Traditional Kitchen with Engineered Quartz Splashback and White Benchtop Design Ideas

When our clients approached us with their old vicarage renovation in Sawbridgeworth, their original kitchen sat in a dark, enclosed room tucked away to one side of their beautiful home. They knew the space deserved more. We reimagined the kitchen entirely, relocating to a spacious, light-filled room on the opposite side of the house, transforming it into the true heart of the home. Designed completely personal to our clients, every bespoke detail reflects how they live and entertain. The cabinetry is handcrafted in our newest style, which is a blend of our popular Mapesbury mouldings fused with our traditional In-Frame with bead detail in construction, giving the kitchen a refined, classic character that feels entirely at home within the old vicarage. The design centres around the striking Ilve range cooker, a bold colour palette, Zebra textiles and the impressive Viola quartz worktops, bringing our client’s wonderfully eccentric vision to life. This is a kitchen built not just to look at, but to work in: a functional, beautiful space shaped around the people who use it every day. The kitchen was just the beginning. We had the pleasure of carrying that vision through into a walk-through dining area, a walk-in pantry just off the kitchen, a utility room, a boot room and a media wall in a cosy snug, each designed in the same deep, rich colour palette that flows from the heart of the home. Every room connects, not just physically but in character, creating a collection of spaces that feel considered and cohesive from the first step to the last. Working within the available space, now flooded with natural light, the layout was designed to make every element earn its place. The wall run provides a home for the Ilve range cooker, connecting seamlessly through to the window bench and a slim cupboard for an integrated fridge-freezer, while the island commands the centre of the room as the main attraction. And it more than earns that title. Larger-than-life, the island is dedicated to doing far more than one job. It is where you will find the sink, generous storage and a huge prep space, all within arm’s reach. It is the kind of island that invites you to gather around it, whether you are cooking, chatting, or simply keeping the chef company. Dedicated to the space by the window, there was the perfect opportunity to introduce a cosy window bench, adding comfort, style, and function in equal measure. More than just a place to sit and admire the views with a rosé, it gives family and friends somewhere to perch while dinner is being prepared, keeping everyone connected to the heart of the action. Upholstered in zebra textiles, the mixture of textures and patterns brings a bold, playful energy that works beautifully within this traditional space. Every kitchen we build is handcrafted in our Essex workshop, and that is what makes the difference. Bespoke furniture, designed and built to fit the exact dimensions of the space and the exact needs of the people using it, means nothing is compromised. There are no fillers, no awkward gaps, no making do. Each piece is made with purpose shaped around how our clients cook, entertain and live, right down to the smallest detail. To find the perfect foundation for the home, we elevated one of our iconic styles with a traditional touch and an In-Frame style with additional bead. Each cabinet door and drawer is finished with Armac Martin Withenshaw handles in a polished brass lacquered finish. The warmth of the brass brings a richness to every touchpoint. This thoughtful mix of handles in varying sizes adds visual interest across the kitchen. Inside, the craftsmanship continues with solid oak dovetail drawers and an oak interior, ensuring the same level of quality is present behind the doors as it is on display. All hinges are soft-close, making the kitchen feel smooth and refined in everyday use. It is this attention to what you do not immediately see that sets a handmade kitchen apart. With a colour palette that is anything but safe, but that is exactly what makes it work. Hand-painted in the flattering tones of Farrow & Ball’s Off Black, it carries all the depth and drama of a true black but with a warmth that stops it ever feeling harsh. It’s a colour that commands a room without overwhelming it. Paired with the Off Black cabinetry are the Viola quartz worktops. A replica of the classic, timeless Italian stone that is often described as having “old-world” elegance, keeps within the Victorian feel of this property. Exactly what our client desired. Viola presents a captivating palette, dancing between the classic charm of crystalline white and the audacious boldness of rich violet veins and hints of golden touches. It is a surface that refuses to sit quietly in the background, and in a kitchen designed around our client’s eccentric vision, it feels entirely right. The sink area sits proudly on the main island, perfectly positioned for both preparation and daily use. At its centre is a Shaws of Darwen Bradshaw sink, a beautifully crafted fireclay design that holds its own against the bold Viola quartz worktop surrounding it. Paired with a waste and overflow kit in satin brass, every detail has been carefully considered to complement the wider palette. Above the sink, a Quooker PRO3 Fusion Modern Square instant boiling tap in gold provides boiling, hot and cold water from a single outlet, removing the need for a traditional kettle. Completed with a Quooker CUBE for chilled and sparkling water, a Quooker scale control to protect the system and a matching Quooker soap dispenser in gold, this is a sink area that works as hard as it looks. The gold finish across the tap and accessories ties effortlessly into the polished brass of the Armac Martin handles, creating a consistent warmth that runs through the entire kitchen. Anchoring the room with presence and purpose is the Ilve Majestic 1500 range cooker, delivering the power and versatility our clients needed to match their love of cooking and entertaining. The kitchen’s design was centred around this focal point. Above the Ilve sits the Westin Bloque extractor, seamlessly set amongst a handcrafted mantle with ornate and scroll detailing. The mantle frames the cooker and extractor as a single, considered feature rather than two separate appliances. It’s a focal point that feels as though it has always belonged within the character of this old vicarage. It is the details that truly define a handmade kitchen, and this space is full of them. Viola quartz shelves frame the cooking area, and the worktop continues up onto the walls, creating a beautifully cohesive backdrop to the Ilve and its handcrafted mantle. The angled skirting plinths and smooth end panels give the cabinetry a finished, furniture-like quality from every angle, ensuring there are no overlooked corners or rough edges anywhere in the room. Behind the doors and drawers, the storage has been designed with the same level of thought as everything on show. Bespoke cutlery trays keep everything organised and within reach, dedicated utensil trays sit exactly where they are needed, and deep bench storage drawers offer generous space for pots, pans and everyday essentials. We have planned the drawers and cabinets around how our client actually uses their kitchen, not around a standard catalogue layout. Step through the archway in the original exterior brick wall, and the kitchen reveals its second act. The opening welcomes you into a stunning glass-fronted extension, where the room and its furniture continue seamlessly into a light-filled space designed for dining and entertaining. Here, a second island takes centre stage, this time built for gathering around, sharing a meal and soaking up the daily dose of Vitamin D when that beautiful English sun decides to make an appearance. The beauty of the two islands is in what they allow. One for preparing, one for enjoying. And extending the home into a glass-filled space let the Viola quartz worktops truly shine against the rich, colour-drenched Off Black cabinetry, all handmade in our workshop. Connecting the two rooms delivers a bold, refined and full of character hub of the home. From iconic photographs to statement chandeliers and the warmth of the exposed brick wall, this space truly sets the scene, a wonderful balance of styling and handmade detail that could only belong to this home and these clients. Just off the main kitchen, the walk-in pantry is everything our client had pinned, saved and torn from the pages of glossy interior magazines. Designed as a dedicated space for the pantry essentials, it features open artisan shelving set against a tongue-and-groove panelled backdrop, creating a room that is a pleasure to look at and use. Every jar, bottle and ingredient has its place, proving that organised can be beautiful too. It’s a smaller space, but it makes a big impact, and the kind of details that turn a kitchen into a beautiful home.

Large traditional single-wall open plan kitchen in Other with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, porcelain floors, with island, grey floor and white benchtop.

A traditional Shaker kitchen with a large central island and a wonderful breakfast area featuring a banquette seat. The island functions both as a prep area but also has space for bar stools, perfect for entertaining or for quick meals with the family. We also included a wooden towel rail to the side of the island, perfect for hanging tea towels. We love how the garden views unfold from every angle in the room, resulting in a kitchen filled with natural light.

Photo of a large traditional eat-in kitchen in Other with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, with island and white benchtop.

The peninsula is made up of 3 large pan drawers with a bin unit the very closest handle you can see on the left. This is your prep area immediately opposite the sink.

Custom hand carved classic black and brown kitchen. Visit our showroom ! 100 Route 46 E. Lodi NJ 07644
This is an example of a large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in New York with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, medium wood cabinets, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and wallpaper.

A wonderful kitchen in Green. The Clifden door by Stori is a slim framed shaker door with a smooth matt painted finish. This stunning door is also available in Porcelain, Light Grey, Heritage Green and Marine as stock colours, along with many more paint to order colours. Sage Green is a beautiful colour for kitchen cabinetry, that pulls you in with its warm undertones and yet feels light and airy! Combining Sage with White quartz worktops is a classic combination that will certainly withstand the test of time. The Quartz Pietra Cloud Quartz worktop features a subtle grey vein that delicately lays over the units, flowing into the window ledge and then creates an impressive splash back behind the Neff induction hob. The Caple Friska under mounted ceramic sink seamlessly blends with the worktop and looks stunning in pristine white. Sitting proudly behind it is the Abode Pronteau 3 in 1 Prothia tap, offering the convenience of hot, cold and instant steaming hot water at 98 degrees!

Tall shaker cabinets house a range of intelligent storage solutions in this classic kitchen. A slim pantry sits next to a double Fisher & Paykel fridge/ freezer, providing space for essential ingredients. The clients chose to incorporate deep drawers, door racks and shelving at varying heights to house family treats and kitchen essentials. We also love the contrast of the warm oak against our timeless Tansy paint colour, adding a wonderful sense of homeliness and warmth.

Photo of a mid-sized traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in West Midlands with a drop-in sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, vinyl floors, a peninsula, brown floor and white benchtop.

The upholstered banquette seat adds a cozy touch to this beautifully designed space, creating the ideal spot for morning coffee and casual dining. Our client has a more formal dining area but wanted a breakfast area within the kitchen where the family can gather for more casual meals.

Inspiration for a large traditional u-shaped eat-in kitchen in Lyon with a double-bowl sink, beaded inset cabinets, beige cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, panelled appliances, terrazzo floors, no island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Solid Oak and Ash doors, painted in Graphite, with 20mm quartz worktops and Neff appliances
Mid-sized traditional u-shaped open plan kitchen in West Midlands with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, black appliances, with island and white benchtop.

Set within the elegant backdrop of a five-bedroom Victorian terraced home in Kensington on a grand, leafy street, this property underwent a huge restoration project to be renewed with modern touches. Being such an expansive property, the 2,454-square-foot property spans multiple floors, each thoughtfully restored and reimagined to reflect its architectural heritage. With its grand proportions, high ceiling, ornate mouldings, and period wall panelling, this beautiful home deserved a kitchen that would honour its period charm while introducing the refined functionality of a handmade kitchen. This is where our team comes in to design a bespoke kitchen that strikes the perfect balance, blending craftsmanship with modern convenience. It’s the most perfect choice to complement the home’s historic character. The final design was inspired by a render our client shared, showcasing a kitchen style and door detailing that captured their vision. We took that inspiration and brought it to life with a perfectly matched look. Our Traditional Lay-On Shaker heavy moulded door brings depth and character to the overall style. The cabinetry is a stunning echo of the sculptural detail found in original Victorian interiors, ensuring harmony between old and new. What a result in this heart of the home – a space that feels both refined and welcoming, rooted in craftsmanship and authenticity, built within the beautiful Victorian structure. Choosing such an iconic traditional style, this Lay-On Shaker is the perfect match for this London Victorian home. Characterised by the bespoke detailing of the large, bold door mouldings and meticulously crafted panelling, the kitchen cabinetry is a true testament to the architectural detailing found throughout the property. This deliberate design chosen by the client allows the kitchen to feel completely integrated with its surroundings. Each cabinet is handcrafted with oak-veneered carcasses and features solid oak, dovetail-joined drawer boxes that highlight the quality of our traditional craftsmanship. We finished the design with angled skirting plinths and panelled end panels, again reinforcing the sense of architectural cohesion. For modern convenience, all doors and drawers are fitted with soft-close concealed hinges, blending classic aesthetics with seamless functionality. The style represents the period charm of the property while delivering contemporary performance, balancing history with everyday practicality in a beautifully crafted composition. At the heart of this thoughtful layout lies a striking peninsula that subtly divides the space while enhancing its functionality. Positioned where the original structure of the Victorian property once separated the rooms, the peninsula now opens up the kitchen into a magnificent, flowing area. It forms part of the L-shaped layout and serves multiple purposes, such as seating for two for a casual breakfast bar and a secondary sink, perfect for food prep or quick cleanups. It doesn’t stop just there, as we added plenty of storage and a second dishwasher integrated behind the cabinetry. This cleverly designed kitchen uses the space effectively and adds practical value and visual interest to the hub of the home. Just look at the end panels and the rounded worktop. To make further use of the floor space, a charming solid oak dining table, finished in a white-washed tone, invites family gatherings and everyday moments, adding warmth and a sense of homeliness to this elegant setting. The warmth and elegant neutral from Dulux Heritage Candle Cream pays homage to the home’s historic character. This soft, creamy hue is iconic of traditional Victorian interiors, where understated tones were often used to reflect natural light and highlight architectural details. Choosing such a delicate cream accentuates the bold door mouldings and panelling, bringing a sense of continuity and refinement as it works around the new kitchen. In keeping with the refined style, a carefully curated selection of premium appliances was chosen to blend seamlessly with the design. Along the longer length of the L-shaped layout sits a striking Rangemaster Elise 110 range cooker in stainless steel, complete with an induction cooktop. To add to the function of the cooking area, a bespoke handmade mantle suspends above, concealing a powerful Westin Prime extractor, bringing both visual balance and practical ventilation. To add to the powerful cooking set-up is an eye-level stacked oven and microwave positioned to the left and set within tailored cabinetry above and below that mirrors the rest of the kitchen’s elegant panelling and shaker styling. Tucked neatly into a dedicated alcove on the opposite side, you’ll find full-height integrated appliances by Liebherr – a fridge, freezer, and wine cooler – all in sleek stainless steel. This suite of appliances is framed with pull-up cabinetry above and crowned with traditional cornicing. Positioned perfectly beneath a traditional sash window and the shorter length of the L, the main sink area becomes a harmonious focal point. Here, a beautifully crafted Shaws of Darwen double bowl ceramic sink sits proudly, paired with the elegant Milano Elizabeth traditional bridge mixer tap in chrome with white porcelain accents. The addition of a pull-out spray brings convenience with a classic silhouette perfectly fitting for this style of kitchen. The sink setup is bathed in natural light by day, and gently illuminated by wall lights in the evening. We also included LED lighting underneath the cabinetry. As previously mentioned, the peninsula holds the second sink, a rounded Shaws of Darwen mirroring the gentle curves of the surrounding worktops, adding cohesion and softness. It’s an ideal place for light tasks or entertaining, bringing a soft and meaningful design harmony. A host of thoughtful finishing touches and smart storage solutions elevate the look and functionality of this bespoke kitchen. The handmade cabinetry is adorned with a curated mix of Hendal & Hendal Barrington hardware in a refined dull nickel finish, including pull handles, classic knobs and elegant Barrington Eclipse smooth cup pulls. Eclipse ribbed cup pulls are also featured, adding a subtle textural contrast. Behind the scenes, the kitchen is just as considered. Hidden within the cabinetry are bespoke cutlery and utensil trays, cleverly designed by our artisans as drawers within drawers to keep the everyday tools beautifully organised. A spice rack has been expertly integrated into a wall cupboard, offering easy access without sacrificing style. Adding further to the functional design is a discreet integrated recycling bin for practical waste management, while a functional corner unit makes use of every inch to house the client’s treasured dinnerware. The final flourish to this timeless kitchen is the stunning marbled-style worktop, chosen for its delicate grey veining that brings a sense of authenticity and understated elegance to the space. The surface offers an authentic aesthetic that complements the traditional cabinetry and heritage-inspired colour palette, and the classic ogee profile edge brings a further gentle curve. This same luxurious material flows seamlessly into a full-height splashback, wrapping around the kitchen and enhancing it. The continuous run of stone adds a touch of grandeur while offering a practical, easy-to-clean surface.

In-frame kitchen with flat doors, offering a contemporary take on a traditional style. Symmetry in both the main run and back of the peninsular is very pleasing to the eye and offers a comfortable casual seating area away from the doorway. The marble type quartz worktop Unistone Carrara Misterio has been used to create a full width splashback behind the hob ensuring everything stays clean and tidy with just a quick wipe. A feature open bookcase/wine rack on the end of the island looks lovely when guests are seated at the adjacent dining table

Kesseler - Shaker kitchen (Lowdham) Silestone worktops / backsplashes Smeg appliances 1810 sinks & taps
Mid-sized traditional eat-in kitchen in West Midlands with an integrated sink, shaker cabinets, grey cabinets, quartzite benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, vinyl floors, with island, brown floor, white benchtop and vaulted.

Photo of a large traditional l-shaped eat-in kitchen in Sussex with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, green cabinets, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, stainless steel appliances, porcelain floors, no island, grey floor, white benchtop and exposed beam.

Design ideas for a shabby-chic style eat-in kitchen in Sydney with a farmhouse sink, quartz benchtops, white splashback, engineered quartz splashback, white appliances, light hardwood floors, with island, beige floor and white benchtop.

Modern classic Hand painted In Frame shaker kitchen in Zoffany Gargoyle with Silestone Eternal Classic Calacatta quartz worktop. Finished with Copper sink and brass handles to complete the look.

GREY TONES - Custom 'in-house' profile, finished in grey satin polyurethane - Large feature mantle, island build ups, rosettes & flutes - Custom walk in pantry, with (fold in or out) doors - Talostone's 'Calacatta Oro' matte installed with a 40mm provincial lambs-tongue on the island and installed on the splashback - The rest of the kitchen benchtops and walk in pantry feature Talostone's 'Neutral White' - Brushed nickel hardware - Butlers sink - Recessed round LED lighting - Blum hardware Sheree Bounassif, Kitchens by Emanuel