This bespoke shaker style kitchen in Pudsey near Leeds formed part of a wider house renovation and extension project, where JS DECO was also commissioned to design and manufacture a set of built in wardrobes. The brief was clear: retain a traditional character while introducing improved workflow, integrated storage and modern construction precision.
The final layout combines dust grey matt shaker doors, copper handles, solid oak detailing and a white quartz worktop. Behind the classic aesthetic sits fully engineered cabinetry, manufactured from scratch to suit the proportions of the extension rather than relying on fixed modular sizes.
As with all of our projects, this kitchen was designed and built as part of our fully bespoke kitchen furniture service, ensuring each cabinet dimension, plinth height and filler panel was calculated specifically for this Pudsey property.
Project Overview and Layout Optimisation
The newly added kitchen extension provided valuable additional square metres, but the space required careful proportioning. The objective was to create an L shaped layout that balanced traditional detailing with efficient appliance positioning and uninterrupted preparation zones.
From left to right the run incorporates:
• Wine cooler
• Integrated dishwasher
• Sink base cabinet
• Corner unit
• 900 mm freestanding range cooker
• Deep drawer base units
• 400 mm ladder pull out
• Integrated fridge freezer housing
Rather than adopting standard 720 mm base cabinets, we engineered carcass heights to suit the ceiling level and finished floor height, reducing unnecessary voids and oversized plinths. This ensured the vertical proportions felt intentional rather than compromised.
The result is a kitchen that reads visually traditional while functioning as a precisely dimensioned, room specific installation.
Design and Technical Planning
Before manufacturing began, the extension was surveyed to confirm wall alignment, floor level consistency and appliance clearances. This stage is critical in period and semi period properties around Leeds and West Yorkshire, where deviations of even 10 to 15 mm can affect alignment.
The sink was positioned centrally within the run to maintain ergonomic balance between preparation and cooking zones. Clear landing spaces were retained either side of both sink and cooker to ensure safe workflow.
The corner unit was resolved using a mechanical internal solution rather than a static void, increasing usable storage volume without visually overcrowding the layout.
You can read more about how we approach room specific dimensioning within our guide explaining how bespoke furniture really works.
Island Function and Oak Detailing
At the centre of the open plan extension sits a multifunctional island. Rather than acting purely as a visual divider, it performs three structural roles:
• Food preparation
• Casual dining
• Integrated power access
A solid oak chopping board was recessed into the quartz surface. This not only introduces warmth against the white quartz but protects the stone during heavy preparation work.
A concealed telescopic socket and charging station was integrated into the island surface, allowing small appliances to be used without visible cable clutter. When closed, the island remains visually clean and consistent with the shaker aesthetic.
The oak plank elements were specified in solid timber rather than veneer to ensure long term durability and refinish potential if required.
Cabinet Construction and Materials
Although visually traditional, the internal construction follows our plywood core specification principles.
Cabinet carcasses are manufactured from structural grade sheet material selected for screw holding strength and dimensional stability. All drawer units are fitted with soft close Blum runners, rated for long term load capacity and smooth operation.
The specification includes:
• Quartz and solid oak worktop combination
• Dust grey shaker style doors
• Solid oak shelves and chopping board
• Copper handles
• Soft close Blum drawer systems
• Soft close tall Blum pull out basket
• 400 mm ladder pull out unit
• Integrated fridge freezer housing
• 900 mm range cooker
• Stainless steel extractor
• Stainless steel under mounted sink
For clients exploring plywood based kitchen construction in more contemporary styles, we also provide detailed guidance on our plywood core kitchen furniture approach.
Every cabinet, filler and end panel was manufactured in our workshop and installed by our team, ensuring continuity between design intent and site execution.
Storage Strategy and Usability
Storage was organised into clearly defined functional zones.
Deep drawer stacks beside the cooker house pans and utensils within immediate reach. The 400 mm ladder pull out allows vertical storage of dry goods, significantly increasing capacity compared to static shelving.
The tall pull out basket unit maximises the full cabinet height, eliminating dead zones that are typical in standard modular kitchens. Internal corner mechanisms transform what would otherwise be inaccessible voids into usable storage.
The objective was not simply to add more cabinets, but to increase usable volume while maintaining visual calm.
Before and After Impact
Prior to renovation, the kitchen configuration lacked structural clarity and suffered from inefficient corner use and limited preparation space.
By reengineering the layout into a defined L shape with a central island, we achieved:
• Increased continuous preparation surface
• Improved appliance zoning
• Enhanced vertical storage
• Reduced unused voids
• Stronger visual proportion between base units and wall height
The extension now functions as a coherent architectural space rather than a collection of individual cabinets.
Commissioning Your Own Bespoke Kitchen
This Pudsey, Leeds project reflects our broader approach to designing and manufacturing fully bespoke kitchens across West Yorkshire and throughout the UK.
Each project begins with measured survey and technical discussion, followed by proportion optimisation, internal layout refinement and detailed production planning.
If you are planning a renovation or extension and would like to explore a kitchen built specifically around your room dimensions rather than fixed module sizes, you can review our process on the About page and then move forward through How To Start Your Project With Us.
All furniture is manufactured, supplied and installed by JS DECO.
We work with private homeowners, property investors and interior designers seeking durable, proportionally balanced and fully bespoke cabinetry solutions.
