Herringbone Kitchens have been shortlisted for Kitchen Design Over £100,000 Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2023. Read more about Studio Manager and Designer, David Tenters, below:

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Name: David Tenters

Company: Herringbone Kitchens

Position within company: Studio Manager and Designer

Website: www.Herringbonekitchens.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:

I have an architect diploma from Kingston University and have been a kitchen designer for 9 years now. I manage the designers in the Herringbone studio and oversee each design that goes out the door.

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 styles, suiting different personal preferences 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 practical, functional 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. Separate to this, inspiration can be drawn from multiple areas, including restaurants & bars I visit, Art galleries and theatres through to our local coffee.

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 / bootroom, 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 2023 and beyond.

1. Workability: the space needs to work around the clients’ lifestyle, taste and family situation. Make it flow throughout.
2. Worktop: make sure the worktop you pick works with how much and how you use it. More natural stones are popular with clients appreciating the individuality within the chosen piece.
3. Colour palettes: make it work with the space and the light in the room to ensure it creates warmth, elegance and style
4. Adding personality: we always recommend adding your personality to your kitchen, because it is YOUR kitchen. Do this through colour, tiles, fittings etc. Dressing the room with art, family photos etc also softens the aesthetics of a space adding layers within the overall feel of the space.
5. 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?

Design to fit the individual client completely. With this I mean design a project to fit with the client’s wants, needs, lifestyle and family situation. We specialise in a bespoke product and have a style that projects this. It’s very easy to deviate away from this, but the strength in the team come from working within an umbrella of design elements & tools to give each client a Herringbone Project that’s completely unique and bespoke to them and their needs.

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?

Herringbone Kitchens are working on a whole host of projects, with many excitingly being full home joinery projects, including wardrobes, side tables, boot rooms, dining tables, kids’ bedrooms etc. All of which is bespoke. 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. It is really fun pushing our design and crafts people to come up with innovative ways of achieving bespoke ways of creating our clients’ dream homes.

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

The ability to reflect and look back at previous designs and explore the internet to capture ideas from. Its important to be able to revisit a project and be critical to the functionality & aesthetics, as we strive to grow and expand our library of knowledge.

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

Herringbone Kitchens are constantly pushing the boundaries and extending our offerings to allow for even more bespoke kitchens and furniture to be made in our expanded workshop. We’re hoping to continue to perfect our craft, make kitchens and furniture that are designed to bespoke needs and continue to enjoy what we do best. Also, 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 most treasured possession?

A watch my wife bought me for our wedding day.

Your favourite holiday destination?

As a family we love to visit France and Italy, a combination of weather, remote villages and of course the food and wine.

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

My local every time, after a dog walk, with the fire on and a pint wins it for me.

Your favourite book, film & song?

Anything from the 80’s, nothing wrong with a good Ballad to have a sing along to.

Your favourite food and drink?

I love Seafood, a platter of fresh seafood overlooking the beach with the waves lapping on the shore would be idea.

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

With the family on dog walk, exploring through the woods looking for the Gruffalo

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

Landlord to country pub & small holding

Herringbone Kitchens

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