Springmill Lifestyle

Kitchen Quiz

Have you ever though, What style of kitchen am I?
Well, to find out, simply answer the questions in our quiz below.

1) When I think about my ideal door style, it is...
A. Straight lines and a shiny laquered surface.
B. Made of solid wood.
C. Clean and simple looking, and easy to maintain.

2) When I think about my perfect door colour, it is...
A. Viberant, funky and unique.
B. Woodgrained or tongue and grooved.
C. Fresh and light in hue.

3) When I think about my ideal handle, it is...
A. As long as possible and stainless steel.
B. Black or pewter in colour, possibly with a backplate.
C. Simple, yet sophisticated.

4) When I think about my dream worksurface, it is...
A. A total contrast to the doors, preferably with sparkley bits.
B. A surface that resembles granite.
C. Something elegant. Perhaps woodgrained or textured.

5) When I think about pelmets and cornice, it has to be...
A. Not there. I prefer a minimalist vibe.
B. Something a little ornate and detailed.
C. Sleek, simple and easy to clean.

6) When I think about my perfect oven, it is...
A. Touch control, with all the latest functions.
B. Of an era, resembling an Aga.
C. Stainless steel, claen lines and practical.

7) When I think about my ideal sink, it is...
A. A composite sink.
B. A ceramic Sink.
C. A stainless steel sink.

8) When I think about my dream tap, it is...
A. Tall, chrome and striking - maybe with an inbuilt filter.
B. Something that wouldn't look out of place in a farmhouse,
and antique nickel in colour.
C.Stainless steel, monobloc tap with a pull out plate sprayer.

9) If I could have one optional extra, it would be...
A. Cooler drawers instead of a fridge.
B. Pilasters or tongue and groove end panels.
C. A wine cooler.

If you answered mostly A's you are... Ultra Modern.
You are a risk taker when it comes to youe decor!
You opt for high gloss and reflective surfaces. Strong, bold colours
and the latest in appliance technology.

If you answered mostly B's you are... Traditional.
You like your surroundings to depict a certain era. You are not
afraid of a little detail to your door, and appreciate the quality and
beauty of real wood.

If you answered mostly C's you are... Contemporary.
You like your living space to have clean lines and a fresh feel.
You don't shy away from warm or dark colours, but your pallet
tends to sway towards lighter tones.

Now that you have established what style of kitchen suites you best, lets talk about
it in a little more detail.
This section will help you escape the pit falls of choosing the wrong colour, lighting
and appliances. And even gives you tips on flooring, decor and luxury additions that
you may not have considered.

Ultra Modern

High gloss doors are in their second year of being the most popular door finish on
the market - this fact came as no surprise to the staff at Springmill.
This type of door is increadibly versatile. With it's sleek, sultry looks and vast colour
choice, there reaaly is a door for every home.
The highly reflective surface bounces light around, making it ideal for small and large
rooms alike - And for rooms that don't see much natural light.
The surface is surprisingly easy to maintain, keep a cloth handy to polish away
finger marks and your kitchen will forever appear brand new.

Simple Guide Lines

Ultra Modern styling: This style of door is suited to slim, straight, stainless steel
T-bar handles and no fuss finishing.
Avoid pelmets and cornice to keep the minimalist feel.
And try a textured or woodgrain worksurface to contrast.

Colour: When considering a colour we urge you to think in the long-term. We
build our kitchens to last, so pick a colour scheme that you will love to look at
day after day. If you have any doubts, err on the side of caution and opt for
neutrals. Or have just a splash of colour.

Lighting: If your scheme is dramatic and dark, invest in good lighting.
Under and over unit lighting used together has become increasingly
popular, and will really live up to your Ultra Modern flavour.

Appliances: Integrated stainless steel and gloos black appliances have
proven to be most popular with gloss kitchens.
Touch control ovens, microwaves and hobs continue the sleek,
reflective theme.

Flooring: Large polished tiles work well. Or if you are wanting a
contrast, natural slate tiles look superb next to luxe surfaces.
If you have chosen a dark door, brighten up the room by fitting
a light floor.

Essential Items

• Flat fronted, quality high gloss doors
• Choose the right accessories - Anything glossy or stainless with
  continue the theme.
• Get the handles correct - Stainless steel T-bar and Square handles
  always suite this style of door.
• Glass or worktop matching backsplash are the way to go. It gives
  a seamless feel to the overall effect.
• Integral appliances keep the lines of the room flowing.

Luxury Additions

• Under and over unit lighting - Its a great way to add drama and
  sophistication to your finished look.
• Spend a little more and opt for touch control appliances - No
  unsightly knobs sticking out all over the place.

Traditional

A much loved and favoured genre. The traditional kitchens appeal continues
to grow.
There are many conotations to the word traditional. To one person, it may
be a farm house style kitchen, all warm oak and antique door handles. And to
another it could be the fresh feel of a cream, tongue and groove, country cottage
style door.

Simple Guide Lines

Traditional styling: This style is best suited to black or pewter cage, or back plated
handles with a little detail.
Ornate pelmets, cornice, canopies and pilasters all add to the feel of this kitchen.
And add a work surface that resembles granite for a farm house feel.

Colour: You must consider the size of your room before choosing your colour.
Lighter oaks, such as the Indiana, or a cream door, such as the Boston look
stunning in a small space.
Where as a larger kitchen can take the richness of the Dakota, New England
or Maine.

Lighting: Under unit lighting is always a good idea in a traditional kitchen.
When the main source of light is extinguished, it creates a more intimate
enviroment for dining.

Appliances: Integrate. Integrate. Integreat! We can't stess this enough.
Who wants to see the unsightly view of white goods in a bank of solid
oak doors?
And as for the oven, there is usually only two words - Range Cooker.

Flooring: If you have chosen a wood grained door, opt for ceramic
or slate tiles for the floor. But, if you have picked a cream door you have
the luxuery of either laminate wood flooring or tiles.

Essential Items

• An oak that is tonal to your room size.
• An authentic looking pewter, antique nickle or black handle.
• A worksurface that resembles granite. Or butcher blocked wood is
  a lovely alternative for cream doors.
• Integrate white goods.
• Glass leaded or frosted wall units can be used to break up a bank
  of oak, that can look a little overpowering.

Luxury Additions

• A range cooker that simulates an Aga.
• A ceramic belfast/Butler sink.
• Oak dining furniture.

Contemporary

The contemporary style kitchen is favoured by people who like clean
lines, light colours and surfaces that are easily maintained.
It has a modern feel to it, with the option of using laminate, foil wrapped,
high gloss or real wood doors.

Simple Guide Lines

Contemporary styling: This style lends itself easily to so many handle types.
From stainless steel to satin finish. Block end massivs to chrome bow handles.
Keep pelmets and cornice straight and sleek - No fancy detail.
And go crazy with your worksurface choice. Woodgrain, textured and high
gloss are all options.

Colour: Again, consider the size of your kitchen. But most contemporary designs
lean towards lighter shades.

Lighting: Like the Ultra Modern style, contemporary kitchens benefit from over and
under unit lighting. It keeps the kitchen looking bright and fresh.

Appliances: Because stainless steel accessories such as handles, taps and sinks
are so popular, stainless steel appliances look fabulous in contamporary kitchen.

Flooring: Tiles, laminate wood and linoleum are all options. Either contrast with
a dark shade, or keep things luminous and roomy with a light colour.

Essentials Items

• A straight edged slab or shaker style door.
• Light hued doors and dark contrasting worksurfaces - or vice versa!
• Practical, stainless steel appliances and accessories.

Luxury Additions

• Use upstands or backsplash that match the worksurface.
• An integral wine cooler.
• A Pull out larder unit.