How Grid Thirteen blended smart design and timeless appeal to create the perfect kitchen

Emily Ensor, designer at Grid Thirteen Design Studio, reveals how she combined cutting-edge functionality and classic elegance to create a family space that is truly the heart of the home.

Q: What type of property was it in and who was the project for?
A: Set in Cheshire, this luxury kitchen forms part of the renovation of a dated family home, which was being transformed into a contemporary space suited to modern family life and entertaining. Designed for a professional couple with 3 young children, the kitchen was a central element of the whole-house renovation, creating a functional yet luxurious hub for both everyday living and hosting family and friends.

Q: What was the brief from the client for this project?
A: When briefing us, the clients were clear that they wanted a family-friendly kitchen that still felt elegant and in keeping with the adjacent lounge. It needed to be a space that worked hard day-to-day, was functional, practical and versatile while still holding onto a considered aesthetic.

Q: How did you go about meeting the brief?
A: I began by designing a layout that would be both inviting and comfortable, yet function as a family kitchen for everyday use. Once the spatial planning was resolved, I applied a fusion cabinetry-style design approach for which Grid Thirteen is renowned by using our bespoke ‘Darling Maeve’ cabinetry that was seamlessly blended with contemporary cabinetry from SieMatic.

The layout included a large statement central kitchen island with a range of practical seating options, that was positioned centrally to anchor the space – acting as a natural focal point, while quietly showcasing the blend of the 2 contrasting cabinet styles. The island carries much of the main functionality incorporating the Gaggenau downdraft hob along with a range of practical storage to accommodate both their busy family and social life.

Q: What materials did you use?
A: Our ‘Darling Maeve’ handcrafted cabinetry ‘Aberford’ Georgian-style doors fused beautifully with ‘Oolong Oak’ imitation laminate from SieMatic’s SLX contemporary furniture range. To complement the cabinetry, I wanted statement worktops with refined elegance, so selected Macchia Vecchia porcelain and Caesarstone quartz in an organic white finish that was accented with a sophisticated brass inlay detail. I designed a SieMatic SLX range of tall bank cabinetry on the main left-hand wall that acts as an appliance wall that was equipped with Gaggenau ovens and warming drawers, an integrated Liebherr fridge, a Siemens freezer and a tall wine cooler. 

To add contrast and enhanced functionality for a busy family, we added bespoke ‘Darling Maeve’ cabinetry across the entire adjacent wall to provide additional storage, including a personalised breakfast cupboard and pantry on either side of a task-oriented sink run.

To complement the island, I added a showstopping book-matched porcelain splashback behind the sink, which features a Blanco sink and Quooker tap that was paired with 2 patinated brass soap dispensers. I included a range of lighting solutions such as ambient lighting integrated within the recessed SieMatic SLX channels and task lighting inside the breakfast pantry and beneath the wall cabinets to create atmosphere and definition.

Q: What were the particular challenges that you faced?
A: It’s a stunning example of how we can provide a homeowner with best of both worlds in a kitchen space – classic charm and cutting-edge functionality. We seamlessly blended the timeless craftsmanship of our ‘Darling Maeve’ cabinetry with cutting-edge technology and modern cabinetry from SieMatic so it became a design uniquely tailored to reflect the client’s busy lifestyle and aesthetic preferences – free from compromise or restrictions.

Q: Are there any design elements that you’re particularly proud of?
A: This project reflects our approach to creating a space where functionality and a considered design aesthetic work hand-in-hand. The island’s seating, for example, was carefully divided into 3 distinct zones to support the family interaction the clients wanted. I achieved this through a curved, banquette-style seating arrangement behind a bespoke circular table, positioned so the children can comfortably watch television in the adjacent lounge while eating or doing homework.

Q: What is the client's favourite part of the finished project?
A: The clients love how inviting it feels for everyone in the family, including their children, while still holding onto a refined, grown-up aesthetic. That balance was really important to them from the start. They needed a space that works incredibly hard day to day, but they didn’t want the design to feel compromised by that. What we ended up with is a space that adapts easily to how they actually live.