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Location: Chapelton
We recently caught up with Simone, one of our talented Kitchen and Bathroom Designers at our sister company Laings Directline, who’s just completed a very special project – designing her own home in Chapelton with her husband, Callum. With a baby on the way, Simone was determined to create a space that’s as practical as it is beautiful.
They purchased their home from one of Laings’ partner housebuilders and, as part of this collaboration, homebuyers receive a luxury package that allows them to design their kitchen exactly as they like. Nothing is predetermined, giving every homeowner complete freedom and ensuring each kitchen is truly unique.
With her design expertise and full creative control, Simone brought to life The Black MacAllan kitchen – aptly named for the bold black features that define the space.
With complete freedom came an unexpected challenge: too many options. Simone mentions. “I really wanted to push the boat out with my final design, but knowing all the amazing products Laings offers, it was hard to narrow it down!”
One of the trickiest decisions was choosing the right tiles, especially because she already had a strong design vision. To help refine her choices, she turned to the advice of her team.
There were also a few surprises along the way. A preferred door finish, for example, didn’t come in a matching black carcass colour. This meant rethinking the pantry design and introducing wood elements - something Simone originally hadn’t planned.
“We initially didn’t want any wood at all as we didn’t want a farmhouse look - but the wood ended up adding warmth and balance. I think all-black would have dated quickly.”
Because she wasn’t following a traditional brief, Simone let the design evolve naturally.
“Because it was my own project, I didn’t have to follow any set brief. I just got started and let the design evolve as I went.”
She drew up the kitchen, utility and pantry using Laings’ design system, working closely with Callum throughout. She says, “Callum and I have similar taste, which definitely made things easier. I’m more creative and artistic, and he’s more technical - so we balanced each other out.”
Working alongside the housebuilder also gave her freedom to make subtle layout tweaks that improved the flow and functionality of the kitchen space. Once the design was complete, Simone created her own quote and then handed the project over to Laings’ contracts department for final technical checks.
“It was definitely strange doing it all from the other side, being the client for once, but it’s been so valuable. I now have a much better understanding of the process from a client’s point of view.”
The result is a contemporary kitchen with an industrial edge, softened by warm textures and thoughtful detailing. At the heart of the space is a waterfall-edged island topped with a Dekton worktop in the shade Khalo. Simone chose Dekton over quartz for its durability - essential for a busy family kitchen! The cabinetry is complete with a sliding door system that neatly conceals a dedicated coffee nook. A Quooker boiling tap, a non-negotiable after having one in her previous home, adds everyday convenience - something that will be particularly handy with a newborn.
“The kitchen is perfect for entertaining. I’m hosting 12 people on Christmas Day - I’ve got two ovens, a combi microwave in the pantry, a bigger dishwasher, and separate fridge and freezer. It makes all the difference!”
Open shelving in the pantry brings visual interest and balance, while the soft wood accents introduced out of necessity ended up elevating the entire look. Now living in the home, Simone is especially proud of how the kitchen not only looks, but functions day to day.
“I trusted Laings completely. I knew the fitters would be amazing and that every detail would be done properly. The whole team put so much care into the project - it was really comforting knowing I was in safe hands.”
Let’s bring your vision to life! Our expert team specialises in creating bespoke designs tailored to your needs – combining exceptional craftsmanship with premium materials.
