Elegant Kitchen Design
Location:
Norwich, Norfolk
Project Type:
Kitchen Renovation
Services:
Full design, source of materials and project managed installation
The Brief
To completely renovate a tired kitchen that was no longer fit for purpose, while protecting the integrity of the building and preserving its original features wherever possible. The aim was not to strip away character, but to refine and elevate — creating a highly functional family kitchen with a carefully curated ‘wow’ factor.
About The Project
This kitchen sits within a beautiful Edwardian architecture property in the heart of Norwich. Sensitivity was paramount. My client was deeply committed to preserving the original fabric of the building, and every design decision had to respect that intention. While generous enough for family life, the room presented significant spatial challenges. Five doorways and one large window dramatically reduced the available wall space for cabinetry, demanding a highly strategic layout. Original elements — including a concealed doorway and the property’s historic bell system — were to be retained but discreetly hidden. To achieve this, I introduced carefully considered internal studwork to absorb these features seamlessly into the architecture, allowing for clean lines and improved functionality without compromising heritage.
One redundant cupboard door was removed and replaced with bespoke cabinetry housing an integrated fridge, set flush to the wall for a refined finish. Along the back elevation, I designed a lit recessed shelf that stretches elegantly behind the cooking area, alongside a bespoke canopy for the extractor crowning the beautiful La Canche cooker — a true focal point of the room.
To achieve the desired ‘wow’ factor without overwhelming the space, I focussed the design on simplicity. The made-to-measure cabinetry was kept a crisp, classic white, forming a restrained canvas upon which more expressive details could shine. Within the recessed shelf behind the cooker, I introduced mirrored gold tiles — dramatic yet refined. These were echoed within the bespoke cocktail cabinet, creating cohesion and a subtle thread of glamour throughout the space. The warmth of the mirrored gold is beautifully balanced by Calacatta Gold Superior quartz worktops, their waterfall ends showcasing the elegance of the veining. Solid full-stave oak shelving and framework within the cocktail cabinet introduce texture and organic warmth, grounding the more polished elements.
What appears effortless required considerable design precision. Every line is intentional; every material carefully considered. The result is a kitchen that feels calm, elegant and timeless — yet entirely practical for modern family life. Simplicity, as ever, proves to be the ultimate sophistication.
