When Michelle Pickstock from Callerton Kitchens & Interiors embarked on this project she knew it had to be extra special as the client was a home staging specialist. She tells us how she created a showstopping scheme that has been shortlisted for a KBSA Kitchen Designer of the Year award. Photos by Kate Buckingham Photography.
Q: What type of property was it in and who was the project for?
A: The homeowner is part of the Dress2Sell team – a company specialising in home staging – so the stakes were high when it came to designing a kitchen that not only looked stunning but also functioned as the heart of the home. The property itself was undergoing a significant renovation, and the homeowners wanted their kitchen to be the centrepiece of a beautiful extension that overlooked their garden and surrounding fields.
Q: What was the brief from the client for this project?
A: Given the client’s background in home design through Dress2Sell, their vision for the kitchen was clear: they wanted a space that maximised functionality while reflecting a stylish, modern country feel. The kitchen needed to be a showstopper that could balance everyday practicality with the charm of the countryside. The homeowners were also thinking ahead, designing their space to be future-proof with features like wider doorways and a downstairs bedroom, ensuring it would serve them for years to come.
Q: How did you go about meeting the brief?
A: With the client’s experience in the property industry, I knew that this kitchen had to be special. I presented 3 distinct layouts, each designed to optimise the open-plan space while enhancing the home’s natural light and views. Ultimately, the handleless Shaker style from Callerton was the perfect fit, combining the timeless appeal of a Shaker door with the sleek lines of a modern, handleless design. The result was a kitchen that felt both classic and contemporary – a reflection of the homeowner’s sophisticated taste.
Q: What type of cabinetry did you choose and what made it the perfect choice?
A: The design, built around Callerton furniture, focused on quality materials and finishes. Flat painted Balham 58 doors in Sail brought warmth and durability to the space, while a mottled porcelain work surface added a touch of luxury without sacrificing practicality. The use of tongue-and-groove panelling introduced texture, complementing the smooth lines of the cabinetry. Oak shelving at the end of the island added a natural element, connecting the kitchen to the home’s surrounding landscape.
Q: What were the particular challenges that you faced?
A: The homeowner’s expertise in design presented a unique challenge – there was a high level of scrutiny to ensure every detail was perfect. One particular challenge came with their decision to keep a freestanding fridge-freezer, which didn’t quite fit the sleek, integrated aesthetic of the rest of the kitchen. My solutions was to position it at the end of the main run of units, ensuring it didn’t detract from the overall design. Working within a £25k budget, I also prioritised high-impact elements like accessible storage solutions and quality materials to deliver the premium look and feel that both Callerton kitchens and the client were known for.
Q: Are there any design elements that you’re particularly proud of?
A: For me, the standout feature of this kitchen is the carefully curated colour palette. The combination of neutral wall units with a soft khaki island created a serene and cohesive look, tying together the modern country aesthetic with the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The island became the focal point of the room, enhancing the flow between the kitchen and dining areas while providing a functional space for both cooking and socialising. It's a kitchen that feels both luxurious and inviting.
Q: What is the client's favourite part of the finished project?
A: They were particularly impressed with how the kitchen blends form and function, offering the perfect space for both entertaining and everyday living. The use of Callerton cabinetry brought a level of refinement and practicality that aligned with the client’s professional insight, making this kitchen the true heart of their newly renovated home.
