The Brief

Our clients inherited a kitchen that didn’t meet their needs when they purchased a large Georgian townhouse in the heart of Cheltenham. The existing space lacked the desired cooking experience, storage capacity, and fluid connection to the adjoining rooms.

Located on the lower ground floor, the kitchen had limited natural light, and the dark finishes only amplified the subdued atmosphere. The clients sought a lighter, more functional space that would seamlessly link the kitchen with the dining area and garden.

The Design

bulthaup b3 kitchen plans for Cheltenham townhouse

CAD elevations of bulthaup b3 kitchen in Cheltenham townhouse

To create a relaxed and light atmosphere, we selected the bulthaup b3 kitchen in neutral tones, allowing the space to recede into the background. Our clients preferred that the kitchen did not draw attention with bold colours or unnecessary details, as they wanted the focus to be on their art, family photos, and decorative items while enjoying the open-plan area.

The existing floor tiles in the kitchen and dining space were outdated and didn’t complement the new colour scheme. We replaced them with large-format tiles throughout the room, enhancing the flow of the open-plan layout.

One key feature on our client’s wish list was a small island. The central area of the original kitchen felt underutilised, contributing little to the overall functionality. By designing a narrow island, we created additional storage and worktop space without compromising movement around the kitchen. The use of pull-out drawers instead of cupboards maximised storage efficiency, allowing easy access to items at the back.

The tall units include a large double-door larder with wide internal drawers of varying heights, perfect for storing tins, packets, glass jars, and crockery. Adjacent to this, the latest Gaggenau cooking appliances—a combination oven and microwave—provide our clients with ample options to expand their culinary skills.

“The kitchen is my pride and joy! The design works brilliantly, the quality of the bulthaup units are superb and the whole kitchen/bathroom area has been transformed. ”

— M. Clements

Repositioning the cooktop from the wall to the island transformed the cooking experience. No longer with their back to guests, the chef is now able to engage in conversation more easily. This change also allowed for the addition of full-height storage along the entire wall. In the corner near the sink, an above-worktop push-to-open door hides small electrical appliances, clearing the worktops of clutter.

Above the Nespresso coffee-pod machine, a flap-opening wall unit stores coffee and tea supplies, while the Quooker boiling water tap makes brewing a cup of tea almost instantaneous. In a compact kitchen like this, it also eliminates the need for a kettle, freeing up more worktop space.

In the dining area, our clients wanted a bespoke unit for everyday storage and display. We designed and manufactured a wall-hung unit using the bulthaup b3 furniture system, ensuring it matched the kitchen surfaces. This piece of furniture visually connects the kitchen and dining area, perfectly completing the transformation of the space