More people than ever are opting for open plan homes, knocking down walls and merge the kitchen with the rest of the home. It’s all about making the most of the space we have, using every square foot, that could be gaining space for casual impromptu entertaining, or creating space for children to play, while still having the kitchen at the heart of the home.
Most new builds embrace open plan space, but it can be challenging to incorporate this layout into older homes. Here are some tips:
A kitchen island is a must, they are multifunctional, defining the kitchen area from the sitting or dining area, offering a casual eating setting, while also provide a huge amount of worktop and storage space. Often kitchen islands with seating are incorporated in place of a dining room table completely.
Space permitting a separate utility room, or even small, allocated space – for example some previously unused understairs cupboard or garden room, is a great opportunity for housing appliances, to take them away from open plan living areas while also freeing up space. Really worth considering to remove noise of appliances like the washing machine and tumble dryer.
Continuing the same colour and style throughout will help join rooms in to one large open plan space. Go large, make it feel bigger, and help the home flow naturally. Carefully used flooring, lighting and furniture can also be used to create varying zones within your large open plan area.
With open plan space everything is in sight, keep things simple and clutter free. Invest in storage solutions. Open plan living is all about making space work simply and effortlessly.
Coronavirus is spreading fast across the UK and the rest of the World. We have been continuing to follow the daily advice given to us by the Government and have continued to provide our 5* service throughout this uncertain time. However, following the latest Coronavirus Government advice, it is with a heavy heart that we have decided to temporarily close our showroom until further notice. Our staff are still working behind the scenes to complete current projects and are adhering to the official Coronavirus Government advice.
We are still able to offer phone appointments or video calling to answer any of your questions.
If you are taking the opportunity to complete some home improvements, get in contact for a FREE video design consultation.
We want to take this moment to thank everyone for their continued support, we are really appreciative.
We maybe closing our showrooms but we are still available on line or at the end of the phone. Take care of yourselves and your loved ones and we look forward to welcoming you back in our showrooms when the time is right.
Contemporary kitchens are taking the 2020 trend. We take a moment to look at timeless kitchens and share our tips on how to make it work for your space and requirements. Be it a Cotswold Farmhouse or a new build, by following our tips, you can make the space become timeless and suit the style of the house. Creating a timeless kitchen…
Shaker cabinetry is a simple design of craftsmanship, providing clean lines, mixed with insert panels – this identifies the shaker style cabinetry. Shaker style doors can work on a broad range of homes due to the diversity and can suit a traditional kitchen through to a modern shaker style. With our shaker collection, we have a wide pallet of colours to choose from in gloss and matt finishes.
For your kitchen to remain timeless, we recommend using neutral colours. Neutral colours will help the kitchen stand the test of time. If you want to add colour to your kitchen, choose to add colour splash such as on the splashback/tiles or with the kitchen appliances such as your kettle and toaster. You can add elements of colour on the smaller details that can then be changed easily and won’t mean you’ll have to change the whole kitchen.
If you want your kitchen to last, then be sure to invest in high quality products. We have spent many years researching kitchens and are pleased to offer only the best quality. Our kitchens last!
Each and every one of our kitchens receive the same level of attention to detail. Our personal care also makes Pittville unique.
Integrated goods such as washing machine, fridge/freezer and dishwasher are a good idea. Dated appliances can detract from the kitchen finish. Hidden behind the door, they can’t give away the age! That said, high-spec items which are unlikely to date so easily. For example, a sleek American-style fridge, or iconic appliances such as a range cooker, can be left on display. For smaller appliances, think about creating an appliance hub, where microwaves, toasters and the like can be hidden away from view.
The best thing to do, is to visit our showroom. Speak to our designers and go through your kitchens and visions. Our showroom is open Monday-Saturday on Prestbury Road. Start creating your timeless kitchen with Pittville today.
We are proud that we have been helping customers plan their dream kitchens and bathrooms for over 13 years here at Pittville, Cheltenham. Since then, Pittville has continued to grow and we have continued our 5* reviews. Our bathroom and kitchen shop are opposite each other on Prestbury Road – and both have recently been refitted with a range of styled kitchens and bathrooms to suit all.
We believe that choosing to work with a independent retailer has a huge amount of benefits…
We’ve put together the top reasons that you should consider when it comes to choosing the design company for your project.
If you’re in the early stages of your home project, get in contact to see how Pittville can help and come and meet one of our designers for a free initial chat about your space and requirements and remember why you should buy your kitchen and bathroom locally…
A focus on Masterclass kitchens… For some, the start of a new year can be a bit sluggish, but here at Pittville we are very excited to be launching two new kitchen displays. One will present our new, contemporary Italian brand ‘Doimo’ (blog coming soon…!) and the second will showcase our UK made collection ‘Masterclass’.
In recent years Pittville has become known for contemporary, handle-less kitchens, but following a recent run of Masterclass projects, it is time to put the spotlight on their beautiful range of designs.
Firstly, it should be highlighted that Masterclass Kitchens are made in the UK – just outside Cardiff to be precise. Having visited their factory, their sense of pride to manufacture in the UK is very apparent but this also comes at a time when clients are keen to ‘buy British’ and the idea of a locally made product has a huge appeal.
When it comes to the design, the style they are best known for is the classic, shaker. This timeless look is still a favourite with clients and can easily sit within a traditional or contemporary home. This is certainly the style we have had a little flurry of recently. However they also offer a very smart collection of modern, flat slab kitchens. All-in-all there are 17 door designs to chose from and over 40 colour finishes – ranging from elegant neutrals through to some bold and dramatic options.
Whichever door design you go for, one particularly elegant detail which sets them apart from their competition, is that their cabinet interiors can come in either oak or walnut effect – which definitely gives a wow factor when opening your drawers and cupboards. Although if this isn’t for you, there are 9 other cabinet colours to chose from.
And it doesn’t stop there. Masterclass have also designed a thoughtful and clever range of storage solutions which can be tailored to accommodate any lifestyle. Some particular favourites are the corner larder and bespoke pantry – both customised to suit each individual client – and the cocktail cabinet, which is a real showpiece. Very James Bond and aptly named ‘The Connery’!
A further design characteristic which is proving very popular is Masterclass’ freestanding island. Giving the appearance of a freestanding piece of furniture, this style of island has a much more gentle appearance than the traditional islands which sit directly on the floor. And yes, you can indeed build appliances into the island – the secret is that the electrics are hidden in the legs.
So as much as we enjoy designing kitchens with a contemporary, neutral, handle-less look, we also have a soft spot for this more classic style and little splash of colour… and we are very much looking forward to showing off our gorgeous new display. Watch this space for photographs!
And if you are considering a shaker kitchen for your home and are still in any doubt about whether a Masterclass kitchen is for you, their website has a fabulous selection of images and a huge database of ‘Real Kitchens’ to show you all the possible design combinations! That’s our focus on Masterclass, convinced? Come and meet us!
If you have ever renovated your kitchen or perhaps you are currently looking into it, chances are you will have come across Silestone as a worktop option. But did you know that Silestone has two gorgeous sister products, Dekton and Sensa? Well now you do!
As the leader in worktops for 25 years, Silestone has firmly established itself as a favourite choice because of its outstanding resistance and durability but also its beautiful selection of colour options. However Dekton and Sensa go one step further in all those areas. So what are the differences and which one would best suit your kitchen?!
Let’s start with the composition…
Silestone is made from 94% quartz plus some colour pigment and resin.
Dekton is made from a mix of up to 20 natural minerals which are compacted together with heat and under a weight which is comparable to 2 and a half Eiffel Towers!
Sensa is a natural granite surface which is treated to provide a much more thorough and robust seal than standard granite worktop.
Alongside a potential preference for one of those surface qualities, the next important consideration will be durability. What demands will your lifestyle have of your worktop.
To begin with, each of the three surfaces are stain resistant, even when it comes to tough stains like wine or coffee. They also have a high scratch resistance, although we would always recommend using a chopping board, even if just to protect your knives and utensils.
So when comparing the products, one of the key features which Dekton offers as an appealing upgrade to Silestone is that it is heat resistant. Meaning you can put hot pans directly on the worktop without causing any damage. So unlike most worktop options on the market, if you have Dekton, no worktop protectors are needed. Which could be a helpful feature when it comes to children or teenagers cooking in the kitchen!
A further benefit of Dekton over Silestone is that the completely natural makeup means it is chemical resistant. For example, if you spill oven cleaner on your worktop, there is no need to worry about causing any damage, because you won’t.
With regards to Sensa, if you have a preference for granite in your kitchen, the protective sealant does not need reapplying and will not wear down over time. Many granite worktops are treated on site and the sealer is simply wiped on by hand and therefore needs reapplying. However the production process for Sensa means it is integrated into the material, providing a long term treatment.
However, Silestone should not be forgotten when comparing the products. One particularly elegant detail in a kitchen is to have your sink in a matching material to your worktop and with Silestone you can do just that.
And as for cleaning, the recommended product for each of these surfaces is Cif Actifizz – so no fancy products required!
When it comes to our favourite element, the design, there are gorgeous options in each collection to suit any kitchen style. Silestone and Dekton both have over 60 colours to chose from, whereas Sensa only has nine – but they are 9 stunning options!
Each collection also has a variety of finishes available, so whether you prefer a matt, suede effect worktop or a glossy, polished one then there will be something for you to fall in love with.
It is worth noting that any patterns or markings which form the design on Silestone and Sensa, will run all the way through the thickness of the worktop. However, the designs for Dekton are printed onto the surface and so the patterns will not be visible on the edges or within any drainer grooves. An edging strip in the same material can be added but there will be no pattern match.
That being said, the palette of finish colours and markings available within the Dekton range offers an elegant upgrade from the available designs within the Silestone range.
And if you are looking for a worktop which offers something more dramatic, then Sensa is likely to be the one for you.
So after carefully selecting your cabinet doors, your handles and your appliances, you now have three fabulous worktop options to chose from when adding the finishing touch to your beautiful kitchen.
We’ve put together our current top 3 kitchen gadgets!
If you’re thinking of a new kitchen, we are here to help you with every element – all the way from the design and measuring to the installation and the finish.
With over 10 years of trading, our team of experienced designers will take your vision and create beautiful designs to fit around your space and your requirements.
One question that our designers are often getting asked is ‘what’s the latest kitchen gadgets?’, so we thought we would put together a blog for inspiration.
Latest gadgets work with any kitchen design – be it timeless or modern.
Speak to our team today, or visit our showroom in Pittville, Cheltenham, to start your kitchen planning journey with Pittville
Established, stylish and durable are words that can be used to describe the ever-growing bathroom brand – Duravit.
We are very proud to be THE company that brought Duravit to Cheltenham and the Cotswolds in 2007. We continue to offer award winning service to our customers.
After setting up shop in 1817, Duravit remains one of the market leaders and our customers would agree!
Duravit’s guiding principle is to make designer bathrooms come alive. We help you with every element of your planning and design – from a toilet and flush system to a complete restyle of your bathroom. Our team of experienced and knowledgeable designers can guide you on latest trends and the latest must-haves to make your bathroom vision come to life. Whether a timeless design with a hint of purple, a c-shape modern sink unit or a matt black surface that you’re looking for, all is possible.
Our showroom in Cheltenham, Pittville, showcases some of the designs on offer, along with the finishing touches such as taps, flush panels and tiles from renowned designer such as Phillipe Starck, EOOS and Norman Foster.
We know that planning a new bathroom can involve a lot of preparation and coordinating, that’s why we take the stress away making it a smooth and easy process for you, including full fitting and installation.
‘We are delighted with our new bathroom which was completed by Pittville Bathrooms recently. The high quality of the finish, the attention to detail and the functionality are all notable. Pittville Bathrooms was our choice because they offer a very personal service, including design, supply and installation’
‘Had my bathroom done recently & these guys were awesome & everything went without a hitch; the fitters were incredible & cleaned up every day, so I didn’t need to. Will be telling all my friends about these lovely people.’
Our customers love us because we’re different, we listen and we’re honest
Come and visit our newly designed showroom in Pittville and speak with our bathroom designers about creating your future bathroom.
So you’ve been the Pittville, Cheltenham Showroom, worked with our kitchen and bathroom designers, everything has been installed and you’ve got your new Pittville Bathroom or Kitchen styled to a T! Now what about the rest of your house? We’ve put together a few of our favourite home styling tips to help get you started…
Show off your personality!
Don’t be afraid to put a real stamp on your home! They say ‘home is where the heart is’ so let all the little quirks of what makes you, you spill out into your home.
Balance is good!
Consider each space individually and ensure you have decluttered enough to keep things streamlined (remember, less is usually more!) whilst having enough pieces on show to give your home the character you are after.
Shake it up!
Try mixing it up with different textures. You may have sleek stone worktops in your kitchen but perhaps you have a couple of fur throws over your dining chairs and some cool geometric wallpaper to add a third texture to the mix! This will not only help your home feel more balanced but will keep it from becoming too clinical.
Let the light flood in! But don’t be afraid of the dark!
We all know our homes look so much better when the sun light is streaming through the windows. Our advice is to take every opportunity to get more natural sunlight into your home, however, don’t be afraid to pair this with strategically placed dark pieces or paint colours. This can add some real drama and depth to your space.
Floating furniture
All to often our go to for furniture placement is to push everything up against the walls but this doesn’t always do justice to the space and can make conversation across the room tricky. If your space doesn’t feel like it’s quite working why not try finding a focal point, perhaps a coffee table or fireplace and anchor your furniture off that rather than automatically using the walls as the anchoring points. See what difference it could make.
When local girl, May Burgess, came into our kitchen showroom looking for some input to her school design project, I don’t think anyone expected she would soon be helping to design our new ‘Home Office’ display!
With the ambition of studying product design at university next year, May was so pleased with the help from one of our senior designers, Craig Lacey, on her school project, she asked if she could come in for some work experience to understand a little more about what we do and how we do it. We were delighted to help and here’s some of her highlights:
“Having held little expectations for the week ahead of me, I walked into Pittville’s kitchen showroom on the morning of Monday the 31st of August to be greeted with smiling faces from Lindsay and Craig, the designers. Shortly after I met Alison, the manager, who outlined Pittville and its many branches as well as providing me with a flexible day-to-day plan for the week, to dip in-and-out of: an elevating start.
My main project for the week was introduced; to re-design a section of the downstairs showroom to reflect a home office theme that tied into the existing living space display, while remaining functional for use by staff to (sit clients down and discuss products). Having been given time to go through product brochures to help me produce an outline for the space, I began sketching some ideas to be drawn up on the computerised design program Pittville use later on in the week.
My week was spent shadowing all the staff to get an understanding of what each area of the business does. I learnt how important it is to double check plans and measurements with suppliers before work begins to ensure that few surprises occur and any potential lag time in production is prevented. (Something that was very relevant to my school design projects too!) I was also amazed by the amount of work that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ to help make sure customers jobs are completed efficiently and on time.
Towards the end of the week I was let loose with the design program to begin bringing my sketches for the home office showroom to life; using genuine dimensions to fit the space provided as well as experimenting with and changing materials to create a style that followed current trends. On Friday I presented my ideas to Alison and Lindsay (they seemed really pleased!) and we wrapped up with a friendly discussion of my week over some tea and cake!
This wonderful opportunity has given me a glimpse into the industry and has added new skills to my roster, ones that would be hard to gain from purely a classroom surrounding.
I started the week with no expectations and finished with a smile. Thank you Pittville!”
Our twin showrooms face each other on Prestbury Road, 200 metres north west of Pittville Gates on the B4632 leading towards Prestbury and Winchcombe. Here you can find all you need to know about our Bathrooms, Kitchens, Bedrooms and Living Spaces services.
On street parking is available, some free, some paid for. Subject to available spaces, you are also welcome to park at the rear of the Bathroom showroom – for Sat Nav use GL52 2BU Malden Road.
