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A Bold, Practical Kitchen Designed Around Everyday Living
This project is a beautiful example of how a carefully designed kitchen can bring structure, storage and a real sense of presence to an open-plan home. With its deep Hartforth blue shaker cabinetry, light Corian worktops and thoughtfully integrated appliances, the finished space feels both refined and highly practical.
The brief called for a kitchen that would make the most of a generous, light-filled room while creating a clear connection between the cooking, washing, storage and seating areas. The final design balances strong visual impact with everyday usability – a kitchen that feels impressive without being overcomplicated.
Project Overview
The design centres around a rich, dark blue shaker door, creating a confident and timeless look throughout the space. The cabinetry wraps around the room to maximise storage while keeping the layout open and easy to move through.
A tall bank of units was used to house the integrated ovens and fridge, giving the kitchen height, balance and a clean built-in appearance. Along the main sink run, the worktop sits neatly beneath the windows, helping to make the most of the natural light and garden views.
On the opposite side, the cooking zone has been carefully positioned with an induction hob, extractor and worktop upstand panel, creating a dedicated preparation and cooking area. The peninsula-style seating area adds a social element to the room, providing a relaxed spot for dining, coffee or conversation while still keeping the kitchen practical for daily use.
Key Design Features
- Mid shaker doors in Hartforth blue
- Light grey cabinet interiors with dark blue edging
- Corian worktops in Arrowroot
- Matching Corian hob panel
- Integrated NEFF oven and combi oven
- NEFF induction hob
- Integrated NEFF dishwasher
- Integrated NEFF tall fridge
- Miro extractor
- Quooker brushed Flex tap with Cube
- Undermounted double-bowl sink with integrated drainer grooves
- Two Le Mans corner pull-outs
- Integrated bin storage
- Tall larder-style cabinetry
- Breakfast bar seating area
- Full installation, including removal of the existing kitchen
Materials and Why They Matter
Material choice is central to this kitchen. Not just in terms of appearance, but in how the kitchen feels to use and how it will age over time.
Hartforth Blue Shaker Cabinetry
The Hartforth blue cabinetry gives the kitchen its depth and character. The shaker door style brings a classic sense of proportion, while the dark blue finish gives it a more modern, confident edge. It is a strong colour choice, but one that works beautifully in this bright, open room.
The tall units, wall cabinets and base units all work together to create a consistent flow around the kitchen. At the same time, the dark finish contrasts elegantly with the lighter worktops and flooring.
Corian Arrowroot Worktops
The Corian Arrowroot worktops provide a soft, light surface that lifts the overall scheme and helps reflect natural light around the room. Corian is a particularly practical choice for a busy kitchen because it offers a smooth, seamless-looking finish with a refined, understated appearance.
The matching Corian hob panel and upstands help tie the cooking zone into the rest of the design, creating a more considered and complete finish.
Integrated NEFF Appliances
A suite of NEFF appliances was included to support the practical needs of the kitchen without interrupting the visual flow. The oven and combi oven are housed neatly within the tall cabinetry. At the same time, the integrated dishwasher and fridge keep the room feeling clean and uncluttered.
The NEFF induction hob gives the cooking area a sleek, modern finish, sitting flush within the Corian worktop for a streamlined look.
Quooker Flex Tap and Cube
The Quooker brushed Flex tap with Cube adds everyday convenience while maintaining the premium feel of the space. Positioned at the main sink area beneath the windows, it supports the practical side of the kitchen without adding unnecessary visual clutter.
Clever Storage Solutions
Storage was an important part of this project. The inclusion of two Le Mans corner pull-outs helps make better use of awkward corner areas, turning otherwise difficult spaces into practical, accessible storage. The integrated bin keeps waste neatly hidden, while the tall cabinetry provides generous storage without crowding the room.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the key challenges was creating a kitchen that worked across a long, open-plan space with several different zones. The room needed to feel connected, but still have clearly defined areas for cooking, washing, storage and seating.
To solve this, the layout was designed with strong cabinetry runs that frame the space without closing it in. The tall unit bank creates a smart architectural feature, while the sink run makes excellent use of the window wall. The cooking area sits opposite, giving the client a practical working triangle and a natural flow between preparation, cooking and cleaning.
Another important consideration was balancing the dark cabinetry with enough lightness. The Corian Arrowroot worktops, pale walls, natural light and warm flooring prevent the scheme from feeling heavy, allowing the deep blue cabinetry to feel rich and elegant rather than overpowering.
The Result
The completed kitchen feels bold, practical and beautifully balanced. The dark blue cabinetry gives the room real character, while the Corian worktops soften the scheme and add a sense of calm. Every area has been considered – from the integrated appliances and concealed storage to the breakfast bar seating and carefully positioned sink beneath the windows.
It is a kitchen designed not only to look impressive, but to be used and enjoyed every day. The result is a welcoming, hard-working space that brings together craftsmanship, thoughtful planning and a strong sense of personal style.
A Bespoke Kitchen Built Around the Home
This project shows what can be achieved when materials, layout and craftsmanship are carefully brought together. From the shaker cabinetry and Corian worktops to the integrated NEFF appliances and practical storage details, every element has been chosen to enhance the way the room looks, feels and functions.
At Matthew James Kitchens, we design kitchens around real homes and real routines. This kitchen is a perfect example of that approach – tailored, practical, beautifully finished and made to stand the test of time.
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 showrooms (Birmingham & Bromsgrove) to begin your design process.
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.
