For any family, the kitchen often becomes the heart of the home. It’s the place where meals are prepared, memories are made, and where everyone gathers at the start and end of each day. When Kim Owens came to Thomas Victor Kitchens, she had a vision: she wanted a beautiful, functional kitchen that would accommodate her family’s needs while offering a sophisticated, timeless style.
Married with two children, Kim was looking to create a space that could grow with her family and withstand the demands of daily life. After years of working with clients like Kim, we understand how important it is to listen to both practical and aesthetic desires. Kim dreamed of a classic shaker kitchen with a bold, modern twist. Together with our designer, Tom Hutchings, and our lead carpenter and on-site project manager, David Gibbs, we were able to bring her dream kitchen to life, creating a dark blue shaker-style kitchen with white quartz worktops that perfectly balances elegance, warmth, and durability.
1. The Vision: Understanding Kim’s Needs and Style
Kim’s journey with Thomas Victor Kitchens began with an initial consultation to understand her lifestyle, needs, and stylistic preferences. Kim was clear on several things: she wanted a kitchen that was both striking and functional, with a dark colour scheme that would add character without overwhelming the space. With two children and a busy household, Kim needed a design that could handle everything from family dinners to social gatherings with friends.
Kim’s choice of a daring dark blue for the cabinetry reflected her style requirements. She wanted her kitchen to make a statement, but she was also looking for a practical, classic design that wouldn’t date over time. To balance the dark blue, she chose white quartz worktops, which would add a touch of lightness and sophistication to the room.
During the consultation, Tom Hutchings, who has over 25 years of experience in kitchen design, listened carefully to Kim’s ideas, asking questions like:
• What is and isn’t working in your current kitchen?
• How often do you cook, and what kind of storage do you need?
• What is your vision for the look and feel of the space?
Kim expressed that she wanted a layout that would keep things organised and easy to access. She was looking for deep drawers, plenty of storage, and an island where her children could do homework while she prepared meals. For Kim, the kitchen wasn’t just a place for cooking; it was a place for family connection.
2. Design Process: Creating a Bespoke Layout
Following the consultation, Tom took Kim’s ideas and created a layout designed to enhance both beauty and functionality. The result was an open-plan design, with clearly defined zones for cooking, dining, and socialising, while allowing for easy flow from one area to the next. Tom recommended a large L-shaped layout with a central island that would serve as the focal point of the room.
Choosing the Perfect Colour Palette
One of the most distinctive elements of Kim’s kitchen design was the deep blue cabinetry. Kim wanted something that would feel bold yet timeless, and Tom suggested a navy shade that provided depth and sophistication. The shaker-style doors gave the cabinetry a classic touch, while the deep blue brought a fresh, modern feel.
The choice of white quartz worktops was ideal, balancing the intensity of the dark cabinets and creating a light, airy feel. Quartz is not only beautiful but also durable, making it perfect for a busy family kitchen. The smooth, polished surface added a touch of luxury, and Kim loved how easy it would be to keep clean.
Focus on Storage and Practicality
With two children and a busy household, Kim needed storage solutions that would allow her to keep the kitchen organised and free from clutter. Tom designed custom cabinetry with deep drawers for pots, pans, and larger items. He included tall cabinets for pantry storage and a pull-out waste bin to keep rubbish and recycling out of sight.
3. Bringing the Design to Life with 3D Visualisation
Once Kim and Tom agreed on the layout, colours, and materials, Tom created a 3D visualisation to give her a realistic view of the finished kitchen. Seeing her ideas brought to life in this way helped Kim feel confident in her choices, and the visualisation provided a clear understanding of how each element would work together.
The visualisation showed how the dark blue cabinetry contrasted beautifully with the white quartz worktops. The open-plan layout made the room feel spacious, and the island in the centre provided a perfect gathering spot for the family. Kim was thrilled with the visualisation, excited to see how the design would look in her home.
4. Preparation for Installation: Planning and Scheduling
Once the design was finalised, it was time to prepare for the installation. This stage was led by David Gibbs, our lead carpenter and on-site project manager. With over 20 years of experience in carpentry, David has a reputation for his attention to detail and his commitment to ensuring each project is completed to the highest standards.
David worked closely with Kim to plan the timeline, coordinating each stage of the project from the removal of the old kitchen to the installation of new cabinets, worktops, and appliances. He understood that Kim had a busy household, so he created a schedule that minimised disruption and allowed her family to continue using parts of the kitchen as much as possible.
David also managed the coordination of trades, including builders, electricians, plumbers, and plasterers, to make sure every aspect of the kitchen installation was handled seamlessly. Kim appreciated David’s hands-on approach and his dedication to ensuring each step of the installation was as smooth and stress-free as possible.
5. Installation Begins: Bringing the Design to Life
Once everything was prepared, it was time for installation to begin. Under David’s direction, our skilled installation team arrived on-site to start the transformation. Each step was handled with care and precision, ensuring that the final result would meet our high standards of quality and craftsmanship.
Cabinet Installation
The cabinetry was custom-built to fit Kim’s kitchen perfectly, with custom built scribe panles to close the units off to the ceiling. The dark blue painted shaker cabinets were installed first, and their rich colour immediately transformed the space. David’s team took extra care with the installation, ensuring each cabinet was fitted precisely. They also installed soft-close hinges on all doors and drawers, adding a touch of luxury and preventing any loud noises—a premium feature Kim was particularly happy about,
Worktop Fitting
Once the cabinets were in place, it was time to install the white quartz worktops. The worktops had been cut to measure with absolute precision, creating a seamless look. The bright white quartz contrasted beautifully with the dark blue cabinets, adding brightness to the room and creating a sophisticated, balanced look.
David and his team took great care to ensure that the worktops were laser level and perfectly aligned with the cabinetry, creating a flawless finish. Kim loved the sleek, polished surface of the quartz and appreciated how it complemented the overall design.
Appliances and Final Touches
Kim had chosen high-quality integrated appliances, including a built-in oven, microwave and full height fridge and freezer, which were installed to blend seamlessly with the cabinetry. The team also installed a stylish sink and tap, adding a touch of modernity and functionality to the space.
For the finishing touches, David’s team installed lighting fixtures, including pendant lights above the island and under-cabinet lighting. This lighting scheme added warmth and helped create a welcoming atmosphere, making the kitchen both practical and inviting.
6. The Final Reveal: Kim’s Dream Kitchen Realised
With the installation complete, it was time for the final reveal. David conducted a walk-through with Kim and her husband, showing them every detail and ensuring they were delighted with the final result. Kim was thrilled with her new kitchen, which was exactly what she’d envisioned: a beautiful, functional space that served as the heart of her home.
The dark blue cabinets created a sense of luxury, while the white quartz worktops added lightness and sophistication. The island had already become a central gathering point, providing a space where the children could do homework while Kim prepared meals. Kim loved how the mix of practical storage solutions and stylish design features had come together to create her ideal kitchen.
7. Aftercare and Ongoing Support: A Commitment to Quality
At Thomas Victor Kitchens, our commitment to clients doesn’t end with the final installation. We believe in providing lasting support and aftercare to ensure that our clients feel confident and satisfied with their investment. A few weeks after installation, David followed up with Kim to answer any questions she had about her new kitchen and to offer tips on caring for the painted cabinetry and quartz worktops.
Kim was given a maintenance guide, tailored to her kitchen’s specific materials and finishes, ensuring she knew how to keep everything looking as beautiful as the day it was installed. With advice on cleaning techniques and tips for preventing scratches and stains, Kim felt prepared to keep her kitchen in perfect condition.
8. Reflecting on the Transformation: Kim’s Experience
Looking back on the project, Kim couldn’t be happier with her experience working with Thomas Victor Kitchens. The entire journey, from concept to completion, was seamless and enjoyable, with Tom and David guiding her through every step and helping her make informed choices.
Her new kitchen was exactly what she’d dreamed of: a stunning, functional space that brought her family together. The deep blue cabinetry and white quartz worktops created a unique look that felt both classic and contemporary, and the open-plan layout allowed her family to enjoy the kitchen in a whole new way.
Kim shared that the kitchen had quickly become the most popular room in the house, a place where her family gathered every day to cook, chat, and enjoy time together.
9. A Space for Family and Memories
For Kim, the new kitchen has become more than the sum of its parts. The bold blue shaker cabinetry, the island that serves as a family hub, and the elegant white quartz worktops have created a space that feels deeply personal and beautifully functional. The layout, which flows naturally between cooking, dining, and socialising areas, has made family life easier and brought everyone closer together.
Kim particularly loves the flexibility the island provides. Her children now have a place to do homework while she prepares meals, and it’s also become a spot for morning breakfasts and late-night chats. The kitchen’s ample storage allows everything to have a place, so there’s no clutter, and the room maintains a sense of calm and order that she’d been missing before.
The lighting scheme, with warm under-cabinet lighting and stylish pendant lights above the island, gives her the flexibility to set different moods in the kitchen. In the evening, the lights create a cosy atmosphere perfect for family dinners, while brighter settings make it a vibrant space for cooking and entertaining.
10. The Importance of Craftsmanship and Communication
Reflecting on the project, Kim feels that the quality of craftsmanship and the level of communication were key to the success of her new kitchen. The attention to detail shown by Tom in the design stage and by David and his team during installation meant that every element was thoughtfully executed. David’s meticulous planning and dedication to the project helped the installation run smoothly, keeping Kim informed at each stage and addressing any questions she had along the way.
The clear and frequent communication ensured that Kim felt supported throughout the project. Tom’s experience in design and David’s hands-on approach as a project manager gave her confidence, knowing her kitchen was being transformed by a team that cared as much about the result as she did.
11. The Lasting Impact: More Than Just a Kitchen
Kim’s new kitchen has become a space where the family can make memories, share meals, and enjoy quality time together. The design choices—from the deep blue cabinetry to the white quartz worktops—reflect her personal style, while the layout and features meet her family’s needs in a practical and thoughtful way.
At Thomas Victor Kitchens, we believe a kitchen should be more than a place to cook; it should be a space where people come together. Seeing Kim’s happiness with her new kitchen has been incredibly rewarding for our team, and it’s why we love what we do.
12. Final Words from Kim: A Happy Client’s Reflection
When asked about her experience, Kim shared, “Working with Thomas Victor Kitchens has been a wonderful experience from start to finish. Tom listened to everything I wanted, and David made sure every detail was perfect. I couldn’t be happier with how it’s turned out. This kitchen is exactly what I’d dreamed of—and more. It’s the space we spend most of our time in now, and it truly feels like the heart of our home.”
Kim’s words capture what we aim to achieve with every project: a kitchen that is not only beautiful and functional but also meaningful. Her experience highlights the importance of a dedicated team, attentive to both vision and detail, in creating a kitchen that serves as a beloved part of daily life.
For our team at Thomas Victor Kitchens, it’s been a privilege to bring Kim’s vision to life and to know we’ve helped create a space where her family will make memories for years to come.