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We design kitchens at Matthew James Kitchens that bring together great craftsmanship, elegance, and real practicality. This project mixes the warmth of oak cabinetry with crisp shaker lines and the stunning drama of Calacatta Dourado quartz. The result? A kitchen that feels timeless but thoroughly contemporary.
Cabinetry & Features
The furniture’s crafted in Lancaster Oak with Cashmere Grey edging, paired with Solid Ash Skinny Shaker doors in Putty. Oak warmth meets subtle painted tones – it’s tradition with modern refinement.
For maximum function and flow, we’ve integrated:
Le Mans Corner Pull-Out – smooth-glide shelving making those awkward corners fully accessible.
Integrated bin – keeps things discreet whilst maintaining that sleek, practical design.
Handles – chosen for continuity across kitchen and utility space.
In the utility, thoughtful touches included:
- Additional handles × 5
- Larder storage wrapped around the boiler
- Shelving × 2 for everyday bits and pieces
- MDF windowsill, measured precisely onsite
- Tempered glass splashback (1920 × 200 mm, painted) – function meets style
Appliances
Cooking, cooling, and cleaning all get handled by premium Neff appliances. We chose them for performance and seamless design integration:
- Neff Oven N50 B54CR71N0B – that signature Slide&Hide® disappearing door is brilliant. CircoTherm® technology gives even baking, plus pyrolytic self-cleaning.
- Neff Combi N50 C24MR21N0B – compact oven/microwave combination delivering speed and versatility.
- Neff 80cm Induction Hob T68FHV4L0 – fast, precise, energy-efficient cooking with responsive touch controls.
- Miro Extractor TEMPO 275740 – minimal yet powerful, keeping the kitchen fresh and odour-free.
- Neff Fridge N50 KI1812SF0G – integrated cooling with thoughtful storage.
- Neff Freezer N50 GI7812EE0G – built-in freezing solution maintaining that sleek aesthetic.
- Neff Dishwasher N50 S155HVX00G – whisper-quiet with multiple wash programmes.
The utility also houses washing machine and tumble dryer (client’s own).
Sink & Tap
Your sink and tap work hard every day, so we’ve designed them here with durability and style in mind:
- Essentials Undermount Sink (E10UM5518L) – 1.5 bowl stainless steel undermount with left-hand main bowl.
- Franke Eiger Tap, Décor Steel finish – robust yet elegant, complementing sink and surrounding cabinetry perfectly.
- Utility Sink & Tap Pack (ESS100-200BS) – brushed steel design bringing practicality to the utility room.
Worktop & Detailing
The star of the show? That UMQ Calacatta Dourado quartz worktop. It’s a polished 20mm slab pairing bright white base with bold grey and golden veining. Luxurious and dramatic whilst offering excellent durability for daily use.
Details included:
- Chamfered edge profile – crisp and refined
- Polished sink cut-out with drainer grooves (5× straight)
- Tap and hob cut-outs for perfect appliance fit
- Upstands (up to 100mm) for splash protection
- Window sill (2306 × 250mm) and riser under window sill (2306 × 150mm) – completing the quartz flow through the room
- Full-height splashback – extending those bold veins into a statement feature
For the utility, we chose practical yet stylish White Andromeda laminate worktop, measuring 3m × 600 × 38mm, with matching upstands for continuity.
Installation & Finishing Touches
The project started with full rip-out, including careful removal of a redundant chimney area. Our in-house installation team then fitted the new kitchen, ensuring precision at every stage.
Finishing works included:
- Fitting seven Georgian-style doors for adjoining areas
- Installing new skirting boards to tie the scheme together
- Completing all plumbing works as part of the overall project
- Protecting flooring throughout to safeguard the client’s home during installation
Overcoming Challenges
The project required the careful removal of the existing chimney area as part of the rip-out. Alongside this, balancing the warmth of oak cabinetry with the bold veining of Calacatta Dourado quartz was essential to ensure the kitchen felt both harmonious and striking.
The Finished Result
The completed space shows refined elegance beautifully. Oak cabinetry and putty shaker doors bring warmth and character, whilst the quartz worktops create a dramatic focal point. Integrated Neff appliances and tailored storage ensure the space performs as beautifully as it looks.
The client was absolutely delighted with the transformation. They praised both the seamless design journey and the attention to detail from our installation team. It’s a kitchen designed not just for cooking, but for living, gathering, and creating lasting memories.
This project shows what Matthew James Kitchens does best: thoughtful design, premium materials, and meticulous craftsmanship brought together to create kitchens that truly stand the test of time.
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.
