Bridger Kitchen Diary – A closer look at the Classic Shaker in Upminster, East London

After years of planning a renovation to their home, our clients decided to delve into a major new project with a Nicholas Bridger kitchen at its core. Being committed to their family home and making their dream come true, our clients decided to knock a wall down to make way for an open-plan space, not only serving the kitchen but a cosy snug and eating area too.

Say hello to this Classic Shaker kitchen found within the suburban town of Upminster in East London…

… a seamless indoor-outdoor kitchen project, completed in 2021 giving our client a closer connection to nature and the greater outdoors.

Located at the back of the property in this clever, new extension, the perfect sized kitchen awaits our client and their family and friends. An area that is ideal for socialising and spending time together, but also a room that cleverly connects to the outdoors pulling lots of natural light into all corners of the hub of the home.

Right from the beginning of this kitchen project our clients had a clear vision of how they wanted to approach the design and inject some colour to the timeless and elegant classic shaker.

The space was designed into three main zones…

• A truly bespoke kitchen with an island at its heart taking centre stage
• A sociable dining area with wooden elements
• A comfortable seating area with low seating, separating the individual zones without blocking views to the garden and a handcrafted media unit

Throughout the home, our clients wanted to add pops of colour, vintage pieces and stylish lighting and especially bring this to the kitchen area. The L-shaped cabinetry layout has been hand-painted in Blackened and Stiffkey Blue for the island and media unit. Both paints by Farrow & Ball.

Blackened is a cool white with a slight hint of grey.

Stiffkey Blue is an inky navy perfect for creating dramatic spaces and features which looks gorgeous next to a green hue.

The materials and colours chosen in this kitchen design give an ultimate sense of cohesion with the garden, working beautifully with the crisp white worktops for a harmonious and tranquil setting.

We now take our eyes to the kitchen island, something that was high on our client’s kitchen wish list.

Sitting centrally amongst the white kitchen, a loving feature was created with contrasting stools to perch on when enjoying a cuppa. The popular blue draws our attention immediately, especially with the aged brass detailing and the contrasting stools.

Something else the island has to offer is bespoke chopping boards and a serving tray made from solid oak.

The space we had to play with allowed us to design in the perfect ‘kitchen triangle’, also known as the ‘work triangle’, which made all three points come together.

Another detail we are loving is the elegant pendants suspended above the island illuminating the worktops, adding a beautiful glow in the evenings and when entertaining.

Over on this part of the kitchen layout, a stunning Rangemaster Dual Fuel Range Cooker sits in a slate finish. Complemented with an antiqued mirror splashback adding a touch of glamour, the range cooker is beautifully framed by the mantle and surrounding furniture.

Build your own drinks cabinet within your hub of the home and have a special place to make that delicious morning drink or that tasty evening tipple. We completed this lovely little cupboard with bi-fold doors allowing it to be opened up into the room and shut away when not in use, without compromising on space. And if you have an obsession with organisation, how handy is this cutlery drawer.

What a great additional feature for this loving family home.⠀

What an attractive feature amongst the island, the sink area made up of a Kubus Ceramic white sink and a Perrin & Rowe Juliet tap in an aged brass finish. To make everything within easy reach too, the dishwasher is placed below.

Looking over and out at the garden on this side of the island you will see large bifold doors connecting this wonderful space with nature. Framing their landscape and installing glass along the entire width of the living space our client opened up their home to the beautiful outdoors. The views can also be embraced from above with the roof lantern. This allows a significant amount of natural light in and helps to divide the open-plan kitchen and living areas.

The owners wanted somewhere where they could entertain family and friends and create a smooth flow between indoors and out. They chose a decking that was raised so that when the doors were open, it felt like one big room.

Set in the living zone away from the hustle and bustle of the busy kitchen, an outstanding piece of furniture lies within the walls where our clients can catch up on their fave programme without being disturbed.

Now that’s what you call a media unit!

Completed with open shelves to place decorative items, closed cupboards beneath to conceal games, consoles, internet hubs, DVDs, remotes and other items you may not want to be displayed, and an integrated wine fridge making it become a drinks cabinet too. The perfect piece of furniture to complete successful outdoor entertaining.

If you are in the process of renovating your home and are looking to add a handmade kitchen contact us today – we look forward to hearing from you. Entertaining guests has never been easier with furniture that will be cherished for many years to come.