William Smith of Elysee Kitchens & Interiors reveals how the team set about designing a kitchen for a 16th-century building, and why Callerton cabinetry was the ideal choice for the complex project. Photos – Debbie Hare Photography.
Q: What type of property was it in and who was the project for?
A: The project was located in a beautiful 16th-century property in Banbury, Oxfordshire. The client sought a design that respected the historical nature of their home while incorporating modern touches to suit their lifestyle. The property’s age and character were key factors in determining the approach for the kitchen design, ensuring that the project was both functional and sympathetic to the existing architecture.
Q: What was the brief from the client for this project?
A: The client’s brief was clear: they wanted a kitchen that would blend seamlessly with the period features of their 16th-century property while avoiding an overly traditional design. The aim was to create a space that was both in keeping with the fabric of the building and modern enough to meet their practical needs. The challenge was to design a kitchen that would respect the historic charm of the home but also be functional and stylish for contemporary living.
Q: How did you go about meeting the brief?
A: To meet the brief, we carefully integrated modern elements with a design that respected the property’s history. This involved creating a space that incorporated clean lines and contemporary features, but also addressed the unique challenges of working within a 16th-century structure. Special attention was given to the scribing required to ensure that the cabinetry and fixtures fit perfectly with the uneven walls, respecting the authenticity of the building while modernising the space for everyday use.
Q: What type of cabinetry did you choose and what made it the perfect choice?
A: For this project, we selected the Balham range, a lay-on Shaker-style door, which was flat painted and sprayed in specialist colours to match the client’s vision. The cabinetry was provided by Callerton – a trusted supplier known for delivering bespoke works for specialist properties like this one. The simple yet elegant Shaker design balanced well with the period features of the house while offering the durability and modern functionality needed for the space.
Q: What were the particular challenges that you faced?
A: One of the main challenges we faced was working within the constraints of the 16th-century property. The age of the building meant that the walls were highly volatile, making it necessary for our specialist fitter to take extra care when scribing the cabinetry and ensuring it fit precisely. The upstands around the kitchen also had to be installed with meticulous attention to detail. Our team’s experience and expertise in working with such challenging spaces helped ensure the final product was a seamless fit, despite the challenges.
Q: Are there any design elements that you’re particularly proud of?
A: Our favourite part of the finished project is the library ladder, which was both a functional and unique feature. It provided a striking visual element to the space, while also offering easy access to high shelves. We are also particularly proud of the execution of the scribe panels, which required a high level of precision and care. The perfect fit of the cabinetry and the flawless integration into the historic structure is a testament to the skill and attention to detail of our fitting team.
Q: What is the client's favourite part of the finished project?
The client’s favourite part of the kitchen is the bespoke banquette seating. This design element allows them to sit, relax, and interact comfortably within the kitchen space without blocking communication. The seating arrangement fosters a social and inviting atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for family gatherings and casual conversations while cooking.
