Purple reign
A sophisticated colour palette of plum, cream and black creates a striking combination in Surinder and Arvind Singh’s new kitchen.
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After spending months searching for just the right property to buy in the Buckinghamshire town he and wife, Arvind, had fallen in love with, Surinder Singh says their search was becoming increasingly desperate. "We finally found a house in an ideal location, but soon realised that, instead of us spending a lot of money trying to renovate it and make it more suited to our needs, we might do better to knock it down and start again. We really had no idea at the outset that we would end up building our own home!" he laughs.
This was to be no mean feat, when you consider that the couple have full-time jobs in the IT industry, and no previous experience of property development or design. "It was extremely demanding," recalls Surinder. "But once we'd decided to go for it, there was no stopping us! We set to work on finding an architect, getting planning permission and hiring all the tradesmen." Despite their inexperience, Surinder and Arvind completed the construction in just over a year, replacing the previous four-bedroom building with a larger, seven-bedroom home made from old stock buff bricks and a slate roof, in keeping with properties in the area.
When it came to the interior, the couple were keen to create something individual. "We wanted it to be contemporary, but welcoming and cosy," Surinder shares. That description was to form the basis of the kitchen scheme. "While searching the internet, we discovered a range by German manufacturer, Rational, which combined a very modern appeal with curved edges," he continues. They tracked down local Rational supplier, Design Matters in Flackwell Heath, where they met Design Consultant, Tracey Lardeau. "Although Arvind and I knew what style we wanted, we weren't sure of the most effective layout," admits Surinder. "Tracey's input was fantastic, combining great ideas with practical knowledge."
"The Onda range is unusual, because it has a curve at the top and bottom of each door," explains Tracey. "This curvature is carried through to the end panels and cornice, so it looks very smart, yet with a softness, too.' Surinder and Arvind chose plum and pale cream lacquer finishes for a striking mix, and Tracey helped them to achieve the best blend in the room. She generated a series of computerised images, showing how varying amounts
of each colour might look in the space.
"I find that a large proportion of clients aren't brave enough to go for stronger colours, opting for a safer option instead," continues Tracey. "But, when they do, it's often hugely successful, providing a very sophisticated impact." Black glass drawer fronts on the unit doors add a reflective finish, contrasting with a slightly textured matt lacquer in the plum. Meanwhile, Stellar Negro Silestone® worktops sparkle with tiny flecks of mirror and glass.
As part of an impressive 50 sq. m. living space, the kitchen is designed with entertaining in mind. "We both have big families, so one oven is never enough when everybody is here!" says Surinder. A range of South Asian dishes and curries form the main culinary repertoire, not to mention Sunday roasts. "Some of Arvind's family don't eat meat, so we reserve the microwave for vegetarian cooking," he explains. While the wall of ovens and cupboards are a very practical element of the kitchen, it's probably the island hob that the couple delight in the most. "It's wonderful to be able to cook and look out over the garden at the same time," says Surinder.
So, with the house now complete, would they ever do it again? "Yes, I really enjoyed the challenge," Surinder smiles. "It gave me a such a fantastic sense of achievement, and I'd definitely do it again, but it would have to be an even bigger project next time!"
