Clive Christian kitchens are known for their grand proportions, distinctive detailing and beautifully crafted cabinetry. They are kitchens with a real sense of occasion, combining practical furniture with the elegance of a traditionally furnished room. The cabinetry itself may still be in excellent condition, with many years of use ahead of it.
But even a well-made kitchen can reach a point where its colour and finish no longer feel right for your home.
Some older painted kitchens feature cream eggshell finishes, distressed detailing and antique glazes. While these create a deliberately aged appearance, the overall effect can eventually feel rather yellow or tired. This is mainly due the them being painted with traditional oil based paints, prior to new paint legislation coming into force in 2010. This is where paint manufacturers had to change some of the chemicals in there paints.
I have been using advanced waterborne paint sytems for over 16 year and this is where I can help. At Russ Pike Interiors, I specialise in hand painting existing kitchens, bringing a fresh appearance to quality cabinetry while preserving the craftsmanship that makes it special.
A Traditional Kitchen with a Fresh New Look
The appeal of a Clive Christian kitchen lies in its attention to detail. Decorative cornices, mouldings and carefully considered proportions all contribute to its character.
Repainting gives you the opportunity to appreciate those features in a different way. A softer neutral can make the room feel lighter, while a deeper colour can bring definition to the cabinetry and highlight its architectural details.
You don’t have to lose the traditional character of your kitchen to give it a more up-to-date appearance. Often, a carefully chosen colour scheme and a beautifully applied finish are enough to make the whole room feel different.
Choosing Colours for Your Clive Christian Kitchen
Choosing a new kitchen colour is an exciting part of the process, although narrowing down the options can take a little time.
A two-tone scheme can work particularly well. If you have a central island, a richer colour here can create a lovely focal point, balanced by a complementary shade on the surrounding cabinets.
Another option is to use deeper colours on the base units and lighter shades on the wall cupboards. Alternatively, one colour throughout can create a calm, cohesive appearance, allowing the detail of the furniture to speak for itself.
The right combination will depend on the natural light, worktops, flooring and the atmosphere you want to create. I can help you consider how these elements work together, so the finished kitchen feels at home in its surroundings.
Experience with Bespoke Kitchens
I have been hand painting bespoke kitchens and furniture since 1987, working directly for a number of leading kitchen manufacturers across the East Midlands and often throughout the UK.
Today, much of my work involves repainting existing kitchens. These include previously painted bespoke installations as well as wooden kitchens whose owners would like a change of colour and finish.
There is something particularly satisfying about taking a well-made kitchen that has started to look tired and helping its owners fall in love with it again.
You can see examples of my work on painting existing wood kitchens here.
Careful Preparation Makes the Difference
A lasting kitchen transformation involves much more than applying a different colour.
Before painting begins, I assess the existing finish and prepare the surfaces thoroughly. Grease and contamination need to be removed, damaged areas addressed and the cabinetry sanded and primed as appropriate for the surface.
Nicks, knocks and suitable gaps receive attention too. On a detailed kitchen, the mouldings, edges, cornices and junctions all deserve the same care as the larger door panels.
My aim is to create a consistent, carefully finished result throughout the agreed painted areas. It is this patient preparation and attention to detail that provides the foundation for the finishing coats.
A Hand Painted Finish for Everyday Living
I use professional paint systems selected to suit the cabinetry and the demands of a working kitchen, including high-quality water-borne finishes.
The aim is a finish that is beautiful, durable and practical to live with. Kitchens are busy spaces, and the paintwork needs to be chosen and applied with that in mind.
Hand painting also complements the character of traditionally made furniture. Should an area become damaged in the future, a hand painted finish can often be repaired locally, helping you maintain its appearance over time.
For me, the pleasure is in seeing all that preparation come together: the colours, the detailing and the finished cabinetry becoming part of a room you are proud to have in your home.
Keep the Kitchen You Have and Make It Your Own
Perhaps you have recently moved into a property with a Clive Christian kitchen. You appreciate the quality, but the colour belongs to someone else’s taste.
Or perhaps you have enjoyed your kitchen for many years and simply feel ready for a change.
If the cabinetry is sound and the layout still works for you, repainting can be a worthwhile alternative to replacement. It allows you to retain the furniture while changing the appearance of the room, without the disruption of a complete refit.
It can also be worth considering if you are preparing your home for sale and want to refresh a kitchen that looks dated.
I can also supply and fit new hardware to your kitchen cabinets; new handles, knobs and hinges of any size can add those finishes touches to your freshly painted kitchen. My specialist Ironmongery supplier has a huge range in stock.
Discuss Your Kitchen with Russ Pike Interiors
If you have a Clive Christian kitchen in Nottingham or the surrounding East Midlands that would benefit from specialist repainting, I would be delighted to hear from you.
With over 40 years of high quality painting, decorating and specialist kitchen painting experience and a hands-on approach, I bring care, knowledge and a real appreciation of quality cabinetry to every project.
Get in touch with Russ Pike Interiors to discuss your kitchen, explore your ideas and arrange a quotation.