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Location: Aberdeenshire
When our returning customer began planning her latest build home with panoramic views of Bennachie, there was no question in her mind about who she wanted to design her home’s kitchen and en-suite bathroom, accessible shower room and guest toilet.
Having previously worked with Laings on a renovation, she was eager to bring the team’s trusted expertise back on board. This latest project allowed Suzanne (Senior Designer & Supervisor Kitchen Retail) and Dian (Senior Bathroom Designer), to start with a blank canvas, shaping refined and characterful interiors that complemented the home’s idyllic setting.
From the outset, the client had a clear vision to combine clean, contemporary design with character. Her original plan was to build a Huf Haus - a German-engineered concept home with integrated interiors - but she wanted Laings to carry out the design and installation of the kitchen and bathrooms (unconventional to the typical Huf Haus service).
Forseeing some logistical issues with Huf Haus process, she decided to shift plans to a bespoke build project using a local contractor.
Knowing the talent of the Laings team, she came with an open brief that allowed plenty room for creative flair. ‘Striking but functional’ was the brief for the kitchen, with a preference for high-performance materials and subtle elegance. For the main bathroom, she envisioned calm with statement feature elements, including a freestanding bath and clean tile detailing. Continuity and flow between these spaces was key.
The home offered generous room sizes and the Laings design team were careful to make the most of its architectural features. Maximising the impact of the full-height windows and scenic views was a priority, meaning cabinet placement and material tones needed to work with the natural light.
In the kitchen, the focus was on blending luxury with usability. The client expressed interest in Dekton worktops for their durability and aesthetic appeal. The design also required a balance of handleless cabinetry and units with matching handles - a small but meaningful detail that required colour-matching customisation.
The main en-suite needed to include a freestanding bath and elegant storage, while the accessible shower room needed to still encompass the home’s broader character without compromising on functionality.
Having worked together before, the relationship between Suzanne and Dian was strong from day one. Suzanne explored several colour concepts for the kitchen before presenting a newly released matt metallic glass door in a champagne green finish - “a bold and elegant choice”, she noted.
Dekton worktops were selected and used both on the surface and as a full-height splashback and waterfall feature on the island, introducing visual texture. When kitchen handles weren’t available in the preferred gunmetal tone (to match the pre-selected taps), Suzanne arranged for handles to be dipped and colour-matched, ensuring every element aligned seamlessly.
Dian worked closely with the client to translate her bathroom visions into practical, stylish solutions. The main en-suite incorporated tiled recesses within the shower for added detail and function, while the accessible shower room featured a bespoke half-moon mirror to introduce a softer design note. A tile palette was chosen to flow across the kitchen, hallway and guest toilet, to reinforce unity throughout the home’s ground floor.
The completed interiors are a testament to considered design and a collaborative client relationship. The kitchen is a perfect balance of sophistication and modern functionality - seamlessly blending with the home’s slick, open-plan living space.
The bathrooms bring tailored tranquility to the home, each with its own personality while staying true to the home’s wider aesthetic. From custom mirrors to feature tiling, each room was finished to a high standard, with details that elevate both form and function.
The client was delighted with the outcome, and the visuals closely matched the initial design concepts presented in the showroom. With another successful collaboration complete, she’s already spoken about future projects - a reflection of the trust and ease that underpinned every step of this journey.
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