When our clients approached us about redesigning their kitchen in the quaint Sanbrook area, their brief was clear: a contemporary, minimal, and highly functional kitchen with masculine industrial accents. On paper, the project looked straightforward. But as with many renovations, especially those involving older homes, the real story unfolded in the details.
Here’s a closer look at what appeared to be a simple refurbishment, and why meticulous planning, smart design thinking, and hands-on project management made all the difference – especially when we had unpleasant surprises.
The Problem: A Kitchen That Was Never Meant to Be a Kitchen
The space we were working with had originally been a reception room, not a kitchen. That meant unexpected quirks – like a chimney breast right in the middle of the space. We had to work around this feature, not worked against. This kitchen was to be sleek and efficient. A kitchen that made the most of every inch without compromising the feel.
Our Approach:
- Shallow cabinets of varying depths were custom-built around the chimney breast.
- We used these areas for clever storage solutions like spice and condiment pull-outs, maximising utility in awkward spaces.
The Curveball: A Much-Loved Heirloom Meets a Modern Vision
Our clients had a beautiful reclaimed dresser they were deeply attached to, and had hoped to incorporate it into their new kitchen. We explored every possibility—but ultimately, it didn’t fit flush with the new layout. In the end, they made the tough call to prioritise the design vision over sentiment.
Our Solution:
We honoured the intention behind the dresser by creating something equally meaningful: a bespoke breakfast unit with slide-and-hide pocket doors, open lacquered shelving, and integrated storage for appliances, china, and cookbooks. The internal Neolith Beton worktop added much-needed prep space, and motion-sensor LED lighting brought warmth and subtlety. In the end, it didn’t just replace the dresser – it evolved its spirit into something that fit perfectly.
A Material Balancing Act: Industrial Meets Warmth
Concrete and stainless steel aren’t typically associated with warmth. But our clients were clear: they loved these materials, but they wanted their kitchen to feel like a home, not a warehouse.
What We Did:
- We used a contrasting darker concrete laminate carcass inside the breakfast unit for depth.
- Vintage stainless steel by Barazza was used on the island worktop, sink, and plinths – creating cohesion without overwhelming the space.
- Light grey satin lacquer cabinetry kept the aesthetic neutral and fresh.
- LED lighting and brushed steel handles (Zobal UKW-22) brought harmony to the industrial palette.
Final Result: Purposeful, Personal, and Anything But Basic
While the visual language of this kitchen reads as clean and minimal, the process to get there was layered with complexity. From technical limitations of the building to emotional investments in family pieces, this was a project that needed both sensitivity and precision.
And that’s the real story behind so many “simple” refurbishments. There are so many more elements involved than the outside eye could ever see. The emotions, the conversations, material choices, disagreements and compromises – all of these form the final story we’re telling through smart design choices, thoughtful layouts, and meticulous delivery.
Because great project management doesn’t just keep things on schedule. It makes a complex process feel completely effortless. For everyone involved.
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FAQs
Q: Can you add a freestanding piece like a dresser to a bespoke kitchen?
Sometimes, but often not without compromise. We prefer to reinterpret key elements into the design so that the sentiment remains without disrupting function.
Q: How do you keep an industrial kitchen from feeling cold?
We focus on balancing hard finishes (like stainless steel or concrete) with warmer elements – LED lighting, soft textures, and natural colour palettes.
Q: What if my space has awkward features like the chimney breast in this project?
We work around it by using bespoke cabinetry solutions. Custom depths, smart shelving, and layout tweaks can turn an obstacle into an asset.
Q: Can appliances be hidden in a minimal kitchen?
Absolutely. Slide-and-hide doors, boiling water taps, and integrated units let you keep your counters clear without sacrificing performance.
