The Vision
This couple are in the process of building their dream home in Ongar and wanted every element of the interior to feel completely bespoke to them.
The kitchen was a priority from the outset.
They envisioned a space that went far beyond standard cabinetry, something architectural, sculptural and deeply personal.
They were drawn to the idea of a bold geometric composition, where each piece of the kitchen felt intentional and interconnected.
The space needed to support daily family life while delivering a strong visual identity, with features including a floating breakfast bar, integrated seating, extensive cookbook storage and a seamless Narnia-style door leading to the utility space.
Design Challenge & Solution
Calm Geometry with Depth and Negative Space
Rather than arranging cabinetry in straight lines, we developed what we call the Tetris Kitchen.
The design plays with levels, depths and negative space, creating a composition where each element appears to lock into the next.
This approach allowed us to create a kitchen that feels sculptural and dynamic from every angle, while still maintaining clear circulation routes and practical work zones.
Floating Breakfast Bar & Integrated Seating
The floating breakfast bar appears to cantilever from the island, creating a moment of visual tension and lightness. Its structural support is concealed within the cabinetry, so the form reads as clean and effortless.
A dropped seating area is integrated into the composition, combining structural support, comfortable seating surfaces and dedicated cookbook storage.
This single architectural element becomes a natural gathering point for the family.
Hidden “Narnia” Door & Intelligent Storage
The “Narnia” door is seamlessly integrated into the geometric layout, leading to a walk- in pantry without interrupting the visual rhythm of the kitchen.
Cookbook storage was a key part of the brief. Rather than simply adding shelves, we created curated, display-worthy niches that sit within the overall geometry, allowing the collection to feel intentional rather than cluttered.
Handmade Craftsmanship & Optimised Space
Every element of this kitchen is handmade, allowing us to optimise every millimetre of the room.
The cabinetry, seating, breakfast bar and hidden door are all built to fit the exact proportions of the space.
Material choices were selected to balance visual impact with long-term durability, ensuring the kitchen will look extraordinary for decades, not just months.
Bespoke Joinery & Craftsmanship
Every detail was designed and built specifically for this project:
- Geometric composition: Cabinetry and forms that interlock like a Tetris puzzle
- Floating elements: Structurally engineered breakfast bar with concealed support
- Integrated seating: Built-in seating with structural support and storage combined
- Hidden access: Seamless Narnia door integrated into the cabinetry lines
- Precision finishing: Clean lines, tight joins and a refined, architectural feel
Mid installation, the clients decided to change two door colours. We removed the doors, returned them to our workshop and resprayed them to the new specification.
Within one week, the updated doors were back on site, keeping the project on schedule and maintaining the standard of finish.
The Result
The finished kitchen is a bold, harmonious composition where geometry, craftsmanship and personality come together. It feels architectural yet warm, sculptural yet highly functional.
Every angle offers something new to discover, from the floating breakfast bar to the integrated seating and hidden door.
The space now serves as a true centre of the home, supporting daily life while making a strong visual statement.
Services Provided
- Bespoke kitchen design consultation
- Concept development for Tetris geometric layout
- Custom joinery design and manufacture
- Integrated seating and floating breakfast bar design
- Hidden Narnia door and storage integration
- Project management and coordination
- Specialist craftsman installation
- Plumbing and Tiling
Why Choose Spires Interiors for Your Kitchen Project?
- Tailored Design: Kitchens that reflect your lifestyle and elevate your home
- Craftsmanship You Can Trust: Built with care, precision, and premium materials
- Attention to Detail: Every join, finish, and fixture is thoughtfully considered
- End-to-End Service: From concept to completion, we manage every step
- Timeless Results: Spaces that feel personal, purposeful, and enduring
Client Q&A:
Choosing a Bespoke Kitchen Over an Off‑the‑Shelf Design
Q: What attracted you to choosing a bespoke design rather than an off‑the‑shelf option for your kitchen?
A: So many times you walk into a house, and you can almost identify where the kitchen comes from – “Oh, that’s an IKEA kitchen” or “that’s from this company.” I wanted something that wasn’t so cutting-edge that it would go out of fashion, but something where people would come in and say, “Oh wow, I’ve never seen that before.” That was what we wanted.
Discovering Spires Interiors for a Bespoke Kitchen Project
Q: How did you hear about Spires Interiors?
A: I’ve been a customer of Tile & Stone across the road from you for over 20 years. We were at their shop talking to Duncan, picking tiles, and you had a small display in the corner. I asked what it was, and Duncan said, “Go and have a look across the road because they’ve got some really nice stuff.” We walked across the road to you, and the rest is history.
A Collaborative and Enjoyable Kitchen Design Process
Q: How was the design process?
A: It was a pleasure. It was nice sitting in the showroom with Claude and being able to walk around and look at different options together with all the brochures and samples.
I loved the CAD process – being able to see the thing grow and look at it from above and in 3D images. I thought it was great.
Throughout the whole process, we probably came to the showroom either both of us or me on my own, probably 5 or 6 times, and it was genuinely a pleasure to go up each time.
Respectful, Professional and Well‑Managed Kitchen Installation
Q: And how was the actual build?
A: The floor tiles were down when you guys arrived to begin the fit-out, and immediately, your first action was floor protection.
There was a nice balance between getting it done – the customer seeing some momentum – but also being courteous.
I got a sense that you weren’t coming in and turning the house into a construction site; you were coming in and recognising that it was a home and constructing in it. So it was good.
Kitchen Project Timeline, Budget and Design Adjustments
Q: How long did the process take from start to finish? And was it within budget?
A: The process took 3 to 4 weeks in total.
I’ve seen the process all the way through – it felt collaborative, and we had an opportunity to inject our ideas as well.
It was completely on budget. I changed 2 of the panels from white to coloured, and quite rightly, there was a charge for that.
Again, that was because we’d only looked at the kitchen from two different angles on the CAD, and when I stood there and looked that way, I couldn’t see any of the teal.
So Will and I worked together and worked out what needed to change.
Recommending Spires Interiors for Bespoke Kitchens in Essex
Q: Would you recommend us to other homeowners in Essex?
A: Undoubtedly. Not only would I, but I already have.
You’re helping us with other areas in the house, and we feel like almost part of the family!
What Made This Project Special
- Geometric composition that feels architectural and sculptural
- Floating breakfast bar engineered to appear weightless
- Integrated seating with hidden structural support and curated cookbook storage
- Seamless Narnia door that blends into the cabinetry lines
Handmade cabinetry optimised to the millimetre for this specific space
Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?
At Spires Interiors, we create kitchens that are tailored to your lifestyle and built to inspire. Whether you’re dreaming of a contemporary showpiece or a warm family hub, our team will bring your vision to life.
