Kitchen Sanctuary: Our New Kitchen, Office and Garage Remodel

It’s finally finished — welcome to the brand new Kitchen Sanctuary kitchen and office!

We completed the extension, remodel and the addition of an office and garage in March. After months of planning and building, we immediately began using the kitchen to film recipe videos, which postponed a proper reveal. Now that we’ve had time to settle in, I’m excited to share the full story, the decisions we made, and the finished space.

Last year we realised our kitchen was too small and tired. We briefly looked at other houses but couldn’t find a location we loved in our price range. We live in a wonderful little close — two minutes from the local park, near the high school where our daughter will be starting soon, and surrounded by friendly neighbours. Moving didn’t feel right, so we chose to extend instead. Planning permission came through just before summer and work began in mid-August.

We considered hiring a kitchen designer, but the quotes were beyond our budget, so we designed the space ourselves. We wanted an industrial-style kitchen and office, and collected ideas and inspiration from mood boards and online sources to guide the look and materials. Fortunately, Chris’s dad — a professional builder — agreed to manage the build for us, which made the process far less stressful.

Shortly before the work started I entered the Neff NextCookaholic competition and made it to the final. A few days after the extension began I found out I had won, and the prize — a full set of Neff appliances — arrived at a perfect time. We adjusted the layout slightly to accommodate the new ovens, hobs and appliances, which shaped some of the final details of the kitchen design.

During the renovation we also partnered with British Ceramic Tile, who kindly provided the tiles for our floor and the splashback above the sink. Their contribution helped pull together the industrial look we wanted while keeping the finish practical and durable for a busy family kitchen and filming environment.

Below are photos showing the before, during and after stages of the project — from the original cramped layout through demolition, brickwork and installation, to the finished kitchen and adjoining office. If you have questions about anything you see, feel free to leave a comment or send an email and I’ll do my best to reply.

Before: dull lighting, clutter and a very small kitchen space.

Our old utility room was full of ironing, props and boxes while we prepared for the build.

The oven had been in place since the house was built — it was time for an upgrade.

Work began with demolition of the old conservatory and removal of the worn floorboards.

The back garden understandably got neglected during the most disruptive phases of the build.

Once the conservatory was out, progress moved quickly: new foundations, brickwork and structural work went in within weeks.

First bricks and the new exterior walls took shape.

Windows and bifold doors were fitted to connect the new kitchen with the garden and bring in light.

Inside, Chris finished the insulation and underfloor heating before the tiling and cabinets went in.

Tiles went down early to protect the new floor and simplify cabinet installation.

With flooring and cabinets in place, we could finally start shopping for furniture and styling the space.

I painted and distressed a side cabinet bought from Homesense, and Chris crafted shelving from reclaimed scaffolding boards to enhance the industrial aesthetic.

Chris built our office desk from old pallets and steel, creating a sturdy, characterful workspace beside the kitchen.

We chose comfortable office chairs that suit the industrial look and make long workdays easier.

Final preparations included a checklist to make sure everything was film-ready before a feature with The Telegraph.

And here it is — the finished kitchen. All of the Neff appliances were installed as part of the redesign, and the island provides a generous workspace for cooking and recording recipes.

I also love the Kitchen Sanctuary lights we installed above the island — they’re both practical for filming and add to the industrial vibe.

More styling touches and practical items finished the space: the lights, the seating, and details that make the kitchen a usable, comfortable family hub.

Equipment and finishes used in the kitchen (brand names shown without external links):

– Neff appliances: Slide & Hide VarioSteam ovens, a compact oven with microwave, warming drawer, induction and small gas hobs, ceiling extractor, American-style fridge freezer, dishwasher, washer-dryer and an under-counter drinks fridge.

– Tiles supplied by British Ceramic Tile for the floor and the white above-sink tiles.

– Kitchen units in two tones (slate wall units and a bone-coloured island), wooden worktops, bifold doors with built-in blinds, a boiling-water tap and a small leather sofa in the seating area.

– Office chairs and practical storage such as Kilner jars and a dining table for everyday use.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of our kitchen extension and remodel. If you have questions about any of the finishes, appliances or the build process, please leave a comment and I’ll get back to you.