A Shaws Sink in a Bespoke Shaker Kitchen: Our SW18 Project
We were contacted by Shaws of Darwen about our
, to be featured on their website talking all things sinks. They were interested in the story behind the project and, of course, loved the idea of a perfectly positioned Shaws sink. This was a project on a supply-only basis, carried out during the height of the pandemic. It was a challenge, to say the least, but it was executed beautifully by us, the builder and the client.
The SW18 Project at a Glance
This south west London kitchen pairs a uniquely detailed Classic In-Frame Shaker with a Shaws Inset 800 sink set beneath a bold marble worktop and full-height marble splashback. Rather than a traditional moulding, the client wanted a minimalist step detail to the centre of the frame, which gives the room its contemporary edge. The cabinetry is hand-painted in Farrow & Ball Studio Green, and the sink run is finished with a Perrin & Rowe Polaris 3-in-1 instant hot water tap and matching deck-mounted soap dispenser in aged brass. The project was later featured by Shaws of Darwen on their own website.
The project
Our SW18 project is found in an affluent residential area of south west London, close to the All England Club and the Wimbledon Championships. The client was looking for a truly bespoke kitchen, but wanted something other than a traditional detail: a more minimalist step detail to the centre of the frame. It is a genuinely unique take on the Shaker style that we designed and manufactured, and we loved helping bring the client's vision to life.
"The whole kitchen is a timeless blend of Shaker sensibility and elegant Victorian practicality. Everything about it says luxury, but it isn't excessive or extravagant. It is a highly tasteful recreation of the charming classic family kitchens of years gone by." - Shaws of Darwen
Designing through the pandemic
As mentioned, the project was handled during the pandemic, when face-to-face meetings were not possible and most suppliers had very long lead times. Fortunately that meant we had more time to refine the design and achieve the right balance between Classic Shaker and contemporary living. We liaised closely with the client and the builder to get the design, measurements and use of space exactly right. When you enter this kitchen you cannot help but be struck by the amount of natural light, achieved through a large triple-panel skylight and ceiling-height sliding doors. That light shows off the craftsmanship in the cabinetry beautifully.
Why we specify Shaws sinks
Shaws is our preferred supplier for sinks, simply because the quality is exceptional. We love them and so do our clients, so here we chose a sink that would be practical for washing large pans in a busy family home. Working with the space, our design included a shorter run, which is where the Shaws Inset 800 sits, integrated beneath the bold marble work surface. A full-height marble splashback was the client's preference, and we think it brings the whole space together. Choosing an inset sink keeps the area contemporary, clean and streamlined, and avoids breaking up the dark tones of the cabinetry and wood. To complement the sink, a Perrin & Rowe Polaris 3-in-1 instant hot water tap with rinse, and a matching traditional deck-mounted soap dispenser, both in aged brass, sit proudly on the sink run. The aged brass finish and the natural patterning of the marble work wonderfully with the deep period green of Farrow & Ball Studio Green.
Inset and undermount sinks from Shaws are both beautiful and practical. Each one is elegant and handcrafted, and works with any solid work surface such as granite, marble, quartz or solid wood.
Kitchen Sink FAQs
What is the difference between an inset and an undermount sink?
An inset sink drops into a cut-out in the worktop, with its rim sitting on the surface. An undermount sink is fixed beneath the worktop, so the edge of the stone forms the rim of the bowl. Undermount gives a seamless look and lets you sweep straight into the bowl, while inset is more straightforward to fit and replace.
Which sink suits a bespoke shaker kitchen?
Both work. A traditional butler or Belfast sink suits a more classic scheme, while an inset or undermount keeps the run clean and contemporary. In this project an inset sink was chosen precisely because it kept the sink area streamlined and did not interrupt the dark cabinetry.
What worktops can a Shaws sink be used with?
Shaws inset and undermount sinks work with any solid work surface, including granite, marble, quartz and solid timber. In our SW18 project the sink sits beneath a marble worktop with a matching full-height splashback.
What tap works with a marble worktop and brass fittings?
An aged brass finish sits beautifully against natural marble veining, as the warmth of the metal picks up the tones in the stone. Here we used a Perrin & Rowe Polaris 3-in-1 instant hot water tap with a matching soap dispenser, so the whole sink run reads as one piece.
Where does Handmade Kitchen Company design kitchens?
We design, hand-build and hand-paint bespoke kitchens from our workshop in Essex, for clients across Essex, Hertfordshire and North London, with occasional projects further afield. For more on sinks, read
the timeless charm of the traditional butler sink
. You can read more about our SW18 project on the Shaws of Darwen website:
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