Homelife SS22_Digital | Page 52

A TIMELESS COLLECTION
Chester Dove Grey kitchen island 620.177 , £ 945
“ What I love about Chester is its white oak top , which was developed to look like untreated oak ,” Victoria Darnell , Cotswold Company ’ s Senior Buyer tells us . “ I developed the finish after my first buying trip to the Far East . Here I saw our Oakland range being built for the first time and I got to see the product in its naked state before the final finish was applied . Oakland has a lovely warm lacquer applied to give it that rustic feel , but I loved the look of the oak when it was untreated . It just looked so natural , so I knew I wanted to bring that look to Chester .”
UNCOMPROMISING QUALITY
One of our most loved and timeless collections , Chester has grown and evolved over the years . Now available in five painted finishes , its effortless and contemporary design makes it a deserving all-round favourite . The cornerstone for many of our furniture collections , traditional woodworking techniques run through each and every piece of Chester . From its solid oak frame to mortise and tenon joints , we use strong Dovetail joints on every drawer too . These are reinforced with corner supports to help them withstand more weight – and last much longer . While we take great care in the build of every piece , we consider the smaller details too . Those which can ’ t always be seen but are the invisible mark of quality and craftsmanship . Traditional wooden runners are used for their strength and simplicity , metal rather than plastic door magnets and a fourlayer paint application for durability against the hustle and bustle of everyday life .
“ Once we started development , we worked hard to find an oak treatment to protect the tops against everyday marks and stains . After much deliberation , we chose a white wax tinted oil which was as close to the natural , unfinished look I loved , as possible . Every time I see it , I ’ m reminded of where my passion for product development came from ,” says Victoria .
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