For years, Stuart Frazer has been one of our trusted partners in crafting exquisite kitchens for our developments. Therefore, we thought it was about time to have a catch up with James Aston, Senior Design Manager.
James shared insights into latest kitchen trends of 2024 and the sources of his creative inspiration…
What makes Stuart Frazer stand out from the rest?
For fifty years, Stuart Frazer has been a trailblazer in kitchen design, continually evolving to maintain our leadership position in the industry. Under the stewardship of Mark Harrison, who has served as the company’s Managing Director since its inception, our brand has become synonymous with luxury and top-tier kitchen design. With three showrooms in the North West, we boast strong connections with developers, architects, and interior designers. Our established contracts division, supported by numerous industry experts, enables us to provide comprehensive project management services. Additionally, we offer customers the flexibility to upgrade and customise their kitchens, with the added benefit of visiting our showrooms to explore multiple displays and options, a feature highly valued by many developers.
What are the latest “must haves” in a 2024 kitchen?
Slatted and ribbed wood in various tones for knee spaces under worktops or as a feature wall in the kitchen. Statement splashbacks, either utilising veined stone products or grey/bronze mirrors. Subtle LED lighting features, whether it’s on a shelf, under cabinet lighting, or pendants over an island. Vented induction hobs, meaning your hob combines both cooking and ventilation in one appliance.
What are the latest colourway trends?
Neutrals always have been and always will be ‘on trend.’ We deliberately steer clear of bright colours in the kitchen as they tend to date. White, browns, grey and taupe are classic colours that always look stylish. We suggest customers accessorise with colour and this year we’re seeing pale blue hues in accent walls or soft furnishings together with dusky pinks.
What is your favourite part of the job?
Customer or purchaser satisfaction is my favourite part. We offer exceptional products at SieMatic, and being able to create kitchens that fulfil our customers’ needs both practically and aesthetically is incredibly rewarding. This satisfaction is even more fulfilling when meeting with homebuyers who may be embarking on their first kitchen design journey with their new home, and being able to present them with opportunities to personalise it to their liking.
Who gives you design inspiration?
I draw inspiration from various sources. While I don’t necessarily look to one specific individual, being affiliated with Stuart Frazer’s retail arm enables me to derive inspiration from the kitchens they create for their clients. Additionally, I find inspiration in magazines and on Instagram.
Describe your working working relationship with Edgefold Homes in 5 words…
Teamwork, Satisfaction, Trusting, Collaborative, Respect.
Stay tuned for us introducing a new partner next month!