In a highly competitive market, Betta Style Kitchens & Joinery has built an industry-leading reputation. Backed by a strong legacy and a passionate owner, this reputation has grown organically overtime. In 1993, Strangio became aware of the sale of Betta Style Laminating, a small benchtop manufacturing company. Having recently completed his apprenticeship as a shopfitter and detailed joiner, Strangio was thrilled by the prospect of building a business from scratch. The company steadily evolved, “manufacturing high-quality laminated products catering to both retail and trade sectors,” he explains.

Since then, Strangio has applied his expertise in shopfitting and joinery to establish The Pre-Fab Group, which he later merged with Betta Style Laminating to create Betta Style Kitchens & Joinery in 2016. Now, with a company recognised for its diverse products and services, Strangio is excited to cater “to the market for cut-to-size demands, supplying flat-packed kitchens and joinery to the cabinetmaking and shopfitting industry,” as well as supply “fully assembled kitchens and joinery for the trade, building and retail sectors”. He explains, “our ongoing investment in the latest machinery and software technology is a key component of our success, as is our commitment to producing only the highest-quality products, supported by a strong work ethic and a client focused approach.”

ON TREND

With decades of experience in the field, Strangio has seen the rise and fall of popular trends overtime. In today’s climate, he says, “pre-finished decorative boards (melamine boards) are the most popular types of wood due to the extensive offer of colours, finishes and textures. They are visually appealing, versatile and hard-wearing. Generally, modern style kitchens will use pre-finished, melamine decorative boards or polyurethane for doors and panels. Whereas rustic kitchens and traditional style kitchens will use polyurethane with a routed profile on the doors and panels.”

As homeowners lean toward prioritising indoor-outdoor flow, Strangio anticipates a steer towards the natural within kitchen cabinetry. “In my opinion, the future colour, material and texture trends for kitchen cabinet design will continue to evolve and move closer to nature, accentuating organic and earthy tones and embossed finishes throughout,” he estimates.

CONCEPT TO CUPBOARDS

When it comes to transforming a client’s vision into reality, Strangio weighs up several aspects before any choices are made. “The decision of which timber to use will depend on various factors such as client’s preferences, costs, durability, aesthetics, availability, etc.” After these details are straightened out, the fun can begin. “Part of the design process is to sit down and discuss preferences and styles, we will go through colour palettes and samples. This way, the client can select what resonates with them,” he explains.

Strangio describes two main considerations that affect the selection of materials. First, he says, “the variety and amplitude of ranges including thickness, sizes and availability which will impact the versatility of the products.” And second, “the clients’ lifestyle, preferences and budget. A great amount of consideration needs to be taken when recommending products which must be suitable for the client’s lifestyle, preferences and budget as well as goals.” Environmental consciousness, however, is more than a preference for Strangio, it’s a responsibility. 

THE FEEL OF IT

In terms of kitchen cabinet finishes, Strangio recommends polyurethane, melamine, vacuum formed and veneer. These finishes, however, are recommended in accordance with the client’s preferences, suitability and budget. “For example, for a family with young children we will recommend melamine or vacuum formed as these are always more hard-wearing and durable. For clients that are looking at country style, French provincial, or Hamptons-style kitchens, we will recommend polyurethane or hand painted as this will provide the desired aesthetics.