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This Cofton Hackett project is an example of the essence of how Matthew James Kitchens works to create spaces with genuine functionality, through the means of thoughtful listening, clever design and well-crafted bespoke pieces of furniture which enhance your daily life.
A new-build house for a young couple, they were unhappy with their kitchen and adjacent room, as it was originally laid out poorly, creating a dark space that felt disjointed from each other, and the dining table did not fit comfortably in the room. They needed to transform this area into an open-plan bright space where cooking, eating, and socialising could flow together seamlessly.
Their brief was clear but ambitious:
- An open, sociable kitchen with an island
- A place to house their washing machine and tumble dryer
- A dedicated dog space
- Room for a dining table
- A pantry and a separate drinks/coffee area
- Space for a freestanding American fridge-freezer
- Improved light and an overall sense of openness
What followed was a complete transformation rooted in thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship.
Project Overview
Opening the Space
The most important decision made at this stage was related to structure. The majority of the houses on the their estate have an expansive open plan kitchen/living area – which is something they liked about these homes but were unsure if it would work for them. We reviewed our options and decided to remove the partition wall separating the kitchen from the previously unused back room.
Changing the structural layout of the house instantly affected how the entire home functioned:
- Light from the windows travelled further throughout the house
- The rooms felt more connected and meaningful
- In addition to providing enough length for a fully customized kitchen with functional areas, there was ample linear space
Additionally, we removed the awkwardly placed plastic boxing that disrupted the view in the room and moved the radiators to create clear unobstructed walls and clean lines.
A Kitchen Planned Around Real Life
With the room now open, we designed a layout that prioritised flow, storage and everyday practicality.
Key design decisions included:
- A long, elegant run of cabinetry along the main wall to maximise worktop space
- A central island with a venting induction hob and breakfast bar seating – ideal for cooking, socialising and family life
- A bespoke dog bed unit positioned beautifully in the bay window, designed to feel considered rather than an afterthought
- Tall cabinetry to house the washing machine and tumble dryer neatly out of sight
- A dedicated pantry and drinks station at the far end of the room, creating a natural zone for storage, coffee prep and display
- Space for the clients’ American fridge-freezer, integrated into the pantry/drinks area to maintain balance and proportion
The end result is a kitchen that feels spacious without being sparse, and beautifully balanced without wasting an inch.
Materials & Finishes
Every element was chosen to elevate the room’s warmth, character and functionality.
Cabinetry
- Narrow Shaker style for a timeless yet modern aesthetic
- A harmonious palette of dusty rose-pink fronts combined with oak open shelving for softness and warmth
- Black handles to provide contrast and a contemporary edge
- Bespoke joinery throughout, including the dog bed alcove and island paneling
Worktops
- 20mm Quartz in UMQ Branco Ibiza, chosen for its light-reflecting qualities and subtle pattern
- Matching upstands and window sill details for a clean, seamless look
Appliances (Installed & Integrated)
- Undermount granite sink in black
- Quooker flex tap with Pro3 boiling tank
- Quooker sparkling water Cube
- NEFF Slide & Hide oven
- NEFF combi microwave oven
- NEFF venting induction hob (set into the island)
- NEFF integrated dishwasher
- NEFF warming drawer
These choices support modern cooking while keeping surfaces clean and uncluttered.
Additional Bespoke Enhancements
- Pull-out bin system
- Dovetail drawer box upgrades
- Oak shelving with black brackets in the drinks area
- Tailored drawer solutions for the pantry
- Carefully positioned lighting to illuminate work areas and display zones
Challenges & Solutions
1. Opening Up the Layout
Challenge: The original layout created two separate rooms lacking cohesion.
Solution: Removing the dividing wall and redundant boxing allowed full freedom of design. The space instantly felt brighter and more inviting.
2. Fitting an Island Into a Narrow Layout
Challenge: The room is long but relatively narrow.
Solution: A carefully sized island with integrated ventilation and slimline seating ensured it became a feature without compromising movement or comfort.
3. Creating Dedicated Zones Without Clutter
Challenge: Multiple requirements – appliances, dining, pantry, coffee area, dog space – all needed to sit harmoniously.
Solution: Smart zoning and bespoke cabinetry delivered clearly defined, purposeful areas without overwhelming the space.
4. Incorporating the Dog Bed Beautifully
Challenge: Finding a stylish, permanent home for the couple’s dog without disrupting the aesthetic.
Solution: A fully bespoke dog alcove was built into the bay window cabinetry – blending seamlessly while offering a cosy home their dog adores.
Final Result
The completed kitchen is warm, uplifting and effortlessly functional. The once dark, disconnected spaces now flow beautifully as one bright, open-plan family room. The island anchors the space, the open oak shelves add personality, and the soft pink cabinetry brings a modern yet timeless charm.
The dog bed feature has become a standout talking point – practical, thoughtful and absolutely unique to the clients’ needs.
Most importantly, the couple now have:
- A kitchen that suits how they live
- Purposeful zones for cooking, dining and relaxing
- Storage everywhere they need it
- A space that feels bespoke, balanced and truly theirs
Their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and seeing the home now filled with colour, personality and warmth is exactly why we love what we do.
A prime example of what happens when craftsmanship, quality design and thoughtfulness are combined in a single space, this project at Cofton Hackett shows how beautifully functional an area can be designed.
By breaking down walls to create open spaces, by designing each space with the owner’s needs in mind and creating custom features (the pantry, the island, the dog bed) we have created a kitchen that is visually appealing yet also functional.
We would love to walk you through our process and assist you in exploring options for re-creating your dream kitchen as well as developing new ways your existing space can be used better.
Why Matthew James Kitchens
This project is a showcase of how thoughtful planning and considered specification can respect a building’s story while elevating day-to-day living. If you’re working with a character property and want to keep its soul while improving comfort, storage and light, Matthew James Kitchens would be delighted to help.
A Personal Journey with Matthew James
At Matthew James Kitchens, we've been at the heart of homes for generations, watching kitchen trends evolve while staying true to timeless craftsmanship. As a family-run business deeply rooted in our community, we understand that your kitchen is more than just a room—it's the soul of your home.
- Award-winning designs featured in Beautiful Kitchens magazine
- Over two decades of experience
- Bespoke kitchen designs tailored to individual tastes and lifestyles
- Wide range of styles
- Fully equipped showroom
- Finance options
Have a question?
As a family-run business that values transparency, we understand the importance of timing. Every kitchen is unique, just like the families we serve. Typically, from initial design to the final polished surface, a bespoke kitchen can take anywhere typically from 3 - 4 weeks to 6 weeks if a project is incredibly complex. But rest assured, we'll work closely with you to ensure the process fits seamlessly into your life.
This is where our expertise truly shines. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, as each home and homeowner has different needs. We take pride in sitting down with you, perhaps over a cup of tea in our showroom, to understand how you live, cook, and entertain. Whether it's a classic work triangle or a more modern zoned approach, we'll craft a layout that's as functional as it is beautiful
This is a question we get asked all the time. In our experience, clever storage solutions are the unsung heroes of a well-designed kitchen. From pull-out pantries to bespoke corner units, we have a myriad of tricks up our sleeves to ensure every inch of your kitchen works hard. After all, a clutter-free kitchen is a joy to cook in, whether you're whipping up a quick weekday dinner or hosting a grand Sunday roast for the family.
