We finished the final touches on our new kitchen last month and I’d planned to share the reveal sooner, but recent events made it feel frivolous to post about a renovation. After some reflection, and hearing from readers who appreciate interiors content as a welcome distraction, I decided to go ahead and share our renovation story. If you’re planning a similar project or simply thinking about improving your existing kitchen, this start-to-finish guide covers how we designed and built our new kitchen and dining space.
If you’d like the full overview, I previously documented the early stages: the planning phase and the initial fit-out of the shell. In those posts I covered how the concept evolved, the layout, and progress up to the point where we began the internal work. Today I’m excited to share the finished space and the practical choices that shaped it.
The background to our kitchen extension
When we moved in, the house had a tiny, outdated kitchen that simply wasn’t functional. We decided to demolish an old side garage and build a side extension to create a spacious kitchen and dining area. We developed the concept ourselves and then worked with an architect to formalise the plans.
Construction of the shell began in January and the builders completed it in roughly three months. After that we took on the internal fit-out ourselves. Starting from bare plaster walls and a concrete subfloor, we handled nearly all of the internal work: plumbing, cabinetry installation, flooring, window fitting, painting and decorating. Graham completed the majority of the hands-on work while I supported and helped where I could. Taking on the internal work saved significantly on labour costs, which allowed us to invest in higher-spec finishes, although it did mean we lived with minimal kitchen facilities for several months.
The Space
The new space combines a high vaulted ceiling at the front with a flat-roofed section to the rear. We added three rooflights to draw light from different directions, and commissioned a bespoke feature window above the sink at the front. At the rear we installed black-framed doors in a Crittall style that open onto the garden; these will eventually lead to a decked area. The roof is clad in reclaimed tiles to help the extension sit comfortably with the rest of the house.
The front window’s timber frame was made to echo a 1930s garage door, helping the extension feel sympathetic to the period of the house. From the street it might read as a garage, but when you step inside you discover a bright, modern interior. We love that element of surprise and have had neighbours tell us it looks as though it has always belonged there.
Planning the layout of our modern minimalist kitchen
Early on we focused on the essential practical decisions: where services would run, where sockets, switches and heating would be located, and how plumbing would work. These decisions must be made early because major changes later are often impractical or costly.
The room dimensions made an island impractical without compromising circulation, so we chose a U-shaped layout instead. This preserved the feeling of openness and allowed us to include open shelving, a custom extractor cover and no full-height units to keep sightlines clean. We sourced base units from a well-known supplier and specified custom doors and drawer fronts to achieve the exact look and finish we wanted.
The budget for our kitchen extension
Because we undertook most of the internal work ourselves, calculating an exact budget is difficult. We weren’t cheap about materials or finishes — we aimed for a high-quality result — but by saving on labour costs we estimate we reduced the internal fit-out bill by around 40%. That saving allowed us to choose better materials and appliances than we otherwise could have afforded.
Choosing the flooring for our kitchen extension
We considered continuing the oak parquet from the lounge and hallway for visual continuity, but ultimately chose a different timber to reflect the lighter, more minimalist character of the extension. We used untreated larch boards, which I treated with lye and an oil finish to achieve the exact colour and texture we wanted. The decision was driven by cost and by a desire for a slightly different aesthetic in the new area. Larch is softer than oak but stands up well to day-to-day use, and after several months it has worn nicely and cleans up easily.
The Kitchen Cabinets
We wanted the kitchen to feel light, calm and minimal, but deciding on cabinet style took time. Instead of a tried-and-true shaker look, we opted for custom fronts on standard base units to create something more personalised. The cabinet fronts are plywood with a matt, soft-touch, anti-fingerprint surface and oak-edged trim for a subtly luxe feel. Most doors are handleless and use push-to-open mechanisms for a clean, uninterrupted look; a few high-use drawers keep discreet pulls for convenience.
The Worktops
For the worktops we chose a contemporary concrete-look quartz surface in a mid-grey tone that complements the cabinetry and flooring. Rather than rely on small samples, we viewed full-size slabs at a showroom alongside material samples to be sure of the pairing. We settled on a 20mm thickness with a simple upstand to maintain the minimal, uncluttered feel of the room. Working with experienced fabricators ensured clean joins and a flawless finish.
The Sink and Taps
With a pared-back palette, the tap became a focal point. We chose a single-lever mixer in a muted brushed brass finish that reads like jewellery against the minimal backdrop. The ceramic undermounted sink keeps lines clean and contrasts nicely with the worktop material.
The Kitchen Appliances
We selected high-quality appliances that fit the layout and lifestyle we wanted. A compact American-style fridge-freezer gives us the capacity to store more provisions, which has proved especially useful recently. We also installed a reliable oven and a slimline integrated dishwasher to keep everything functional while maintaining the uncluttered look.
The Lighting
Lighting was kept intentionally simple. We used classic wall lights above shelving, a restrained picture light, and two pendant fittings — one a matt white bulb in a brass holder and the other a paper lantern for a softer glow. The overall approach prioritises natural light and subtle artificial layers that enhance the clean, calm atmosphere.
We’re incredibly proud of this space. The quality of natural light makes it a joy to spend time in and to photograph, and it has become a peaceful, uplifting place to cook and work. For anyone in the middle of a renovation: it takes time and patience, but the result is worth the effort. A thoughtfully designed home can genuinely improve day-to-day life.
Planning your own project? I’ve shared a collection of ideas and inspiration elsewhere if you want to explore different approaches to kitchen extensions and layouts.
Source list
worktops – Caesarstone | worktop fabrication – Bellagio | tap – Abode | sink – Abode | door & drawer handles – Superfront | flooring – Russwood | cabinets – IKEA base units with custom fronts by Husk | black patio doors – Cherwell | glazed internal door – Doors to You | dining table – vintage | dining chairs – Hay | pendant light – Tala | oven – Miele | fridge – Fisher & Paykel | wall lights – Anglepoise | glass decanter – Skagerak | teapot – Robert Welch (vintage) | tableware – M&S
Ad disclosure – We worked with some brands on this project. Items that were kindly supplied are acknowledged where appropriate.
All images © Helen Powell.