- Location: Buckingham
- Duration: 7 May – 7 June 2024 (4 weeks)
- Project: Complete renovation of the kitchen, utility and cloakroom
- What we love: Bespoke cabinetry, one piece quartz splashback and upstand, “magic corners” in awkward cupboards, and integrated LED strip lighting.
Project Overview
When the Massie family in Buckingham first came to Parker Kitchens, their kitchen, utility and cloakroom felt like a collection of tired, separate rooms. The kitchen was dark, storage was never quite where it was needed and the spaces did little to support busy family life.
They wanted something very different: a bright, modern space that felt welcoming at any time of day and worked hard behind the scenes, from busy weekdays to family Sunday lunch.
Designing a space around family life
Before any kitchen designs or drawings were made, the team spent time in the house listening to how the Massie family actually used the rooms. The aim was not just a smarter looking kitchen, but a layout that would make daily routines easier and less stressful.
Detailed measurements and an on site visit meant the designers could spot pinch points and dead corners. 3D visuals then helped the family see how the new kitchen, utility and cloakroom would flow together as one calm, coherent space rather than three separate rooms.
A kitchen that feels good to cook in
The finished kitchen pairs modern, handleless cabinetry in navy blue and light grey with brushed brass details. In the corner units, we used “magic corners” so the full contents glide out in one smooth movement. It means tins and small appliances are no longer lost at the back of a dark cupboard and the whole space is usable and organised.
We installed white Calacatta Gold quartz worktops, with the splashbacks made in one piece and finished with a matching upstand and signature Parker Kitchen curved edges to soften the corners and remove grout lines.
For the family, this means:
- Plenty of clear worktop space for cooking together without bumping into one another
- Easy to wipe, durable finishes that shrug off everyday spills and still look smart
- A calmer backdrop that works just as well for a quiet coffee as it does for entertaining
The luxury vinyl herringbone floor runs through the kitchen and into the utility, visually linking the spaces and making the whole ground floor feel larger and more open. Pets, muddy boots and kids’ toys can all be handled with ease thanks to the hard wearing surface.
We also integrated LED strip lighting without visible fittings above the cabinet handles, with additional strips along the kickboards to give a soft glow, and inside the full height custom built pantry cupboard so every shelf is lit when you open the doors.
Behind the scenes spaces that flow smoothly
Behind the kitchen, the utility room takes care of the less glamorous jobs. Storage has been planned so that laundry, cleaning products and bulky appliances all have a proper home. That cuts down on clutter in the main kitchen and keeps worktops free for cooking and family life rather than piles of washing.
The cloakroom has been treated with the same care. Guests now step into a space that feels considered and in keeping with the rest of the home, rather than an afterthought. For a busy household, that means coats, shoes and bags are easier to manage and the hallway stays clearer.
A seamless, stress free transformation
The project ran from early May to early June. Throughout that time the Parker Kitchens project manager coordinated every trade, from demolition and first fix services through to fitting, flooring and final clean.
For the family, the benefit was simple. There was one point of contact, a clear schedule and regular updates so they always knew who would be on site and what was happening next. The in house fitting team protected floors, kept the site tidy and worked systematically so the disruption stayed as low as possible while the old rooms were transformed.
The finished space
Stepping back into the new kitchen now, it is hard to imagine the dark, dated rooms that were there before. Light bounces off the quartz, the handleless doors give a seamless run of cabinetry and the brass accents add warmth without shouting for attention.
More importantly, the whole ground floor now works around the family:
- Mornings run more smoothly with clear zones for making breakfast, packing lunches and grabbing coats
- Evenings feel more relaxed with a space that invites everyone to sit, chat and cook together
- Weekends are easier to host, with clutter hidden in the utility and a cloakroom that is ready for visitors
The Massie’s have since shared a five star review of Parker Kitchens, describing the experience as a joy from beginning to end, praising the polite, tidy team and the way every question was answered and every detail handled:
Working with the team at Parker’s Kitchens has been a joy from beginning to end. From walking into the showroom, eight months before the project began, Irfan took time to discuss what I was looking to do and designed the perfect kitchen we wanted with zero changes.
When it came to installation, Keith and the onsite team were a dream to have around for five weeks. Polite, on time, tidy and patient to answering all my questions the whole process was smooth simple and efficient. I was quite sad to see them go!!
I have no hesitation in recommending Parker’s Kitchens and will definitely be using them again for future projects. Thanks guys it’s been a dream!
– Mr & Mrs Massie, Buckingham
