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Location: Pitmedden
After years of seeing Laings transformations through his work as one of our longstanding joiners, this client knew exactly where to turn when it came time to update his own home. With a clear vision for reworking the ground floor of his property, he embarked on a major renovation to create a large open-plan kitchen, dining and living space - one that balanced modern style with everyday comfort.
The renovation plan was ambitious but carefully considered. The layout involved knocking down a partition wall between the existing kitchen and bedroom, blocking up internal doors, and repositioning the wall between the kitchen and lounge to create an open, L-shaped room. The design brief centred on creating a contemporary but homely space that felt fresh and modern. Clean lines and easy maintenance were a must, but just as important was a sense of cosiness and cohesion across the newly opened-up ground floor. Each area - kitchen, dining and living - needed to hold its own functionally while working together as a unified, welcoming space.
While the footprint of the room was significantly expanded, the new L-shape posed a unique design challenge, which was how to maintain a cohesive flow between three distinct areas within one open-plan environment.
The kitchen itself was long and narrow, and incorporating a generous island for storage and prep space was high on the wishlist. To achieve this without compromising walkways or overall proportions, the depth of the island had to be carefully reduced. Laings senior designer Fiona Thompson explains: “The walk-ways and island depth had to be slimmed down slightly to fit an island in, but I think this is a fantastic example of how a slim, long island can work so well in a space if it's designed proportionally to the room.”
The result was a clever, slimline solution that demonstrates how great design can make even challenging layouts feel effortless and spacious.
As it often is, collaboration was key throughout the project. Fiona created a detailed moodboard of materials to guide the colour palette, offering alternative suggestions to allow room for refinement. Samples were loaned so the client could view them in different lighting conditions throughout the day - an important step in ensuring every decision felt right for the space and its intended atmosphere.
This hands-on, flexible approach meant that every element, from tones and textures to layout and lighting, was tailored to reflect the client’s vision and lifestyle.
The finished space is a beautifully cohesive open-plan area that’s as practical as it is inviting. Lighting plays a central role in defining the mood, with warm LED strips under worktops and around the TV. Combining these with feature pendant lights above the dining area offers a soft, ambient glow in the evenings.
By using the same furniture style across the kitchen, dining, and living zones, the space flows effortlessly from one area to the next. A rustic wood-effect dining table, also used in the custom TV unit, adds warmth and texture, perfectly balancing the clean lines of the kitchen with a homely, relaxed feel.
Looking back at the project, Fiona shares: “It was a real pleasure to work with the client on this project. His experience in joinery meant he had a clear and practical vision, but he was also open to creative suggestions throughout. The final space really reflects that balance - smart, tailored design with a warm, lived-in feel. I’m so pleased with how it all came together.”
If a kitchen redesign project is on the cards for your home, get in touch to book your consultation.
