Mid-century modern kitchen
Forest hill, London, SW12
Project scope: Kitchen and pantry
Completion: October 2024
Sustainability:
Tailored for a young family, this project transformed a ground-floor kitchen into a modern open-plan space with a connected pantry.
The style balances mid-century charm with Victorian character.
The design features sleek concealed cabinetry and playful custom touches like built-in bookshelves and a dog house.
This project was delivered within 1% of the finalised budget after material selection
Phase 1: Plan
Project planner
Brooke
The young couple, with a baby, chose Beams for our build support services and the ability to include bespoke elements in their new kitchen.
To kick off the project, Brooke conducted detailed planning sessions to understand the clients' needs, allowing us to create an accurate proposal that stayed within their budget.
A detailed site survey and home energy assessment followed, setting the foundation for success in the design and build phases.
Before
After
Phase 2: Design
Project designer
Simon
Simon’s design focused on creating a practical yet stylish kitchen tailored to the needs of the family. Blending the building’s Victorian origins with playful mid-century modern influences, the space maximises functionality with features like specialised storage, integrated laundry facilities and a breakfast-focused dining area. The result is a warm, inviting and multifunctional kitchen that balances usability with aesthetics. Offering a timeless space for the family to grow and create lasting memories.
The layout and aesthetic
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The starting point for the design was to reorganise the layout to address inefficiencies and create a cohesive flow. This included but was not limited to:
Removing the existing island to open up the space and improve circulation. Simon focused on zonal lighting to define areas rather than using physical barriers. For example, zoning was achieved through a playful 1960s pendant light over the breakfast table.
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The previously awkward and cramped back corner was transformed into a functional pantry with custom shelving, optimising the use of space.
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Technical solutions
There were a number of technical challenges that needed to be considered during the design phase to ensure a smooth build.
We relocated a sink waste from the existing island to a new laundry position to ensure proper drainage. This was achieved by pulling up the floor and burying the waste before installing the tiles and subfloor.
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To conceal a structural pillar in the room, Simon designed a custom bookshelf which aligned with the laundry cabinetry to create visual continuity in the space.
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Phase 3: Build
Contractor
Rumen
We matched the customer with one of our highly skilled contractors, Rumen. Rumen has over 18 years of experience as a contractor and is highly experienced in kitchen projects like this one.
During the build phase, our build team sourced all of the materials and coordinated deliveries to the site. We facilitated additional scope items such as the repair of the underfloor heating and resolved unexpected issues like replacing a damaged bin at no additional cost to the client.
Zero landfill impact achieved during build by maintaining a 100% waste recycling policy
The results
Finishes
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Supplier: Domus
Product: Glace DMRG01 splashback tiles
Finish: Gloss
Size: 200x75x9mm
Cost: £101 per sqm
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Supplier: Beams
Product: Bespoke joinery
Finish: Oak veneer
Description: A combination of painted and exposed oak veneer shelving and cabinetry adds warmth and depth, reflecting the building’s Victorian character with a contemporary twist.
All of our cabinetry is bespoke and made in house.
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Supplier: Domus
Product: EARTHTECH DFEFL 05 Flakes floor tiles, 1200 x 600 x 9mm
Cost: £98 per sqm
Description: Large-format recycled porcelain terrazzo-effect tiles were selected for their ease of maintenance and subtle reference to mid-century styles.
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Supplier: Corston
Product: Kilburn Furniture Handle 128mm
Finish: Antique Brass 14683
Cost: £16.80 per handle
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Supplier: Cosentino
Product: Silestone white suede countertop
Cost: £3,432 (for entire project)
Description: Silestone in a suede finish offers a sleek, contemporary look while providing a durable, low-maintenance surface ideal for a busy family kitchen.
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Supplier: Perrin & Rowe
Product: Phoenician kitchen tap
Finish: Satin Brass- 1460
Cost: £916
Description: A traditional butler sink paired with a traditional mixer tap maintains a nod to Victorian heritage.
Take the first step to having your dream home
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