Herringbone Kitchens have been shortlisted for Kitchen Design Over £50,000 Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. Read more about Founder, William Durrant & Studio Manager, David Tenters, below:

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Name: William Durrant and David Tenters

Company: Herringbone Kitchens

Position within company: William Durrant – Founder & Director (Pictured Left), David Tenters – Studio Manager & Lead Designer (Pictured Right)

Website: www.herringbonekitchens.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:

William: I used to work for large multinational kitchen companies in my early-mid-twenties and learned an incredible amount about design. At 28, I set up Herringbone Kitchens and at first I tried to appeal to everyone (gloss and country style kitchens) however, we now have a unique style that’s our own and we are proud of that.

David: I have an architect diploma from Kingston University and have been a kitchen designer for 6 years now.

How would you describe your personal design style?

We have a certain ‘Herringbone’ style that we are proud of. There are unique differences in our different kitchen ranges, suiting different styles from very traditional to art deco to modern. Our kitchens are all completely bespoke to our clients’ lifestyle, taste and family situation.

Where does your design inspiration come from?

We design kitchens that are both practical and long lasting. We work with families to understand what they want to get out of their kitchen and how they use the space, so that the design is bespoke to their family needs. We also always ask to see our clients’ pinterest boards and other style inspiration so we know what feel they are going for.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

It’s moving towards making the whole house flow – from the kitchen, to the utility room, to the wardrobes, to the office space and to the hallway. It’s essential that the house is ‘connected’ and shows personality; we love working with our clients on this.

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2021 and beyond.

Workability: the space needs to work around the clients’ lifestyle, taste and family situation. Make it flow throughout.

Worktop: make sure the worktop you pick works with how much and how you use it.

Colour palettes: make it work with the space and the light in the room to ensure it creates warmth, elegance and style.

Adding personality: we always recommend adding your personality to your kitchen, because it is YOUR kitchen. Do this through colour, tiles, fittings etc.

Longevity: by using considered materials your kitchen can last a lifetime. Kitchens are one of the most expensive things in your home, but they are also used the most. If you invest in something well made, you will use it for decades.

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?

Make sure you future-proof it. For example, if you have small children make sure it works for the here and now but that it is designed in a way that allows for them growing up too.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?

As a business we value being recognised for our hard work and client satisfaction. Our projects are celebrated by their owners and media across all sectors. We would hugely value the recognition of an International Design & Architecture Award.

What projects are you currently working on?

We are working on a whole host of projects and are completely booked up until the end of the year. We have some existing ones in the pipeline from small flats in London to large extensions and renovations all over the country. However, it’s exciting that we are working on more full home joinery projects too, including wardrobes, side tables, boot rooms, dining tables etc. Clients like to be able to work with one company that offers it all, mainly because it’s easier than working with multiple suppliers on home projects but also because it makes the look of the interiors flow and match better.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?

We love whole home projects. We had a project recently where we were able to design everything from the kitchen to children’s wardrobes, side tables and bunk beds. We also worked on a project recently creating a bespoke kitchen for a family member in a wheelchair, this was really fun in pushing our design and crafts people to come up with innovative ways to raise and lower kitchen countertops to make them more accessible.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?

The past year has taught us so much, and to be frank, virtual consultations have been an absolute life saver. Now, we are able to design for people around the country, which has kept us busy throughout the pandemic.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

William: We have extended our workshop to allow for even more kitchens to be made. We’re hoping to continue to perfect our craft, make kitchens that are designed to bespoke needs and continue to enjoy what we do best!

David: For me, it’s to ensure all our clients are happy with the end product – I work with them closely from initial stages to the finished result, ensuring the design is exactly as it should be and that our clients are happy!

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your favourite holiday destination?

William: Elly’s parents’ house on the lake in Michigan

David: Rome or Ibiza old town and beaches

Your favourite hotel, restaurant or bar?

William: My local pub, I can walk there and back

David: Airelles Gordes – La bastide

Your favourite book, film or song?

William: Bonfire of the Vanities, favourite artist is the Lumineers, everyone in the studio is sick of listening to them, but I could listen to them on repeat.

David: Film, The Great Escape

Your favourite food and drink?

William: Bangers and Mash and Beavertown beer

David: Seafood and a glass of chilled wine

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

William: In my garden with my sons, normally making something out of wood

David: Out with my family and dog for a long walk, followed by a pub lunch

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

William: In my dreams, a formula one racer

David: An architect

Herringbone Kitchens

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