A perfect kitchen for entertaining in Halstead, Kent
When Russell and Ellen approached us they were looking for a sophisticated, modern kitchen to replace their original one, fitted by the developers who had built their house in the 2000s. They were keen to enlarge the kitchen and dining areas for a more open plan feel and to make the most out of their ground floor. We were delighted to work with them and add to our Bromley kitchens portfolio.
The kitchen design process
When we visited the existing kitchen we could immediately see the potential to completely change the layout and open up the whole kitchen and dining area.
We recommended doing away with the more traditional ‘U’ shaped kitchen arrangement. Our idea was to use the full side wall to maximize storage space, with a large island providing an area to cook, dine and entertain.
Russell and Ellen were slightly taken aback by the extent of the proposed alterations! However, after careful consideration, they agreed to go with our plan.
Fresh and contemporary kitchen
We knew we had to deliver a kitchen which would both meet the practical demands of everyday life and also give Russell and Ellen a wonderful space in which to relax and entertain.
By using flat, white, “Manhatten” style acrylic gloss doors throughout the kitchen, we created a clean feel and bounced sunlight from the patio doors around the room. We matched this with pure white quartz worktops.
We constructed the carcasses of the cabinets and drawers from oak. The drawers were finely crafted with dovetail joints and internal storage solutions tailored to the client’s requirements.
The cabinets include two full height cupboards either side of the ovens; a fridge freezer to the right and an extensive larder to the left.
Behind the sink area we installed toughened glass splashbacks painted in Farrow & Ball “De Nimes”, matching a feature wall on the opposite side of the kitchen.
For a dash of colour we included an orange, freestanding mini SMEG fridge – perfect for having some ice cold beers close at hand!
Goodbye extractor hood!
Much of the wall space in the original kitchen was taken up by a large stainless steel extractor hood over the hob. We switched this to a flush-fitted BORA extractor. This saved space and enabled us to move the hob to the central island, so the cook isn’t isolated from their guests.
Four integrated Miele ovens provide ample and flexible cooking options with two single ovens, a microwave and a steam oven. We also included a Miele wine conditioner, conveniently placed on the seating side of the island for easy access when entertaining.
The importance of great lighting
The gloss doors do a great job of reflecting sunlight around the kitchen and making the space feel bigger and brighter, but we wanted to ensure that the lighting was just as pleasing in the evenings.
The client opted for three glass, copper-coloured pendant lights over the island to give the cook and diners ample light.
In addition, recessed spotlights were fitted in the ceiling along with feature lighting around the base of the island with colour-change functionality – all controlled by a voice request to Amazon Alexa.
Utility room update
We also turned our expert eye to Russell and Ellen’s utility room, which adjoins the kitchen. We applied the same clean, white units in here, creating a continuity of design.
The original Belfast sink was retained and blends in beautifully with its more contemporary surroundings.
The client’s reaction
Russell and Ellen were delighted with their new kitchen and very glad that they had taken the plunge and gone with our radical redesign. They now have the perfect space for living and entertaining.
Just had my new kitchen fitted and it looks amazing. Took loads of time designing the kitchen with Jack’s help and he really helped me make the most of the space I have. Even though I changed my mind a few times, he was always patient and happy to listen to my various ideas and his suggestions were always spot on.
The team who fitted my kitchen (thanks Bill, Chris and the rest of the team) were amazing. Really focused on getting everything perfect and took care of my new kitchen like it was their own. They were also lovely to have around, very tidy and considerate. If anything did crop up that needed fixing, straight away they did this and even supplied spare doors for my new cabinets.
I also loved the small touches that they do – there really is a difference between their kitchens and the standard ones you can buy elsewhere.
So I am very happy with the end result, it looks awesome and is everything and more than I hoped it would be. Thanks very much.
Ellen Nelson
Does your kitchen need a rethink? Ready for something different? Ask us to pop in to see your space or visit our showroom for inspiration.
We work throughout the area with recent installations of bespoke kitchens in Orpington, Biggin Hill, Chislehurst and Dartford.
