Gallery - After:
Get a Free Quote
The renovation at this home in Fairfield, located near our showroom in Bromsgrove, is an excellent representation of the positive impact that a well-designed renovation can have on a space when proper design, planning, and materials are used. We were contacted by the homeowners; a married couple who were in the process of renovating their charming cottage and were seeking to design a kitchen that would preserve the original charm of their home, yet bring the kitchen into the modern era.
They had an existing kitchen that was located in an expansive, light filled living area with a great view, however the previous layout, cabinets and total aesthetic of their old kitchen did not fit their lifestyle. They wanted a new kitchen that was brighter, newer and more functional than what they currently had, as well as retain the charm and character of a country home.
The Client Brief
The couple had a clear vision for what they needed the new kitchen to achieve:
- A more inspiring and contemporary kitchen layout
- Improved flow and usability within the open-plan space
- A practical island with comfortable seating
- Integrated modern appliances, including induction cooking
- A dedicated pantry and better-planned storage
- A design that blended country charm with a sleek, handleless feel
- Finishes and flooring that tied the entire room together seamlessly
They loved the structural character of the room – the brickwork, vaulted ceiling and natural light – but the kitchen no longer did it justice.
Before: A Space Full of Charm but Lacking Direction
Before any construction occurred, the kitchen was in a state of visual disconnection and appeared to be out-of-date. The unused doorway and existing dresser had segmented the available wall space from which to provide storage, and also restricted the locations where appliances were able to be placed.
While the island provided some function, the client desired a greater proportion and more comfortable amount of seating for social purposes, rather than what the island offered. Some parts of the kitchen were visually disconnected and the transition between the kitchen and the adjacent conservatory-style extension did not utilise the potential to create a better flowing transition.
Design Approach
Our goal was to create a kitchen that felt truly at home in a cottage, while delivering all the clean lines and modern conveniences the clients were hoping for.
Key design decisions included:
- Blocking up the unused doorway to create valuable wall space for full-height cabinetry, including the pantry, fridge and oven housing
- Removing the dresser to streamline the wall and improve usable storage
- Working up to the natural end point created by the timber beam, giving the kitchen a balanced and intentional footprint
- Extending and redesigning the island to offer generous seating and improved functionality
- Choosing a modern shaker with handleless-inspired detailing for the perfect blend of contemporary refinement and traditional warmth
The result is a calm, beautifully proportioned kitchen that feels completely tailored to the home and its owners.
Materials & Key Features
Cabinetry
- Shaker-style doors in a soft, modern colour palette
- Handleless-inspired detailing for a sleeker, contemporary edge
- Bespoke storage including integrated bins, deep drawers and a full-height pantry
- Tall appliance housing to optimise vertical space
Worktops
Quartz UMQ Branco Carrara, 20mm Polished
A premium quartz selected for its timeless Carrara-inspired veining and exceptional durability. It’s highly resistant to stains, scratches and everyday wear, making it an excellent long-term investment for a busy cottage kitchen.
Chamfered Edge Profile
A refined, understated finishing detail that softens the overall look while maintaining crisp contemporary lines.
Polished Sink Cut-Out
Ensures the undermount sink sits perfectly within the quartz, delivering a seamless and easy-to-clean finish.
Drainer Grooves
Precision-cut grooves provide practical drainage while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.
Full Run Through the L-Shaped Kitchen Into the Island
A continuous slab of quartz unifies the space, offering visual flow and a premium finish that enhances the feeling of openness.
Matching Upstands and Window Sill
These finishing touches elevate the overall look, tying horizontal and vertical surfaces together and making maintenance straightforward around the sink and prep zones.
Appliances
Neff Ovens
Reliable, high-performance ovens that offer even cooking, intuitive controls and the versatility needed in a modern kitchen — ideal for both everyday meals and more adventurous cooking.
Induction Hob
Fast, precise and energy-efficient, the induction hob provides exceptional control and safety, with a cool-to-touch surface that suits open-plan living.
Built-In Extractor
Discreetly integrated within the cabinetry, the extractor maintains the clean lines of the design while delivering powerful, quiet ventilation to keep the space fresh.
Integrated Dishwasher
Hidden behind matching cabinetry, the dishwasher blends seamlessly into the design while offering efficient, quiet cleaning — perfect for a relaxed and uncluttered open-plan room.
Integrated Fridge/Freezer
A modern, energy-efficient appliance housed behind bespoke doors, offering excellent storage while preserving the uninterrupted aesthetic of the tall cabinetry run.
Sink & Tap
Quooker Fusion Boiling Water Tap (Stainless Steel)
Providing instant 100°C boiling water, the Quooker Fusion eliminates the need for a kettle and streamlines daily tasks such as cooking, sterilising and making hot drinks. It’s safe, efficient and beautifully engineered — a premium upgrade that clients quickly come to rely on.
Quooker Cold-Water Filtration
Delivers purified, great-tasting drinking water straight from the same tap. It reduces impurities, removes unwanted tastes and offers an eco-friendly alternative to bottled water, all while adding everyday convenience.
Flooring
- High-quality LVT in warm wood tones
- Adds texture, comfort underfoot and a natural warmth that complements the contemporary cabinetry
- Also links visually with the adjoining pink kitchen for continuity across the home
Challenges & Solutions
1. Making Use of Previously Awkward Areas
The blocked-up doorway freed up valuable wall space, enabling tall cabinetry and integrated appliances without compromising the layout elsewhere.
2. Creating Continuity Across a Long, Open Room
Aligning the kitchen to the structural timber beam created a natural boundary, giving the kitchen a properly defined footprint while enhancing the flow into the seating area.
3. Blending Cottage Charm With Modern Functionality
The pairing of shaker doors, clean detailing, quartz surfaces and high-spec appliances delivered exactly the right balance of warmth, tradition and sleek modernity.
4. Improving Island Seating
The newly proportioned island provides generous prep space, excellent storage and comfortable seating — turning it into the sociable heart of the home.
The Final Result
This is a complete change from the previous kitchen to this beautiful new kitchen, which provides both modern functionality as well as a warm feel for the cottage, and is an excellent reflection of its character.
The long, unbroken cabinetry, light colours and high-quality quartz countertops are now perfectly aligned with the vaulted ceiling, and the existing brick wall to create a seamless flow between the kitchen and the adjacent conservatory/living room to create a single, large open-plan area.
Overall, the new kitchen appears very peaceful, very classic, and has lots of warmth and charm; just as the owners wanted.
Client Satisfaction
They loved how the new kitchen incorporated elements of their cottage’s personality and the contemporary conveniences they were looking for. They can see a marked improvement in ease of use and enjoyment of daily routines as a result of the added storage, uncluttered flow and updated appliances.
Their home now feels more connected, functional and reflective of their personal style — the true mark of good kitchen design.
The Matthew James Kitchens approach to design is clearly evident in this project: thoughtful design, high level craftsmanship and a complete understanding of how people utilize their homes. We’ve combined modern functionality with classic charm to create a kitchen that will be a great asset to their cottage for years to come.
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.
Gallery - Before:
