Precision Kitchens, based in Bicester, were recently commissioned to design, fit and finish the kitchen in a new extension to an Oxfordshire home. A focal point of the finished space was the Caesarstone 6313 Turbine Grey worktops, upstands and splashback panel.
© Precision
The homeowner’s requirements placed an emphasis on more space, particularly for hosting and socialising. “Key to the client’s brief was an open plan kitchen layout, a ‘wow-factor’ and a new breakfast bar!”, explained Kelly Davies, of Precision Kitchens.
“The homeowner was very keen for an organic look, with natural wooden cabinetry and a stone worktop."
“Caesarstone’s Turbine Grey quartz surface was used as it complemented the oak kitchen giving it a classic feel. It’s a unique product; no other quartz manufacturer has a colour that matches it,” explained Kelly. “At Precision Kitchens we use only premium quartz products so Caesarstone fitted the bill perfectly.”
The homeowner was delighted by Precision’s proposal: “We wanted something that looked natural, not too dark or too light, that would complement the oak wood as well as the floor tiles we had chosen, but without being too similar.” Turbine Grey was the perfect match, as the homeowner described: “I knew what it should look like in my mind’s eye. Once we saw a sample of Turbine Grey, I knew that was the one.”
6313 Turbine Grey was used throughout the kitchen design by Precision, including for the riser and window sill for a consistent aesthetic.
© M Banks
Turbine Grey characterises the unique nuances of granite with a blend of intricate veins and textures capturing the natural look aspired to by the homeowner, yet is harder-wearing and more durable than natural granite. And, unlike granite worktops, Turbine Grey, as with all Caesarstone quartz surfaces, is non-porous and requires no sealing after installation. Precision incorporated drainer grooves into the kitchen worktops for a neat finish around the Franke undermount sink.
The extended quartz splashback panel was installed between the client’s own range oven, which was retained in the refurbishment, and a Neff cooker hood. Neff was also the supplier of choice for the family’s new combi-oven/microwave.
© Precision Kitchens
The dishwasher and fridge freezer units were integrated into the Shaker-style cabinetry, with Natural Broadoak doors. The integration of the units within the furniture was a late design choice within the project. The homeowner initially “wanted a free-standing fridge to make a statement.” Precision instead proposed a new built-in alternative, and the homeowner was convinced on completion: “We stuck with a freestanding in the original design, then changed our minds to a built-in one because it looked much better. We should have listened to them in the first place!”
The kitchen is bright, with roof windows, ceiling spots and stunning bronze pendant lights situated over the extended peninsula worktop that doubles as a breakfast bar for the family. As a finishing touch, Precision added under cabinet LEDs to enhance the lower level lighting.
© M Banks
The completed kitchen extension demonstrates the appeal of traditional Shaker style oak furniture with the aesthetic and technical benefits of modern materials like Caesarstone quartz. The homeowner was delighted and, when asked if the completed project met their ambitions for the new kitchen, they replied: “Yes and more. Precision Kitchens used their experience to offer up ideas, and we love the end-result.”
