A well-designed kitchen larder cupboard fixes that. It gives everyday kitchen clutter a dedicated home behind closed doors, without losing easy access. The best larders are fitted out with internal drawers for packets, pull-out trays for tins, door racks for oils and spices, and even integrated power so you can run a mixer or coffee machine inside the cupboard. It is a simple upgrade that makes the whole kitchen more organised and easier to use every day.

If you are considering one for your next kitchen, we’re sharing the larder cupboard trends we’re seeing right now, plus the design details that make them extra practical.

Here are some kitchen larder cupboard design ideas for your new kitchen

Drawer-led larders, not shelf stacks

The biggest shift is away from “everything on shelves” and towards a mix of deep internal drawers, pull-outs and trays. It is easier to see what you have, so you don’t lose things at the back, and you can keep categories together (breakfast, baking, snacks). Pull-out stations and drawers are recommended because it improves access, especially in awkward corners or tall units.

Design tip: Aim for drawers at waist height for your most-used items, with shelves higher up for bulkier, lighter things.

Pull-out shelves for appliances

Appliance storage has become part of the modern larder brief. Homeowners have more gadgets and they want clear worktops, so the larder becomes an appliance hub. A pull-out shelf is a great feature, as it lets you slide out a mixer, air fryer or coffee machine without lifting it, and it keeps everything usable and tidy. Don’t forget to fit sockets at the back of your larder so appliances can live inside the cupboard and still be used in situ.

Design tip: Allow for ventilation where needed, and plan shelf heights around the appliances you own.

Breakfast and coffee stations behind doors

If you love the idea of a pantry but don’t have space for a walk-in, a breakfast cupboard style larder is a brilliant alternative. It gives you a dedicated “morning zone” and it keeps the busiest part of the kitchen decluttered once the doors are shut. A well-planned breakfast cupboard can house your toaster, microwave and kettle or coffee machine, along with everything that goes with them such as mugs, pods, spoons etc. Having it all together means you are not hopping between cupboards first thing, and you can keep the main worktops clear for cooking.

Design tip: Include a clear area inside the cupboard for mugs, canisters and everyday accessories stay neatly contained.

The “designer larder” look: pretty, but still practical

Larders have become something people want to open proudly, and the “designer larder” trend is all about turning the pantry into a showpiece, with thoughtful internal design and styled storage.

That does not mean it has to be fussy. It means:

• Strong drawers and shelves that take weight
• A clear work surface with power
• Racks on the doors for jars and bottles
• Integrated lighting so you can see everything at a glance

Design tip: Decant a few key dry goods into matching containers for storage that looks beautiful and is practical day to day.

Better lighting and power

If you have ever tried to find paprika at the back of a dark cupboard, you already know why this matters. Integrated lighting helps you see every shelf and drawer clearly, so nothing disappears into the corners. Properly placed sockets are just as important. They let you run a coffee machine, mixer or toaster inside the cupboard, so appliances can stay tucked away without becoming a hassle.

Design tip: Plan lighting to avoid shadows from shelves, and place sockets where plugs are easy to reach, not buried behind drawers.

How to plan a kitchen larder cupboard that works and stays tidy

1. Start with your habits. Do you bake? Batch cook? Need school snack storage? Make tea and coffee ten times a day?
2. Zone it. Breakfast, cooking staples, baking, snacks, oils and spices.
3. Put the heavy-use items in the easiest positions. Waist height wins.
4. Use drawers for packets. They stop bags turning into chaos.
5. Give tins a pull-out tray or shelf. You will actually see what you have.
6. Make the doors earn their keep. Adjustable racks for oils, sauces, spices.
7. Add a small internal work surface if you can. It makes the larder feel like a station, not a cupboard.

Our approach at Parker Kitchens

We build larders the same way we build the rest of the kitchen: around how you live, and to suit your exact room.

• Bespoke cabinetry made in our Towcester workshop and designed to fit your space.
• Storage planned early, then tailored: internal drawers, pull-outs, trays, door storage, lighting and power where it makes sense.
• Quality components: we use good quality hardware, including Blum runners and hinges with a lifetime guarantee, and our cabinetry and construction are covered by a 6-year workmanship warranty.
• Project managed from start to finish, with tidy working and clear updates so the process feels straightforward in your home.

Take the next step

If you are planning a new kitchen and want a larder cupboard that keeps the space organised, we can help you design storage, lighting and finishes.

Based in Towcester, Parker Kitchens designs, makes and installs bespoke kitchens across Northampton, Daventry, Milton Keynes, Banbury, Brackley, Buckingham and the surrounding areas.

Book a free design consultation with Parker Kitchens and we’ll talk through layout, storage, finishes and lighting, then create a bespoke plan that suits how you actually live, cook and entertain.

This is something our whole team is very proud of. A home renovation is a big investment, and choosing the right company can make a real difference to how comfortable customers feel throughout the process.

We understand that our customers need to feel confident that the work will be managed properly, communication will be clear, and the standard of workmanship will match the investment they are making. This is why this endorsement feels like such a valuable recognition of the way we work.

What is a Which? Trusted Trader?

Which? Trusted Traders is a scheme from Which?, created to help customers find businesses they can trust.

It is designed to help customers find reputable trades and home improvement businesses that have been independently checked and verified.

Businesses cannot simply display the Which? Trusted Trader logo on their website. Before being accepted onto the scheme, businesses have to complete an assessment process designed to check that they are reputable, well-run and committed to treating customers fairly.

What we had to do to qualify

To become a Which? Trusted Trader, Parker Kitchens had to complete a detailed assessment.

This included checks on our business, our paperwork, our insurance, our customer processes and the way we handle projects. Our quotes, terms, and procedures were all reviewed, and customer references were checked as part of the process.

We also had to show that we work in line with the Which? Trusted Traders Code of Conduct. This covers important areas such as clear pricing, fair terms, professional conduct, guarantees, warranties and complaint handling.

For us, this is in line with the way we already work. We have always believed in clear quotes, thorough project management, and good communication.

Why this matters for our customers

Choosing a kitchen or home renovation company is a big decision. You are inviting people into your home, trusting them with an important project and relying on them to manage several stages of work.

Being listed as a Which? Trusted Trader gives our customers another layer of confidence. It shows that Parker Kitchens has been independently assessed, not just on the quality of our work, but on the way we run the business and look after our customers. For anyone planning a project, that can make the decision feel a little easier.

The same Parker Kitchens standards, with added reassurance

Our approach has not changed – we still design, make and install bespoke cabinetry from our Towcester workshop, with each project carefully managed through to completion.

From the first design conversation to the final handover, we focus on clear communication, considered design and quality workmanship. Our team looks after the details, coordinates the trades and keeps the project moving with as little stress as possible.

Our cabinetry and construction are covered by a 6-year workmanship warranty, and we use quality components such as Blum runners and hinges, which come with a lifetime guarantee.

Becoming a Which? Trusted Trader simply gives customers another reason to feel reassured before they begin their project with us.

Planning a new kitchen, bathroom or fitted interior?

If you are thinking about a new kitchen, bathroom, bedroom or home office, we would be happy to talk through your plans.

You can visit our Towcester showroom, meet the team and explore examples of our cabinetry, finishes and storage ideas in person. We will listen to what you need, explain the options clearly and provide a written quote so you know exactly what to expect.

We’re proud to be a Which? Trusted Trader, and we’re looking forward to continuing to help local homeowners create rooms that are beautifully made and built to last.

At Parker Kitchens, we’ve fitted over 1,350 kitchens from our Towcester showroom across Northampton, Milton Keynes, and the surrounding areas. Over the years, we’ve refined our kitchen fitting process into a smooth, efficient operation.

Self-managed projects, or installations carried out by less experienced fitters, may take longer. Below are our typical kitchen fitting timelines.

Every home is different, so the amount of time a full kitchen installation takes depends on the size of the room, the condition of the existing space, the amount of building work required and the finishes you choose. A straightforward replacement kitchen will usually be quicker than a project that involves structural changes, underfloor heating, or floor levelling for example.

At Parker Kitchens, your installation is fully project managed, with clear scheduling, site protection, tidy working and regular updates throughout the project. This reflects our focus on handmade cabinetry, fully managed installations and careful handover.

Step 1: Removal and disposal

Typical timeframe: 1 to 2 days

The first stage is to remove the existing kitchen and strip the room back ready for work to begin.

This usually includes removing:

• Existing cabinetry
• Wall coverings
• Floor coverings
• Old appliances
• Unwanted fixtures and fittings

Any areas of flooring that are not being renovated will need to be protected with floor coverings before work begins. If the room has an artex ceiling, this may also need to be removed at this stage, as plaster will not always bond properly to artex.

The aim is to create a clear, bare shell so the next trades can work properly and the new kitchen has the best possible foundation.

Step 2: Building and structural work

Typical timeframe: 3 to 7 working days

Structural work can vary significantly depending on the project. Some kitchens need very little building work, while others involve removing walls, adding doors or changing the layout of the room.

This stage may include:

• Removing an internal wall
• Adding bi-fold doors
• Installing French doors
• Fitting external doors or windows
• Moving or replacing internal doors
• Creating new openings
• Making changes to internal or external walls

As a guide, fitting internal doors may take around one day for two doors. External doors and windows are usually around one day per item. Wall removal is typically around 3 to 4 days, depending on the structure and the support required.

This is one of the reasons a kitchen installation with structural work usually takes longer than a simple refit.

Step 3: First fix plumbing, electrics and gas

Typical timeframe: 3 to 4 days in total

First fix is when the main services are prepared before the room is plastered and finished.

For plumbing, this may include moving or refreshing pipework, hiding old external pipework within the wall, moving radiator pipes, preparing hot and cold water supplies and adding pipework for a plumbed kitchen island.

Electrical first fix can include:

• Moving or adding sockets
• Cabling for under-cabinet lighting
• Cabling for appliances
• Ceiling lighting and pendant positions
• Underfloor heating connections
• Pop-up sockets
• Speaker systems

Gas work may also happen at this stage. This could include preparing pipework for a gas hob, boiler or fireplace. If you are changing from gas to induction, the gas supply can be capped and certified.

Step 4: Plastering

Typical timeframe: 2 to 4 days

Once the first fix work is complete, the room can be prepared for plastering. This may involve battening, plasterboarding and making good any chases created for plumbing or electrics.

Plastering usually includes:

• Ceilings
• Walls
• Electrical and plumbing chases
• Areas affected by building work

This stage is important because it creates a clean, even finish before flooring, decorating and kitchen installation begin.

Step 5: Underfloor heating

Typical timeframe: 2 to 3 days

This stage is optional, depending on the project.

If underfloor heating is being installed, it would usually be laid before the floor is levelled and finished. For tiled floors, a decoupling mat may also be fitted. This helps reduce the risk of tiles cracking in the future by allowing for small amounts of movement beneath the surface.

Step 6: Floor levelling

Typical timeframe: 1 day

Before the final floor covering is laid, the floor usually needs to be prepared with a self-levelling latex compound. In many cases, two coats are used to make sure the floor is properly level.

This gives the finished flooring a better surface to sit on and helps prevent issues later.

Step 7: Kitchen installation

Typical timeframe: 4 to 10 working days

The kitchen installation itself usually takes around one week, although larger or more detailed kitchens may take longer.

This is the dry fit stage, which may include fitting:

• Kitchen cabinets
• End panels
• Decorative panels
• Cornice and pelmet
• Appliance housings
• Doors and drawer fronts
• Internal storage
• Worktop supports and finishing details

Appliances may be positioned during this stage, but they are not usually fully connected until the second fix.

Once the cabinetry is in place, stone or solid worktops can be laser templated. This includes any upstands and splashbacks. Worktops are then manufactured to fit the room precisely before returning for installation.

Step 8: Flooring

Typical timeframe: 1 to 3 working days

For LVT flooring, such as Karndean, the flooring is usually laid after the kitchen cabinetry is installed. Once fitted, the floor and worktops should be protected with coverings while the remaining trades finish the project.

If you are having tiled flooring, this is usually completed corner to corner before the kitchen is installed. This gives a continuous tiled finish beneath the cabinetry.

Step 9: Electrical second fix

Typical timeframe: 1 to 2 days

Electrical second fix is when the visible electrical items are connected and finished.

This may include:

• Fitted appliance connections
• Light switches
• Plug sockets
• Under-cabinet lighting
• Spotlights
• Pendant lights
• Speakers

This is when the kitchen starts to feel much closer to completion.

Step 10: Worktop installation

Typical timeframe: 1 day

Once the worktops have been manufactured from the laser template, they can be installed along with any splashbacks and upstands.

If you are having an induction hob, the electrician will usually return at this stage to fit and connect it.

Step 11: Plumbing and gas second fix

Typical timeframe: 1 to 2 days

Plumbing second fix is when the main water and gas items are connected.

This may include:

• Sink installation
• Tap installation
• Gas hob connection by a Gas Safe engineer
• Radiator installation
• Appliance water connections
• Waste connections

At this stage, the kitchen becomes functional as well as fitted.

Step 12: Decorative carpentry

Typical timeframe: 1 to 2 days

Decorative carpentry helps finish the room properly. Depending on the design, this may include:

• Skirting boards
• Architraves
• Door frames
• Wall panelling
• Final timber details

These details help the new kitchen feel properly integrated into the rest of the home.

Step 13: Decorating

Typical timeframe: 3 to 5 days

Decorating is one of the final stages and can include painting:

• Walls
• Ceilings
• Doors
• Skirting boards
• Architraves
• Wall panelling
• Window frames

Good decorating takes time, especially when there are several surfaces and finishes to prepare. It is worth allowing enough time for proper preparation, drying and finishing.

Step 14: Final clean and handover

Typical timeframe: 1 to 2 days

The final stage is the clean, inspection and handover.

This usually includes:

• Removing protective floor coverings
• Cleaning inside and outside the units
• Sweeping, dusting and polishing
• Checking doors, drawers and fittings
• Reviewing the finished kitchen
• Completing any final snagging
• Providing care information for appliances, worktops and flooring

A good handover should leave you with a kitchen that is clean, checked and ready to use.

How long does a kitchen installation take in total?

For most kitchen installations, a realistic guide is:

Standard kitchen project: 4 to 5 weeks

Kitchen project with structural work: 5 to 9 weeks

This includes removal, preparation, first fix trades, plastering, flooring, kitchen fitting, worktops, second fix trades, decorating and final handover.

Some projects may be quicker, particularly if the room is already in good condition and the layout is staying the same. Others may take longer if there is complex building work, specialist finishes or changes to the structure of the property.

What about kitchen extensions?

Kitchen extensions should be treated separately from a standard kitchen installation. They can take anywhere from 2 months to a year, depending on the scale and complexity of the work.

This is because an extension may involve:

• Architectural drawings
• Structural engineer approval
• Planning applications
• Building control
• Groundworks
• Brickwork
• Roofing
• Windows and doors
• Material availability
• Staff and trade availability
• Weather delays
• Final kitchen installation and finishing

A simple extension may be completed within a few months. A more complex project, especially one involving planning permission, structural changes or specialist materials, can take much longer.

Why planning is key to a smoother kitchen installation

A kitchen installation involves several trades working together, and one delay can affect the next stage, so a realistic schedule is essential.

This is where we find that a fully managed kitchen installation service makes a real difference. Instead of arranging separate trades yourself, your project manager coordinates the programme, keeps the work moving and makes sure each stage is ready before the next begins

Planning a new kitchen?

At Parker Kitchens, we design, make and install bespoke kitchens from our Towcester workshop, with every stage properly managed from first sketch to final wipe-down.

Request your free design and quote to tell us about your space and we will talk you through the likely schedule, explain what needs to happen and provide a clear, written quote.

At Parker Kitchens we build everything to suit your space, so you enjoy maximum capacity without compromising on the look you love. We plan storage first and then design, make and fit cabinetry around your life. Everything is made to measure in our Towcester workshop so that you can enjoy a beautifully organised, and unmistakably stylish kitchen.

Our favourite smart kitchen storage ideas:

Deep pan drawers

Banks of deep, full extension drawers are far more practical than a standard cupboard with a shelf, offering better access, clearer visibility and easier day-to-day use. Our extra wide options give you even more space and help streamline everyday cooking.

Appliance garages and breakfast cupboards

Appliance garages and breakfast cupboards provide a dedicated spot for everyday gadgets such as toasters, coffee makers and blenders, keeping them neatly tucked away behind closed doors. They create a tidy, clutter free hub for breakfast or quick food prep, allowing the rest of your kitchen worktops to stay streamlined when the appliances are not in use.

Designer larders that look as good open as closed

Turn your larder into a feature, not just a cupboard. Add integrated lighting so you can see everything at a glance, with door racks for bottles and condiments and plug sockets inside for small appliances. Everything has its place, and it all looks beautifully organised when you open the doors. Close them again and you are left with a clean, elegant run of cabinetry that keeps the hard work hidden.

Corners that finally make sense

Corner cupboards do not have to be dark and difficult to use. LeMans swing out trays or other engineered corner pull outs bring the contents right out in front of you in one smooth movement. Pans, mixing bowls and small appliances glide into view instead of being stacked at the back where you can’t reach them. You gain usable storage without the frustration of rummaging.

Integrated recycling and waste

Built in bins are one of those details you quickly wonder how you lived without. Pull out, soft close bin systems can be sized to suit your cabinet width and your household, with separate compartments for general waste, food and recycling. Everything is contained behind a door, keeping odours under control and making it easy for everyone.

Under‑sink drawers that work around the pipes

The cupboard under the sink is usually a tangle of bottles and cloths. With drawer kits that work neatly around the pipework, you can turn that dead space into organised storage for cleaning products, sponges and dishwasher tablets. The drawer glides out so you can see everything at a glance, instead of kneeling down to reach into the back of a dark cupboard.

Use all the height

We can take your cabinetry up to the ceiling to give a tailored, high end look that unlocks valuable extra storage. Everyday pieces can stay at eye level, while seasonal items and little used gadgets live higher up. Where full height units feel out of reach, pull down mechanisms inside wall units bring shelves gently towards you, so everything is accessible without a step stool cluttering the room.

Shelving and glass that earn their place

Open shelves and glazed cabinets keep a kitchen feeling light while still adding storage. Use them for the pieces you love and reach for often, such as favourite mugs, glassware or cookbooks. Discreet lighting inside glazed units adds a soft glow in the evening. Choose clear glass to show everything off, or reeded and ribbed glass if you prefer to soften the view and hide visual clutter while still keeping things airy.

Save space with a boiling water tap

A boiling water tap such as a Quooker can free up valuable worktop space by replacing the traditional kettle altogether.  You’ll have instant 100°C boiling water, hot and even filtered or sparkling water are available straight from the tap, so you gain speed and convenience as well as a clearer surface. It’s a small change that can make your kitchen feel more streamlined, especially on compact worktops where every centimetre counts.

Drinks storage that work with your layout

A well planned wine rack or drinks cabinet can be both practical and a stylish design detail. Slim vertical racks make clever use of narrow gaps, while horizontal cubbies can be built into an island, dresser or end panel for easy access. If you prefer to keep bottles out of view, integrated pull out wine stores or hidden compartments inside tall units offer tidy, temperature stable storage. Whether you keep a few favourites or a full collection, we can tailor the design to suit your space.

Wine fridges fitted seamlessly

A built in wine fridge gives you perfectly chilled bottles without taking up precious worktop space. They look especially smart set into an island or run of cabinets, creating a dedicated drinks zone with glasses stored nearby. Choose the width, capacity and number of temperature zones that suit your lifestyle, and we will integrate it so the appliance sits flush with the cabinetry. It is a simple addition that elevates both everyday living and relaxed hosting.

How we make it effortless

Bespoke cabinetry, properly managed

We design, make and fit in‑house, with one project manager, one schedule and tidy working as standard. You get daily updates, site protection and a clear handover. Our cabinetry and construction carry a 6‑year workmanship warranty, with up to 25‑year guarantees on quartz worktops, 10‑year on granite, and lifetime guarantees on Blum runners and hinges. We are a KBSA approved member, and all gas work is by Gas Safe engineers and electrics by registered electricians.

More storage in every cabinet

Most kitchen retailers supply standard cabinetry and leave a 50 mm gap at the back for pipework, even when the pipework is not there. It is wasted space that you still pay for, so if that gap is not needed, we take it out.

Our cabinets are built to use the full depth of your room. That means 520 mm deep cabinets internally, giving you around 50 mm more usable space than typical standard units. Over a full run of cabinets, that adds up to a lot of extra storage in your new kitchen.

We also supply 500 mm deep drawers as standard, where 450 mm deep is common across the industry. Deeper drawers mean easier stacking, better visibility and fewer overfilled cupboards. So you get a kitchen that feels the same size on the outside, but works harder on the inside.

We can fit it all

From larders and deep drawer banks to LeMans corners, integrated bins, charging drawers and pocket‑door breakfast stations, our team plans the details, orders quality components and installs everything to a measured fit. You get a seamless, made‑to‑measure result without having to juggle trades.

A quick guide to choosing your storage

• Start with how you live. Think about what you cook and the items you reach for daily. Plan storage by task so everything lives where you use it.
• Prioritise visibility. Choose pull outs, drawers and internal lighting so you can see what you have at a glance and avoid overbuying.
• Design for easy access. Wide drawers, corner pull outs and pull down wall mechanisms reduce bending, stretching and rummaging.
• Think in zones. Group cooking, prep, baking, cleaning and breakfast items together so your kitchen flows naturally.
• Plan for waste and recycling early. Choose the right width cabinet for built in bins with compartments that suit your household.
• Use your full height. Taller cabinets or ceiling height units add valuable extra space for items you use less often.
• Maximise awkward areas. Corners, slim gaps and under sink sections can be transformed with engineered pull outs and clever inserts.
• Choose the right internal organisers. Drawer dividers, pan holders, peg boards and spice trays keep everything in order behind closed doors.

Ready to create your dream kitchen?

We’re offering a free design & quote service (worth £250), just tell us about your space and your wish‑list. We will book a design visit, outline the plan and provide a clear written quote. Handmade cabinetry, tailored to your room, project managed from first sketch to final wipe‑down. Stress free, stylish and built to last.

Project Overview

Mr and Mrs May came to our Towcester showroom looking for help with a kitchen that had reached the end of its life. The old layout was tired, awkward to use, and it didn’t work well in their Grade II Listed Brackley apartment.

Their brief was clear – they wanted a practical kitchen with better storage and an open-plan feel that would work for everyday life and entertaining, linking the kitchen and dining area more naturally with the lounge. They also wanted a look that felt right for a period home, with a modern edge rather than something overly traditional.

The challenge: a listed building with tricky quirks

Listed buildings come with added complications. This apartment had high ceilings, unlevel floors, and uneven walls. The room shape was awkward, and the plumbing was not in a helpful position for the layout Mr and Mrs May wanted.

Access also needed careful planning. Being on the first floor with a narrow staircase and limited parking, everything from delivery to moving appliances had to be coordinated so the communal areas were protected and neighbours were respected.

Designing within the rules, and in keeping with the building

The biggest win in a listed property is getting a kitchen that fits perfectly without trying to force the building to behave like a new build. We designed made-to-measure cabinetry that worked with the room’s natural lines and constraints, rather than fighting them. This is where bespoke really matters – our cabinetry is made to suit the room precisely.

Fireplaces and hearths: preserving period character, refined for the new kitchen

Original features were treated as part of the design from the outset. The original cast iron fireplaces were retained and enhanced in both the lounge and the kitchen, preserving the character and charm of the apartment.

To help them sit beautifully within the new scheme, we redesigned and installed new hearths and surrounding details for each fireplace, framing them with quartz so they were in keeping with the kitchen. We also colour-matched the finishes on the mantles to tie everything together.

Solving the layout and services

To improve flow and reduce wasted space, we made several practical changes behind the scenes. The vent pipe sat awkwardly in the middle of the kitchen, limiting what could be done with the run of cabinetry. We rerouted it so the layout could function properly.

We also adjusted the plumbing and pushed the sink run further into the room which reduced dead space, improved the working area around the sink, and helped the kitchen feel more spacious without changing the structure of the building.,

Banquette seating: turning an awkward corner into a feature

One of the trickiest parts of the room was the dining area, where the shape and proportions left an awkward corner that never really worked. Rather than forcing in a standard table and chairs and losing valuable space, we designed a built-in banquette bench to make the footprint work properly. It creates a natural zone for dining and entertaining, helping the kitchen and dining area feel more connected, while keeping the layout open and easy to move through.

The banquette also solved a practical problem. By building storage into the bench, we created a discreet place for the things you want close by but not on show, from table linen to board games and everyday bits that otherwise clutter worktops. Finished to match the surrounding cabinetry, the seating feels intentional and cohesive, tying the whole scheme together and turning a previously unused space into one of the most inviting parts of the kitchen.

To complete the dining area, a custom-built table was designed to sit perfectly with the banquette, made by Harper Bespoke Furniture. It was the ideal finishing touch, bringing balance to the layout and ensuring the seating feels purpose-made for the space, rather than added as an afterthought.

Modern comfort with period-appropriate detailing

Because the apartment is a listed period property, a modern slab door would have felt too sharp against the original features. Instead, we specified a narrow framed shaker style from Second Nature, finished in a smooth, non-grained sprayed look to give the best of both worlds. It reads as timeless and architectural, but still feels fresh, especially paired with the brass detailing and Carrara Bianco quartz. Mr and Mrs May were drawn to green from the start, so we guided them through a few options and landed on a confident, timeless tone of Regiment

Carefully managed, from start to finish

The installation programme was planned around the realities of a first-floor listed apartment. Communal areas and the staircase were protected with dust sheets and floor protection, and materials were moved in carefully to keep disruption down, and the project was completed in five weeks and signed off ahead of schedule.

The Mays have shared a testimonial with us, describing their experience of working with Parker Kitchens from the initial design through to the final installation:

Appliances: performance-led choices from Neff, plus a dedicated wine zone

For cooking and cooling, the Mays chose Neff appliances including the oven, fridge, hob and dishwasher, keeping the look streamlined while delivering reliable performance for everyday use and entertaining. A Caple wine chiller was added to create a dedicated drinks area within the space, so everything needed for hosting sits neatly within the kitchen rather than spilling into the dining or lounge zones.

Quooker tap: everyday luxury, built in

To make the sink area feel both practical and special, we paired a brass Quooker tap with an Abode sink. The Quooker gives instant boiling water, with chilled and sparkling functionality for ease and effortless hosting, while the crisp white ceramic Abode sink adds a classic, period-friendly note that suits the apartment beautifully. Together, they create a clean, cohesive sink run that looks good, without drawing attention away from the cabinetry and original features.

Flooring: a durable Brampton Chase LVT finish

To create a clean transition between kitchen, dining and lounge, the floor was finished in Brampton Chase LVT. It brings warmth and texture underfoot while offering the practicality you want in a hardworking kitchen space, especially in a property where the original floors were not perfectly level.

Internals: storage that works harder behind the doors

We used clever internal solutions to make sure every awkward corner and tight run worked as hard as possible. Corner storage and pull-out mechanisms from Kesseböhmer make previously wasted space accessible, so cookware, small appliances and everyday essentials are easy to see and simple to grab, even in the trickiest parts of the layout.

We also built in integrated waste and recycling bins, keeping everything neatly hidden behind the cabinetry while staying quick to access during cooking. It is a small detail that makes a big difference in day-to-day use, helping the kitchen stay calm and clutter-free while still being practical for busy family life.

Lighting, electrics and heating

To create a kitchen that feels warm, comfortable and properly resolved, we paid close attention to the finishing details. Under-cabinet lighting from Häfele Loox provides crisp task lighting exactly where it is needed, without adding visual clutter, while ceiling lights from The Lighting Studio in Banbury help the space feel layered and welcoming.

TLC Electrical supplied the switches and sockets, keeping the look consistent across the kitchen and dining area. For heating, we specified Milano Windsor radiators from Best Heating, a period-friendly style that suits the character of the apartment far better than a standard modern panel radiator, helping everything feel cohesive and in keeping with the property.

The finished space

The finished kitchen is brighter, calmer, and far more practical day to day, with a layout that finally makes sense for how the Mays live and entertain.

If you’re planning a new kitchen, we would love to help you make the most of it. Visit our showroom, or get in touch to book a free design appointment. We will guide you through layouts, materials and finishes, then create a made-to-measure kitchen that fits your building beautifully and works effortlessly for modern life.