Customer name: Czekalowska
Location: Huntly
The Czekalowska project was a complete home transformation, with the renovation process being so extensive that the property was practically uninhabitable. When Laings began the project, there were no floors, and the timber frame of the house was still exposed. The kitchen was to be the central hub of the home, with additional focus on a bar room and pantry. These spaces needed to reflect the traditional character of the house, while incorporating modern functionality and aesthetics to suit contemporary living.
The kitchen was to be a central hub for the home, designed to accommodate both daily family life and entertaining guests. Additionally, the client wanted a bar room with a blend of traditional design and modern touches, as well as a functional yet decorative pantry that could serve as a secondary working space. The goal was to achieve a timeless look that matched the character of the house while introducing bold, contemporary elements.
One of the main challenges of this project was the large, open spaces that needed to be filled without overcrowding them. The kitchen, in particular, was a blank canvas that required careful planning to avoid overwhelming the room with too many units, while still ensuring it had sufficient storage and functional zones for cooking, prepping, and entertaining.
Another challenge was ensuring the house maintained its traditional feel, while seamlessly incorporating modern conveniences. The client was keen to balance these elements without compromising the spacious feel of the home, which demanded a delicate touch.
Nicola, the designer at Laings, explains, “We had to be very strategic about the layout - preserving that sense of openness while making sure we included all the storage and functionality the client needed. It was all about balance.”
The Czekalowska family had a strong vision for their home, taking ownership of specific elements such as the lighting design. Nicola worked closely with the family to ensure that each room - the kitchen, bar, and pantry - felt cohesive yet maintained its own distinct identity. The colour palette was key to the process, with the bold blue cabinetry in the kitchen complemented by warm wood accents like shelving and window sills, softening the space. “We wanted to inject colour without overpowering the room, and the wood really helped balance that out,” Nicola adds.
In the bar room, located just off the lobby, Nicola included elegant pink tiles and black accents. The pink tiles provided a subtle pop of colour, complementing the classic features of the room without overpowering them. The bar also included a wine cooler and a sink area, ensuring it was both stylish and highly functional.
The pantry, located just off the kitchen, became a vibrant space with turquoise blue cabinetry and pull-out larders, adding a pop of bold colour while maintaining its practicality. The pantry was designed as a mini kitchen, offering wicker baskets and traditional features to reflect the character of the home. Nicola describes it as, “A practical space, but one that still had to look stunning—because it was really an extension of the kitchen, not just a utility room.”
The success of this project lies in the careful balance between traditional and modern elements, as well as the client’s own personal touches, resulting in a home that is both beautiful and functional. “The space had to feel comfortable for everyday use but also make a statement, and I think we really achieved that,” says Nicola.
“What made this project so successful was the balance—between bold colours and traditional elements, between functionality and beauty,” Nicola reflects. The Czekalowska home became a perfect example of how a renovation can honour a property’s past while embracing modern living.
If you’re looking to transform your kitchen or home, Laings Kitchens can help you bring your vision to life. Contact us today for a consultation or explore more of our case studies to see how we can create a space tailored to your needs.
