Category: Kitchen

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Kitchen

Samsung Hob replacement in 48 hours

Our customer had one of their 4 ceramic rings fail on the hob 4 days before a large family gathering. They knew they wanted to change to an induction hob. They selected a Samsung 60cm Series 6 4 Zone Flex Induction Hob  from Appliance City online (however they supply didn’t offer an install service) they asked us if we could fit it. It was delivered and installed within 48 hours. Unfortunately we did it so quickly we forgot to take the picture

Its worth being aware that if you have draws underneath an induction hob there are certain restrictions of what you can put in them. Induction hobs have a fan to cool them and this could get blocked, or metal items in the draw below could heat up. Especially given the high power of this Samsung unit (7,000 watts) We therefore fitted a fireboard from Selco. 

It’s worth being aware that not all pans are compatible with an induction hob so if you are changing, this needs to be remembered. Most electric hob installs are now induction rather than ceramic.

Core Benefits of Induction over Ceramic

 Faster Heating and Boiling: Induction heats the pan directly rather than warming up the glass surface first. A litre of water can boil in roughly half the time on an induction hob compared to a ceramic one.

 Instant Temperature Control: Heat changes happen almost instantly when you adjust the power level, mimicking the quick response of gas. Turning off the power stops heating immediately, preventing milk or pasta water from boiling over.

 Higher Energy Efficiency: Induction transfers roughly 85–90% of its energy directly into the food, compared to about 70% for standard ceramic electric hobs where heat escapes around the sides into the surrounding air.

 Safer Surface: Because the heat is generated inside the cookware rather than on the glass, the cooktop itself stays significantly cooler. While the glass gets warm from residual heat from the pan, it will not cause the severe burn hazard of a red-hot ceramic zone.

 Easier to Clean: Spills and splatters don’t burn or bake onto the surface because the glass doesn’t reach extreme temperatures. Most messes wipe away with a damp cloth as soon as you finish cooking.

 Auto-Off Safety: If you remove a pan or switch on a zone without cookware on it, the hob cannot generate heat and turns off automatically.

Categories
Internal fit out Kitchen

Full stave worktops in Bunny, Nottinghamshire

Recent Project: Stunning Solid Oak Full Stave Worktop Installation in Bunny, Nottinghamshire

There is nothing quite like the warmth and character that natural timber brings into a kitchen. We recently completed a beautiful solid oak worktop installation for a client in Bunny, Nottinghamshire, and the results speak for themselves.

For this project, we precisely cut, joined, and installed premium solid oak worktops to perfectly contour the kitchen’s layout, featuring a seamless corner joint and a classic Belfast sink cutout.What is a “Full Stave” Worktop?

WhatsApp Image 2026-07-17 at 12.24.57

What is the difference between timber worktops. Simply put, a Full Stave worktop is constructed using long, continuous planks of timber that run the entire length of the worktop without any breaks.

Full Stave vs. Finger-Jointed (Standard):

  • Full Stave: The staves run from one end to the other (typically 80mm–250mm wide). They are glued using straight-edge joins, creating a clean, flowing look.
  • Finger-Jointed: Made by joining smaller, shorter blocks together with “teeth” (finger joints) to make up the length.

Why choose Full Stave?

  • Aesthetics: You get a seamless, flowing grain pattern that showcases the timber’s natural beauty and consistent colour. It’s widely considered the high-end, premium choice.
  • Stability: Because you are using continuous, full-length timber rather than smaller glued blocks, the worktop is robust and less prone to warping over time.

Builder’s Note: Full stave worktops are heavy and rigid. They require careful handling during installation, especially when cutting for sinks or hobs, but the final finish is unmatched.

From Raw Timber to Rich Grain

A key part of the magic with solid wood is the finishing process. As you can see from our progress shots, applying a high-quality Osmo protective oil completely transforms the wood—taking the oak from a pale, raw state to a deep, rich golden tone that highlights the natural knots and grain patterns.

Beyond the aesthetics, this oiling creates a durable, water-resistant barrier essential for busy kitchen areas around the sink and cooker.Is Solid Wood Right For You?

We always believe in being honest with our clients:

  • The Pros: If you love timber, nothing can replace that natural texture. With regular care, it is a timeless investment that lasts a lifetime.
  • The Considerations: It is an investment in both material cost and skilled labour. Because solid wood reacts to its environment, it needs to be looked after—regular oiling is a must, and standing water should be avoided. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, “fit and forget” surface, quartz or granite might be better, but if you want that warm, natural statement piece, there is no substitute for oak.

Project Highlights

  • Location: Bunny, Nottinghamshire
  • Materials: Premium Solid Oak Worktops paired with Sage Green Shaker Cabinets
  • Features: Flawless mitre joints, custom Belfast sink integration, and bespoke window sill styling.
  • Finish: Multi-coat protective specialist wood oil for an enduring satin sheen.

Looking to Upgrade Your Kitchen in Nottinghamshire?

Whether you are based in Bunny, Ruddington, Bradmore, or across Nottingham, we specialize in precise worktop installations, custom joinery, and full kitchen transformations.

Let’s bring your dream kitchen to life.

[ 📞 Get a Free Quote Today on 07737 988243 ] or [ ✉️ Contact Us via Message quote@swallowhillhomes.com]

Categories
Extension Flooring Kitchen

Media Wall & parquet floor

Bramcote – Media Wall & parquet floor – February 2026

Project Spotlight: Modern Slat Wall & Custom Media Console in Bramcote

When it comes to elevating a living space, nothing combines warmth, texture, and functionality quite like custom woodwork. We recently completed this stunning living room transformation, turning a plain wall into a striking, architectural focal point.

If you are looking for inspiration to upgrade your home entertainment setup, here is a breakdown of how we brought this sleek, modern design to life.

The Design Details

Our client wanted a sophisticated media center that felt integrated into the room rather than just a collection of standalone furniture. We achieved this by focusing on clean lines, rich textures, and hidden functionality.

The Slat Wall Feature: We installed a floor-to-ceiling vertical wood slat accent wall. The deep oak tones contrasted against the dark backing add incredible visual depth, while the vertical lines create the illusion of higher ceilings.

Custom Floating Media Console: Built to span the width of the wall, using cabinets from Ween in the same range as the kitchen cabinets which helped tie the room together, this low-profile console features a seamless black countertop that perfectly anchors the large-screen TV.

Smart Storage Solutions: The console features balance and symmetry, with spacious, push-to-open drawers on either side to tuck away clutter, and a central open shelving unit to house media devices and showcase personal decor.

Flawless Wire Management: No messy cords here! All cables, power strips, and router boxes are neatly routed behind the slat wall and inside the console for a completely flush, wire-free look. We did need to loop an rj45 cable between the top and bottom of the unit to future proof the work for alternative set ups.

The Engineered Oak flooring was supplied by Stories flooring again and laid in a Herringbone layout. It is very time consuming so not cheap to lay but we thing the result is worthwhile.

If you would like us to create something similar in your home please let me know.

Categories
Bathroom Brickwork Extension Flooring Groundwork Kitchen New build Renovation Roofing Uncategorised

Nottingham Refurbishment & extension

Quality finishes

This was a large contract which involved building onto a 1930’s house.

We built a large open plan kitchen diner downstairs with a boot room, playroom and for home working. Upstairs we created an additional en suite bedroom .