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A Warm Cottage Brought Back to Life
This beautiful cottage in Rubery had all the charm and personality you’d expect from a rural Worcestershire home, but the existing kitchen simply wasn’t doing the space justice. The layout felt cramped, the room was dark, and a series of mismatched units and heavy ceiling beams made the space feel smaller than it truly was.
The homeowners found us online, looking for a company that understood period properties and could balance traditional character with modern practicality. They wanted a kitchen that felt timeless, beautifully made and sympathetic to the cottage – but also equipped for everyday life.
This project is a perfect example of the Matthew James Kitchens approach: respecting the architecture, elevating the space, and designing a kitchen that works beautifully for modern living.
Project Overview
The brief centred on three core needs:
- A more efficient layout that made better use of the available space
- A bespoke shaker kitchen and utility designed to complement the cottage’s character
- Full integration of key items, including a large American fridge freezer and a chimney breast feature
- Individual Neff appliances instead of a traditional range, offering greater control and flexibility
- A central island that would provide seating and preparation space
- A lighter, brighter room, as the original kitchen lacked natural light
- New flooring throughout to unify the kitchen and utility into one coherent design
Restricting the cabinetry to two walls allowed us to introduce a well-proportioned island in the centre of the room. Removing several non-structural beams instantly improved openness and light, while keeping the main structural beam preserved the cottage’s authentic charm.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Bespoke Cabinetry
- Traditional shaker doors
- Hand-finished in a rich heritage green
- Bespoke mantle designed around the chimney breast
- Deep island drawers with generous storage
- Full-height cabinetry around the American fridge freezer for a built-in look
- Matching utility room cabinetry for a cohesive finish
Worktops - Premium Quartz UMQ (Calacatta-Inspired)
To brighten a previously dark room, we specified UMQ polished quartz, our supplier’s premium in-house material. It delivers exceptional clarity, subtle elegance and long-term durability.
Why This Quartz
- Bright polished surface that reflects light beautifully, helping to lift the space
- Highly durable and non-porous, resistant to staining and everyday wear
- Low maintenance, simply wipe clean – no sealing required
- Understated luxury, with soft calacatta-style veining that complements both the exposed beam and deep green cabinetry
- Ideal for cottage architecture, balancing traditional warmth with modern refinement
Finishing Details
- 20mm polished profile
- Chamfered edging for crisp detailing
- Polished sink cut-out and drainer grooves
- Matching upstands and window sill for a seamless, cohesive finish
- Quartz running continuously through the L-shaped kitchen and onto the island
Neff Appliances - German Engineering at the Heart of the Kitchen
The homeowners chose Neff appliances throughout – a brand renowned for combining style, precision and innovation. Neff products integrate beautifully into bespoke cabinetry and offer professional-level performance for home cooks.
Neff Pyrolytic Oven with Steam
- Pyrolytic cleaning that incinerates residue, making maintenance effortless
- SteamAssist technology that locks in moisture for tender, flavourful results
- Even heat distribution thanks to trusted German engineering
Neff Combi Oven and Microwave
- Acts as a second oven
- Ideal for reheating, baking and fast cooking
- Provides flexible multifunction convenience without compromising space
Neff Warming Drawer
- Keeps plates perfectly heated
- Gently proves dough
- Can slow-cook or keep meals warm during entertaining
Neff Flex Induction Hob
- Fast, precise heat control
- Flexible cooking zones that adapt to different pan sizes
- Safe cool-touch surface
- Sleek, minimalist profile that works beautifully alongside quartz splashbacks
Neff Built-In Coffee Machine
- Café-quality coffee at home
- Fully integrated for a streamlined finish
- A favourite upgrade among homeowners who appreciate premium everyday convenience
Neff Integrated Dishwasher and Built-Under Fridge
- Quiet, energy-efficient and seamlessly integrated
- Designed to maximise performance without dominating the design
Each appliance was chosen to complement the way the clients cook and live – offering precision, reliability and long-term value.
Integrated Features - Small Details, Big Impact
Quooker Flex Tap (Gunmetal)
The Quooker Flex remains one of the most loved additions to any modern kitchen.
- Instant 100°C boiling water
- Pull-out hose for rinsing and filling pots
- Gunmetal finish that coordinates perfectly with dark hardware
- Triple safety features for family peace of mind
- Option for filtered or chilled water with additional accessories
Quooker Scale Control
Improves water quality, reduces limescale and extends the lifespan of the tap system.
Le Mans Corner Pull-Out
- Makes full use of corner space
- Soft-close mechanism
- Allows contents to be brought fully out for easy access
Pull-Out Waste System
- Keeps worktops clear and organised
- Hidden behind bespoke cabinetry for a clean, streamlined appearance
Premium Metal Handles (x33)
The chosen handles provide a weighty, solid feel that enhances the cabinetry. The finish adds warmth and sophistication while pairing beautifully with the gunmetal tap.
Challenges and Solutions
1. Light and Space Limitations
Challenge: The original kitchen was dark and visually heavy.
Solution: Beam removal, reflective quartz and a more open layout dramatically increased brightness and flow.
2. Integrating the Chimney Breast
Challenge: The clients wanted the visual impact of a range without compromising functionality.
Solution: A bespoke oak mantle with concealed extraction achieved a heritage look while allowing for modern induction cooking and dual ovens.
3. Incorporating the American Fridge Freezer
Challenge: Large appliances can overwhelm a cottage kitchen.
Solution: Full-height cabinetry framed the appliance, making it look intentional and balanced.
4. Utility Room Upgrade
Challenge: The utility felt disconnected and impractical.
Solution: Matching cabinetry, new worktops and a more efficient layout created a cohesive extension of the kitchen.
The Final Result
The transformation is remarkable. The cottage now enjoys:
- A bright, airy and beautifully balanced kitchen
- A well-proportioned island at the heart of the space
- Modern cooking performance wrapped in timeless, handcrafted detailing
- A utility room that finally works for the needs of the household
- A kitchen that feels completely at home in the building’s architecture
The homeowners were thrilled with how the space feels bigger, lighter and far more enjoyable to cook and live in.
This Rubery renovation showcases how thoughtful design and quality craftsmanship can transform a traditional home. Every element – from the quartz to the mantle to the Neff appliances – was chosen to deliver long-term beauty and practicality.
If this renovation inspires you, we would be delighted to welcome you into our Birmingham or Bromsgrove showrooms to begin your design journey.
Why Choose Matthew James Kitchens
We were responsible for ensuring that from the initial drawings through the final fit-out, all elements including cabinetry, appliances, finishes and on-site trade work would result in a high quality finish. Each detail; scribes, shadows, gaps and mitered joints were planned carefully so the rooms are built with a craftsman’s attention to detail as opposed to merely being constructed.
If you’d like us to assess your current space to see if it could be completed at an equal level of functionality and finish, we’d love to assist you in doing so – please stop by one of our two Design Centers (Birmingham & Bromsgrove) to begin your design process.
Looking for a bespoke kitchen designer in Worcestershire? You’re in the right place.
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.
