The Art of Creating a Truly Personal Kitchen

A 30m² open kitchen-dining area. Bespoke kitchen created for a family that loves entertaining and cooking.

This kitchen’s inspiration starts with the floor line

For me, every interior project begins with something special, maybe a piece of furniture that is already owned, a moment of inspiration from everyday life, or an architectural detail that catches my eye. This kitchen story started with the line of the floor. It stretches across the open kitchen, dining, and living areas, becoming the focal point of the ground floor. From there, the concept for the island evolved: an irregular shape with end curves, my signature style, filled with high-end appliances and plenty of storage.

Multifunctional kitchen with integrated pocket doors

The blend of warm wood board floors and the bold line of large tiles brings a wonderful balance, adding character to the space. Another standout feature the clients chose is the mirrored splash back, reflecting light and enhancing the personal touch of this design. To complement this, I suggested incorporating dark blue interior carcasses, which add a touch of depth and colour. One of my absolute favourite elements in the kitchen is the breakfast cabinet, hidden behind pocket doors. It’s the perfect spot for smaller essentials like the kettle, toaster, and coffee machine. Plus, drawers dedicated to bread, cereal, and tea make it both functional and stylish.

What makes a kitchen bespoke is a thoughtful design process and quality material

Each drawer has been carefully crafted to suit the clients’ needs, with custom inserts designed to fit non-standard drawer sizes. The sink cabinet, precisely 611mm wide, ensures that the 36mm side panels fit perfectly on the ends. It’s all in the details: the handles, the door thickness, the use of plywood for the carcasses instead of typical chipboard, and the uniquely shaped island. The kitchen isn’t just an afterthought in the grand renovation process, it’s the heart of the home for many of us, and it truly deserves love and attention.

Choosing the right appliances for an elevated experience

Appliances are always a personal choice, and for each client, I dedicate time to select them with care, together we visit showrooms and plan according to the unique needs of their home. For this project, we chose Siemens ovens and an American-sized fridge freezer, complete with a drawer. A special request from the client was a drinks fridge drawer to elevate their entertaining experience, so we turned to Fisher & Paykel. Other luxurious kitchen essentials include the Quooker boiling water tap and sink disposal, all beautifully integrated to complete this fully equipped, personalised kitchen.

As I always say, there’s a kitchen, and then there’s a bespoke kitchen. It’s the details that truly matter. Often, it’s not the flashy exteriors that make a kitchen stand out, but the thought and attention placed into the design process. When you take the time to create something tailored to your needs, the result is a space that not only looks amazing but works effortlessly.

Collaborate with us

I’ve had clients come to me seeking a second opinion because, no matter where they looked, they just couldn’t quite find what they were looking for. Often, kitchens are designed as separate, standalone spaces, rather than as an integral part of the overall home. At SEIJAKU, that’s exactly what we focus on: designing kitchens that flow seamlessly with the rest of your home. We take our time, letting you sleep on decisions, never rushing you, and together, we’ll create a space that truly reflects your vision and lifestyle.