Victorian Home Kitchen Transformation

The Brief

A Cardiff family of five wanted to turn their dark, inefficient kitchen into a bright, open space that connected with their garden. Their Victorian home’s poor storage, awkward layout, and a bulky fireplace made daily life challenging. They envisioned a warm, functional, and stylish kitchen that could serve as the heart of their home.

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The Design

The initial plan focused on removing the oversized fireplace and optimising space while keeping the kitchen and utility room in their original locations. However, after a design review in partnership with the architect, shortening the kitchen proved to be the best solution for a more balanced and efficient layout.

A slim yet highly functional kitchen island was a key feature in achieving a seamless flow. Carefully positioned to align perfectly with the wall units, it included shallow-depth storage at the back, making it easy to access frequently used items at the table. A laminate breakfast bar was selected to mimic the warmth of oak while offering superior durability, blending style and practicality. This approach maximised space while creating an elegant and functional centrepiece.

Enhancing natural light was a priority to create a bright, airy kitchen. Strategically placed skylights provided significantly more illumination than traditional windows, while a window overlooking an internal courtyard strengthened the connection to nature. Sliding doors to the garden further enhanced the indoor-outdoor flow, fostering an open and inviting atmosphere.

Lighting played a crucial role in setting the kitchen’s ambiance. A layered scheme of downlights, LED task lighting, and a statement pendant over the dining table balanced function and aesthetics. Slender Schüller ceiling pendants were chosen to preserve garden views, while a striking pendant above the bulthaup c2 table acted as a focal point. The adjustable Schüller pendant allowed the homeowner to modify its height and shift the lighting tone from cool to warm as needed.

Storage and workflow were meticulously planned to ensure everyday tasks feel effortless. Bins were strategically positioned to streamline food prep near the sink, while snack storage was thoughtfully designed for children, enabling them to access what they needed independently. The client selected a Bora hob with ducted extraction, enhancing both functionality and a refined, minimalist aesthetic.

To achieve a seamless, built-in look, a custom bulkhead was constructed to align precisely with the top of the wall units. Every detail of the layout was carefully considered to eliminate unnecessary movement, allowing for smooth and efficient navigation - even during the busiest moments.

Carl Hansen & Son furniture were thoughtfully selected as accents that harmonise with the home's natural warmth. This included bar stools and Colonial chairs, while Elbow chairs were positioned near the sliding doors, offering a view of the garden and creating an inviting spot for gathering while cooking and entertaining.

To preserve the home's Victorian character, aged parquet herringbone flooring was chosen, further adding texture and warmth. This earthy palette replaced cool grays, enhancing the cosy ambiance and complementing the Gravel and Clay laminate of the bulthaup b3 furniture.

Photography by Hobson’s Choice

The DETAILS

Kitchen

bulthaup b3 kitchen furniture finished in Clay Laminate

bulthaup b3 Island and 10mm Worktop in Gravel Laminate

bulthaup b3 Pocket door

bulthaup b3 Mixer tap

bulthaup c2 table in laminate - colour Clay

Schüller Breakfast Bar in Wild Oak Laminate

Schüller Led pendant light

Carl Hansen & Son - Elbow chairs, Bar Stools & Colonial Chairs

APPLIANCES

Miele Fully Integrated Dishwasher

Miele VitroLine Oven in Clean Steel

Miele VitroLine Microwave Combination Oven in Clean Steel

Miele Warming Drawer in Obsidian Black

Miele Built In Fridge and Freezer

Bora X Pure Surface Induction Cooktop W/Integrated Extractor

Quooker Pro3 Front Boiling Hot Water Tap Stainless Steel