMT

“Ken (Ken Waterhouse, MD of Shelbourne) said he wanted to create a five-star, but I think he has delivered a seven-star project”.

Michael O’Flynn

O’Flynn Group Chairman

Luxury retirement complex featuring a space saving kitchenette from John Strand

This luxury retirement complex in the beautiful setting of the New Forest has set new standards for top-end assisted living. Opened in September 2008, the current complex was built on the site of the former Sway Place nursing home and is the first assisted living project to be built by Shelbourne, a subsidiary of the O’Flynn Group.

John Strand provided kitchen design and advice on the installation. The brief demanded kitchens which would work well within a small space, not intrude into the apartment’s open plan living space and offer a practical and appealing design. After some consultation the ‘Designer’ range Kitchenette was selected. The oak finish was chosen to compliment the interior scheme.

The kitchen, which is manufactured exclusively for John Strand is delivered as a complete unit, this means minimal installation on site and so reducing the need for a lengthy and labour intensive fitting process.

Bespoke ‘Designer’ Oven-Combi Kitchen in oak finish with granite effect worktop. Dimensions—w2170mm, d600mm, h2000mm.

O’Flynn Group chairman Michael O’Flynn commented on the project:

“Ken (Ken Waterhouse, MD of Shelbourne] said he wanted to create a five-star, but I think he has delivered a seven-star project. The exemplary quality of the design and workmanship in the development is a key part of its seven-star finish.
John Strand were invited to provide advice on the installation of kitchens. They needed to work within a small space, not intrude into the apartment’s living space and offer a practical and appealing design. After some consultation the ‘Designer’ range Kitchenette was selected. The oak finish was chosen to compliment the palette of the interiors.”

If you’re retirement project needs a kitchen, give us a call to find out how our kitchens can make your project a success 020 8930 6006.

The post Retirement Home – Superior Senior Living appeared first on John Strand MK .

Bespoke kitchen – Stylish Studio Apartment

Mon, 10 Aug 2015 10:03:00 GMT

"Good value for money, design expertise and advice from John Strand was paramount to selecting the right product"

Lucie Bridge

Loates-Taylor Shannon Architects

In 2010 Loates-Taylor Shannon architects were set the task of renovating a 1930’s apartment in London’s Russell Court. The total project budget was approximately £50,000.00 with a timescale of 8-10 weeks and, as is the case with a large amount of London properties, space was not on their side.

Lucie Bridge, Interior Designer for LTS began to research furniture and design solutions and discovered John Strand MK could help create much needed space by designing a kitchen to maximise the limited amount of floor space.

“We specified the Designer Range Galley 1500mm. We were working within very tight constraints, but wanted to achieve a desirable aesthetic. Through working with John Strand we could adapt the mini-kitchen to suit our purposes.” – Lucie Bridge
Sales Director Calvin Reeves liaised with Lucie to create a bespoke kitchen for the project which would fit in the small space without compromising style. John Strand MK has British cabinet makers so can produce cabinets for unconventional spaces. In this case the unit included integrated refrigerator, combination microwave oven, extractor, ceramic hotplates with touch controls and storage all within a 1500mm wide space. Additional storage units completed the look within a recess.

“Our first priority in the design process is to ensure we meet the demands of the client in terms of technical specification. We work with our cabinet makers to produce the perfect kitchen for the space. There are a multitude of finishes on offer and having the ability to produce a completely bespoke kitchen rather than conforming to ‘off-the-peg’ factory set sizes result in us being able to optimize any space. All the while we strive to ensure our kitchens require minimal installation, saving valuable fitting time and associated costs.” – Calvin Reeves.

Overall, what is the experience of working with John Strand MK Ltd like?
“Good value for money, design expertise and advice from John Strand was paramount to selecting the right product, compact neat solutions and also looked good . . . Our contractor advised us that the delivery and installation was quite straightforward . . . It was a pleasure working with Calvin and any issues we met were overcome quickly and efficiently.” – Lucie Bridge

The post Bespoke kitchen – Stylish Studio Apartment appeared first on John Strand MK .