Senior designer Joanna Geddes of Kilmarnock-based J.S. Geddes reveals the design process behind a project where she chose Callerton cabinetry when adapting Scandi style to suit a period family home. Photos – Ricky Frew Photography.
Q: What type of property was it in and who was the project for?
A: The project took place in an old Victorian house, recently purchased by a couple with teenage children. The home was undergoing extensive renovations, and our design was to be a key part of their transformation journey.
Q: What was the brief from the client for this project?
A: The clients were very clear about their vision but had struggled to find a design that met their needs, having consulted with 5 other kitchen companies before approaching us. They wanted an island to be the focal point of the kitchen, and they wished to unify two distinct areas of the room, currently separated by a ceiling beam, into a cohesive space. The style needed to respect the Victorian character of the house while incorporating a traditional Scandi aesthetic.
Q: How did you go about meeting the brief?
A: We began by positioning the island strategically between the two areas, ensuring it bridged the space seamlessly. To avoid any sense of emptiness around the island, we created bespoke dresser cabinets that enhanced the space without encroaching on the walkways. A double-height bank of tall units was designed with a custom library ladder, giving a nod to the property’s history while also adding a modern touch with an antique mirror finish. This allowed us to introduce more decorative elements around the sink area.
Q: What type of cabinetry did you choose and what made it the perfect choice?
A: We chose Callerton cabinetry for this project, as their bespoke options allowed us to achieve the exact blend of traditional and Scandi styles that the clients desired. The clean, timeless lines of the two-tone cabinetry provided the perfect foundation to build upon, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Q: What materials did you use? Did you use anything different or unusual?
A: We used a combination of materials to create a cohesive and stylish look. Brass accents were chosen to maintain consistency with other rooms in the house. The quartz worktop featured a brass/gold vein, which complemented the brassware beautifully, while the antique mirror added depth and interest to the tall units. We incorporated original slated panelling and added wooden slats in various locations to enhance the Scandi feel, creating a seamless blend of old and new.
Q: What were the challenges that you faced and what were your solutions to overcome them?
A: One of the main challenges was ensuring that the island didn’t dominate the space but rather enhanced it. By designing custom cabinetry and adding decorative elements like the antique mirror and bespoke ladder, we ensured that every part of the kitchen was functional yet stylish, harmonising with the rest of the house.
Q: What is your favourite part of the finished project? Are there any design elements that you’re proud of?
A: I’m particularly proud of how the island acts as the perfect bridge between the two areas, transforming what was once a divided space into a unified, functional kitchen. The combination of materials and finishes also stands out, especially the way the antique mirror and brass accents play off each other, adding a modern twist to a traditional setting.
Q: What is the client's favourite part of the finished project?
A: The clients were thrilled with the overall transformation, but they especially loved the bespoke cabinetry and how the island became the heart of their new kitchen. The mix of traditional and Scandi elements really resonated with their personal style.
