Taking a Closer Look at This Project
At FK, we love finding smart solutions for awkward spaces that need transforming. This client wanted to turn a small, enclosed kitchen into a warm and welcoming open-plan space — one that connects the kitchen beautifully with both the entrance and living area. It wasn’t just about knocking down walls; it was about creating a home that feels more open, functional and personal.
Opening the Space: A Fresh Start
One of the best ways to make a small kitchen feel bigger and more inviting is by removing walls and going open plan — and that’s exactly what we did here. Opening up the space let more light in and made it easier to move between the kitchen, entrance and living area.
Having the kitchen positioned near the front door also sparked a clever idea: carving out a small, dedicated area for shoe storage. We added a floating tall unit to neatly tuck shoes away, paired with a wall mirror and a little seat. It’s a practical setup that keeps the entrance clutter-free and gives you a moment to sit down when popping your shoes on or off — a small change that makes a big difference in day-to-day life.
Smart Shoe Storage & Practical Details
Instead of bulky cupboards, we installed a floating tall cabinet right by the entrance — perfect for keeping shoes neatly out of sight. Paired with a tall wall mirror and a small seat, it creates a practical little entryway setup that works like a mini mudroom. It’s ideal for those busy school mornings or wet weather days when you just want everything in its place.
If you’re anything like me, the entrance can quickly become a dumping ground for shoes — especially after school, when the kids forget to put them away. And when you’re rushing out the door, you end up bending down and rummaging through the pile to find the pair you actually want.
That’s why I love the setup we created in this kitchen. The tall cabinet opens easily and stores everything at a comfortable height — no more crouching or clutter. It’s such a smart way to organise shoes without sacrificing floor space, and it keeps the whole area looking clean and calm as you walk into your home.
The Perfect Blend of Warmth & Style
Our clients chose a beautiful combination of materials to bring their kitchen to life. The warm, natural texture of the Catania Oak cabinetry pairs effortlessly with the crisp Arctic White lacquer on the island units. This wood-and-white blend strikes the perfect balance — cosy and inviting, but still light and modern.
They also opted for platinum handles, which add a subtle yet stylish touch. Not everyone loves the idea of a completely handleless kitchen, and that’s totally okay. Handles can really help define your kitchen’s personality — whether you’re after something classic, contemporary, or somewhere in between. Plus, they can make everyday tasks a bit easier, especially if you prefer a solid grip when opening doors and drawers.
It’s a great reminder that small design choices, like the type of handle you go for, can have a big impact — both in how your kitchen looks and how it works for your day-to-day life.
Cooking Made Easy: Gas and Induction
Our clients love cooking with a gas wok burner but also wanted the ease and speed of an induction hob — so we designed the kitchen to include both. It’s a great example of how you can enjoy the best of both worlds, even in a compact space. The single gas burner is brilliant for high-heat stir-fries and dishes that need a bit of flame, while the smaller induction hob is quick to heat up, super responsive, and incredibly easy to keep clean.
Personally, I really like this setup. I love the drama and control of gas when cooking with a wok — it just feels right for certain dishes. But I also love the sleek look of induction, especially when it’s all wiped clean after dinner in seconds. Induction is so user-friendly these days, and powerful enough for everything from boiling pasta to gently melting chocolate without it catching — which is ideal if you’re multitasking, or like me, often cooking with little ones around.
It’s a smart, flexible choice that makes everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable, no matter what you’re in the mood to make.
Clever Storage Solutions for Every Corner
Small kitchens can come with their own unique set of challenges — like in this project, where the radiator couldn’t be moved. But rather than seeing it as a problem, our designer Alisha turned it into a feature. She designed bespoke open shelving that wraps neatly around the radiator, adding both display and storage space while still including a bit of worktop above.
Yes, it’s a slightly smaller work surface — but I actually love how the client made it work. They’ve styled it so well, using it for storage tins and even adding a little shelf stand next to the microwave. It’s such a clever way to get more out of the space you have.
We also custom-built a cabinet to conceal the boiler and pipework, designing it to blend in with the rest of the cabinetry. It keeps everything looking clean, calm, and uncluttered — perfect for keeping the heart of the home feeling organised and welcoming.
Functional Sink Area That Works Hard
When you’re designing for a compact kitchen, every inch needs to earn its place — especially around the sink, where clutter can easily pile up. In this project, we went with The 1810 Company’s CAVAUNO 720U undermount sink. It offers a generous single bowl without dominating the worktop. I love how easy it is to clean — because it sits flush with the surface, you can just sweep crumbs and water straight in. Super handy when you’re rushing around after dinner.
We paired it with the Blanco Carena-S Vario tap in Chrome, which has a sleek, modern look and a flexible pull-out spray head with two flow settings. Whether you’re rinsing veg, filling up a pasta pot, or giving the sink a quick clean-up, it makes those everyday tasks that bit easier. It’s especially useful when you’re juggling kids’ dinner, homework, and the washing up all at once — like I often am!
Above the sink, we opted for open shelving to stop the space feeling boxed in — especially useful if you’re tall and don’t fancy bumping your head while doing the dishes. It’s a perfect spot for things you grab every day, like a favourite mug, a small plant, or your go-to oils and seasonings. It adds a bit of character while still being practical.
To keep everything visually balanced and make the most of the wall space, we extended the wall unit across the top of the open shelf, keeping it in line with the adjacent cabinets. This gives that clean, seamless look while still sneaking in some extra storage above the sink — without it ever feeling bulky or getting in the way.
It all comes together to create a space that’s calm, practical, and a pleasure to use — where everything’s right where you need it, and the little daily jobs feel just that bit more enjoyable.
Why Pronorm?
Pronorm kitchens are known for their outstanding German quality, smart design, and beautiful finishes. What really sets them apart is their incredible flexibility — like in this project, where we combined warm wood textures with smooth lacquered surfaces to create a kitchen that’s both stunning and practical.
Compared to many other kitchens you might see, Pronorm offers a level of craftsmanship that lasts. The materials are durable and built to stand up to everyday life, so you don’t have to worry about wear and tear. Their clever design also means you can personalise your kitchen to fit your lifestyle perfectly — whether you want handleless sleekness, stylish handles, or a mix of textures and colours.
Another advantage is how well Pronorm balances aesthetics and function. The kitchens aren’t just beautiful to look at; they’re designed to make your daily routines easier, with smart storage, easy-to-use features, and layouts that flow naturally.
If you’re after a kitchen that feels modern and luxurious but is also made to work hard for you every day, Pronorm is a fantastic choice.
How This Kitchen Works for Real Life
This kitchen isn’t just beautiful — it’s designed around how people actually live. The smart shoe storage keeps clutter out of the way, the cooking appliances offer real versatility, and clever storage solutions keep everything you need within easy reach. Every detail is made to help the family enjoy cooking, entertaining, and everyday routines with less hassle and more joy.
Ready to transform your kitchen? Watch Episode 7 of Kitchen Tours by Finchley Kitchens on YouTube for a closer look and plenty of inspiration. When you’re ready, get in touch with us to start planning your dream kitchen today!
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