A Kitchen Built Around a Big Island: Full Refit in Farnham

This was a big kitchen in Farnham with a lot of potential, and the brief was to make the most of every inch of it. The owners wanted something that looked timeless, worked hard every day and felt like the heart of the home. So we took it all out and started again.

Out with the old

First job was a full strip-out. The old units, worktops and appliances all came out, and we ripped up the old tiled floor right back to the base. Starting from scratch meant we could plan everything properly, from the pipework and electrics to exactly where each unit, appliance and light would go.

Warm floors first

Before anything else went in, we laid underfloor heating across the whole kitchen. On top of that went wood-effect tile flooring, which gives you the warmth and look of timber with the toughness of tile. It’s easy to clean, it’ll last for years and it’s warm underfoot all winter.

The fitted wall

One whole wall is given over to tall fitted units in a soft grey Shaker style. Built into it are a large double fridge freezer, two stacked ovens at eye level, and plenty of tall storage so everything has a home. Next to the fridge we fitted open oak shelving for cookbooks and bits you want to hand, which breaks up the run nicely and adds a bit of warmth.

The island

The island is the centrepiece of the room, and it’s a big one. It’s finished in a deep navy with Shaker doors, antique brass cup handles and deep drawers for pans and storage. The induction hob sits in the middle, with a built-in extractor that vents straight outside, so there’s no bulky hood blocking the view across the room. There’s also room down one side for stools, so it works for cooking, eating and having people round.

Marble worktops and splashback

Every worktop in the room, including the island, is finished in white marble with a moulded edge. Behind the sink run we carried the marble up the wall as a full-height splashback, so it’s one clean, continuous surface with no grout lines. It’s the kind of finish that makes the whole kitchen feel high end.

Sink run and wall units

Along the back wall sit lower Shaker units in the same grey as the tall run, with an undermount sink and a brass 5-in-1 tap that does boiling, filtered, hot and cold water. We fitted two integrated dishwashers, because in a busy house one is never enough. Above the sink, black-framed wall units with fluted glass doors add a bit of contrast and show off what’s inside without it looking cluttered.

Lighting

We put LED strip lighting under the wall units so the marble splashback glows in the evening and you’ve got proper task lighting where you’re prepping. Ribbed glass pendants hang over the island and throw a great pattern across the ceiling when they’re on, and downlights across the ceiling fill in the rest. You can light it bright for cooking or keep it low and cosy at night.

The result

What started as a dated kitchen is now a bright, open, family space that looks the part and works just as well. Every unit, appliance, light and tile was fitted by us, which is exactly how we like to work: one team, start to finish, no passing the job around.

If you’re in Farnham or anywhere nearby and you’ve been thinking about a new kitchen, big or small, get in touch. We’d love to come and have a look.