Contemporary kitchen inspired by a favourite painting
When our client began planning her new kitchen, she wanted to replace a dark interior and black worktops with something lighter, calmer and more contemporary. The colour inspiration came from a painting she already owned and wanted to display in the finished room. Rather than treating the artwork as an afterthought, designer Joanna used it as the starting point for the wider palette. Rotpunkt’s Beach Grey proved the perfect match: a soft, understated neutral that complements the painting while helping the kitchen feel brighter and more spacious.
Challenges & breakthroughs
The client was keen to include a vented hob, but accommodating the deeper 700mm worktops required for it meant moving an existing doorway. The staircase also created a wedge above the tall cabinetry. Rotpunkt’s flexible furniture options allowed Joanna to specify units at a special height, creating a tailored solution that fits the architecture of the room rather than fighting against it.
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Designed for better flow
The previous layout did not make the best use of the room, so the peninsula was repositioned along the hob run. This created a more natural flow between preparation, cooking and serving, while helping the kitchen feel more open. The client also suggested using Rotpunkt Memory panels around the side and back of the peninsula and tall bank. Their fine, vertical texture introduces subtle detail and gives the light, handleless cabinetry a more distinctive finish.
Storage, appliances & features
A streamlined bank of tall units houses a full-height integrated fridge and freezer, along with two NEFF ovens positioned side by side rather than stacked. This makes both ovens easier to access while maintaining the clean, architectural appearance of the cabinetry.
Quartz worktops and matching splashbacks create a seamless, durable surface, complemented by a stainless-steel Carron Phoenix undermount sink and a Quooker Fusion Square boiling-water tap with matching soap dispenser.
The vented hob removes the need for a traditional overhead extractor, preserving the clean sightlines through the kitchen and dining space. Rotpunkt lighting adds practical task illumination while enhancing the calm atmosphere of the room.
Designed around the client
This project began with something deeply personal: a painting the client loved. From there, every detail was carefully considered, from the calming Beach Grey cabinetry to the repositioned peninsula, textured panels and specially sized tall units. The finished kitchen feels bright, cohesive and completely at home in the space.
The client later left a five-star Google review, praising Joanna for listening carefully, making helpful suggestions and creating a final design that felt perfect. She also highlighted the professional communication throughout the project and the care shown by Brian of BMack Joinery and the wider installation team. That combination of thoughtful listening, tailored design and dependable support is the John Willox Kitchen Design difference.
Designs you can live in
For over 10 years, John Willox Kitchen Design has worked with homeowners across the North East of Scotland to create kitchens shaped around their homes, lifestyles and individual ideas. Every project is carefully designed, professionally managed and supported from the first conversation through to installation.
more kitchen design inspiration
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