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A character-led Shaker kitchen, reimagined for modern family living
This bespoke Shaker kitchen was created to fit into a lovely Bournville house; its clean lines and classic proportions are set against the backdrop of a beautifully modernised interior. A peaceful, confident atmosphere pervades the space; the classic detailing is undeniably classic but it is also uniquely suited to the demands of modern living.
As soon as you enter the room you can feel that everything in the kitchen has been thought about carefully. There isn’t anything shouting at you for your attention, however there is something rewarding to find out more about every single element; a quality that defines good, long-lasting design.
Project Overview
The brief was to create a kitchen that respected the character of the property while delivering everyday practicality for a busy household. Our solution centred around a two-tone Shaker scheme, paired with carefully integrated appliances and generous preparation space.
A large central island anchors the room, providing both a functional workspace and a natural gathering point, while the surrounding cabinetry wraps the space with a sense of balance and symmetry.
The adjoining utility was designed to mirror the kitchen’s quality and finish, ensuring the entire space feels cohesive rather than compartmentalised.
Materials and Finishes
Solid Ash Shaker Cabinetry
This kitchen features solid ash Shaker doors, finished in a soft white perimeter with contrasting deep-toned cabinetry to ground the space. The painted ash allows subtle grain to show through, adding warmth and authenticity without distracting from the overall calm aesthetic.
The island cabinetry, finished in the darker tone, gives the kitchen visual weight and anchors the layout beautifully against the lighter worktops and walls.
Corian Worktops
A 38mm Corian worktop in Sparkling Granita runs throughout the kitchen and island, chosen for its seamless appearance and understated texture.
The specification includes:
- Polished sink cut-outs
- Integrated drainer grooves
- Templated splashbacks
- A full-height hob splashback within the chimney breast
- A generous island surface designed for both preparation and social use
The result is a surface that feels refined yet robust – perfectly suited to a family kitchen.
Statement Mantel & Chimney Breast
A key aspect of this space is the bespoke mantel and chimney breast, which surrounds the gas hob to create a distinct focus in the space. The textured painted brickwork in the recess provides visual interest and depth to the design, and creates a more casual and comfortable look for the shelf above, as well as complementing the overall personality of the home.
Storage & Internal Functionality
Behind the clean exterior lies a kitchen designed to work hard.
Key storage features include:
- Le Mans corner units for effortless access to deep storage
- Integrated recycling solutions neatly concealed within cabinetry
- Deep drawers beneath the hob for pans and cookware
- Tall housing units providing generous food and appliance storage
The island also incorporates practical storage, including open shelving at one end – ideal for cookbooks and everyday items that deserve to be within easy reach.
Appliance Integration
Appliances were selected to sit quietly within the design, maintaining uninterrupted cabinetry lines and a calm visual flow.
The kitchen includes:
- Integrated ovens within tall housings
- A discreet hob set within the chimney breast
- Integrated fridge and freezer behind full-height cabinetry
- Integrated dishwasher drawers
- A dedicated wine storage solution
Each appliance has been positioned for usability first, ensuring the kitchen feels intuitive and comfortable to use day to day.
Light, Space & Atmosphere
Natural light plays a key role in this design. Rooflights flood the kitchen with daylight, while carefully positioned pendant lighting above the island introduces warmth in the evening.
Under-cabinet lighting softens the work zones, highlighting the Corian surfaces and ensuring the kitchen remains welcoming and functional at all times of day.
The herringbone timber flooring adds movement and warmth beneath the cabinetry, tying the whole space together and reinforcing the home’s character.
The Finished Result
The completed kitchen is elegant, practical, and quietly confident. It feels as though it has always belonged to the house – a space that supports daily life while elevating it.
This Bournville project is a strong example of what bespoke kitchen design should be:
- Thoughtful rather than showy
- Functional without compromise
- Designed to age gracefully
Designed for Your Home, Built to Last
At Matthew James Kitchens, we believe the best kitchens are the ones that still feel right years down the line. This project reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, proportion, and long-term value.
If you’re considering a Shaker kitchen or would like to explore what bespoke design could look like in your home, we’d love to welcome you into one of our showrooms and start the conversation.
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.
