The Client Brief

Enter our charming Lewisham client—a busy mum with an eye for both style and practicality! She envisioned a beautiful new kitchen and laundry that not only embraced the character of her delightful heritage-style home but also offered a burst of functionality and storage to keep her organised. With a flair for making her family’s daily routine easier, she sought spaces that were not just good-looking but also fun and efficient!

The Challenge

The existing kitchen and laundry felt like a cozy puzzle—compact and cramped, with hardly any wiggle room! Our mission? To breathe new life into these spaces by crafting fresh layouts that not only add storage and functionality but also make cooking and doing laundry a breeze. Plus, we didn't forget a cozy nook for casual dining—because to us, it's important that a kitchen be both stylish and sociable.

The Design Solution

Goodbye, traditional U-shape—hello, new L-shape with a fabulous island! We flipped the kitchen around, relocating the oven and fridge to ensure everyone could work together smoothly without bumping elbows. With two entry and exit points, our client can easily host culinary adventures with friends and let the kids sneak in for a snack. We reimagined the laundry as a hidden gem—a multifunctional space that doubles as kitchen storage and a pantry for small appliances, with more than enough room for bulk consumables and other kitchen odds and ends. We also added an appliance cupboard that smartly tucks everything away with chic pocket doors, keeping the space looking neat, tidy and fabulous. We chose bespoke traditional shaker doors in a subtle olive green, paired with sleek black handles, echoing the home’s delightful heritage while adding a sprinkle of our client’s unique style.

The Result

A stunning transformation! The new kitchen and laundry beautifully complement the charm and style of this heritage home while being packed with intelligent design features that make everyday kitchen and laundry tasks a joy. Our client now has a stunning space that not only looks great but also ensures every day is a little brighter and easier—cooking, chatting, and creating memories in her new favourite part of the home!

Photography by Sue Stubbs @esscreative

"We are so thrilled with our new kitchen! I am so glad that we chose Balnei & Colina to remodel our very outdated kitchen and European-style laundry. Robert and his team were amazing. Robert helped me with suggestions and incorporated my ideas into the drawings, and the B&C trade team brought it to life. A huge shoutout to Anthony for his amazing work. The B&C team has exceptionally high standards for their work and put in a great deal of care to ensure everything is perfect. They are, by far, the best builders I have come across. I would highly recommend these guys for their amazing job. Thank you!"

J.W., Lewisham