Fresh take on tradition

In a fast-paced world full of change and passing fashions, it's easy to see the enduring appeal of traditional, hand-crafted kitchens.

This desire for quality and authenticity in kitchen cabinetry has seen the English handmade Clive Christian collection become a staple for owners of traditional-style homes. But while the company manufactures just three classic designs, these can be individualized for a more contemporary feel if needed.

The Denver kitchen shown here is a good example. Designed by Shauna Sanidas of Clive Christian Denver, the kitchen features the company's classic Victorian painted furniture design but with a twist.

"We have incorporated all the decorative elements of the Victorian kitchen, such as the raised panel doors, dentil crown mouldings, acanthus leaf corbels, and fluted friezes," Sanidas says. "But we have chosen a white paint finish, rather than the traditional cream. This gives the room a very fresh look, particularly when combined with the red walls and black accents, such as the marble countertop and bar stools."

Sanidas says the Clive Christian kitchen was well suited to the style of the large, Georgian home.

"As the furniture is made to order, we could design freestanding items to accommodate the long, narrow shape of the room and the lack of wall space due to numerous doors and windows."

A large, 15ft-long island is the centerpiece of the kitchen. As well as providing counter space, it offers plenty of storage,and accommodates several appliances, including an undercounter refrigerator. Larger appliances, such as the refrigerator-freezer are integrated into wall cabinets.

There are more than 50 Clive Christian furniture showrooms worldwide. For further information, contact Clive Christian New York, 1020 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10021, phone (212) 570 9058; or Clive Christian Denver, 2930 East 6th Ave, Denver, CO 80206, phone (303) 302 0013. Website: www.clive.com.

Story by: Trendsideas