Project Description

This kitchen in Findon, Worthing has experienced a huge transformation. The bulky brown gloss cupboard doors were replaced with green and white Shaker doors. Plus the old quartz worktop was replaced with a slim Mirostone option. Black knobs and handles were added to create a modern look, with lush green splashback tiles laid vertically to develop the green colour scheme. The kitchen area is almost unrecognisable and has made a huge impact in transforming this lovely open plan kitchen, living and dining space.

Transforming a Kitchen by Replacing the Doors

If your cupboard carcasses are sound, it's not necessary to rip out a kitchen to achieve an effective transformation. In this case the carcasses were in good condition, but the bulky rounded shapes and brown gloss finish did not suit the current owners. I designed this kitchen to have a modern, elegant feel with a calming colour scheme.

Firstly I decide on the selection of slim Shaker panelled doors in Porcelain White and Pistachio Green. Including the replacement of all end panels, plinths and kickboards this totalled 54 individual items to order! Next I created contrast with the viridian green tiles, which are laid vertically for a modern feel. And I specified matt black knobs and handles to give my client her desired modern look. Purposefully these tie in with the existing black pendant light fittings.

Mirostone Worktop

This kitchen has a large expanse of worktop, so deciding on the look and feel of the material to be used was important. I chose Mirostone Taj Mahal for it's softness of feel and subtle decorative pattern. This suited the calm, elegant colour scheme very well. With the large area to cover, and being sensible with the budget, it was necessary to have joins in the worktop. The beauty of Mirostone is that it can be affixed in sections (only 3 in this case) and then sanded so that the joins are imperceptible. Furthermore the sink was also fabricated to fit the new 1.5 bowls supplied and the hob was cut out. Using this material gives a luxurious, smooth finish worktop that is easy to keep clean.

Design Touches for a Modern Shaker Green and White Kitchen

Due to the very long breakfast bar in this project, a large expanse of boring mdf was visible from the living room area. The defining aim of this project was to 'de-gloss' the room as a whole and adding interesting textures was a means to achieve this. Consequently I chose a split-faced brick tile for the reverse of the breakfast bar. It's chalky white appearance adds softness, while the uneven surface adds character and interest. This photo of the fireplace we created in the lounge area shows the tile off well.

The Transformation

It was an exciting project to work on a kitchen transformation as dramatic as this one. I project managed this installation while my client was away from home. This allowed for effective co-ordination of the different trades involved. Janis of FTR Home Improvements did a fantastic job of the main carpentry work, with Gerard of Xisting Marble supporting for the tiling. I organised an electrician to complete the required works and the client's decorator worked alongside us to complete the job on time for their return.

If you'd like to discuss your own transformation, you can contact me using this form.

Brown Gloss Before - Elegant Green and White After

BEFORE

AFTER

See the swipes in the Before and After Gallery

Testimonial

"Drab to Fab were excellent from start to finish of a 4 month project involving a redesign/refurbishment of a very large open plan kitchen, dining and living area. The services offered and provided included listening and taking on board what was wanted, a range of creative and imaginative design ideas to fit the initial project  brief given by me, sourcing a range of different products to fit the brief and project management from start to finish of work people (carpenter, tiler, decorator, electrician).  

The USP for me was having highly skilled and professional individuals (designer, carpenter, plumber, tiler and electrician) working closely together, in a cohesive and seamless way from sharing their own expertise and ideas to implementing every stage of the project until completion. That combined with the design ideas and sourcing of materials (eg worksurface, kitchen cupboards handles and doorknobs etc) , all of which could be seen and discussed during the planning phase(s) resulted in a stress free project and a project that I was confident would be nothing but successful.

The 'package' that Drab to Fab offer is individual, is guided by the owners intentions and wishes and is undertaken with complete freedom from being bound to any one particular brand or company. All the tradespeople work together and are highly professional, skilled and experienced."

Project Credits

Kitchen doors, end panels, plinths and kickboards from Kitchen Door Outlet.

Stromboli Viridian green tiles from Tiles Direct.

'Spirit' split-faced brick tiles from Porcelain Superstore.

Calgary black knobs and Altro t-bar handles from Ironmongery Direct.

Mirostone worktop supplied and installed by BSF Solid Surfaces.