Press Articles
NOTTINGHAM EVENING POST PROPERTY GUIDE - 28/6/2007
YOUR DREAM KITCHEN MAY BE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK
If you want to stamp your individuality on your home, a bespoke kitchen could be just the way to do it. Let’s face it, who wants a kitchen that’s the same as everyone else’s in the neighbourhood? Yet just the word “bespoke” can set pound signs flashing before your very eyes.
But here in Nottingham, it really doesn’t have to be like that. Local company, Briarwood Interiors now manufacture “Russell Ward” - their own range of bespoke, hand made quality kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture which doesn’t cost the earth.
Owner, Paul Russell started the company eight years ago, after working for over 20 years as a designer for local furniture manufacturers including Scottwood of Nottingham; Charles Yorke and Brookmans English Furniture. Together with his brother, Wayne, who followed in his grandfather's and father's footsteps to become a first-class carpenter, Paul is proud of his personal and attentive approach to each project. The company has been built on reputation and recommendation and Paul provides a tailored service to every customer – from supply only to full project management which includes the co-ordination and day to day management of the complete installation.
The Russell Ward range was born after Paul became disillusioned with the industry failing to deliver goods either on time or in good condition. “I was fed up of products turning up damaged, late or not at all. When you’ve got a team of workmen on site, you need to keep on schedule and it is frustrating and expensive to be held up waiting for replacement goods. Wayne and I decided to start manufacturing our own range and we have developed some very creative design ideas and solutions for even the most oddly shaped rooms. Our customers have been delighted with the overall quality and service they have received.”
One satisfied customer, Mrs Warnsby, from Eaton, near Grantham commented: "We were given first rate advice and attentive service throughout and the end result was a bespoke quality kitchen and bathroom we can be proud of and which has no doubt added value to our property."
Paul added: “Mrs Warnsby knew exactly what she wanted but had struggled to find anyone who would tailor their products to her requirements. She wanted to incorporate natural products to enhance the country setting of her property. The main feature of the kitchen was a large island work station incorporating hand painted furniture, reclaimed bricks, clay pipe wine holders and a work surface constructed with hand made tiles. A hand painted and beech ‘batterie de cuisine’ completed the feature. Elsewhere in the kitchen, we incorporated a bespoke mantle over the range cooker and a Belfast sink base unit made from reclaimed brick and hand painted furniture. Junckers solid beech work surfaces completed the rustic theme.
“Upstairs, we created a Mediterranean theme in the large en-suite, with a sunken bath and mosaic tiling including a seating area which gave the room the feel of a luxurious spa.”
Briarwood Interiors are a small company and, as such, offer excellent value for money. “We don’t have an expensive showroom to maintain, just a small workshop where we make the units by hand using traditional methods. We are not interested in manufacturing with today’s hi-tech, computerised machinery. Mass production is not what we’re about. We feel it is important to tailor our products to each customer’s requirements,” said Paul, “and, recently, our customers are favouring hand painted furniture as this gives varied choice and longevity to their kitchen. The relatively low cost of re-painting the kitchen in the future can give customers a completely new look.
“In addition to manufacturing the units, we can source a range of accessories including granite work surfaces direct from quarries in Derbyshire, quality sinks and taps and a great choice of kitchen appliances from the top manufacturers. Our local supply partners include Plumb Center, Anglo Italian Tile Centre and Seymour Interiors who supply the hand painted finishes to the Russell Ward range. Being independent, we are not tied to one supplier and we have access to a wide range of products – including quality pre-made furniture if that is the customer’s preference. “
With ever-increasing safety regulations, it is vital to ensure that your installation is carried out by fully qualified, regulated professional tradesmen and Paul has a very reliable team on board. “My team’s combined experience guarantees a quality installation that will be an asset to any home. I know first hand how hard it can be to find reliable tradesmen. I am extremely pleased with the great team I have put together and I am always on hand myself to ensure the project is running on time and to plan!”
Briarwood Interiors have recently completed the first phase of a comprehensive house renovation in Mapperley. The house had been up for sale for three years and the owners, Mr & Mrs Lee, decided to stay put and invest in the property, turning it into their own dream home. Paul said: “We have just completed the ground floor which included a new kitchen and shower room as well as new floors throughout, new windows and doors and a new staircase. The rooms have been re-plastered and new lighting has been installed throughout.”
The next stage of the project starts this month and will see a loft conversion which will enlarge the existing bedrooms and include a new bathroom suite.
Mrs Lee commented: “Paul has already totally transformed our home. It was such a complete refurbishment project that we would never have had the nerve to tackle it on our own. We’ve now got the Wow factor we were after!”
For more information, contact Paul on 0115 8475672, email on paul@briarwoodinteriors.co.uk or visit the website www.briarwoodinteriors.co.uk
