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A Refined Balance of Tradition and Modern Living
At Matthew James Kitchens, every project begins with a simple principle – your kitchen should feel as good as it looks, and work effortlessly for the way you live.
This Redditch project is a perfect example of that philosophy in action. Blending classic shaker styling with carefully considered modern elements, we created a space that feels both timeless and quietly distinctive – a kitchen designed not just for today, but for years to come.
Project Overview
This project centred around delivering a cohesive kitchen and utility space, combining elegant cabinetry with high-performance materials and integrated appliances.
Key Features of the Design:
- Bespoke skinny shaker kitchen in a striking Obsidian Green finish
- Warm Lancaster oak cabinetry interiors with graphite edging for subtle contrast
- Barrington bronze cup and knob handles with back plates, adding depth and character
- Seamlessly integrated island with hob cut-out and bespoke fireplace piece
- Coordinated utility room maintaining the same design language throughout the home
The result is a space that flows beautifully – visually connected, yet thoughtfully zoned for everyday practicality.
Materials & Finishes
Material selection is where a kitchen truly comes to life. In this project, each choice was made to balance durability, aesthetics, and long-term performance.
Kitchen:
- Obsidian Green skinny shaker cabinetry – a rich, grounding tone that brings depth without overwhelming the space
- Lancaster oak cabinet interiors – introducing warmth and natural texture
- Graphite edge detailing – subtle but impactful, sharpening the overall finish
- Barrington bronze handles – adding a refined, tactile contrast
Worktops:
- Mirostone Broadway worktops
- Included upstands, window sills, and seamlessly integrated sink solutions
- Drainer grooves and island detailing for both function and visual cohesion
Utility Room:
- Matching shaker cabinetry in Obsidian Green
- Egger white sparkle grain laminate worktop – practical, durable, and ideal for a working utility space
Appliances & Fixtures:
- NEFF integrated appliance suite – ensuring reliability and sleek integration
- Quooker boiling water tap in patinated brass – combining convenience with a statement finish
- Gunmetal grey sink and tap – introducing a contemporary industrial edge
Every element was selected not just for appearance, but for how it contributes to the overall experience of the space.
Challenges & Solutions
1. Creating Cohesion Across Kitchen and Utility
The challenge was to ensure both spaces felt connected, without becoming repetitive.
- Solution: Consistent cabinetry and colour palette, paired with different worktop materials to subtly define each area.
2. Integrating Modern Appliances into a Classic Design
Balancing traditional shaker styling with contemporary appliances can often feel disjointed.
- Solution: Careful appliance selection and precise integration ensured everything sat cleanly within the cabinetry, maintaining the aesthetic.
3. Feature Integration Around the Fireplace Element
The inclusion of a bespoke fireplace piece required precise planning within the island layout.
- Solution: Custom fabrication and detailed measurement allowed the island to function seamlessly while incorporating this unique feature.
The Result
The finished kitchen is a space that feels calm, grounded, and effortlessly functional.
The Obsidian Green cabinetry anchors the room, while the oak interiors and bronze detailing add warmth and character. The island becomes a natural focal point – a place for cooking, gathering, and everyday living.
Most importantly, it’s a kitchen that works beautifully for the client’s lifestyle – practical where it needs to be, and inspiring in the moments that matter.
A Space Designed to Last
Projects like this highlight what truly sets bespoke design apart. It’s not just about choosing colours or finishes – it’s about understanding how every detail contributes to the whole.
At Matthew James Kitchens, we design with longevity in mind – kitchens that continue to feel special long after installation.
If you’re considering your own project, we’d love to guide you through the journey – from first ideas to a finished space that feels completely your own.
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 Redditch? 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.
