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HOMES
A RoomWith AView
For more information about
Apropos bespoke architecture in
glass you can call 0800 328 0033
or visit
To find out more about
Andrew John Lloyd Designs visit
Once again though, fusion was key and
this kitchen not only needed an open view
of the outside world but is also intended to
act as a view; framed by the Aprofold doors
the design becomes a piece of art; displayed
proudly atop its hillside for all to see.
Just as the twinkling lights of beyond can
be imagined into constellations; so too the
kitchen, with its powerful comet inspired
undertones, is viewed from below as celestial
by unseen eyes. “I had to combine a view
outwards as well as in” explains Andrew
“through the curved wall and opening of the
Aprofold doors.”
Apropos’ philosophy of framing nature, first
introduced as an architectural ideology by
Frank Lloyd Wright, therefore came into play
as Andrew searched for the perfect dual view.
“We like to think of our product as enhancing
nature and presenting views from the best
possible perspective” Michael Barnes of
Apropos describes “but never before had we
flipped this on its head in order to frame the
interior view. Perhaps we were too focused
on bringing the outside in – until Andrew
introduced this new, exciting concept.”
Constructed with rich black polyester
powder-coated aluminium for strength and
durability, the Apropos folding-sliding doors
frame both views to perfection, bringing an
airy feeling of freedom during the daylight
hours and a sense of the seclusion of outer
space when night time falls. Look through
those windows in the darkness and the
twinkling lights of the far distance could be
the astronaut’s view of home.
Returning to base, pale grey Ceaserstone
Granite work tops bring to mind moon rocks,
while glittering polished stainless steel taps,
stools, sockets, handles and basins accent
the clean white fittings. Sharp white and
glowing blue up-lighting adds an aura of
the sophisticated unknown, reminiscent of
the space adventurer’s consoles. This is a
kitchen Jim, but may be not as we know it.
Parapan, with its highly reflective surface,
turned out to be the perfect material through
which to bring the whole design together –
lending itself to creating an effective light
plan and aligning with the Aprofold doors
by reflecting their natural light. The light plan
acts to draw the eye around the kitchens
natural flow and increases the overall impact
of this stunning design.
The comet motif can be found throughout
this Andrew Lloyd kitchen; the tear-drop
shaped island a comet’s nucleus viewed with
the naked eye; the gaseous tail depicted in
the raised glass breakfast bar; the comet’s
rugged surface portrayed in the curving,
textured Burr Oak pantry door handles.
“Andy has applied his passion, creative
vision and the highest of standards into reality.
The original inspired thought of a comet
resonates with the energy that now revolves
around the heart of our home, the kitchen”
enthuses Beverly Belshaw, the proud owner
of this one of a kind kitchen.
Although the aesthetic genius is
breathtakingly apparent in this design, it does
not come at the cost of practicality. Every
inch of wall space is utilised, with in-built
appliances and wine racks, while room has
been left for entertaining next to the Apropfold
doors, allowing functions to spill outside on
warm, wine-drenched evenings. The space
is ergonomically designed perfectly, so that
“daily living seems to ebb and flow around a
beautiful space” says Beverly.
Thanks to the durability of the materials used
the Belshaw’s will be able to call this kitchen
the heart of their home for many more years
to come. The Aprofold doors, manufactured
in the UK, offer years of hard-wearing viewing
pleasure and the Ceaserstone granite work
surfaces, atop their solid oak frame, which
serves to combat the problem of failing nails
in the usual corkboard frames, will last a
lifetime.
In this kitchen you can see a dedication
to fusion; form and function; vision and
physicality; light and dark; adventure and
the comforts of home; Andrew John Lloyd
and Apropos. The brief was inspired by the
heavens; the energy of a comet resonates
throughout this kitchen, making it the
pulsating heart of a beautiful home.
“We like to think of our product as enhancing nature
and presenting views from the best possible perspective”
