We recently had the pleasure of transforming a kitchen in the peaceful village of Lyneal, just outside Ellesmere in Shropshire. Our client had recently moved into a lovely home but found the existing kitchen was a bit too modern for their tastes. It was awkward to use as well from a functionality perspective. Robin Holt and his merry team of kitchen design experts to the rescue; read on to see how we fixed the problems with our tailored kitchen design service.
The Challenge: Too Modern and Too Big
Our client’s main concerns were the oversized kitchen island and an overall contemporary look (see pic 01) that didn’t match their more traditional style preferences. It just didn’t work in the period English country cottage it was installed in. The original island contained both the hob and the sink. This created a logistical problem. Reducing the size of the island would mean one of the appliances would need to be moved.
They also asked for a way to keep their worktop appliances like toasters and bread bins out of sight. This was especially important as the kitchen opened directly into the dining area. The new design still needed an island with just a small bar for 2 people. All this while maintaining easy access keeping the kitchen accessible and future proofed for the years ahead.


The Solution: Timeless Style Meets Smart Design
We began by removing the extra-large island and replacing it with a more appropriately sized one, which still included the sink. The hob was relocated to a reduced run of tall housings on the top wall, making better use of the available space.
On the opposite wall, we introduced a tall freezer unit alongside a cleverly designed breakfast cupboard (see pic 02), we’ll cover more on that in a moment (see pic 03).
A Feature-Filled Island with a Dining Bar for 2 🥰
To elevate the aesthetic, we designed the island with a striking “waterfall” quartz end panel facing the dining space (see pic 05). Another one of Robins clever touches and a beautiful, sculptural feature don’t you agree. The seating bar at the end of the island was crafted from thick timber (see pic 06), offering a tactile contrast to the quartz and tying into the natural materials used elsewhere.
We also used the same timber finish as a stylish cladding feature on the back wall to create continuity and warmth.


The Ingenious Breakfast Cupboard
One of the standout features of this kitchen design in Ellesmere is the 1200mm wide breakfast unit (see pic 07). Open the top doors and you’ll find a neat hub for the toaster, bread bin, and chopping station. But here’s the clever bit (see pic 08) beneath the internal worktop is a dark panel that, with a gentle push, slides out to reveal a hidden pull-out work surface. It’s a perfect example of how practical design can meet beautiful form. Thanks again to Robin for this one, he’s our chief designer and resident kitchen solutions genius here at Holts KDE.

From CAD to Completion
Starting with concept sketches and CAD drawings, we worked closely with the client to refine every detail, including the more traditional style cabinetry and carefully selected colours. The final result is a classic yet contemporary kitchen, full of subtle features that make daily living more enjoyable. And all built to suit the character of the home.

Looking for Kitchen Design in Ellesmere?
If you’re considering a new kitchen design in Ellesmere or the surrounding Shropshire area, we’d love to help. Whether your style leans modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, we create custom designs to bring your vision to life, with practical solutions you’ll love for years and years.


Like what you see?
If you like what you see and would like to have a chat with our design team about your new kitchen needs just give us a call on 01948 302340 or fill out the short contact form below, we’d love to talk and hear what you have in mind. Speak soon 😊
Witten by Holts KDE on | Tagged: Before & After Traditional
