A striking, ergonomically designed kitchen for modern retirement living — blending rich textures, bespoke detailing and hidden features into a sophisticated, open plan space perfect for entertaining.
This kitchen forms the heart of a complete ground-floor reconfiguration for a couple settling into their forever retirement home. With contrasting priorities — one favouring modern technology and the other a traditional, hands-on cooking style — the design needed to be both cutting-edge and comforting. The brief was to create a dramatic, contemporary kitchen that integrated seamlessly into an open-plan layout, provided intelligent and accessible storage, and reflected the couple’s personal style.
The key to success was understanding the flow of the entire ground floor. We repositioned the kitchen to optimise views of the garden through a stunning double-height glass wall and created space for a snug and bespoke bar area. Functionality and layout were driven by the need for high-performance appliances, ergonomic access, and a visual connection between the cooking, dining and living zones.
Materiality was a driving force. The colour palette centred around Callerton's Ferndene door, a 12mm skinny shaker style in a rich poached plum — a prototype we later launched as a new product, named after the client. This was paired with warm pure oak, inspired by the client’s chosen oak river table. Gloss Dekton worktops and vertical drawer fronts delivered the durability and delicacy they desired.
We prototyped a new handleless drawer rail system to allow seamless integration of this surface onto Blum Legrabox drawers — achieving the high-end finish without compromise. Hidden features were a highlight. A secret 200mm chocolate cubby was concealed within a structural void. “Secret” push-to-open cupboards were added to a feature wall, and a flush-sliding, grooved panel door system was used to discreetly connect to the utility room — enhancing functionality while maintaining aesthetics.
Bespoke bi-fold appliance garages added balance, while a backlit Litestone wall and bronze mirrored doors in the bar area introduced mood and glamour without excess cost. Storage was tailored around their lifestyle, including zones for small appliances, cookbooks, objet d’art, and generous pan/crockery capacity. Two NEFF ovens with warming drawers maintained cooking volume while enhancing symmetry through the illuminated oven wall. The kitchen balances form and function at every turn.
It achieves warmth without being rustic, drama without feeling cold. The flow invites conversation and movement, and the layers of thoughtful detail mean every visit offers something new to discover. Whether cooking alone or hosting friends and family, this space delivers on every level. At a project cost of £68,000, the kitchen delivers exceptional value for its bespoke nature, advanced materials, and high-end finishing. It’s more than just a space for cooking — it’s a celebration of shared passions, clever design, and a new chapter of life.