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Traditional In-Frame Craftsmanship with a Contemporary Edge
This kitchen in Halesowen is a good example of the way traditional in-frame cabinetry can have a clearly modern character. It features classic Shaker details together with a simple colour scheme of Stone Grey and Smoke Green, warm European oak and antique brass, thus producing a space which seems well-established and timeless without becoming too traditional.
Just as it has been with each and every Matthew James Kitchens project, every detail has been given just as much attention as the general layout—whether it be the proportions of the cabinetry and the integrated appliances, the shelving, the handles, or the carefully co-ordinated finishes. This is in keeping with our method when carrying out portfolio projects: we combine the story of the space with the materials, the practical decisions and the final result.
Designing the Kitchen Around the Space
Since the kitchen had to function as part of the overall living area rather than remain a separate section, it was necessary that the room opened up into a bright dining area with a view of the garden.
We designed and installed a bespoke in-frame Shaker kitchen, choosing Stone Grey for the main cabinets and using the deeper Smoke Green as a contrasting feature in the overall scheme.
The design includes a good deal of storage and preparation area without making the way to the dining room uncomfortable; the cabinets that reach floor level make efficient use of the wall space, while those situated around the window keep that section of the kitchen bright and open.
The large island in the dining area extends the kitchen furniture into the extension and thus offers extra storage, surface space and casual seating.
Corian Nimbus Prima Worktops
The 40 mm Corian matches the cabinetry on the Nimbus Prima.
The pattern, which is soft and flows smoothly, adds a gentle sense of movement without contrasting with the Shaker doors, and the light-coloured surface helps to reflect natural light in the room.
The Corian has been carefully shaped to fit around the sink, the cooking area and the other architectural features of the room, thus producing smooth transitions and a particularly seamless look. Using the same material for the splashback areas also serves to connect the various sections of the kitchen.
When designing a bespoke kitchen it is the mix of aesthetic and practical factors that is important since the materials should both enhance the appearance of the room and make it more convenient to live with on a day-to-day basis.
European Oak and Antique Brass Details
Natural timber adds a sense of warmth to the otherwise soft and neutral colour scheme.
Spectra solid European oak shelving was incorporated above the working areas, supported on dark brushed brass shelf brackets and illuminated from beneath. The result is both practical and decorative, giving frequently used pieces somewhere to live while adding another layer of texture to the room.
The cabinets are fitted with Albury brass knobs and cup handles, and an antique brass Caple tap is used to provide the same warm metallic finish around the sink.
Such small decisions do matter; carrying out the same finish on the handles, the shelves and the brass items gives the kitchen a feeling of balance and makes the whole arrangement seem intentionally thought out rather than just put together.
Integrated NEFF Appliances
The kitchen includes a comprehensive collection of integrated NEFF appliances, including:
- NEFF N90 Flex Design oven
- NEFF N90 Flex Design compact oven with microwave
- NEFF N90 warming drawer
- NEFF N70 venting hob
- NEFF N70 integrated fridge freezer
- NEFF N70 under-counter wine cabinet
- NEFF Twist Pad Flex controls
- NEFF telescopic shelf rails and wireless meat probe
The venting hob was particularly suited to the design. By incorporating extraction directly into the hob, there was no need for a large overhead extractor, allowing the wall behind the cooking area to remain visually clean and providing space for the oak shelving above.
Concealed Storage and Everyday Practicality
One of the most useful elements within the kitchen is the tall storage arrangement.
There is a spacious pantry and appliance area behind the full-height doors, featuring organised shelving as well as a separate working surface for smaller appliances. All the items needed for breakfast or for preparing food every day can be accessed at once when the doors are open, but when the doors are shut the contents vanish entirely behind the in-frame cabinetry.
It is a simple idea that makes a considerable difference to how uncluttered the kitchen feels.
Storage, appliance positioning and clear working surfaces were all treated as part of the design rather than afterthoughts – an approach that helps a bespoke kitchen remain practical long after the initial installation.
Bringing a Long Kitchen and Dining Space Together
A major factor in this project was ensuring continuity in a room which had several different areas and architectural changes.
Instead of treating the main kitchen and the dining extension as separate areas, we used similar materials and details to link them together. Corian runs through the space, timber is used in the shelving and in the main feature wall, and the darker cabinetry provides a contrast without dominating the lighter in-frame furniture.
The large dining island also forms a connection between the two areas, providing a space where one can sit, gather and entertain while at the same time being part of the kitchen behind it.
The Finished Halesowen Kitchen
The finished kitchen combines traditional in-frame craftsmanship with modern appliances, ample storage and current detailing.
The cabinetry in stone grey provides a calm base, smoke green gives it depth, and Corian, European oak and antique brass add texture and warmth; detailed features such as the illuminated shelving, the hidden pantry, the integrated NEFF appliances and the worktops carefully fitted give the room its bespoke finish which is what defines a Matthew James Kitchens project.
For us, achieving good kitchen design involves much more than just selecting doors and worktops; it is about understanding how the room relates to the rest of the house, how it will be used, and ensuring that all the materials and individual details combine to produce a kitchen which genuinely feels at home in its environment and keeps doing so for many years.
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.
