Customer name: Humphrey
Location: St Cyrus
The Humphrey family approached Laings with a vision to transform their kitchen into a space that beautifully combined traditional style with modern functionality. Their primary requirement was a kitchen that maintained a classic aesthetic but featured a modern statement mantle as the central focal point. Additionally, they wanted to increase the amount of worktop space, enhancing both the practicality and usability of the kitchen.
The brief also highlighted a need for more practical storage solutions, as the existing kitchen had limited cupboard space. The client seeked a clever design that would make the kitchen more intuitive to use, ensuring everything was positioned in the most convenient places. Another key element of the brief was the inclusion of a large food pantry to accommodate the storage requirements. Beyond these functional considerations, they wanted the kitchen to feel more spacious and better connected to the rest of the house, with a cohesive design linking all the elements together seamlessly.
The project posed several challenges that needed careful consideration. One of the first was the feature breakfast bar. Humphrey wished to keep the existing stools, yet wanted a quirky, unique design for the bar itself. Another challenge was the need to maintain the existing flooring plan, meaning that the layout of the kitchen had to be optimised within the existing footprint without expanding the space, while still improving its functionality.
The fixed plumbing at the kitchen island presented another constraint, requiring the new design to incorporate this without detracting from the overall aesthetic. Humphrey was also keen to retain traditional elements, such as the wooden tongue-and-groove drawer boxes, and blend them with modern features. Given that the kitchen was part of an open-plan space, it was important that the colour scheme and design tied in harmoniously with the adjoining areas. Additionally, the large American fridge freezer was to be kept, so the new design needed to accommodate this without disrupting the overall flow and appearance of the space.
The design process centred around creating a timeless look that fulfilled both the aesthetic and practical requirements of the brief. Working closely with the Humphrey family, Laings designer Nicola focused on developing a statement mantle above the cooker. This feature beautifully combined traditional craftsmanship with modern touches to create a standout focal point in the room. Nicola explained, “We wanted the mantle to be a real centrepiece while still keeping the traditional feel they loved, so we added secret storage alcoves to make it both practical and unique.”
To address the need for more worktop space, a uniquely shaped breakfast bar was also introduced. This non-standard design, crafted from traditional materials, provided additional worktop space while also incorporating a seating area. The shape of the bar was quirky yet functional, adding character to the kitchen. The kitchen island was redesigned to be more practical, providing not only more work surface but also acting as a social hub where family and guests could gather. Nicola noted, “The challenge was making the island both practical and social, so we focused on creating a layout where you could move around easily while keeping it a focal point for gatherings.”
The overall layout was designed with distinct zones for cooking, prepping, and cleaning, ensuring the kitchen was easy to navigate and highly functional.
The final design exceeded Humphrey’s expectations, combining both beauty and functionality. Wide, custom sized storage solutions were a key feature, alongside a large, double food pantry that provided ample storage without compromising on style. The design also incorporated mixed decorative elements, blending modern touches with traditional craftsmanship. The statement mantle, complete with secret storage alcoves, was a standout feature, adding both a practical and unique element to the kitchen!
No space was wasted, with every part of the kitchen designed to enhance usability. The distinct zones for cooking, prepping, and cleaning made the kitchen highly efficient while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. Nicola described the final result as, “A kitchen that is as functional as it is beautiful, with each element carefully thought out to meet the family’s needs without overcrowding the space.”
If you are looking to create your dream kitchen, Laings offers the expertise and craftsmanship to bring your vision to life. Contact us today for a consultation or explore more of our case studies to see how we can transform your space.
