Gallery:
Before:
After:
Get a Free Quote
At Matthew James Kitchens, we believe every kitchen tells a story. Our latest project in Solihull showcases how thoughtful design, expert craftsmanship and attention to detail can transform not just a room but the way a family lives and entertains.
The Brief
We were highly recommended by a previous client, which made the new client eager to work with us based on the quality of the kitchen we designed for their friends. We met a couple with a vision for their dark, constrained kitchen. A floor-to-ceiling beam with a small attached island dominated the existing space. This layout simply didn’t reflect their sociable lifestyle or love of entertaining.
After the structural work had opened up the space with two steel beams, we set about creating a kitchen that balanced functionality with style. The focal point became a T-shaped island in dark grey to contrast with the main kitchen units in Lancaster Oak and Cashmere. This clever design created a natural hub for family time and entertaining guests.
Appliances
For the keen cook in the family, we fitted a Bora Pure induction cooktop with extraction. This has been a game changer in both functionality and looks. The cooking zone has a cleverly designed profile plinth, which adds a modern twist to traditional styling.
The kitchen is underpinned by a selection of appliances that deliver performance and style:
- Our dual Neff ovens (B54CR71G0B) are perfect for big family dinners or cooking multiple dishes at once. They look great with the cabinetry and are professional-grade cooking.
- The Bora Pure Recirculated Induction Cooktop is a true masterpiece of modern engineering. This integrated cooktop-extractor combination eliminates the need for overhead extraction, maintaining clean sight lines across the kitchen. The induction technology offers precise temperature control, while the integrated extractor quietly and efficiently removes cooking vapours at their source. Its flush mounting creates a seamless look with the bronze quartz worktop.
- The integrated fridge (KI1812FE0G) and freezer (RiF 1801) are designed to blend perfectly with the cabinetry, offering plenty of storage space while keeping the kitchen looking tidy and modern. Their placement has been carefully considered to create an efficient workflow for storing food.
- The clients’ existing premium Miele appliances were thoughtfully incorporated into the design through a bespoke double bi-folding dresser that cleverly houses their coffee machine and microwave. This breakfast station can be neatly concealed when not in use, maintaining the kitchen’s clean lines.
Innovative Solutions
The bar area is a real showstopper with antique mirror detailing, floating shelves and hanging glass storage for evening entertaining. The space above the units was boxed in to create a modern look and a seamless finish.
Materials Matter
Our material selection was driven by both aesthetic appeal and practical durability:
- Premium 30mm Bronze Quartz Worktops: The chamfered edge adds a refined touch while providing a robust surface that stands up to daily use. The bronze tone creates warmth and depth, complementing both the light and dark cabinet finishes. Its non-porous surface ensures easy maintenance and lasting beauty.
- Full-Height Dresser Splashback: This seamless integration protects the walls while creating a cohesive look. This is particularly important in the dresser area where coffee and food preparation occurs frequently. The matching material ties the whole scheme together.
- Custom Drainer Grooves: Cut into the quartz beside the Belfast sink, these 5 straight grooves are functional and beautiful. Placed perfectly to drain and keep the worktop clean.
- Flush-Mounted Hob Integration: The worktop was cut to fit the Bora hob. Perfect! 🙌 This is what we mean by precision installation.
- Bespoke Cabinetry Finishes: The combination of Lancaster Oak, Cashmere Chasmere and Dark Grey creates a sophisticated palette that feels both timeless and contemporary. Each finish was chosen not just for its appearance but for its durability and ease of maintenance:
- Lancaster Oak provides warmth and traditional appeal
- Cashmere Cashmere adds softness and light
- Dark Grey accents create depth and modern contrast
Smart Storage Solutions
Every storage solution was carefully considered to maximise functionality while maintaining aesthetic appeal:
- Le Mans Pull-Out Corner Unit: This innovative corner solution transforms traditionally awkward space into easily accessible storage. The smooth-gliding mechanism brings contents completely out of the corner, providing full visibility and access to pots, pans and other cookware.
- Integrated Waste Management System: Hidden away in the cabinetry, this system features dedicated bins for waste and recycling. This design not only keeps everything out of sight but also makes it easy to access the bins whenever you’re preparing food or cleaning up afterwards.
- Custom Bar Area Shelving: Two perfectly proportioned shelves provide an elegant display space for glassware and bottles, while the matching shelf supports ensure stability without compromising the clean aesthetic. The antique mirror backing adds depth and reflects light.
- Patio Door Area Shelving: Two additional shelves near the patio doors create a natural transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, perfect for displaying plants or seasonal items. Their placement takes advantage of natural light while maintaining easy reach.
- Varied-Width Cutlery Storage: Two custom-sized drawer inserts (800mm and 1200mm) provide organised storage for different types of utensils:
- The wider 1200mm drawer accommodates larger serving pieces and cooking utensils
- The 800mm drawer is perfectly sized for everyday cutlery and smaller items. Both feature soft-close mechanisms and durable organisation inserts.
- Double Bi-Folding Dresser Storage: This storage unit is perfect for keeping your small appliances organised. It comes with several thoughtful features:
- Built-in power outlets for easy appliance use
- Shelves that can be adjusted to fit items of different heights
- Convenient bi-fold doors that fold away neatly when you’re using the space
- Internal lighting that helps you see everything clearly inside
The Result
This kitchen is stunning. From a dark and cramped space to a bright and beautiful space that combines old and new. Functional and inviting with separate areas for cooking, entertaining and casual dining and still open and friendly.
Our clients are loving their new space and how it’s changed their entertaining and daily living. The Bora hob is exceeding expectations, and the storage solutions are making life easier and more fun.
Expertise You Can Rely On
This is what we do at Matthew James Kitchens – beautiful design and practicality, all executed with love. From design to installation, every decision was made with our client in mind, so this kitchen is not just beautiful to look at but a pleasure to live in.
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 from 6 to 12 weeks. 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.
