Olivia and Dave came to us after feeling disheartened by a series of kitchen designs that all looked and felt the same. They wanted a space full of personality, somewhere to cook together, entertain friends and enjoy every day, but they struggled to see how this could be achieved within their budget. They asked us to surprise them with something different, something that truly reflected who they are.
Location | Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire
Designer | Katja
Timescale | 8 weeks
Completion Year | 2024
Property Type | 4 bed detacthed
Project Type | Basic kitchen, worktops, appliances and installation
Basic Kitchen Investment | £19,500*
Additional Works | Utility, Flooring, lighting, heating, electrics, plumbing & plastering
Total Known Project Investment | £39,000*
Project Coordinated by | Lima Kitchens showroom, Milton Keynes
*Cost is accurate to time of purchase and may vary based on design and inflation.
Client Brief
As we learned more about how Olivia and Dave live, it became clear that the kitchen was the heart of their home. They spent most of their time in this room and wanted it to mirror their creative, outgoing personalities. An island was high on their wish list, but the existing layout made this seem impossible. They needed a design that felt sociable, expressive and functional, without relying on major structural changes.
Design Challenges
The biggest challenge was the layout. The existing position of the sink created awkward corners and restricted the flow of the room, making an island feel out of reach. We also needed to ensure the design felt bright, welcoming and connected to the garden, while incorporating their love of houseplants and natural textures. Accessibility and long‑term comfort were essential, as this was intended to be their “forever kitchen”.
Lima’s Solutions
The turning point came from one simple but transformative decision: relocating the sink away from the window. This unlocked the entire room, removing awkward angles and allowing us to create a striking peninsula that delivers all the presence and practicality of an island. It offers generous preparation space, additional storage and a sociable spot for casual meals, conversation or a glass of wine with friends, completely reshaping Olivia and Dave’s perception of what a peninsula kitchen can be.
Inspired by the abundance of houseplants in their home, we introduced a soft sage colour palette paired with warm timber accents and acoustic wall panelling to create a contemporary yet welcoming feel. Replacing one of the windows with French doors flooded the room with natural light and strengthened the connection to the garden.
To future‑proof the space, we incorporated accessible appliances including Neff Slide & Hide ovens, a Quooker boiling water tap and a venting induction hob, ensuring everyday cooking is safer, more comfortable and beautifully streamlined.
The finished kitchen exceeded Olivia and Dave’s expectations, proving that thoughtful design isn’t about adding more, it’s about making a space work smarter, feel brighter and support the way people live for years to come.
