Brandt Life Magazine Spring 2023

BRANDT LIFE

Scott Davis, Managing Director, Brandt Design

HI AND WELCOME TO YET ANOTHER GREAT EDITION OF BRANDT LIFE.

As spring progresses into summer, it’s common for people to feel more positive and we are no different; in fact, we have much to be upbeat about as business is strong and we have been nominated for several awards recognising the excellence of our team.

Furthermore, the ´feel-good´ factor is increased as the connection between our team and our clients has never been stronger after a series of highly enjoyable social events that we recently hosted at 2 of our 3 showrooms. These include fun customer evenings with celebrity chef Denise Phillips and neighbourhood wine and cheese raconteur, Dan Belmont.

There are more evenings planned with the next one being hosted at our Hampstead Showroom, 489 Finchley Road, West Hampstead on May 18th – details can be found on page 8 of this magazine.

I do urge you to participate, they are completely free of charge, entertaining, educational and perhaps most importantly, extremely sociable with many friendships being formed by those who attend.

I hope you enjoy the magazine, as always, it’s a good read. Have a great summer.

Scott

CASE STUDY

THE ULTIMATE ACCESSIBLE KITCHEN page 04

EVENT DON’T MISS OUT! page 08

IN PROFILE

ISTVAN VERES page 10

CASE STUDY

LET THE KITCHEN GAMES BEGIN! page 14

INTERIOR DESIGN

GLORIA SANCHEZ page 18

RECIPE

MACARONI AND CAULIFLOWER CHEESE page 23

FEATURE

JUST CHILLING page 24

THE ULTIMATE ACCESSIBLE KITCHEN

A bespoke wheelchair-friendly kitchen, combining accessibility and practicality with the ultimate in modern style

A bespoke kitchen dining space with top-of-the-range appliances was at the top of the wish list for a Sophie Shane, a sociable homeowner who uses a wheelchair. Based in an airy apartment within the prestigious Luma Park development at Kings Cross, with impeccable interior design by Conran and Partners, she enjoys great transport links to the UK and the continent as well as the buzz of a vibrant part of the capital.

Georgie Robbins, Showroom Manager at Brandt Design Hampstead says, “It was a privilege to be recommended for the project and to demonstrate our commitment to personal service and product quality for a client who wanted a designer kitchen which didn’t look as if it had been adapted and complete with appliances which were easily accessible. It made sense to select furniture from our Brandt Urban collection which is handleless with

“It was a privilege to be recommended for the project and to demonstrate our commitment to personal service and product quality for a client who wanted a designer kitchen which didn’t look as if it had been adapted and complete with appliances which were easily accessible. It made sense to select furniture from our Brandt Urban collection which is handleless with clean lines and has a contemporary feel in an attractive and popular Taupe.”

clean lines and has a contemporary feel in an attractive and popular Taupe. We paired it with durable easy-clean surfaces in Crystal White from the Brandt Collection for an upscale look.”

The work surface was lowered by couple of inches, a subtle variation which ensured that the client could cook with ease but was barely noticeable to guests. Other custom design features include a gap under the sink to accommodate the wheelchair and a practical pull-down shelving unit so that the top units in the compact L-shaped layout can be utilised easily.

The position of the appliances is key to making light work of food prep, with a fully integrated Fisher & Paykel fridgefreezer taking pride of place. Generous double doors ensure that the contents can be seen at glance, making top-up shopping even easier as well as cutting down on food waste. A Neff oven and microwave complete the bank of appliances in bespoke housing, and the N50 Slide and Hide B6ACH7ANOA single oven has a super functional door which slides under the appliance so the client can reach in and out when baking or preparing roasts.

Bespoke storage solutions include cubby holes for trays and also a dedicated refreshments zone next to the retro pastel green Smeg toaster and nearinvisible SI2M7643DW white Smeg induction hob. It has an ultra-low profile which seamlessly blends in with the countertop, and the discreet under cabinet extractor fan even has a remote control for the chef, so she can operate it without relying on touch controls.

The wet zone is home to a Brushed Nickel 4 IN 1 Pronteau Propure hot water tap which delivers domestic hot, cold, filtered water and 98°C steaming hot water on demand, below 100° boiling point for extra safety. In addition, it has a compact footprint for the boiler tank making it the perfect fit under the unit boasting a Blanco Rotan 500-U Silgranit Undermount Sink in White.

After cooking for friends, it’s easy to deal with the dishes thanks to the integrated Fisher & Paykel Double DishDrawers placed to the right of the

“It’s exactly what I wanted, a kitchen that was accessible and practical, but also looks beautiful. I’ve really enjoyed adding my personal touches to the space, dressing the shelves and finding what looks great but also work for me.”

wet zone. With no need to wait for a full load, it is energy-efficient for a oneperson household as well as being easy to load.

With a back wall which includes generous storage as well as an illuminated display area for decorative objects and glassware, the open-plan kitchen is an inviting place to linger. The stylish Taupe and Pearl Grey kitchen complements the pale timbertopped sideboard leading to the patio doors and drawing the eye outside to the private gardens, combining natural elements with the best of city living.

Homeowner Sophie Shane enthused, “Brandt Designs Georgie was so knowledgeable about all the products that were available and always gave me at least two options so I could weigh up what would work best for me.

I really love what we achieved, it’s exactly what I wanted, a kitchen that was accessible and practical, but also looks beautiful. I’ve really enjoyed adding my personal touches to the space, dressing the shelves and finding what looks great but also work for me.

I wanted a kitchen that looked modern but with such a big investment it was also important to have a design that didn’t date easily.”

www.brandtdesign.co.uk

DON’T MISS OUR UPCOMING EVENT

Offering new and classic recipe ideas, Denise has been bringing her signature kosher food to customers of Brandt Design at two of its three showrooms: Hampstead, 489 Finchley Road, just minutes away from the JW3 cultural and community centre and also at Hatch End, Hertfordshire at 431 The Broadway on Uxbridge Road.

Julia Steadman, the Commercial Director at Brandt Design has told Brandt Life Magazine, “We have worked on lots of residential kitchen projects in and around the local areas of London and Hertfordshire, including all of the kitchens at Hampstead Manor, which won Best Conversion at The Evening Standard New Homes Awards. To have such a well-known chef like Denise offering a ‘hands-on’ cooking experience for anyone that loves to indulge in kosher food, is a wonderful way for us to bring ourselves closer to the local community and the evenings have been a great success so far.”

The Brandt Design team are currently hosting a series of live cookery classes and showroom events with the UK’s leading Jewish chef and cookery writer, Denise Phillips of Denise’s Kitchen.

“I am thrilled to collaborate with Brandt Design – they are a hugely talented, respected interior design studio. and fun to work with.”

Speaking before the first event, Denise Phillips, Jewish Chef & Cookery Writer at Denise’s Kitchen commented, “I am thrilled to collaborate with Brandt Design –they are a hugely talented, respected interior design studio and fun to work with. I cannot wait to bring my fresh and creative approach to the modern kosher kitchen.”

The events are fun and a great social experience so do join us. The next event will be held at Finchley Road on the 18 May 2023. Places are limited so if you want to find out more information, please register your interest online by visiting:

www.brandtdesign.co.uk/events

ISTVAN VERES

Our Designer Profile features Istvan Veres who is an established member of Brandt Design creative team:

How long have you been a designer?

“I’ve been working as a designer for the past 6 years, specialising in kitchen design. I also have experience in mechanical and industrial drawings, which has helped me immeasurably in my work as a designer.

With my combined experience in both fields, I’ve been able to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and efficient. I’m constantly looking to improve my skills and stay up to date with industry trends to provide the best possible design solutions for my clients.”

What initially attracted you to kitchen design?

“I’ve always been fascinated by how people interact with the spaces around them, and how design can influence and enhance that experience. When I was first introduced to kitchen design, I was immediately drawn to the unique challenges and opportunities that come with designing a functional and aesthetically pleasing space that meets the needs and preferences of each individual client. I love the creativity involved in coming up with new and innovative ways to use space, materials, and lighting to create a kitchen that not only looks great but also serves as the heart of the home. Being able to see my designs come to life and have a positive impact on people’s lives is what continues to motivate me and makes kitchen design such a rewarding career.”

“I love the creativity involved in coming up with new and innovative ways to use space”

How would you describe your ‘design style?’

“Based on my work as a kitchen designer, my design style is characterised by a focus on functionality, efficiency, and aesthetics. I prioritise creating designs that are tailored to each client’s unique needs and preferences while ensuring that the space is functional and efficient. I prefer using clean lines, neutral colours, and natural materials such as wood and stone to create a timeless and classic look that can withstand the test of time.

I also enjoy incorporating innovative and modern design elements such as high-tech appliances and smart home technology to create spaces that are not only visually appealing but also technologically advanced. I believe that a successful design should not only be beautiful but also practical and adaptable to the changing needs of the client.”

What advice would you give to anyone considering planning a new kitchen?

“When planning a new kitchen, it’s important to begin with a clear vision

of what you want to achieve. Think about your lifestyle and how you plan to use the space. Consider factors such as the amount of cooking you do, the number of people who will be using the kitchen, and your storage needs.

It’s also important to set a realistic budget and timeline for the project. Kitchen renovations can be costly and time-consuming, so it’s important to plan ahead and work with a qualified professional who can help you stay within your budget and timeline.

When it comes to the design of the kitchen, consider both aesthetics and functionality. Make sure the design meets your aesthetic preferences while also providing enough counter space, storage, and functionality for your needs. Consider the placement of appliances, lighting, and electrical outlets to ensure that the kitchen is functional and efficient.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Work with a qualified kitchen designer who can guide you through the process and provide expert advice on design, layout, and materials. With careful planning and the right team in place, you can create a kitchen

that is both beautiful and functional, and that meets all of your needs and preferences.”

Name one kitchen product that impresses you the most?

“One kitchen product that is often considered impressive is the induction cooktop. Induction cooktops use electromagnetic fields to heat the cookware directly, instead of heating the surface of the cooktop. This makes induction cooking faster, more efficient, and more precise than traditional electric or gas cooktops.

Induction cooktops are also safer to use since they don’t heat up the cooktop surface, which means there is less risk of burns or fires. They are also easier to clean since spills don’t get baked onto the surface.

In addition to their functional benefits, induction cooktops are also sleek and modern in design, making them a popular choice for contemporary kitchens. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit any kitchen design, and many models feature touch controls and other hightech features that make cooking even more convenient.”

The BORA Pure cooktop and extraction system can be customised to bring a personal touch to any kitchen setting, via the air inlet nozzle available in six colours.

A little more about you beyond work …

What would be a perfect weekend for you?

“A perfect weekend for me would involve hiking with friends in a nearby national park or exploring a nearby city or cultural landmark, with time to relax and recharge in the evenings.”

Do you like a particular sport or hobby?

“The activities that I enjoy the most are snowboarding, roller skating and orienteering. Whether I am speeding down a snowy slope, gliding on roller skates, or navigating through the wilderness, the important thing is that I am having fun and staying active.

My hobbies are diverse and spanning multiple areas of interest, including technology, creativity, and hands-on activities such as DIY, gardening, and repairs. I have a curious and exploratory nature, always seeking to learn new skills and try new things.”

Career and life ambitions?

“My career ambition is to continue to grow and develop as a designer, perhaps specialising in a certain area or expanding into related fields. I am also interested in exploring new techniques and trends in the design industry and attending industry events and conferences to network with other professionals and learn from experts in the field.

In terms of life ambitions, my goal is to travel extensively and explore different cultures, seeking inspiration also for work and simply for personal growth and enrichment. I am also interested in learning new skills and pursuing hobbies outside of work, such as cooking and photography, that allows me to continue to explore my creativity and interests.”

“A perfect weekend for me would involve hiking with friends in a nearby national park or exploring a nearby city or cultural landmark, with time to relax and recharge in the evenings.”

“The activities that I enjoy the most are snowboarding, roller skating and orienteering.”

LET THE KITCHEN GAMES BEGIN!

Create a positive balance between home, work and play in your home with a bespoke open-plan kitchen that has your lifestyle in mind...

100% bespoke, this open-plan kitchen living space was designed and installed by the expert team at Brandt Design, for a large 4-bedroom property in the leafy suburb of Mill Hill, Northwest London.

Julia Steadman, Commercial Director explains, “We knew we were going to have fun working on this project as we needed to create a kitchen living space, which combines the homeowner’s love of cooking, home entertaining, rest and recreation with the addition of a full-size indoor ping pong table!

Starting in the main kitchen area, our contemporary style Urban Furniture in dark wood finish helps absorb the natural daylight flooding in from the Crittall-style twinset of double doors, which open out to the garden. A modern 8-spot lighting rail system in matt black helps to define the kitchen space, which features a run of full height handleless cabinets, block island and inset display storage.

The central island unit is the ideal space for family cooking, wine tasting and informal dining with family and friends being fully equipped with a flush mount BORA PURA induction glass ceramic cooktop, built-in wine cabinet by Caple and brown leather bar stools, which comfortably seat ➝

“We knew we were going to have fun working on this project as we needed to create a kitchen living space, which combines the homeowner’s love of cooking, home entertaining, rest and recreation with the addition of a full-size indoor ping pong table!”

up to four. For extra peace of mind and to provide a direct contrast against the dark furniture, we paired it with durable, easy-clean surfaces in Calacatta Supreme: part of the Brandt Collection.

The set of three fully integrated ovens by Siemens ensure professional baking at home, choosing a conventional oven, combi microwave and steam oven for optimum cooking results. For a uniform look we chose to expand the Calacatta Supreme into the wash zone with matching worktop and splashback, along with modern Blanco Andano 700U stainless-steel sink and PRO3 Flex 3-in-1 matt black hot tap by Quooker.

Practical and luxurious, a breakfast cupboard is concealed behind the doors closest to the garden, complete with coffee machine, 4-slice toaster and blender. The fixed shelving with integrated lighting provides the ideal place to store cereal, gourmet coffee pods, artisan teas, mugs and crockery. Deep, low-profile drawers provide even more storage, and the large doors ensure everything stays neat and tidy space when not in use.

The dining area is defined by the light wood parquet flooring, and modern dining table that seats a further eight guests on mushroom grey leather chairs. To the right is a split-level playroom that houses the family’s beloved ping pong table; so even when the chef is hard at work, we’ve made sure they still feel part of the fun!”

“To the right is a split-level playroom that houses the family’s beloved ping pong table; so even when the chef is hard at work, we’ve made sure they still feel part of the fun!”

A CLOSER LOOK AT INTERIOR DESIGN

Interior Design contributor to Brandt Life Magazine, Gloria Sanchez of Tailored Living Interiors explains how professional interior design could work for you

Have you ever wondered what are the benefits of hiring an interior designer? Some people who may never have bought a home may think that an interior designer is a luxury and somewhat reserved for only those with the deepest pockets.

An understandable assumption perhaps but it is a little wide of the mark for if you have a realistic budget and would like to have the home of your dreams, then hiring a professional will immeasurably help you realise your dream home!

Brandt Design has the very best designers for specific rooms, like kitchens and bathrooms for example,

however, an interior designer can complement the Brandt teams excellence by theming throughout the house so that each room works seamlessly with the other design wise, both internally and externally as gardens have become almost as high on the wish list as interiors

At Tailored-Living, we often get called to projects where people have purchased a new home and are struggling to undertake renovations themselves and expressing their regret at not contracting the services of a designer at the outset. I therefore thought that in this issue of Brandt Life, I would highlight a few of the benefits in the hope that you might consider

“Many people that don’t hire an interior designer in the first place and decide to tackle the project themselves, end up spending more money than if they had contracted a designer in the first instance.”

Gloria Sanchez, Interior Designer, Tailored Living Interiors

using a designer from the start, rather than when you have fallen deeper into the project rabbit-hole a few months down the line.

Let’s be honest here – It really isn´t an easy task to undertake renovations of any home as you have to deal with construction workers, make choices of materials whilst not being aware of which suppliers are the best for the style and the budget you want to achieve. All of this and much more whilst you endeavour to reach the full potential of your property, both functionally and aesthetically.

A designer will help you save time and money.

Saving money by hiring someone to design and renovate your home might sound rather bizarre, especially when there is an additional designer fee to pay on top. Many people that don’t hire an interior designer in the first place and decide to tackle the project themselves, end up spending more money than if they had contracted a designer in the first instance.

A professional will help you avoid making expensive mistakes by continuously monitoring your budget and employing the correct products/ materials. This can be achieved by recommending only the exact materials for your project, thus reducing wastage whilst ensuring that the finished scheme will be durable and practical as well as aesthetically beautiful.

A home, professional interior designed, can also increase the value of the property overall, at the very leat it will make it more saleable. In an extremely competitive market as we have today, savvy homebuyers want as much as they can get in terms of specifications. So, no matter what level of the market your property is at, having the best design/ configuration makes a difference to what you can achieve when you sell.

A designer will make the renovation process less stressful.

Stress is a huge factor when renovating your home. It’s an emotional time when your home is getting taken apart

and the money is flying out of your bank account.

A designer will minimise your time and effort, in addition to alleviating the stress associated with renovations, giving you the time to do the things you enjoy more.

A designer will bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and fresh ideas.

An interior designer is a trained professional with a trained eye who can instantly tell you if something is right or wrong with an interior. They can offer novel solutions that you may have

never heard of before. They will have sound architectural knowledge and an awareness of space. They will offer sketches and CAD drawings to assist in the process of visualisation and decision making.

Designers have the right contacts.

Most designer will have an extensive and reliable network of tried and tested industry professionals whom you need when putting your dream home together. In addition, they will have access to industry secrets, when compared to an average person.

www.tailored-living.co.uk

GRANDMA TODIWALA’S MACARONI & CAULIFLOWER CHEESE

When the first pasta was introduced to the British public and promptly found its way to India and into the clubs and gymkhanas of the Raj. Like most Indians, I grew up eating over-boiled pasta. It was not until my European training back in 1980 that I realized we had been cooking it all wrong – but in those days if you cooked pasta al dente it was sent back to you. Mum’s macaroni was cooked until it split, but hey, the fun was in the sauce and her awesome magic with taste.

METHOD

Bring the water to the boil in a pan. Add a little salt and boil the florets for 4–5 minutes at most. Remove with a slotted spoon, refresh under cold water in a bowl and drain.

To the same pan, add the macaroni and cook according to the packet instructions. Remove with a slotted spoon, refresh under cold water and drain. Mix with the cauliflower.

Add the cauliflower trimmings and stems to the water and cook for 5 minutes until very soft. Blitz the cauliflower and some of the water to a purée. You need to have about 250–300ml (8½ –10fl oz). Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Generously grease the inside of the baking dish with butter.

Melt the butter in a large saucepan and add the cumin seeds. Heat for 30 seconds, then take off the heat. Add the flour and stir in well. Whisk in the milk and some of the puréed cauliflower until well blended.

Return the saucepan to the heat and stir well but gently with the whisk. From time to time, scrape with a spatula to ensure it is not sticking to the bottom. Bring to the boil and simmer for a few minutes, adding more puréed cauliflower if needed, until it is the consistency of white sauce. Add the green chilli, chilli powder and some seasoning.

Stir half the cheese into the sauce and mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Take off the heat and add the mustard, macaroni and cauliflower to the sauce and mix well but gently. Add the coriander and check everything is well coated in sauce – if needed, add some more purée.

Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Combine the remaining cheese with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the top. Bake for about 15–20 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp. Serve immediately.

www.cafespice.co.uk

INGREDIENTS | SERVES 4–5

Water 1 litre (1¾ pints)

Cauliflower florets 300g (10½ oz), (reserve the stems and trimmings)

Dried macaroni 300g (10½ oz)

Butter 2 heaped tablespoons, plus extra for greasing

Cumin seeds ½ teaspoon

Plain flour 4 tablespoons, sifted

Whole milk 400ml (14fl oz)

Fresh green chillies 2–3 finger type, finely chopped

Red chilli powder, a pinch

Cheddar cheese 200–300g (7–10½ oz), grated

Hot English mustard 3–4 teaspoons

Chopped fresh coriander 1 heaped tablespoon

Fresh breadcrumbs 3–4 tablespoons

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Recipe by Cyrus Todiwala Supplied by Octopus Publishing Group Ltd, Photography by Matt Russell

JUST CHILLING

With warm summer evenings ahead Julia Steadman, Brandt Design Commercial Director, takes a look at the popularity that wine refrigeration is currently enjoying.

With the growth in home bars, we have certainly noted a rise in demand for wine storage as the hybrid kitchen living space demands the ultimate in practicality, luxury and efficiency when entertaining friends and family.

Wine lovers are increasingly keen to combine wine storage with cooling appliances so that they can enjoy a chilled still or sparkling wine from their collection. As the global wine market presents a mixed picture for 2023, we anticipate that savvy consumers will be more inclined to bulk buy and focus on storage as they select their wines with greater care.

We are finding that some of our customers enjoy having the convenience of a dedicated cooling zone complete with a wine cabinet adjacent to the main side by side fridge freezer. If you’re a host that loves to entertain, then being able to see your fine wines and champagne at a glance when menu planning is a great advantage!

Others prefer to have a wine cooler situated in the entertaining zone so it’s easy to top up glasses without disturbing food prep. For example, having a dedicated bar area which is

fully integrated into the kitchen with a wine cooler close by will free up space in the main refrigerator and ensure that it is separate from the cook zone. We find that having a bespoke unit will also make it easier to check on supplies and allow you to have ice making equipment or bar snacks on hand.

In my opinion, ergonomics should be at the heart of planning in wine storage in your forever kitchen. For example, a wine cooler can work seamlessly in an island unit, or a run of units, and

is a great way to introduce this type of appliance into the working zone if you love to cook with wine or keen to explore food and wine pairings.

As a bespoke kitchen design studio, the majority of our residential kitchens and premium contract kitchens include wine coolers. So, if you’re considering integrating a wine cabinet in your home, make sure it’s in keeping with the architecture of your home and works hard to support and enhance your lifestyle.

If you’re a host that loves to entertain, then being able to see your fine wines and champagne at a glance when menu planning is a great advantage!

Custom Gold Wine Rack, Urban Furniture by Brandt Design, Grey Wild Oak veneer, 50mm Neolith Worktops & Panels, Estatuario Silk, Armac Martin Longbridge Handles, Satin Brass Un-Lacquered: 776mm long, Caple Sense Undercounter Wine Cabinet, Gunmetal finish, Polar C-Series Ice Maker.