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A Halesworth Kitchen Makeover With Serena

Built for family life, this Halesworth kitchen makeover with Serena explores how this mum of one used classic cabinetry, a neutral palette, and a practical floorplan to update the cooking space in her 1930's home. With the help of a Howdens designer, Serena’s new layout captures the period charm of her rural property, thanks to the framed, shaker style and woodgrain effect of our new Halesworth kitchen. It also creates a central hub where Serena can prepare meals, host friends, and spend quality family time with her son by using a highly-functional island layout. Paired with clever tech, and plenty of storage, Serena’s kitchen makeover eases the pressure on a busy home.

About Serena

Serena lives with her young son, Reagan, in the Buckinghamshire countryside. As a parent of a six-year-old, she spends much time juggling work, school runs, and time with family and friends. That’s why, Serena needed a kitchen that simplified her hectic home life while capturing a classic look that complements the period charm of her property. Thanks to our extensive product choice and excellent stock availability, we came highly recommended by Serena's carpenter, who has been working with us for more than two decades.

The design goals

Serena's ambitions

Serena wanted a versatile space where she could spend more time with Reagan, and entertain friends. She also wanted a country style that matched her rural 1930's home.
The final look

With a framed and grained design, our Halesworth kitchen captures Serena's classic look. The island layout combines dining and hosting, so time spent with loved ones is easy.

Serena

“The island is my favourite part of the kitchen. I can cook, serve, and clean seamlessly, meaning I get to spend more time with my son. Everything is exactly where I need, when I need it."

The design details

Heritage Halesworth

At 19mm thick and with a square border, our Halesworth collection offers Serena a traditional shaker style. The grain effect also creates the look of timber for less.

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Timeless tones

Serena’s favourite shades are soft neutrals, so she chose our chalky, porcelain hue. It provides a bright backdrop for family life and has long-lasting appeal too.

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Eye-grabbing island

By choosing an island, Serena has a central feature where she can cook, dine, and host. It also provides a spot for Reagan to sit when mum is making dinner.

See kitchen island layouts
Custom counters

Made to measure to fit her layout, Serena’s bespoke quartz counter is heat, scratch and stain resistant for a hardwearing surface that lasts in a busy home.

See bespoke quartz worktops

On-trend tech

To get time-saving tech at an affordable price, Serena’s designer recommended Lamona appliances, which is a brand exclusive to us.

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Safe cooking

Induction technology gives Serena an energy-efficient way to prepare meals. The hob also has a child lock feature to make the space safe for her son.

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Time to chill

A drinks cooler was added so that Serena could entertain in style. It keeps bottles chilled and ready to serve, along with soft drinks for Regan to enjoy.

See wine coolers
Smart storage

Serena's designer also customised internal cabinetry with pull-out storage to ensure everyday items and ingredients were in easy reach.

See pull-out kitchen storage

Traditional touches

By opting for a classic cornice, which was fitted on top of wall units, Serena added a decorative touch and a handcrafted look to her heritage design.

See cornice and pelmets
Durable flooring

Finally, Serena picked vinyl floors from our Oake and Gray collection, which are waterproof and easy to clean - a great choice for life with little ones.

See Oake and Gray flooring

Serena

"I was impressed that Howdens products are made in the UK with local depots found just down the road. It was easy to pop in and speak to a designer. Plus, the kitchen that arrived was great quality – I know it will last."